Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat may be a must when you have twins or kids of similar ages. If you’re thinking of purchasing a stroller, think about your budget as well as how long you intend to use it.
Kate liked that the stroller was lightweight and easy to move. She also liked the ease with which it folded, but found the buckles that are magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
When choosing a double stroller that includes an infant car seat size is an important consideration. Parents must be able maneuver the stroller easily in crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means that it should be compact and slim. The stroller must also be compact and easy to fold, to fit in the trunk of a small vehicles.
Consider a double stroller which has two seats and can accommodate a car seat for infants in the event that you plan to have twins or children that are similar in age. These types of strollers are more expensive than other double strollers, however, they come with a longer stroller life and can be used into toddlerhood or even beyond. For instance our top choice is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double has a wide range of seating options and will accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that work with many different brands of infant car seats, as this offers a wider selection of strollers for families to pick from. The UPPAbaby vista, for example can be used with 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 standing passenger.
Parents may opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller which can adapt to an additional child, but we suggest purchasing what you need at the time. You might have an additional child arrive later than expected or your child may not be capable of walking. Furthermore, the style of seating that you can find on a double stroller with infant car seats can affect sibling relations, especially for kids that are very close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. They come with two seats and more cargo, which means the weight of the final pushing load is higher. This weight is important to take into consideration when selecting your ideal model, especially in case you intend to use it for long walks or jogging. The best models are well-engineered to handle the extra load with minimal flexing or swaying.
It’s also worth weighing the cost of a double stroller against its longevity. The higher-end models offer a good build and seating versatility that indicates they’ll last longer than budget-friendly models. The joovy double bundle is one example. It has adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a third child via a bassinet which attaches. This configuration can work for twins, kids of different ages, or siblings with a gap in age.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N’Go is a good choice for parents on a tight budget since it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and accepts two infant car seats. It’s light and compact, making it easy to maneuver despite the extra weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It’s comparable to the more expensive award winners and supports multiple seating options for children of various ages and stages. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable twins or children with different ages, and it can be customised with accessories such as dual canopies twin pushchair bassinets, or modified seats that function as toddler seats. The stroller is able to fold in an easy fold and a small footprint that makes it easy to be tucked away in the trunk. It’s not intended for use until kids can sit up without assistance, so younger babies will require assistance or put in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant’s car seat from the vehicle into the stroller can make family trips easier and less stressful. Rather than attempting to fold a stroller, while keeping one hand on the baby and the other on a toddler, simply click the seat in place and start moving. This is a great convenience for long trips, when you don’t want to have to unbuckle and then buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins choose an option that can accommodate two infants in the car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this capability and comes with the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. It’s not compatible with all kinds of infant car seats and it’s a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double stroller that has an integrated car seat adapter that works with all the major infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent choice and is available at a very friendly price for what you get. It’s not the best double-stroller because it can only work with one. However it’s a great option for many families.
Other double strollers have a more complex process for attaching and disconnecting the car seat. For example the UPPAbaby vist v2 double requires you to push down, and then hear a loud click for confirmation that it’s secured properly. It’s more difficult to use in parking areas, especially if you have hungry or tired children. While it can 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 to use it.
Durability
A double stroller with an infant car seat needs to be built to last and have durability. It should also fit 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 as well as the components, including the tires, when you make your purchase.
Choose a stroller with a large and deep storage basket that can accommodate plenty of groceries, diapers and other necessities. A large console for the parents and cup holders are useful as is a sun canopy that provides ample coverage. Also, ensure that the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain and navigate narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a stroller that is side by side to allow equal access and visibility to both children. Other parents with children of different ages may opt for a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are bulkier than single strollers and could cause siblings to fight if they have seats at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your preferences. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism is useful. Another feature to look for is a compact footprint that fits comfortably in your trunk, and requires little storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating options and cot attachments for multiples, twins or single riders of various ages. The durable design and flexibility in seating configurations make it a worthwhile investment if you are planning to keep it for several years to come.
Safety
A quality stroller must be safe for the children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests choosing strollers with ergonomic handlebars, simple brakes and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also advises avoiding any accessories that increase the weight of a stroller, like ride-on boards, or additional child seats.
A double stroller should be sturdy enough to handle different surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be strong enough to withstand curbs and bumps easily and yet flexible enough to maneuver over a steep incline or a staircase that goes up and down. Additionally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a trunk without losing its dimensions or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are similar in age might think about a double stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats. This allows them to transfer sleeping children from the car to the stroller without them having to wake up. Many of our best-scoring strollers can be used with two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista V2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another alternative. It comes with two infant car seats and an extra rumble seat that can be converted into a second seat when your children are no longer in the car seat. It has stadium-style seating with plenty of space for legs and can be set up to let your kids interact with each other or the world. It’s not able for two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board simultaneously however it’s a great option for families with several young children.
