Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that includes an infant car seat may be a must when you have twins or children of similar ages. If you plan to buy one, it's crucial to consider your budget and how long you hope to use the stroller for.
smallest double buggy says she likes the fact that this stroller is light and maneuvers well. She also liked how easily it folded, but found the buckles that are magnetic difficult to fasten.
Size
Size is a major aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller that includes an infant car seat baby. Parents must be able to maneuver the stroller easily in crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means it should be fairly compact and slim. The stroller must also be compact and easy to fold, so that it can fit into the trunk of a small vehicle.
If you plan on having twins or children very similar in age, consider getting a double stroller that has two seats that can be able to accommodate infant car seats. These types of strollers are more expensive than other double strollers, however they offer a longer life span and can be used into toddlerhood, or even after. Our top choice is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, offers a range of seating configurations. It can be used with two toddler seats or infant seats that convert into bassinets.
We also love strollers that are compatible with different brands of infant car seats which means that there is an array of models for families to choose from. For example the UPPAbaby Vista is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa as well as other infant car seats using adapters. It also can be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for the third, standing person.
Some parents opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller that can be adapted to an additional child, but we recommend purchasing what you need at the moment. A second child could arrive later than you expect or your first child may not take to walking. The type of seating you can use in a double stroller that includes an infant car seat could also affect the relationship between siblings particularly if they are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers weigh more than single models. Double strollers have two seats and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller will be heavier. It is important to consider the weight when choosing the best model, particularly if you'll be using it for long jogs or walks. The most effective models are designed to handle the extra load with a minimum of flexing or swaying.
It is also important to consider the longevity of double-strollers. The higher-end strollers are built better and come with more seating configuration options, so they will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The double-joovy bundle is one example. It has adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a second child via a bassinet which attaches. This setup is suitable for twins, kids with different ages, or siblings who have gaps in age.
The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is an excellent option for parents with a limited budget since it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and can accommodate two car seats for infants. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to maneuver even with the extra weight.
Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly alternative. It's comparable to award-winning models which are more expensive and offers different seating configurations. The side-by-side design of the seat allows twins or children with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customized with add-ons like dual canopies twin bassinets, twin bassinets or altered 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. The stroller isn't designed to be used until children can sit up without assistance, so infants younger than that need to be carried or put in a car seat.
Convenience
Transferring your infant's car seat from the car into the stroller can make family outings simpler and less stressful. Rather than attempting to fold the stroller while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, you can just click the seat into place and then begin moving. This is a great option for long-distance trips, as you don't want to unbuckle and rebuckle your child every few minutes.
Parents with twins often prefer an option that can accommodate two infant car seats at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, has this feature and comes with the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. However, it doesn't work with all brands of infant car seats, and it's too heavy for some families.
Some parents prefer a double-stroller with an adapter for carseats that is built-in that works with all major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers an excellent value for the features it provides. While it's not the best double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it is only compatible with one), it can work well for a variety of families and is a good option if you're looking for a single purchase.
Other double strollers require a more complicated process to attach and detach the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, requires you to press down and then hear an audible click to confirm it's securely secured. It's a bit more difficult to use in a parking lot, especially if your kids are tired or hungry. While it grows with your family, we don't think it’s the best choice for parents of twins. You will have purchase an additional toddler chair once your children are old enough.
Durability
A double stroller and infant car seats should be sturdy and built to last. It should also be suited to your budget and lifestyle, whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or many years. When making a purchase, consider the fabric of the stroller as well as its components, such as its tires.
Choose a stroller with a an ample and deep storage basket that can hold plenty of diapers, groceries and other items. A large console for parents with cup holders can be useful, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Make sure that the stroller is able to handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer an equilateral stroller to give equal visibility and access to both children, while those with children of different ages might choose a tandem model that allows the rear child to be raised or lowered. Tandem strollers tend to be bulkier 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 help you adjust it to the ideal height for your needs, and a one-hand fold mechanism is a useful feature. Another feature to look out for is a small footprint that fits easily in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.
A modular stroller like the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unbeatable flexibility, allowing you to mix and match seating units as well as cot attachments for multiples, twins, or a single rider of varying age. The durable design and flexibility in seating arrangements make it a worthwhile investment if you are planning to keep it for many years.
Safety
A well-constructed stroller is safe for the child sitting in the seat and for the person pushing it. Alli Cavasino, a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests that you choose strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, with simple-to-use breaks and a harness that can be adjusted. She also suggests avoiding accessories that increase the burden of a stroller like ride-on boards, or extra child seats.
A double stroller must be strong enough to withstand a variety surfaces including suburban sidewalks and parks trails to roads that are paved. 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 able to fold up and squeeze into the trunk of a car without restricting its 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 allows them to move asleep children from the car to the stroller without waking them up. A majority of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double.
The double bundle from Joovy is another option. It comes with two infant car seats as well as an additional rumble chair which can be turned into a second seat once your children are no longer in the car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be configured so that your kids are facing each other or the world. It can't accommodate two bassinets, a baby car seat, and riding boards at the exact same time. It is a great option for families with several young children.