17 Reasons You Shouldn t Ignore Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat
A double stroller that comes with an infant car seat may be a must for twins or children with similar age. If you're thinking of purchasing a stroller, you should think about your budget and how long you intend to use it.
Kate liked the fact that the stroller was lightweight twin buggy; Click at Sovren, and easy to maneuver. She also liked that it folds up easily, but she did find the buckles magnetic hard to fasten.
Size
When selecting a double infant stroller stroller that includes an infant car seat, size is a crucial consideration. Parents must be able to move the stroller comfortably on crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which means that it should be fairly small and compact. The stroller must also be compact and easy to fold, to fit into the trunk of a small vehicle.
Think about a double stroller that includes two seats and can accommodate a car seat for an infant if you are planning to have twins or children who are close in age. Double strollers are more expensive however, they last longer and can be used until toddlerhood or beyond. For example, our top pick the UPPAbaby Vista Double comes with a wide variety of seating options and will accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.
We also like strollers that can be used with a variety of infant car seat brands. This gives families a larger selection to pick from. The UPPAbaby vista, for example can be used with the UPPAbaby mesha and other infant car seats with adapters. It can also be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board to accommodate a third passenger standing.
Some parents opt to purchase a single-to-double stroller which can adapt to a second hand double buggy child, but we suggest purchasing what you need at the moment. The second child may arrive later than you anticipated 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 affect siblings' relationships, especially for children who are close in age.
Weight
Double strollers are heavier than single to double stroller strollers. Double strollers come with two seats, and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is therefore heavier. This is an important factor to consider when deciding on the best model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks and running. The most efficient models are engineered to withstand the extra weight with a minimum of movement or swinging.
It's also worth considering the cost of a double stroller versus its durability. The more expensive models have a quality build and seating configuration versatility that indicates they'll last longer than the budget models. The double bundle from Joovy is a good example. It accepts adapters to fit two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary child via a bassinet which connects. This configuration can work for twins, kids of different ages, or siblings who have an age gap.
For those on a tight budget, they might consider the Baby Trend Double Snap N-Go an attractive option, as it can accommodate two infant car seats and can convert into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's lightweight and compact double stroller, making it easy to maneuver despite the added weight.
Another option that is budget-friendly is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's similar to award-winning models which are more expensive, and comes with various seating options. Its side-by-side seat design allows for twins or children with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customized by adding accessories like dual canopy, twin bassinets or modified seats that function as toddler seats. The stroller can be folded easily and has a small footprint, making it easy to fit into a trunk. It's not designed to be used until kids are able to sit without assistance the younger ones will require a carry or put in a car seat.
Convenience
Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the car to the stroller can make family outings more enjoyable and less stressful. You can click the seat in place and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby or a toddler. This convenience is especially useful during long trips, when you may not need to unbuckle or change your child's buckle every few minutes.
Parents with twins typically prefer a travel system 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. However, it's not compatible with all types of infant car seats and it's a bit heavy for some families.
Other parents prefer double strollers with a built-in car seat adapter that works with all the major infant car seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers an excellent value for the features it offers. While it's not the best double stroller for twins in the infant stage (it only works with one) it works well for a variety of families and is a great option for those looking for a one-and-done purchase.
Other double strollers come with an even more complicated process for attaching and disconnecting the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist v2 Double, for example, requires that you push down and then hear an audible click to confirm it's secured properly. It's more difficult to use in parking lots particularly if you have hungry or exhausted children. 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 double stroller that includes an infant car seat needs to be durable and built for durability. It should also fit your lifestyle and budget whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or many years. Take into consideration the quality of the stroller's fabric and the components, including the tires, when making your purchase.
A stroller that has a large and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, food items, and other things. A large console for the parents and cup holders are also helpful, as is a sun canopy that provides plenty of coverage. Make sure your stroller can handle off-road terrain, as well as narrow city sidewalks.
Parents of twins may prefer a side-by-side stroller for equal visibility and access to both children, while others with kids of different ages might prefer the tandem model, which allows the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are heavier than single strollers and could cause siblings to fight, especially if they are equipped with seats of different heights.
A stroller that has an adjustable handlebar can allow you to adjust the height to suit your preferences. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism is useful. A small double stroller footprint is another aspect to consider. It should easily fit in your trunk, and will require a small amount of storage space.
A modular stroller such as the CYBEX Gazelle S provides unbeatable flexibility that lets you mix and match seating units as well as cot attachments for multiples, twins or single riders of various age. This high-end model's durable construction and versatility in seating configurations make it a worthwhile investment if you plan to keep it for a number of years to come.
Safety
A great stroller should be safe for both children in the seats as well as the parent who pushes them. Alli Cavasino is a certified child-passenger safety technician, suggests you look for strollers that have ergonomic handlebars with easy-to-use breaks and an adjustable harness. She also suggests avoiding accessories that increase the weight of a stroller, like ride-on boards or extra child seats.
A double stroller needs to be strong enough to withstand different surfaces including suburban sidewalks and parks trails to roads that are paved. It should be strong enough to traverse curbs and bumps easily and also able to be adapted to maneuver over a steep incline or up and down stairways. Additionally it should be easy 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 may want to consider a double stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants. This lets them transfer asleep children from the car to the stroller without waking them 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 Double.
Another option is the joovy qool double bundle, which works with two infant car seats (car seat adapters sold separately) and includes an additional Rumble seat that can be converted into a second seat when your children outgrow their car seat. It features a stadium-style seating arrangement with plenty of space for legs and can be set up to allow your children to interact with each other or the world. It cannot accept two bassinets as well as an infant car seat, and a riding board at the exact same time. It is a great choice for families with several young children.