Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat is a necessity for twins or two children who are close in age. If you plan to buy one, it's important to take into consideration your budget and the length of time you hope to use the stroller for.
Kate liked the fact that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also appreciated how easily it folded, but she found the buckles with magnetic buckles difficult to secure.
Size
When selecting a double stroller that includes an infant car seat, size is a crucial factor to take into consideration. Parents should be able to move the stroller comfortably on crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means it should be fairly small and compact. Additionally, the stroller should be easy to fold and small enough to fit into the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle for storage.
If you're planning on having twins or children close in age, think about purchasing a double stroller that has two seats that can fit 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. Our top choice is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, comes with a variety of seating configurations. It can accommodate two toddler seats or infant seats which convert into bassinets.
We also prefer strollers that are compatible with a range of infant car seat brands. This gives families a larger selection to choose from. The UPPAbaby Vista, for instance can be used with the UPPAbaby mesha and other infant car seats that come with adapters. It also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third person standing.
Some parents opt to purchase a stroller that is single-to-double and can adapt to an additional child, but we recommend purchasing what you need at the moment. There is a chance that an additional child arrive later than expected, or your first child might not be able to walk. Moreover, the type of seating that you can find on a double stroller with infant car seats can affect siblings' relationships, especially for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are heavier than single models. They have two seats as well as more cargo, meaning the weight of the final push is higher. It's crucial to take into account this weight when you're deciding on your preferred model, especially when you'll be using it for long jogs or walks. The best models are well-engineered to handle the additional load with a minimum of movement or swaying.
You should also consider the longevity of a double-stroller. The more expensive models have a good build and seating flexibility, which means they'll last longer than budget-friendly rivals. The joovy double bundle is one example. It has adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a second rider via a bassinet that attaches. This model is perfect for twins, children of different ages, or siblings who have gaps between them.
For those on a tight budget, they might find the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go an appealing option, since it is compatible with two infant car seats and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to maneuver, even with the extra weight.
Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's comparable to more expensive award winners and can accommodate 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 with additional features like dual canopies or twin bassinets. This stroller can be folded easily and has a tiny footprint, making it easy to fit into the trunk. The stroller isn't designed to be used until children can sit up on their own without assistance, so babies younger than that need to be carried or placed into a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the car into the stroller can make family trips simpler and less stressful. Rather than attempting to fold the stroller while keeping one hand on the infant and the other on a toddler, you can simply click the seat into position and begin moving. This feature is particularly helpful for long trips where you don't need to unbuckle or re-buckle your child every few minutes.
Parents of twins usually opt for a travel system that will accommodate two infant car seats at once. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also comes with an adjustable bench seat that can be used by older siblings. It's 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 integrated car seat adapter which is compatible with all major infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is a great option and is available 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 option for those looking for a one-and-done purchase.
Other double strollers have a more complex procedure to attach and remove the car seat. For instance, the UPPAbaby vist v2 double requires you to push down, then hear a loud clicking sound, in order to know that it's securely secured. It's a little more difficult to use in parking lots especially in the case of hungry or exhausted children. While it can grow with the family, we don't think it's the best choice for parents of twins as you'll need an additional toddler seat when your kids are old enough for it.
Push Chairs And Prams with an infant car seat should be durable and built for long-term use. It should also be a good fit for your lifestyle and budget, whether you plan to use it for just a few years or more. Take into consideration the quality of the fabric and the components, including its tires, when making your purchase.
Find a stroller that has a a wide and deep storage basket that will accommodate plenty of groceries, diapers and other items. A large console for the parents with cup holders is also useful, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Also, make sure the stroller is able be able to handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins might prefer a side-by-side stroller to provide equal access and visibility for both children. Parents with children of different ages might choose a tandem stroller that allows the rear child's seat to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are generally heavier than single strollers, however, and could cause sibling fights when the seats are set at different heights.
A stroller with a handlebar that is adjustable can allow you to adjust it to the right height for you and a one-hand fold mechanism is an excellent feature. A compact footprint is another feature to consider. It should be able to fit into your trunk and will require only a little storage space.
A modular stroller, such as the CYBEX Gazelle provides unbeatable flexibility. You can mix and mix and match the cots and seating units to accommodate twins, multiples or one child of different age groups. Its robust construction and seating configuration versatility indicate that this high-end model is worth the price when you plan to keep it for a long time.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for children in the seats as well as the parent who pushes them. Certified child safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests choosing strollers with ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also recommends avoiding accessories that add weight of a stroller for children, like ride-on boards and additional child seats.
A double stroller must be sturdy enough to maneuver a variety of surfaces smoothly, from suburban sidewalks to park trails. It should be robust enough to move over bumps and curbs with ease and also able to be adapted to navigate a steep slope or a staircase that goes up and down. Additionally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a trunk of a car without losing its size or maneuverability.
Parents of twins or siblings who are similar in age might want to consider a double stroller that can accommodate two car seats for infants. This allows them to transfer sleeping children from the car to the stroller without having them wake up. Many of our top-scoring strollers can be used with two car seats for infants, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double and the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
The double joovy bundle is another alternative. It includes two infant car seats and an extra rumble seat which can be turned into a second one once your children outgrow the car seat. It has stadium-style seating with ample space for legs and can be configured to allow your children to meet each other and the world. It's not able to accommodate two bassinets or an infant car seat and riding board simultaneously however it's a great choice for families with multiple young children.