Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with car seat stroller that includes an infant car seat could be essential if you have twins or children with similar age. If you’re considering buying a stroller, you should think about your budget and the length of time you’ll use it for.
Kate liked the fact that the stroller was light and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds up easily, but she found the buckles with magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
When choosing a double stroller and infant car seat the size is a major consideration. Parents should be able to maneuver the stroller easily in the midst of crowded sidewalks and narrow subway gates, which means that it should be slim and compact. The stroller must also be compact and easy to fold to fit into the trunk of a small vehicle.
Consider a double stroller that has two seats and is able to accommodate a car seat for an infant when you plan to have twins or children who are similar in age. These types of strollers are more expensive than other double strollers, however, they come with an extended stroller life and can be used into toddlerhood or even past. For example, our top pick the UPPAbaby Vista V2 double buggy for twins comes with a variety of seating options and will accept two infant car seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also prefer strollers that are compatible with a range of infant car seats. This gives families a larger selection to choose from. For instance the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats using adapters, and also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Parents may opt to purchase a single-to-double umbrella stroller stroller that can adapt to the needs of a second child, but we recommend buying what you need at the moment. You may have an additional child arrive later than you anticipated or your first child might not be capable of walking. Additionally, the type of seating in a double stroller and infant car seat can affect siblings’ relationships, especially for kids that are very close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are generally heavier than single strollers. Double strollers have two seats and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is therefore heavier. It is important to consider this weight when deciding on the best model, particularly when you’ll be using it for long walks or jogs. The most efficient models are engineered to handle the additional load with the least amount of shifting or swinging.
You should also consider the longevity of double-strollers. The more expensive models have a quality build and seating configuration flexibility, which means they’ll last longer than the budget models. The joovy qool double bundle, for example, accepts car seat adapters to fit two infant carseats. It also can accommodate a second child via an attachable bassinet. This configuration can work for twins, kids of different ages, or siblings with a gap in age.
Budget-conscious parents may consider the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go an appealing option, since it accepts two car seats for infants and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It’s compact and lightweight which makes it easy to move around despite the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It’s comparable to the more expensive award winners and supports multiple seating configurations for kids of various ages and stages. Its side by side seat design can be used to accommodate twins or children of various age groups. It can also be customized by adding additional features like twin bassinets with dual canopies. The stroller is able to fold in an easy fold and a tiny footprint that makes it easier to fit into a trunk. It’s not designed to be used until kids can sit up unassisted, however, so younger babies will require a carry or placed in a car seat.
Convenience
Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the vehicle into the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. Instead of trying to fold the stroller while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, simply click the seat into position and then begin moving. This is a great convenience for long trips, when you don’t want to have to unbuckle and return your child to the seat every few minutes.
Parents with twins typically choose a travel system that will accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this functionality and has the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. However, it doesn’t work with all types of infant car seats, and it’s a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller with an adapter for carseats that is built-in which is compatible with the majority of infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent choice, and it comes in at a price that is very reasonable for what you get. While it’s not the ideal double stroller for infant twins (it is only compatible with one), it can work well for many families and is an excellent choice if you’re hoping for a single purchase.
Other double strollers require a more intricate procedure to attach and remove the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double, for example, requires you to press down and then hear a loud click to know it’s securely secured. 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 best 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 with infant car seats must be durable and built to last. It should also suit your budget and lifestyle whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or several years. When you are making a purchase be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, such as its tires.
Find a stroller that has a a wide and deep storage basket that can accommodate plenty of groceries, diapers and other items. A large console for the parents and cup holders are also useful as is a sun canopy that gives plenty of coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.
Parents with twins may want a side-by-side stroller to allow equal access and visibility to both children. Parents with children of different ages might opt for a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be adjusted by raising or lowering it. Tandem strollers are heavier than single strollers, and can cause siblings to fight if they have seats that are different heights.
A stroller equipped with an adjustable handlebar will assist you in adjusting it to the appropriate height for your needs and a one-hand fold mechanism can be an excellent feature. A compact footprint is another feature to consider. It should be able to fit in your trunk and will require only a little storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating options and cot attachments for twins, multiples, or a single rider of varying age. The sturdy construction and flexibility in seating arrangements make it a worthy investment if you are planning to keep it for many years to come.
Safety
A well-constructed stroller is safe for the child sitting in the seat and for the parent pushing it. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino recommends looking for strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, simple brakes and an adjustable seat harness. She also suggests avoiding accessories that increase the weight of a stroller, like ride-on boards, or extra child seats.
A double stroller needs to be strong enough to withstand a variety surfaces including suburban sidewalks and park trails to paved roads. It should be sturdy enough to withstand curbs and bumps without difficulty but also flexible enough to climb stairs or navigate steep incline. Additionally it should be easy to fold and fit into a car trunk without losing its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are similar in age may think about a double stroller which can accommodate two car seats for infants. This allows them to transfer sleeping children from the car to the stroller without them having to wake up. Many of our best-scoring strollers can be used with two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista v2 double buggy that converts to single.
The double joovy bundle is another alternative. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an extra rumble seat that can be transformed into a second one once your children outgrow the car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be configured so that your kids are facing each other or the world. It can’t accept two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board at the same time however it’s a great option for families with several young children.