Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat

A double stroller with an infant car seat could be essential when you have twins or kids of similar age. If you're thinking of purchasing a stroller, you should think about your budget and the length of time you'll use it for.

Kate says she was pleased with the stroller's light and maneuvers well. She also liked the ease with which it folded, however she found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.

Size

Size is an important aspect to take into consideration when selecting a double stroller with car seats for your infant. The stroller should be compact and slim enough parents can easily maneuver it on crowded sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be compact and easy to fold to fit in the trunk of a smaller vehicles.

If you are planning to have twins or children that are very similar in age, think about purchasing a double stroller that has two seats that can fit infant car seats. These double strollers are more expensive, but have a longer lifespan and can be used until toddlerhood or beyond. For example, our top pick the UPPAbaby Vista Double has a wide range of seating options and can accommodate two infant car seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.

We also prefer strollers that work with a range of infant car seat brands. This allows families to have a wider selection to choose from. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vista can accept the UPPAbaby Mesa, as well as a variety of other infant car seats that have adapters, and also can be used with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.

Some parents choose to buy a single-to-double stroller that can adapt to a second child, but we suggest purchasing what you need at the right time. You might have a second child arrive later than you anticipated or your first child might not be capable of walking. Moreover, the type of seating on a double stroller with infant car seat can make or break siblings' relationships, especially for children who are close in age.

Weight

Double strollers are heavier than single models. They come with two seats and more cargo, which means the final pushing weight is higher. This weight is important to take into consideration when selecting the best lightweight double stroller model, especially if you plan on using it for long walks and jogs. The most effective models can handle the extra weight with minimal movement and swaying.

It's also worth weighing the price of a double stroller in relation to its longevity. The more expensive strollers are constructed better and come with more seating configuration options and will last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The joovy Qool double bundle, for example, accepts car seat adapters for two infant carseats and can accommodate a second rider via an attachable bassinet. This configuration is ideal for twins or children of different ages, or siblings with a gap between them.

The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great choice for parents on a tight budget since it can be transformed into a tandem stroller (single file) and accommodates two car seats for infants. It's light and compact making it easy to move around even with the additional weight.

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is another budget-friendly option. It's comparable to award-winning models that are more expensive and offers multiple seating configurations. Its side-by-side seat design allows for twins or children with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customized by adding add-ons like dual canopies twin bassinets, twin stroller with car seats bassinets or altered seats that act as toddler seats. This versatile stroller also has a relatively quick fold and a small footprint that makes it easier to be tucked away in a trunk. The stroller is not designed to be used until children are able to sit without assistance, so children younger than that require assistance or placed into a car seat.

Convenience

It's simpler and less stressful to take your family on a trip if you transfer your infant car seat seamlessly from the vehicle to the stroller. Instead of trying to fold a stroller, while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, you can just click the seat into place and begin moving. This is a fantastic option for long journeys, especially when you don't want to unbuckle and buckle your child every couple of minutes.

Many parents with twins opt for a travel system that can accommodate two infants in the car seat at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip, for instance, provides this capability and comes with the added benefit of a bench seat for older siblings. However, it's not compatible with all kinds of infant car seats, and it's a little heavy for some families.

Some parents choose a double-stroller equipped with an adapter for car seats that is integrated that works with all the major infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers a great value for the features it provides. It's not the best double buggy double-stroller, as it only works with one. However it's a great option for a lot of families.

Other double strollers require a more intricate procedure to attach and detach the car seat. For instance the UPPAbaby vist v2 double requires you to push down, then hear a loud click in order to be sure that it's securely secured. It's a little more difficult to use in parking spaces especially in the case of hungry or tired children. And while it does grow with your family, we don't think it's the most suitable option for parents with twins since you'll need to buy a separate toddler seat when your kids are old enough for it.

Durability

A double stroller with infant car seat needs to be built to last. It should also fit your lifestyle and budget whether you plan to use the stroller for a few or many years. Consider the quality of the fabric and its components, including the tires, before making your purchase.

A stroller that has a large and deep basket can accommodate plenty of diapers, groceries and other supplies. A large console for the parents with cup holders is beneficial, as is a sun canopy which provides adequate coverage. Make sure the stroller can handle off-road terrain and narrow city sidewalks.

Parents of twins may prefer a side by side stroller to allow the same access and view to both children. Other parents with children of different ages may opt for a tandem double stroller stroller that allows the rear child's seat to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers tend to be heavier than single strollers, however, and can cause sibling squabbles when the seats are set at different heights.

A stroller with a handlebar that is adjustable can allow you to adjust it to the appropriate height for your needs and a one-hand fold mechanism is an excellent feature. Another feature to look out for is a compact footprint that can easily fit 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 combine the seating units and cots to accommodate multiples, twins or a single double stroller (Get the facts) child of varying age groups. The durable design and flexibility in seating arrangements make it a worthwhile purchase if you intend to keep it for many years to come.

Safety

A great stroller should be safe for the children who are in the seat as well as the parent who pushes them. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests looking for a stroller with ergonomic handlebars, simple brakes and an adjustable seat harness. She also advises avoiding any accessories that add to the burden of a stroller such as ride-on boards or extra child seats.

A double stroller must be sturdy enough to navigate different surfaces easily including suburban sidewalks and parks trails. It should be robust enough to move over bumps and curbs with ease and also able to be adapted for navigating a steep incline or climbing and descending stairways. Additionally it should be easy to fold and fit into a trunk without losing its size or maneuverability.

Parents with twins or other siblings who are close in age might want to consider a stroller that can fit two infant car seats. This will give them the flexibility to move sleeping children from the car to a stroller without disturbing them. 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.

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 transforms into a second seat when your kids outgrow their car seat. It features stadium seating with plenty of legroom and can be configured to make your children face each other or the entire world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets, an infant car seat, or riding boards simultaneously. However, it is a great option for families with a lot of young children.