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. When you're planning to buy a stroller, you should consider your budget as well as the length of time you plan to use it.
Kate liked that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds easily, though she found the buckles with magnetic buckles hard to fasten.
Size
Size is a major factor to consider when choosing a double stroller with a car seat for your baby. The stroller should be small and slim so that parents are able to effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be small and easy to fold, to fit in the trunk of a small vehicle.
If you plan on having twins or children very similar in age, think about purchasing a double stroller that has two seats that can be able to 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 into toddlerhood or even beyond. Our top choice, the UPPAbaby Double, has a variety of seating options. It can be used with two toddler seats or infant seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also love strollers that work with many different brands of infant car seats and offers an array of strollers for families to pick from. For example, the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats using adapters. It also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for a third, standing passenger.
Some parents opt to purchase a stroller that is single-to-double and can be adjusted to accommodate an additional child, but we suggest buying what you need at the time. A second child could arrive later than you anticipated or your primary child may not take to walking. The type of seating you can use in a double stroller, which includes an infant car seat can also affect the relationship between siblings particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers double weigh more than single models. Double strollers come with two seats, and they carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is heavier. This is an important factor to consider when deciding on the best lightweight double stroller model, especially in case you intend to use it for long walks and running. The most efficient models are engineered to handle the additional load with minimal flexing or shifting.
It's also worth weighing the cost of a double stroller against its durability. The more expensive models have a good build and seating versatility that indicates they'll last longer than budget-friendly rivals. The joovy double bundle, for instance, accepts adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary rider via a bassinet that attaches. This arrangement is suitable for twins, kids with different ages, or siblings who have gaps in age.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great option for parents on a tight budget, as it can be converted into a tandem double stroller stroller (single file) and can accommodate two car seats for infants. It's light and compact making it easy to maneuver even with the extra weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It is comparable to models that have won awards, but are more expensive, and comes with different seating configurations. Its side by side seat design can accommodate twins or children of various age groups. It can also be customized with additional features like dual canopies or twin bassinets. It is also easy to fold and has a small footprint, making it easy to fit into a trunk. It's not designed to be used until kids can sit up without assistance it is designed for babies who require a carry or placed in a car seat.
Convenience
Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the car into the stroller can make family trips more enjoyable and less stressful. Instead of trying to fold a stroller, while keeping one hand on the infant and the other on a toddler, you can 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 then return your child to the seat every couple of minutes.
Many parents with twins choose an option that can accommodate two infants in the car seat simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this capability, and includes a bench seat that can be used by older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats, and can be a bit heavy for some families.
Some parents choose a double-stroller equipped with an adapter for carseats that is built-in that works with the majority of infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option, and it comes in at a reasonable price for what you get. It's not the most ideal double-stroller for twins since it works with one. However, it's a good choice for families with multiple children.
Other double strollers have a more complex method of attaching and disconnecting the car seat. For instance, the UPPAbaby vist double requires you to push down, then hear a loud click for confirmation that it is properly secured. It's a little more difficult to use in parking lots particularly if you have hungry or tired children. While it grows with your family, we don’t consider it the best option for parents of twins. You'll have to purchase an additional toddler chair once your children reach an age.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat should be built to last and have durability. It should also fit your lifestyle and budget, whether you intend to use it for only a few years or many more. Be sure to consider the quality of the stroller's fabric and the components, including the tires, when making your purchase.
A stroller with a big and deep basket is able to hold plenty of diapers, groceries and other supplies. A spacious parent console and cup holders are useful as is a sun canopy that provides plenty of coverage. Also, ensure that the stroller is able to manage off-road terrain and the narrow sidewalks of cities.
Parents of twins might prefer a stroller that is side-by-side for equal access and visibility to both children. However, those with children of different ages might prefer the tandem model, which allows the rear child to be raised or lowered. Tandem strollers are generally bulkier than single strollers, however, they can cause sibling squabbles in the event that the seats are 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 is useful. A compact footprint is a further feature to consider. It should easily fit into your trunk and will require a small amount of storage space.
A stroller that is modular like 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 ages. The durable design and the flexibility of seating arrangements make it a great investment if you are planning to keep it for several years to come.
Safety
A good stroller is safe for the child in the seat and for the person pushing it. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino recommends looking for strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, easy-to-use brakes and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also suggests avoiding accessories that add to the weight of a stroller, like ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller should be sturdy enough to handle a variety surfaces including suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be strong enough to withstand curbs and bumps without difficulty, but flexible enough to climb steep stairs or navigate steep incline. It should also be easy to fold and fit into the trunk of a car, without any compromise in size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or siblings who are similar in age may be interested in a double stroller that can accommodate two infant car seats. This will allow them the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. Many of our best-scoring strollers are compatible with a two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista v2 Double.
Another option is the joovy qool double bundle, which can be used with two infant car seats (car seat adapters sold separately) and comes with an add-on Rumble seat that can be converted into a second one when your children outgrow their car seat. It comes with stadium seating that has plenty of leg room and can be set up so that your kids face each other or the entire world. It can't accept two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board simultaneously, but it's a great choice for families with multiple young children.