Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller with an infant car seat is a necessity for twins or two children who are close in age. If you’re planning to purchase one, it’s important to consider your budget and how long you plan to use the stroller for.
Kate says she likes the fact that the stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds easily, although she found the magnetic buckles difficult to fasten.
Size
Size is a major factor to consider when choosing a double stroller with a car seat for your infant. The stroller should be compact and slim enough that parents can easily maneuver it on crowded sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. The stroller must also be compact and easy to fold so that it can be tucked away into the trunk of a small vehicle.
If you’re planning on having twins or children that are close in age, think about purchasing a double stroller with two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These options will be more expensive than other double strollers but they have an extended stroller life and can be used through toddlerhood or even past. Our top choice is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, offers a range of seating configurations. It can accept two infant seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.
We also love strollers that can be used with different infant car seat brands which means that there is more strollers for families to pick from. The UPPAbaby vista, for example, can accept the UPPAbaby mesha as well as other infant car seats that have adapters. It also works with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third standing passenger.
Some parents opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller that can be adapted to an additional child, but we recommend buying what you need at the right time. You may have another child arrive later than expected or your child may not be capable of walking. The type of seating you can use in a double stroller with an infant car seat could affect the relationship between siblings especially if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are generally heavier than single models. They have two seats and more cargo, so the weight of the final push is higher. It’s crucial to take into account the weight when choosing the best model, particularly in the event that you’ll use it for long walks or jogs. The most effective models can handle the extra weight with minimal shifting and swinging.
It’s also worth weighing the cost of a double stroller in relation to its durability. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and offer more seating options which means they last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The joovy qool double-bundle is one example. It can accept car seat adapters to fit two infant carseats. It also can accommodate a second child through an attachable bassinet. This setup is suitable for twins, children of different ages or siblings who have an age gap.
For those on a tight budget, they might find the Baby Trend double umbrella stroller Snap-N-Go an attractive option, as it is compatible with two car seats for infants and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It’s light and compact, making it easy to maneuver, despite the extra weight.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It is comparable to models that have won awards, but are more expensive and offers multiple seating configurations. Its side-byside seat design makes it suitable for twins or children of varying ages, and it can be customized with add-ons like dual canopies, twin bassinets or modified seats that act as toddler seats. The stroller can be folded easily and has a small footprint, making it easier to fit into a trunk. It’s not intended to be used until kids are able to sit unassisted, however, so younger babies will need to be carried or put in a car seat.
Convenience
It is easy to transfer your infant car seat from the car to the stroller can make family outings 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, simply click the seat in place and then begin moving. This is a great option for long-distance trips, as you don’t want to have to unbuckle and then return your child to the seat every couple of minutes.
Parents of twins usually opt for an option that can accommodate two infant car seats at once. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this capability, and includes an adjustable bench seat that can be used by older siblings. It is not compatible with all infant car seats and may be quite heavy for some families.
Other parents prefer a double stroller with an adapter for car seats built-in that can be used with the majority of infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a great value for the features it has. While it’s not the ideal double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it is only compatible with one) It can work well for many families and is a good option for those looking for a single purchase.
Other double strollers require a more complicated procedure to attach and remove the car seat. For example the UPPAbaby vist v2 Double Stroller For Tall Child requires you to push down, then hear a loud clicking sound for confirmation that it’s secured properly. It’s a bit more difficult to use in a parking garage particularly if your kids are hungry or tired. While it grows with your family, we don’t think it’s the best choice for parents with twins. You’ll need to buy an additional toddler chair when your children reach an age.
Durability
A cheap double stroller stroller that includes an infant car seat needs to be built to last. It should also be a good fit for your budget and lifestyle, whether you intend to use it for just few years or more. Consider the quality of the fabric and the components, including the tires, when you make your purchase.
Choose a stroller with a a wide and deep storage basket that will accommodate plenty of diapers, food items, and other supplies. A large console for the parents with cup holders is also useful, as is an umbrella sunshade that offers adequate coverage. Also, ensure that the stroller can manage off-road terrain and the narrow sidewalks of cities.
Parents with twins may want a stroller that is side by side to provide the same access and view to both children. Parents with children of different ages may opt for a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be lowered or raised. Tandem strollers are typically heavier than single strollers, however, and they can cause sibling squabbles when the seats are set at different heights.
A stroller with an adjustable handlebar can help you adjust it to the right height for you, and the one-hand fold mechanism is a convenient feature. Another feature to look out for is a small footprint that fits easily in your trunk and requires only a small amount of storage space.
A stroller that is modular like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unbeatable flexibility that lets you mix and match seating units and cot attachments for twins, multiples, or single riders of various age groups. Its sturdy construction and seating configuration versatility indicate that this high-end model is worth the investment when you plan to keep it for a long period of time.
Safety
A well-constructed stroller is safe for the child sitting in the seat, as well as for the person pushing it. Certified child safety technician Alli Cavasino recommends looking for strollers with ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and a seat harness that is adjustable. She also suggests avoiding accessories that increase the weight of a stroller for children like ride-on boards, as well as additional child seats.
A double stroller needs to be strong enough to handle different surfaces including suburban sidewalks, park trails to paved roads. It should be robust enough to traverse bumps and curbs with ease and also able to be adapted to maneuver over a steep incline or up and down stairways. In addition it should be easy to fold and fit into a car trunk without sacrificing its dimensions or mobility.
Parents of twins or siblings who are close in age may want to consider a double stroller that is able to accommodate two infant car seats. This allows them to transfer sleeping children from the car to the stroller without them having to wake up. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seat, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista V2 thule double stroller.
Another alternative is the Joovy Qool double bundle, which can be used with two infant car seats (car seat adapters sold separately) and comes with an extra Rumble seat that can be converted into a second one when your children are old enough for their car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of legroom and can be configured so that your children can face each other or the entire world. It can’t accommodate two bassinets, a baby car seat, or a riding board at the exact same time. However, it is a great choice for families with multiple young children.