Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat may be a necessity for twins or kids of similar age. If you’re considering buying a stroller, consider your budget as well as the length of time you plan to utilize it.
Kate liked the fact that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds easily, though she found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
When selecting a double stroller and baby car seats size is an important aspect to consider. The stroller should be compact and slim so parents can easily maneuver it through crowded sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. Additionally the stroller must be easy to fold and small enough to fit in the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle to store.
If you are planning to have twins or children that are very similar in age, consider getting a double stroller with two seats that can fit infant car seats. These options will be more expensive than other double strollers, however they offer an extended stroller life and can be used through toddlerhood or even beyond. Our top pick, the UPPAbaby Double, has a variety of seating configurations. It can accept two infant seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also like strollers that are compatible with a range of infant car seats. This gives parents a greater variety to choose from. The UPPAbaby Vista, for instance is compatible with the UPPAbaby mesha and other infant car seats with adapters. It also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third standing passenger.
Some parents purchase a single to double stroller that can be adjusted to accommodate an additional child. We recommend that you purchase what you need now. There is a chance that a second child arrive later than expected or your first child might not be in a position to walk. Additionally, the type of seating on a double stroller that includes an baby car seats can have a major impact on siblings, particularly for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers weigh more than single strollers. Double strollers come with two seats, and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller will be heavier. It’s important to factor in this weight when you’re deciding on your ideal model, particularly in the event that you’ll use it for long walks or jogs. The best models are well-engineered to handle the extra load with a minimum of flexing or swinging.
You should also think about the long-term durability of double-strollers. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and have more seating configuration options which means they last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The joovy double bundle is a good example. It accepts adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a third passenger via a bassinet that attaches. This model is perfect for twins or children of different ages or siblings that have a gap between them.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N’Go is a good alternative for parents on a tight budget, as it can be transformed into a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two car seats for infants. It’s lightweight and compact twin stroller, making it simple to maneuver, even with the extra weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It’s comparable to more expensive award winners and can accommodate multiple seating options for kids of various ages and stages. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable for twins or kids with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customized with add-ons like dual canopies twin bassinets, or modified seats that act as toddler seats. The stroller is able to fold in an easy fold and a small footprint that makes it easy to fit in a trunk. It’s not intended to be used until kids are able to sit without assistance the younger ones will require assistance or placed in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant’s car seat from the vehicle into the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. Rather than attempting to fold a stroller, while keeping one hand on the infant and the other on a toddler, you can simply click the seat in place and then begin moving. This is a great convenience for long-distance trips, as you don’t want to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents who have twins choose a travel system that can accommodate two infants in a car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also includes the option of a bench seat that could be used by older siblings. However, it’s not compatible with all terrain double stroller types of infant car seats and it’s a little heavy for some families.
Some parents choose a double-stroller equipped with an adapter for carseats that is built-in, which works with all major infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent choice and comes at a price that is very reasonable for what you get. While it’s not the best double stroller for infant twins (it only works with one) it works well for a variety of families and is a great choice if you’re hoping for a one-and-done purchase.
Other double strollers come with a more complex method of attaching and disconnecting the car seat. For instance the UPPAbaby vist double requires you to press down, then hear a loud click for confirmation that it is properly secured. It’s a little more challenging to use in a parking lot particularly if your children are hungry or tired. As it grows with your family, we don’t consider it the best travel double stroller option for parents with twins. You will have purchase an additional toddler chair when your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seats should be built to last. It should also be a good fit for your budget and lifestyle, whether you plan to use it for just few years or more. Take into consideration the quality of the fabric and its components, including its tires, when you make your purchase.
Find a stroller that has a large and deep storage basket that will hold plenty of diapers, food items and other items. A large parent console with cup holders is also useful, as well as a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Also, make sure the stroller is able to manage off-road terrain and the narrow sidewalks of cities.
Parents of twins might prefer a stroller that is side by side to provide equal access and visibility for both children. Other parents with children of different ages might opt for a tandem stroller that allows the rear child’s seat to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are generally heavier than single strollers, however, and they could cause sibling fights when the seats are set at different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust the height to your liking. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism is convenient. A compact footprint is a further feature to take into consideration. It should easily fit in your trunk, and will require only a little storage space.
A modular stroller, such as the CYBEX Gazelle is a model that offers unbeatable flexibility. You can mix and match the seating units and cots to accommodate twins, multiples or one child of various age groups. The sturdy construction and flexibility in seating arrangements make it a worthy purchase if you intend to keep it for many years to come.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for both children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests that you choose a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and a movable harness. She also suggests avoiding accessories that add to the weight of a stroller, like ride-on boards, or extra child seats.
A double stroller should be strong enough to traverse a variety of surfaces smoothly from suburban sidewalks to park trails. It should be strong enough to withstand curbs and bumps with ease but also flexible enough to climb steep stairs or navigate steep incline. In addition it should be easy to fold and fit into a trunk without sacrificing its size or mobility.
Parents with twins or siblings close in age may want to consider a stroller that accommodates two car seats for infants. This lets them transfer asleep children from the car to the stroller without waking them up. Many of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two car seats for infants like the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another alternative. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an add-on rumble chair which can be turned into a second seat when your kids outgrow the car seat. It features a stadium-style seating arrangement with plenty of space for legs and can be set up to allow your children to interact with each other or the world. It’s not able for two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board simultaneously, but it’s a great option for families with several young children.