Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat

A double stroller that includes an infant car seat can be essential if you have twins or children of similar ages. When you're planning to buy a stroller, take into consideration your budget and the length of time you'll use it.

Kate says she was pleased with the fact that this stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also appreciated the fact that it folds easily, although she did find the buckles magnetic hard to fasten.

Size

Size is a major aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller with an infant car seat baby. The stroller should be small and slim so that parents can effortlessly maneuver it on busy sidewalks or through narrow subway gates. In addition the stroller should be easy to fold and small enough to fit in the trunk of a car or a smaller vehicle to store.

If you are planning to have twins or children who are very similar in age, think about purchasing a double stroller with two seats that can fit infant car seats. These models will be more expensive than other double strollers but they have a longer stroller life and can be used through toddlerhood or even past. Our top pick, the UPPAbaby Double, comes with a variety of seating configurations. It can accommodate two toddler seats or infant seats that convert into bassinets.

We also like strollers that work with a range of infant car seat brands. This allows families to have a wider selection to pick from. For example the UPPAbaby Vista is compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa and several other infant car seats that have adapters, and also can be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.

Many parents buy a stroller that is single to Pushchair Double, which can be adapted to accommodate a second child. We suggest buying what you need right now. The second child may arrive later than you expected or your first child might not be a fan of walking. Furthermore, the style of seating in a double stroller with infant car seats can have a major impact on siblings, particularly for kids that are very close in age.

Weight

Double strollers weigh more than single models. They have two seats and more cargo, so the weight of the final push is greater. This is a factor to consider when deciding on your ideal model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks or jogging. The most effective models are designed to handle the additional load with minimal flexing or swaying.

It is also important to consider the longevity of a double-stroller double. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and offer more seating configuration options and will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The double bundle from Joovy is one example. It has adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a second child via a bassinet which connects. This configuration can work for twins, kids of different ages or siblings that have an age gap.

The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great option for parents on a tight budget, as it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two infant car seats. It's light and compact, making it easy to move around even with the extra weight.

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It's similar to models that have won awards, but are more expensive and offers different seating configurations. The side-by-side seat design is able to accommodate twins or children of various ages. It can also be customized by adding add ons such as twin bassinets or dual canopies. It is also easy to fold and has a small footprint, making it easier to fit into the trunk. The stroller is not designed to be used until children are able to sit without assistance, so babies younger than that need to be carried or seated in a car seat.

Convenience

It can be simpler and less stressful to take your family on a trip if you transfer your infant car seat seamlessly from the car to the stroller. You can click the seat in place and move the stroller without folding it while holding a baby or a toddler. This convenience is especially useful for long journeys when you may not need to unbuckle or buckle your child every few minutes.

Many parents with twins opt for a travel system which can accommodate two infants in the car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for example, offers this capability and comes with the added benefit of having a bench seat for older siblings. It's not compatible with all infant car seats, and can be quite heavy for some families.

Some parents choose a double-stroller equipped with an adapter for carseats that is built-in, which works with the majority of infant car safety seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent option and is available at a very friendly price for what you get. Although it's not the most ideal double stroller for infant twins (it is only compatible with one) it works well for a wide range of families and is a great 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. For instance the UPPAbaby vist double requires you to push down, and then hear a loud click for confirmation that it's secured properly. It's a little more difficult to use in parking areas particularly when you have hungry or tired children. While it grows with your family, we don't think it’s the best compact double stroller choice for parents with twins. You'll need to purchase an additional toddler chair when your children are old enough.

Durability

A double stroller that includes an infant car seat must be built to last and have longevity. It should also be suited to your budget and lifestyle whether you intend to use the stroller for a few or several years. Take into consideration the quality of the stroller's fabric and the components, including the tires, when you make your purchase.

A stroller with a large and deep basket can hold plenty of diapers, groceries, and other supplies. A large console for parents and cup holders are helpful, as is a sun canopy that gives plenty of coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain as well as narrow city sidewalks.

Parents with twins may want a stroller that is side by side to allow equal access and visibility to both children. Others with children of different ages could choose a tandem stroller that allows the rear child's seat to be raised or lower. tandem double stroller strollers are heavier than single strollers and could cause siblings to fight if they have seats at different heights.

A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar allows you to adjust the height to suit your needs. Also, a one-hand folding mechanism is useful. Another thing to look for is a compact footprint that fits easily in your trunk and requires minimal storage space.

A modular stroller, like the CYBEX Gazelle is a model that offers unbeatable flexibility. You can mix and match the seating units and cots to accommodate twins, multiples or one child of various age. The sturdy construction and versatility in seating configurations make it a worthwhile purchase if you intend to keep it for several years.

Safety

A great stroller should be safe for children who are in the seat as well as the parent pushing them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child passenger safety technician, suggests you look for a stroller that has ergonomic handlebars that are easy to use breaks and a movable harness. She also suggests avoiding any accessories that add weight of the stroller for children such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.

A double pushchairs stroller needs to be strong enough to traverse various surfaces with ease, from suburban sidewalks to parks trails. It should be sturdy enough to handle curbs and bumps with ease and yet flexible enough to climb stairs or negotiate steep slopes. Finally, it should be simple to fold and fit into a car trunk without sacrificing its size or mobility.

Parents with twins or siblings close in age will be looking at a stroller that accommodates 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 work with two car seats for infants, including 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 are sold separately) and includes an additional rumble seat that converts into a second seat 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 children can face each other or the entire world. It cannot accept two bassinets as well as an infant car seat, or a riding board simultaneously. It is a great option for families with several young children.