Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat may be a necessity for twins or children with similar ages. If you plan to buy one, it's important to consider your budget and how long you hope to use the stroller.
Kate says she likes the fact that this stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds easily, although she did find the buckles magnetic difficult to secure.
Size
When choosing a double stroller that includes an baby car seats size is an important factor to take into consideration. Parents must be able maneuver the stroller easily in crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means that it should be fairly small and compact. The stroller must also be compact and easy to fold, so that it can fit in the trunk of a small vehicle.
If you are planning to have twins or children who are very similar in age, consider getting a double stroller with two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These double strollers cost more, but they have a longer life and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. For example our top pick is 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 prefer strollers that are compatible with a variety of infant car seats. This gives families a larger selection to pick from. The UPPAbaby Vista, for instance, can accept the UPPAbaby mesha as well as other infant car seats that come with adapters. It can also be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third passenger standing.
Some parents buy a single to double stroller, which can be adapted to accommodate an additional child. We recommend purchasing what you need now. A second child could arrive later than you expected or your first child may not be comfortable walking. The seating arrangement in a double stroller that includes an infant car seat could also make or break the relationship between siblings, particularly if they're close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are heavier than single strollers. Double strollers have two seats, and they carry more cargo. double pram and pushchair of the stroller is therefore heavier. This weight is important to take into consideration when selecting your preferred model, particularly when you intend to use it for long walks or jogging. The most efficient models are engineered to handle the additional load with a minimum of flexing or swaying.
You should also think about the durability of a double-stroller. The higher-end models offer a quality build and seating configuration flexibility that suggests they'll last longer than less expensive competitors. The double bundle from Joovy, for instance, accepts adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a third child via a bassinet which attaches. This arrangement is suitable for twins, children of different ages, or siblings with an age gap.
For those on a tight budget, they might find the Baby Trend Double Snap-N'Go an appealing option since it accepts two infant car seats and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's lightweight and compact, making it simple to maneuver, even with the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's comparable to the more expensive award winners and can accommodate multiple seating options for kids of different ages and stages. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable for twins or children of varying ages, and it can be customised with accessories such as dual canopies, twin bassinets or modified seats that act as toddler seats. The stroller is able to fold in an easy fold and a small footprint that makes it easier to fit in a 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 will 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 in place and start moving. This is a great option for long journeys, especially when you don't want to have to unbuckle and buckle your child every couple of minutes.
Many parents with twins choose an option that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this capability, and includes the option of a bench seat that could be used by older siblings. However, it's not compatible with all kinds of infant car seats and it's a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents choose a double-stroller equipped with an integrated car seat adapter that works with all major infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option, and it comes in at a very friendly price for what you get. While it's not the best double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it is only compatible with one) it works well for many families and is a great option for those looking for a one-and-done purchase.
Some double strollers feature a more complex process for attaching and disconnecting the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double is one example. It requires that you push down and then hear a loud click to know it's securely secured. It can be a bit more difficult to use in parking spaces especially in the case of hungry or exhausted children. And while it does grow with your family, we don't believe it's the most suitable option for parents of twins because you'll have to purchase an additional toddler seat when your children are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat must be sturdy and built for long-term use. It should also be suited to your lifestyle and budget whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or many years. Be sure to consider the quality of the stroller's fabric and the components, including its tires, before making your purchase.
Look for a stroller with a wide and deep storage basket that will accommodate plenty of diapers, food items and other necessities. A large parent console with cup holders is useful, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain, as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may choose a side-by-side stroller for the same level of visibility and accessibility to both children. However, others with kids of different ages might choose the tandem model, which allows the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers, however, and they can cause sibling squabbles in the event that the seats are different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your preferences. Also the one-hand folding mechanism is convenient. Another feature to look for is a small footprint that fits easily in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.
A modular stroller, such as the CYBEX Gazelle, offers unmatched flexibility. You can mix and combine the cots and seating units to accommodate multiples, twins or one child of different ages. This high-end model's durable construction and flexibility in seating configurations make it a great purchase if you intend to keep it for several years.
Safety
A well-constructed stroller is safe for the child in the seat and for the parent pushing it. Alli Cavasino is a certified child-passenger safety specialist, suggests you select a stroller with ergonomic handlebars with easy-to-use breaks and an adjustable harness. She also advises avoiding any 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 handle various surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be robust enough to withstand curbs and bumps easily and yet flexible enough for navigating a steep incline or climbing and descending stairways. It should also be simple to fold up and squeeze into the trunk of a vehicle without restricting its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or other siblings who are similar in age might be interested in a double stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats. This will allow them to have the flexibility to move sleeping kids from the car into a stroller without disturbing them up. Many of our best-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista V2 Double.
The joovy double bundle is another option. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an add-on rumble chair that can be transformed into a second seat when your kids outgrow the car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be configured to make your children are facing each other or the world. It's not able to accommodate two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board simultaneously, but it's a great choice for families with multiple young children.