Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that comes with an infant car seat could be essential if you have twins or children of similar ages. When you're planning to buy a stroller, take into consideration your budget as well as the length of time you plan to utilize it.
Kate says she was pleased with the fact that this stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds easily, although she did find the buckles magnetic hard to fasten.
Size
Size is an important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller that includes an infant car seat baby. The stroller should be compact and slim enough that parents can easily maneuver it on crowded sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. Additionally, the stroller should be easy to fold and small enough to fit into a trunk or smaller vehicle for storage.
If you are planning to have twins or children very close in age, you should consider purchasing a double stroller that has two seats that can fit infant car seats. These types of strollers are more expensive than other double strollers, but they have a longer life span and can be used through toddlerhood, or even after. For instance our top pick is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a wide variety of seating options and will accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with different brands of infant car seats which means that there is more strollers for families to pick from. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats that have adapters, and also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Some parents opt to purchase a stroller that is single-to-double and can adapt to a second child, but we suggest purchasing the items you require at the time. A second child could arrive later than you expect or your first child may not take to walking. Furthermore, the style of seating on a double stroller with baby car seats can make or break siblings' relationships, especially for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. Double strollers come with two seats, and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller will be heavier. This weight is important to take into consideration when selecting the best model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks or running. The best models will handle the extra weight without shifting and swinging.
You should also consider the durability of a double-stroller. The top strollers are constructed better and come with more seating options and will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The double bundle from Joovy is one example. It has adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary child via a bassinet which attaches. This is a great option for twins or children of different ages or siblings with gaps between them.
Parents on a budget might consider the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go an appealing option, since it is compatible with two car seats for infants and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's lightweight and compact, making it simple to maneuver, even with the additional weight.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's similar to award-winning models which are more expensive and offer different seating configurations. Its side-by-side seat design allows for twins or children with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customized with accessories such as dual canopies twin bassinets, or modified seats that act as toddler seats. It can be folded easily and has a small footprint, making it easy to fit into a trunk. It's not intended to be used until kids can sit up unassisted, however it is designed for babies who require a carry or positioned in a car seat.
Convenience
It is more convenient and less stressful take your family on a trip when you can transfer your infant's car seat seamlessly from the car to the stroller. Instead of trying to fold a stroller, while keeping one hand on the infant and the other on a toddler, you can just click the seat into position and start moving. This is a great convenience for long-distance trips, as you don't want to unbuckle and then buckle your child every couple of minutes.
Parents of twins usually choose a travel system that will accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for example, offers this functionality and has the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats and can be quite heavy for some families.
Some parents choose a double-stroller equipped with an adapter for carseats that is built-in which is compatible with all the major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a great value for the features it has. While it's not the ideal double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it can only be used with one), it can work well for a variety of families and is an excellent choice if you're hoping to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Other double strollers require a more intricate procedure to attach and remove the car seat. For instance the UPPAbaby Vist v2 double requires you to press down, then hear a loud clicking sound for confirmation that it's secured properly. It's a little more challenging to use in a parking lot particularly if your children are hungry or tired. And while it does grow with your family, we don't believe it's the best choice for parents of twins because you'll need an additional toddler seat when your children are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat must be durable and built for long-term use. It must also be suitable for your budget and lifestyle whether you intend to use it for only a few years or more. When purchasing a stroller be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, such as its tires.
A stroller with a large and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, groceries, and other items. A spacious parent console and cup holders are also helpful as is a sun canopy that gives plenty of coverage. Make sure the stroller can handle off-road terrain, as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents with twins may want a side by side stroller to ensure equal access and visibility to both children. Others with children of different ages may choose a tandem stroller which allows the rear child's seat to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are typically heavier than single strollers, however, they can cause sibling rivalries in the event that the seats are different heights.
A stroller with a handlebar that is adjustable can allow you to adjust it to the ideal height for your needs and a one-hand fold mechanism is an excellent feature. Another feature to look out for is a compact footprint that can easily fit in your trunk, and requires little storage space.
A stroller that is modular like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unbeatable flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating options and cot attachments for multiples, twins or one rider of different age. Its robust construction and the flexibility of its seating configuration indicate that this high-end model is worth the investment if you're planning to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A good stroller is safe for the child in the seat as well as for the person pushing it. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests choosing strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and a seat harness that can be adjusted. She also suggests avoiding any accessories that add weight of a stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as additional child seats.
strollers double needs to be strong enough to withstand a variety surfaces including suburban sidewalks, parks trails to roads that are paved. It should be sturdy enough to move over bumps and curbs with ease and yet flexible enough for navigating a steep incline or a staircase that goes up and down. It should also be easy to fold up and fit into the trunk of a vehicle without compromising its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are close in age might be interested in a double stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats. This allows them to move sleeping children from the car to the stroller without waking them up. A majority of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with a two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista V2 Double.
Another option is the joovy qool double bundle, which can be used with two infant car seats (car seat adapters are sold separately) and comes with an add-on rumble seat that converts into a second one when your kids outgrow their car seat. It has stadium-style seating with plenty of room for legs and can be configured to allow your children to interact with each other or the world. It's not able to accommodate two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board at the same time, but it's a great choice for families with multiple young children.