Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that comes with an infant car seat can be a necessity if you have twins or kids of similar ages. If you are planning to purchase one, you must take into consideration your budget and how long you're planning to use the stroller.
Kate liked that the stroller was light and easy to maneuver. She also appreciated the fact that it folds easily, although she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to secure.
Size
Size is a crucial aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller that comes with a car seat for your infant. Parents must be able move the stroller comfortably on busy sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means it should be compact and slim. The stroller should also be small and easy to fold, so that it can fit into the trunk of a smaller vehicles.
If you're planning on having twins or children that are very similar in age, consider getting a double stroller that has two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These models will be more expensive than other double strollers however they offer a longer life span and can be used through toddlerhood or even beyond. For instance, our top pick the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double has a wide range of seating options and will accept two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with different brands of infant car seats which means that there is a wider selection of strollers for families to pick from. The UPPAbaby vista, for example is compatible with the UPPAbaby mesha as well as other infant car seats that have adapters. It also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third person standing.
Some parents choose to buy a stroller that is single-to-double and can be adjusted to accommodate a second child, but we recommend purchasing what you need at the moment. You might have another child arrive later than you anticipated or your child may not be in a position to walk. Additionally, the type of seating on a double stroller with baby car seats can make or break siblings, particularly for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers. Double strollers have two seats, and they carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller will be heavier. This is a factor to consider when deciding on your ideal model, especially when you intend to use it for long walks or running. The best models are well-engineered to handle the additional load with a minimum of flexing or shifting.
It's also worth considering the cost of a double stroller in relation to its longevity. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and offer more seating options and will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The joovy qool double bundle is a good example. It accepts car seat adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a second rider by attaching a bassinet. This configuration can work for twins, kids of different ages or siblings that have a gap in age.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a good choice for parents on a tight budget, as it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seats. It's compact and lightweight which makes it easy to move around despite the additional weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's similar to higher-priced award winners and offers a variety of seating options for kids with different ages and stage. Its side by side seat design can be used to accommodate twins or children with different age groups. It can also be customized by adding accessories like twin bassinets with dual canopies. This stroller is also easy to fold and has a tiny footprint, making it easier to fit into the trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children are able to sit up on their own without assistance, so babies younger than that require assistance or seated 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 infant and the other on a toddler, simply click the seat into position and start moving. This is a great option for long-distance trips, as you don't want to have to unbuckle and then rebuckle your child every couple of minutes.
Parents with twins often prefer a travel system that will accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, has this feature and comes with the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats and can be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller that has an integrated car seat adapter, which works with all the major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers an excellent value for the features it has. It's not the most ideal double-stroller for twin infants, as it only works with one. However, it's a good choice for many families.
Some double strollers feature a more complex method of attaching and detaching the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double for instance, requires that you push down and then hear a loud click to ensure it's secured properly. It's a little more challenging to use in a parking lot, especially if your kids are hungry or tired. It can be a bit more difficult to use with your family, we don't believe it's the best choice for parents of twins as you'll have to purchase a separate toddler seat when your kids are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller with infant car seat needs to be durable and built to last. It should also suit your budget and lifestyle, whether you intend to use the stroller for a few or a number of years. When purchasing a stroller be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, including its tires.
Look for a stroller with an ample and deep storage basket that can accommodate plenty of diapers, food items, and other supplies. tandem double buggy with cup holders is useful, as well as a sun canopy which provides adequate 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 allow equal access and visibility for both children. Parents with children of different ages could opt for a tandem stroller that allows the rear child's seat to be adjusted by raising or lowering it. Tandem strollers are heavier than single strollers and can cause siblings to fight, especially if they are equipped with seats of different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar can allow you to adjust the height to suit your needs. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism can be useful. A compact footprint is a further feature to think about. It should be able to fit into 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 combine the seating units and cots to accommodate multiples, twins or one child of various ages. Its robust construction and the flexibility of its seating configuration indicate that this high-end model is worth the price when you plan to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for children in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests that you choose a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars that are easy to use breaks and an adjustable harness. She also advises avoiding any accessories that increase the weight of the stroller, like ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller should be sturdy enough to navigate different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks and park trails. It should be sturdy enough to move over curbs and bumps with ease and yet flexible enough to maneuver over a steep incline or up and down stairways. It should also be easy to fold up and fit into the trunk of a vehicle without compromising its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or siblings who are close in age may be interested in a double stroller which can accommodate two car seats for infants. This lets them transfer asleep children from the car to the stroller without them having to wake up. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with a two infant car seat, 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 kids outgrow the car seat. It features stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be set up to make your children face eachother or the world. It's not able for two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board at the same time however it's a great choice for families with multiple young children.