Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat can be a necessity when you have twins or children of similar ages. If you're planning to purchase one, it's crucial to consider your budget and how long you plan to use the stroller.
Kate says she likes the fact that this stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the ease with which it folded, however she found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
When choosing a double stroller that includes an infant car seats the size is a major aspect to consider. The stroller should be small and slim enough that parents are able to effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be small and easy to fold, to fit in the trunk of a small vehicle.
If you plan on having twins or children who are very similar in age, consider getting a double stroller that has two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These types of strollers are more expensive than other double strollers however, they come with a longer stroller life and can be used through toddlerhood, or even after. Our top choice, the UPPAbaby Double, comes with a variety of seating options. It can accept two infant seats or toddler seats which convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that work with a variety of infant car seat brands. This gives families a larger selection to pick from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats using adapters, and it is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Parents may opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller which can be adapted to the needs of a second child, but we suggest buying what you need at the time. A second child could arrive later than you expected or your first child may not be comfortable walking. Additionally, the type of seating in a double stroller and baby car seats can make or break siblings' relationships, especially for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers weigh more than single models. They have two seats and more cargo, so the weight of the final pushing load is higher. It's important to factor in this weight when deciding on your preferred model, especially in the event that you'll use it for long walks or jogs. The most effective models can handle the extra weight without movement and swaying.
You should also think about the long-term durability of a double-stroller. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and come with more seating configuration options which means they last longer than their budget-friendly counterparts. The joovy qool double-bundle, for example, accepts car seat adapters to fit two infant carseats. It also can accommodate a second child via an attachable bassinet. This setup is suitable for twins, kids of different ages, or siblings with gaps in age.
Budget-conscious parents may consider the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go an appealing option since it accepts two car seats for infants and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to maneuver even with the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's comparable to more expensive award winners and supports multiple seating options for children with different ages and stage. The side-by-side design of the seat allows twins or children with different ages, and it can be customized with add-ons like dual canopies twin bassinets, or modified seats that act as toddler seats. The stroller is also easy to fold and has a compact footprint, making it easier to fit into a trunk. It's not intended for use until children can sit up without assistance it is designed for babies who require a carry or placed in a car seat.
Convenience
It is easy to transfer your infant car seat from the car to the stroller can make family trips more enjoyable and less stressful. You can simply click the seat into place and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby and a toddler. This convenience is especially useful for long trips in which you do not want to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Parents with twins typically opt for a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this capability and comes with the added benefit of having 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 prefer a double-stroller that has an adapter for carseats that is built-in, which works with the majority of infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option, and it comes in at a price that is very reasonable for what you get. It's not the best double-stroller for twins because it can only work with one. However it's a great option for families with multiple children.
Other double strollers require a more intricate procedure to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double for instance, requires that you push down, and then hear a loud click to know it's secured properly. It's more difficult to use in parking spaces, especially in the case of hungry or exhausted children. And while it does grow with the family, we don't believe it's the best option for parents of twins because you'll need to buy a separate toddler seat when your children are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller and infant car seats must be built to last. It should also fit your budget and lifestyle whether you intend to use it for a few years or more. When purchasing a stroller take into consideration the fabric of the stroller and its components, including its tires.
A stroller with a big and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, groceries, and other things. A large console for parents with cup holders is also useful, as well as a sun canopy that provides adequate coverage. Also, make sure the stroller can manage off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins might prefer a side-by-side stroller for equal access and visibility to both children. However, parents with children of different ages might prefer a tandem model that allows the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are generally bulkier than single strollers, however, and could cause sibling fights if the seats are at different heights.
A stroller equipped with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust it to the appropriate height for your needs and the one-hand fold mechanism is a useful feature. Another feature to look for is a compact footprint that fits easily in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.
A stroller that is modular, such as the CYBEX Gazelle provides unbeatable flexibility. You can mix and match the cots and seating units to accommodate twins, multiples or a single child of varying age. The durable design and the flexibility of seating configurations makes it a worthy investment if you plan to keep it for a number of years.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for the children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Certified child safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests choosing a stroller with ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also advises avoiding any accessories that add to the weight of a stroller, like ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller must be strong enough to traverse a variety of surfaces smoothly, from suburban sidewalks to park trails. It should be sturdy enough to handle bumps and curbs easily, but flexible enough to climb stairs or navigate steep incline. It should also be simple to fold up and squeeze into the trunk of a car without restricting its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or children who are close in age might want to consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats. This will allow them to have the flexibility to move sleeping kids from the car into a stroller without waking them up. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seats like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
The double bundle from Joovy is another option. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an extra rumble seat that can be converted into a second seat once your children are no longer in the car seat. It comes with stadium seating that has plenty of legroom and can be configured so that your children can face each other or the entire world. Push Chairs And Prams is not able to accommodate two bassinets, an infant car seat, or a riding board at the exact same time. It is a great option for families with several young children.