Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat is a necessity for twins or two kids who are close in age. If you're planning to purchase one, it's important to take into consideration your budget and how long you hope to use the stroller for.
Kate loved that the stroller was lightweight and easy to move. She also appreciated how easily it folded, however she found the buckles with magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
When choosing a double stroller and baby car seats, size is a crucial aspect to consider. The stroller should be small and slim so that parents can effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. Additionally, the stroller should be simple to fold and compact enough to fit into the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle for storage.
If you're planning on having twins or children that are very close in age, you should consider purchasing a double stroller (clicking here) with two seats that can fit infant car seats. Double strollers are more expensive, however, they last longer and can be used up to the age of toddler or even beyond. Our top choice, the UPPAbaby Double, has a variety of seating configurations. It can accommodate two infant seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that are compatible with a range of infant car seats. This gives parents a greater variety to choose from. For example, the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa, as well as a variety of other infant car seats using adapters, and also can be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.
Parents may opt to purchase a single-to-double infant strollers stroller which can adapt to an additional child, but we suggest purchasing what you need at the moment. A second kid may arrive later than you expected or your primary child may not be comfortable walking. The seating arrangement in a double pushchair with car seat stroller, which includes an infant car seat can also affect the relationship between siblings, particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are generally heavier than single strollers. They have two seats and more cargo, meaning the weight of the final push is greater. It's crucial to take into account the weight when choosing the best model, particularly when you'll be using it for long jogs or walks. The most efficient models are engineered to withstand the extra weight with a minimum of flexing or swinging.
You should also consider the durability of double-strollers. The higher-end strollers are built better and offer more seating configuration options and will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The double-joovy bundle, for instance, accepts adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary rider via a bassinet that connects. This configuration is ideal for twins, children of different ages, or siblings who have an in-between gap.
For those on a tight budget, they might consider the Baby Trend Double Snap-N'Go an attractive option, as it is compatible with two car seats for infants and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to maneuver, despite the additional weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It's similar to models that have won awards, but are more expensive and offer different seating configurations. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable for twins or children with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customised with accessories such as dual canopies, twin bassinets or modified seats that act as toddler seats. The stroller is also easy to fold and has a tiny footprint, making it easy to fit into a trunk. The stroller is not meant to be used until children can sit up without assistance, so children younger than that will require assistance or put in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the car to the stroller can make family outings simpler and less stressful. Instead of trying to fold a stroller, while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, simply click the seat in place and begin moving. This convenience is especially useful for long trips where you don't need to unbuckle or change your child's buckle every few minutes.
Parents with twins often choose a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, has this functionality and has the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. However, it's not compatible with all types of infant car seats and it's a little heavy for certain families.
Other parents prefer a double stroller with an adapter for car seats built-in that is compatible with all major infant car 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 can work well for a variety of families and is an excellent choice if you're hoping to make a purchase that is a one-and-done deal.
Some double strollers feature a more complex process for attaching and detaching the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double, for example, requires you to push down, and then hear an audible click to confirm it's securely secured. It can be a bit more difficult to use in parking areas particularly in the case of hungry or exhausted children. It can be a bit more difficult to use with your family, we don't believe it's the best twin buggy choice for parents with twins since you'll have to purchase a separate toddler seat when your kids are old enough for it.
Durability
A double stroller that includes an infant car seats must be sturdy and built to last. It should also fit your budget and lifestyle, whether you intend to use it for a few years or more. When purchasing a stroller, consider the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, like its tires.
Look for a stroller with a wide and deep storage basket that will hold plenty of diapers, groceries and other necessities. A large console for parents with cup holders is also useful, as is a sun canopy that provides adequate coverage. Also, make sure the stroller can be able to handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may choose a stroller that is side-by-side for equal access and visibility to both children, while parents with children of different ages might choose a tandem style that allows the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are typically bulkier than single strollers, however, and could cause sibling fights in the event that the seats are different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust the height to your liking. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism is useful. Another feature to look out for is a compact footprint that fits easily in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.
A modular stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unbeatable flexibility that lets you mix and match seating options and cot attachments for multiples, twins or a single rider of varying age groups. Its robust construction and the flexibility of its seating configuration make it clear that this top-of-the-line model is worth the price if you're planning to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A good stroller should be safe for children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Certified child safety technician Alli Cavasino recommends looking for a stroller with ergonomic handlebars, easy-to-use brakes and an adjustable seat harness. She also advises avoiding any accessories that add to the burden of a stroller such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.
A double stroller must be strong enough to handle various surfaces including suburban sidewalks, paths to paved roads. It should be strong enough to withstand curbs and bumps easily and yet flexible enough for navigating a steep incline or up and down stairways. Finally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a car trunk without any compromise in dimensions or maneuverability.
Parents with twins or siblings close in age will be looking at a stroller that can fit two car seats for infants. This will allow them the freedom to move sleeping kids from the car into the stroller without disturbing them. A majority of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two car seats for infants such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
Another alternative is the Joovy Qool double bundle, which can be used with two infant car seats (car seat adapters sold separately) and includes an additional Rumble seat that can be converted into a second seat once your kids outgrow their car seat. It has stadium-style seating with plenty of space for legs and can be configured to let your kids meet each other and the world. It's not able to accommodate two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board at the same time, but it's a great option for families with several young children.