Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat can be a must when you have twins or kids with similar age. If you're considering buying a stroller, you should consider your budget as well as the length of time you'll use it.
Kate loved that the stroller was 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 that includes an infant car seats size is an important factor to take into consideration. Parents should be able to move the stroller comfortably on crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which implies that it should be slim and compact. The stroller should also be compact and easy to fold so that it can fit into the trunk of a small vehicle.
Consider a double stroller which has two seats and is able to accommodate a car seat for infants if you are planning to have twins or children that are close in age. These double strollers cost more, but they have a longer life and can be used until toddlerhood or beyond. For example our top pick is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a wide variety of seating options and will accept two infant car 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 choose from. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vista is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa, as well as a variety of other infant car seats with adapters. It also is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Some parents choose to buy a single-to-double stroller that can adapt to the needs of a second child, but we suggest buying what you need at the time. You may have a second child arrive later than you anticipated, or your first child may not be in a position to walk. The type of seating you can use in a double stroller, which includes an infant car seat could also make or break the relationship between siblings particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. They have two seats and more cargo, so the weight of the final pushing load is higher. This weight is important to take into consideration when selecting the best model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks and running. The most effective models are designed to handle the extra load with a minimum of flexing or swinging.
You should also consider the long-term durability of a double-stroller. The top strollers are constructed better and come with more seating options which means they last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The joovy double bundle, for instance, accepts adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a third child via a bassinet which attaches. This configuration is ideal for twins, children of different ages or siblings that have a gap between them.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is an excellent option for parents with a limited budget, as it can be converted into a tandem stroller (single file) and can accommodate two infant car seat. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver, despite the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It is comparable to award-winning models which are more expensive and offers various seating options. Its side by side seat design can accommodate twins or children of different age groups. It can also be customized with additional features like twin bassinets or dual canopies. This stroller can be folded easily and has a compact footprint, making it easier to fit into the trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children are able sit without assistance, so infants younger than that need to be carried or put in a car seat.
Convenience
Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the vehicle into the stroller can make family trips more enjoyable and less stressful. You can simply click the seat in place and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby or a toddler. This is particularly useful during long trips, when you may not need to unbuckle or re-buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins choose a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seat 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. However, it doesn't work with all kinds of infant car seats and it's a bit heavy for certain families.
Other parents prefer a double stroller with an integrated car seat adapter that works with all major infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent choice and is available at a reasonable price for what you get. While it's not the best double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it only works with one), it can work well for a wide range of families and is an excellent option for those looking for a one-and-done purchase.
Other double strollers require a more complicated procedure to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, requires that you push down and then hear a loud click to ensure it's properly secured. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking lot particularly if your kids are tired or hungry. While it can grow with your family, we don't think it's the best choice for parents of twins as you'll have to purchase an additional toddler seat when your kids are old enough to use it.
Durability
A double stroller with infant car seats must be sturdy and built to last. It should also be a good fit for your budget and lifestyle, whether you plan to use it for only a few years or many more. When purchasing a stroller, consider the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, such as its tires.
Find a stroller that has a large and deep storage basket that can accommodate plenty of diapers, groceries and other items. A large console for parents and cup holders are also beneficial, as is an umbrella sunshade that offers ample coverage. Make sure the stroller can handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a side by side stroller to ensure equal access and visibility to both children. Others with children of different ages could opt for a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are generally heavier than single strollers, however, they can cause sibling rivalries if the seats are at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your needs. Also the one-hand folding mechanism can be useful. Another thing to look for is a compact footprint that can easily fit in your trunk, and requires little storage space.
A modular stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S offers unparalleled flexibility and allows you to mix and match seating options and cot attachments for twins, multiples, or one rider of different age. Its robust construction and the flexibility of its seating configuration indicate that this high-end model is worth the price should you intend to keep it for a long time.
Safety
A well-constructed stroller is safe for the child sitting in the seat, as well as for the person pushing it. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests choosing strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, simple brakes and a seat harness that can be adjusted. She also recommends avoiding accessories that increase the weight of the stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as extra child seats.
A double stroller needs to be strong enough to withstand various surfaces including suburban sidewalks, parks trails to roads that are paved. It should be robust enough to traverse curbs and bumps with ease and also able to be adapted to maneuver over a steep incline or climbing and descending stairways. Additionally it should be easy to fold and fit into a car trunk without sacrificing its dimensions or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are similar in age may be interested in a double stroller which can accommodate two car seats for infants. This allows them to move asleep children from the car to the stroller without having them wake up. A majority 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.
Another alternative is the Joovy Qool double bundle, which works with two infant car seats (car seat adapters sold separately) and includes an additional rumble seat that transforms into a second seat once your children are old enough for their car seat. It features stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be set up so that your children can face each other or the entire 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 a lot of young children.