Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat can be essential when you have twins or kids with similar ages. If you're thinking of purchasing a stroller, think about your budget and the length of time you plan to use it.
Kate says she likes the stroller's lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the fact that it folds easily, although she found the buckles with magnetic buckles hard to fasten.
Size
When selecting a double stroller with infant car seat, size is a crucial consideration. Parents must be able move the stroller comfortably on the midst of crowded sidewalks and narrow subway gates, which means that it should be fairly small and compact. In addition the stroller must be easy to fold and small enough to fit into a trunk or smaller vehicle for storage.
Consider a double stroller which has two seats and is able to accommodate infant car seat if you are planning to have twins or children who are close in age. Double strollers are more expensive but they have a longer life and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. Our top pick, the UPPAbaby V2 Double, comes with a variety of seating options. It can accept two infant seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also prefer strollers that are compatible with a variety of infant car seat brands. This gives families a larger selection to pick from. The UPPAbaby Vista, for instance, can accept the UPPAbaby mesha as well as other infant car seats that come with adapters. It can also be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third passenger standing.
Some parents opt to purchase a single-to- double stroller which can adapt to an additional child, but we suggest purchasing the items you require at the time. A second child could arrive later than you expected or your first child might not be a fan of walking. Moreover, the type of seating in a double stroller with infant car seats can make or break sibling relations, especially for kids that are very close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single models. Double strollers have two seats and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller will be heavier. This weight is important to take into consideration when selecting your ideal model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks or jogging. The best models are well-engineered to handle the extra load with the least amount of movement or swinging.
It is also important to consider the durability of double-strollers. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and come with more seating options and will last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The joovy Qool double bundle, for example, accepts car seat adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a second passenger via an attachable bassinet. This is a great option for twins or children of different ages or siblings who have gaps between them.
Parents on a budget might consider the Baby Trend Double Snap N-Go an attractive option, as it is compatible with two infant car seats and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to maneuver, even with the extra weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's comparable to the more expensive award winners and can accommodate multiple seating options for kids with different ages and stage. Its side-by-side seat design allows for twins or children of varying ages, and it can be customised with accessories like dual canopy, twin bassinets or modified seats that double as toddler seats. This stroller can be used for multiple purposes. It also has an easy fold and a compact footprint that makes it easier to fit in a trunk. It's not intended to be used until children can sit up unassisted, however, so younger babies will need to be carried or positioned in a car seat.
Convenience
It's more convenient and less stressful take your family on a trip if you transfer your infant car seat effortlessly from the vehicle to the stroller. You can easily click the seat in place and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby and a toddler. This feature is particularly helpful for long journeys when you may not want to unbuckle and re-buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins opt for an option that can accommodate two infants in the car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for example, offers this functionality and has the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats and can be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller that has an adapter for car seats that is integrated, which works with all major infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent option and is available at a very friendly price for what you get. It's not the most ideal double-stroller because it can only work with one. However it's a great option for families with multiple children.
Other double strollers have a more complex method of attaching and detaching the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double is one example. It requires you to press down, and then hear a loud click to ensure it's securely secured. It's a little more difficult to use in parking spaces, especially when you have hungry or exhausted children. As it grows with your family, we don’t think it’s the best choice for parents of twins. You'll have purchase an additional toddler chair once your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller with an infant car seat should be built to last and have longevity. It should also suit your lifestyle and budget whether you intend to use the stroller for a few or many years. Take into consideration the quality of the fabric and the components, including the tires, when you make your purchase.
Choose a stroller with a large and deep storage basket that will accommodate plenty of diapers, food items, and other supplies. A large console for parents with cup holders is also beneficial, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a stroller that is side by side to allow the same access and view to both children. Other parents with children of different ages might choose a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are bulkier than single strollers and could cause siblings to fight if they have seats at different heights.
A stroller with a handlebar that is adjustable can allow you to adjust it to the right height for you and a one-hand fold mechanism is an excellent feature. A compact footprint is a further feature to take into consideration. It should be able to fit into your trunk and will require only a little storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating units and cot attachments for twins, multiples, or one rider of different age groups. The durable design and the flexibility of seating configurations make it a great purchase if you intend to keep it for a number of years to come.
Safety
A safe stroller is secure for the child sitting in the seat as well as for the parent pushing it. Certified child safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests looking for strollers with ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and an adjustable seat harness. She also recommends avoiding accessories that increase the weight of the stroller for children, like ride-on boards and additional child seats.
A double stroller should be sturdy enough to handle different surfaces including suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be robust enough to move over bumps and curbs with ease and also able to be adapted to maneuver over a steep incline or a staircase that goes up and down. It should also be simple to fold and fit into the trunk of a car, without any compromise in size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are similar in age might be interested in a double stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats. This will give them the ability to move sleepy kids from the car into a stroller without waking them. Many of our best-scoring strollers can be used with two infant car seats, such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista V2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another option. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an add-on rumble chair that can be converted into a second one once your kids outgrow the car seat. It features a stadium-style seating arrangement with ample space for legs and can be configured to let your kids meet each other and the world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets, an infant car seat, and riding boards at the exact same time. However, it is a great option for families with several young children.