Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that comes with an infant car seat may be a necessity if you have twins or children of similar ages. If you're planning to purchase one, it's crucial to take into consideration your budget and the length of time you hope to use the stroller.
Kate says she was pleased with the stroller's light and maneuvers well. She also liked that it folds easily, though she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
When choosing a double stroller and infant car seat the size is a major factor to take into consideration. The stroller should be compact and slim so parents can easily maneuver it through crowded sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. Additionally the stroller should be simple to fold and compact enough to fit in the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle for storage.
If you are planning to have twins or children who are close in age, you should consider purchasing a double stroller that has two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These double strollers are more expensive, but they have a longer life and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. For example our top choice is the UPPAbaby Vista Double comes with a variety of seating configurations and can accept two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also love strollers that are compatible with different infant car seats and offers more strollers for families to pick from. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa as well as other infant car seats with adapters. It also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Parents may opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller which can be adjusted to accommodate a second child, but we suggest buying what you need at the time. The second child may arrive later than you anticipated or your first child might not be a fan of walking. double pram and pushchair seating arrangement in a double stroller that includes an infant car seat can also affect the bond between siblings, particularly if they're close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single models. Double strollers have two seats, and they carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is heavier. This weight is important to consider when choosing your ideal model, especially when you intend to use it for long walks or running. The most effective models can handle the extra weight with minimal flexing and swinging.
It is also important to consider the long-term durability of a double-stroller. The higher-end strollers are built better and come with more seating configurations which means they last longer than their lower-cost 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 setup is suitable for twins, children with different ages, or siblings who have gaps in age.
For those on a tight budget, they might find the Baby Trend Double Snap-N'Go an appealing option, since it accepts two car seats for infants and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's compact and lightweight which makes it easy to maneuver, despite the added weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's comparable to models that have won awards, but are more expensive and offer various seating options. The side-by-side design of the seat allows twins or children of varying ages, and it can be customized with add-ons like dual canopies, twin bassinets or modified seats that double as toddler seats. This stroller can be used for multiple purposes. It also has a relatively quick fold and a tiny footprint, making it easier to be tucked away in a trunk. The stroller isn't designed to be used until children are able to sit up on their own without assistance, so babies younger than that will need to either be carried or put in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the car into the stroller can make family trips easier and less stressful. You can click the seat in place and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby and a toddler. This convenience is especially useful during long trips, in which you do not want to unbuckle and buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins opt for a travel system which can accommodate two infants in the car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also includes a bench seat that can be used by older siblings. However, it doesn't work with all kinds of infant car seats, and it's a little heavy for certain families.
Other parents would prefer a double stroller with a built-in car seat adapter that works with the majority of infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a fantastic value for the features it has. Although it's not the most ideal double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it only works with one) it works well for a wide range of families and is a good option if you're looking for a single purchase.
Other double strollers require a more complicated procedure to attach and remove the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double for instance, requires you to push down, and then hear a loud click to know it's properly secured. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking lot particularly if your children are hungry or tired. It can be a bit more difficult to use with the family, we don't think it's the most suitable option for parents of twins as you'll need to buy an additional toddler seat once your kids are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seats must be built to last. It should also suit your lifestyle and budget whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or a number of years. Be sure to consider the quality of the stroller's fabric and its components, including the tires, when making your purchase.
A stroller that has a large and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, groceries and other supplies. A large console for the parents and cup holders are helpful as is a sun canopy that gives ample coverage. Also, ensure that the stroller is able to be able to handle off-road terrain as well as the narrow sidewalks of cities.
Parents with twins may want a side-by-side stroller to allow the same access and view to both children. Other parents with children of different ages might opt for a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are bulkier than single strollers, and can cause siblings to fight if they are equipped with seats of different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust the height to your liking. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism can be useful. A compact footprint is a further feature to take into consideration. It should easily fit into your trunk and will require a small amount of storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating units and cot attachments for multiples, twins, or a single rider of varying ages. Its robust construction and the flexibility of its seating configuration suggest that this model is well worth the cost should you intend to keep it for a long time.
Safety
A quality stroller must be safe for both children in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child passenger safety specialist, suggests you look for a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and a movable harness. She also advises avoiding any accessories that increase the weight of a stroller, like ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller needs to be sturdy enough to handle a variety surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and parks trails to roads that are paved. It should be sturdy enough to withstand curbs and bumps with ease and also able to be adapted to maneuver over a steep incline or climbing and descending stairways. In addition, it should be simple to fold and fit into a trunk of a car without losing its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or children close in age will want to consider a stroller that accommodates two car seats for infants. This will allow them the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into a stroller without disturbing them. Many of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two car seats for infants such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Another alternative is the Joovy Qool double bundle, which works with two infant car seats (car seat adapters sold separately) and comes with an add-on rumble seat that transforms into a second one when your kids outgrow their car seat. It comes with stadium seating that has plenty of leg room and can be configured so that your children can face eachother or the world. It's not able to accommodate two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board at the same time but it's an excellent choice for families with multiple young children.