Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with infant car seat is a necessity for twins or two children of close age. If you're thinking of purchasing a stroller, consider your budget as well as how long you intend to utilize it.
Kate says she liked the fact that the stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked the ease with which it folded, however she found the magnetic buckles difficult to fasten.
Size
Size is an important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller that includes a car seat for your infant. Parents should be able to move the stroller comfortably on the midst of crowded sidewalks and narrow subway gates, which means it should be compact and slim. Additionally, the stroller should be simple to fold and compact enough to fit in a trunk or smaller vehicle for storage.
Consider a double stroller that has two seats and can accommodate a car seat for infants if you are planning to have twins or children who are close in age. These options will be more expensive than other double strollers, however they offer a longer stroller life and can be used into toddlerhood or even beyond. For example our top choice is the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double comes with a wide variety of seating options and can accommodate 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 which means that there is a wider selection of models for families to choose from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa, as well as a variety of other infant car seats that have adapters, and it is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Some parents buy a single to double stroller that can be adjusted to accommodate an additional child. We recommend that you purchase what you need now. You might have an additional child arrive later than you expected, or your first child might not be able to walk. The seating arrangement in a double stroller that includes an infant car seat can also affect the relationship between siblings, particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are heavier than single strollers. They have two seats as well as more cargo, meaning the weight of the final pushing load is higher. This is an important factor to consider when choosing your ideal model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks or running. The most efficient models are engineered to handle the extra load with the least amount of movement or swaying.
It's also worth weighing the cost of a double stroller versus its durability. The higher-end strollers are built better and offer more seating configuration options, so they will last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The joovy qool double bundle, for example, accepts car seat adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a second child through an attachable bassinet. 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 a good alternative for parents with a limited budget since it can be transformed into a tandem stroller (single file) and accepts two car seats for infants. It's light and compact and easy to maneuver despite the added weight.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It is comparable to award-winning models that are more expensive and offers multiple seating configurations. The side-by-side design of the seat allows for twins or kids of varying ages, and it can be customized by adding accessories such as dual canopies twin bassinets, twin bassinets or altered seats that act as toddler seats. It is also easy to fold and has a compact footprint, making it easier to fit into a trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children can sit up without assistance, so babies younger than that will require assistance or seated in a car seat.
Convenience
It's easier and less stressful to take your family on a trip if you transfer your infant car seat seamlessly from the car to the stroller. Rather than attempting to fold the stroller while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, you can simply click the seat in place and begin moving. This is particularly useful for long journeys in which you do not need to unbuckle or re-buckle your child every few minutes.
Many parents with twins choose a travel system which can accommodate two infant car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for example, offers this feature and comes with the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats and may be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller that has an integrated car seat adapter, which works with the majority of infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a fantastic value for the features it has. 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 to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Other double strollers require a more intricate procedure to attach and remove the car seat. For example the UPPAbaby Vist v2 double requires you to push down, then hear a loud click, in order to know that it's secured properly. It's a little more challenging to use in a parking garage particularly if your kids are tired or hungry. And while it does grow with your family, we don't think it's the most suitable option for parents of twins because you'll need an additional toddler seat when your kids are old enough to use it.
Durability
A double stroller and infant car seats should be durable and built to last. It should also be a good fit for your budget and lifestyle whether you intend to use it for just a few years or more. When purchasing a stroller take into consideration the fabric of the stroller and its components, like its tires.
A stroller that has a large and deep basket can hold plenty of diapers, food items, and other supplies. A large console for the parents with cup holders can be useful, as well as a sun canopy that provides adequate coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a side-by-side stroller for the same level of visibility and accessibility to both children. However, parents with children of different ages might prefer a tandem style that allows the rear child to be raised or lowered. Tandem strollers are generally bulkier than single strollers, however, they can cause sibling squabbles when the seats are set at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar can help you adjust it to the appropriate height for you and a one-hand fold mechanism is a convenient feature. A compact footprint is a further feature to think about. It should be able to fit in your trunk and will require a small amount of storage space.
A modular stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility that lets you mix and match seating units and cot attachments for multiples, twins or a single rider of varying age groups. The sturdy construction and versatility in seating configurations make it a great purchase if you intend to keep it for several years to come.
Safety
A quality stroller must be safe for the children riding in the seats as well as the parent who pushes them. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests you select a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and a harness that can be adjusted. She also suggests avoiding accessories that increase the burden of a stroller such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller must be strong enough to traverse different surfaces easily from suburban sidewalks to parks trails. It should be sturdy enough to handle curbs and bumps without difficulty but also flexible enough to climb stairs or negotiate steep slopes. Finally it should be easy to fold and fit into a trunk of a car without sacrificing its size or maneuverability.
Parents with twins or siblings close in age may want to consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats. This will give them the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. Many of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista V2 Double.
double umbrella stroller is another alternative. It comes with two infant car seats and an add-on rumble chair which can be turned into a second seat when your kids outgrow the car seat. small double buggy has stadium-style seating with plenty of room for legs and can be configured to let your kids interact with each other or the world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets, a baby car seat, and riding boards at the exact same time. It is a great option for families with multiple young children.