Maryann Tebbutt

Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat

A double stroller that includes an infant car seat is a necessity for twins or two children with similar ages. If you're planning to purchase one, you must consider your budget and the length of time you plan to use the stroller.

Kate liked that the stroller was light and easy to maneuver. She also appreciated how easily it folded, but she found the magnetic buckles difficult to secure.

Size

Size is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a double stroller with a car seat for your baby. Parents should be able to move the stroller comfortably on crowded sidewalks and through narrow subway gates, which implies that it should be fairly small and compact. The stroller must also be compact and easy to fold, so that it can fit in the trunk of a small vehicle.

Consider a double stroller that has two seats and can accommodate a car seat for an infant if you are planning to have twins or children who are similar in age. These models will be more expensive than other double strollers however they offer a longer stroller life and can be used through toddlerhood or even beyond. Our top pick is the UPPAbaby V2 Double, has a variety of seating configurations. It can be used with two infant seats or toddler seats that convert into bassinets.

We also like strollers that work with many different infant car seat brands and offers a wider selection of strollers for families to pick from. For instance, the UPPAbaby Vista is compatible with 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 the third, standing person.

Some parents buy a single to double stroller that can be adjusted to accommodate a second child. We suggest buying the items you require right now. You might have an additional child arrive later than expected or your first child might not be able to walk. Additionally, the type of seating on a double stroller and infant car seats can make or break siblings, particularly for kids that are very close in age.

Weight

Double strollers are heavier than single strollers. Double strollers have two seats and carry more cargo. The weight of the stroller is therefore heavier. This weight is important to consider when deciding on your ideal model, especially when you intend to use it for long walks and running. The best models will handle the extra weight with minimal movement and shifting.

It's also worth weighing the cost of a double stroller against its longevity. The top strollers are constructed better and offer more seating configuration options which means they last longer than their lower-cost counterparts. The double bundle from Joovy, for instance, accepts adapters for two infant car seats and can accommodate a secondary child via a bassinet which connects. This configuration can work for twins, children of different ages or siblings that have a gap in age.

Parents on a budget might find the Baby Trend Double Snap-N-Go an appealing option, since it can accommodate two infant car seats and can be converted into a tandem (single-file) stroller. It's lightweight and compact making it easy to maneuver, even with the additional weight.

Another option that is budget-friendly is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's similar to models that have won awards, but are more expensive and offer different seating configurations. The side-by-side design of the seat allows for twins or children with varying ages. Additionally, it can be customised with accessories such as dual canopies twin bassinets, twin stroller bassinets or altered seats that act as toddler seats. This versatile stroller also has a quick fold and a compact footprint that makes it easy to be tucked away in the trunk. It's not designed to be used until kids are able to sit and stand double stroller unassisted, however the younger ones will require assistance or placed in a car seat.

Convenience

Seamlessly transferring your infant car seat from the car into the stroller can make family trips more enjoyable and less stressful. Instead of trying to fold a stroller while keeping one hand on the baby and another on a toddler, you can simply click the seat into position and start moving. This is a fantastic option for long journeys, especially when you don't want to unbuckle and then return your child to the seat every few minutes.

Parents with twins typically opt for a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seats simultaneously. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this feature, and comes with the option of a bench seat that could be used by older siblings. It's not compatible with all brands of infant car seats and it's a bit heavy for certain families.

Some parents prefer a double stroller with an integrated car seat adapter that is compatible with the majority of infant car seats. The Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo is an excellent choice and comes at a reasonable 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 many families and is a good choice if you're hoping for a one-and-done purchase.

Other double strollers require a more complicated process to attach and detach the car seat. For example, the UPPAbaby vist double requires you to push down, and then hear a loud clicking sound for confirmation that it's securely secured. It's a little more challenging to use in a parking lot, especially if your kids are hungry or tired. While it will grow with your family, we don't think it's the best choice for parents of twins. You'll need purchase an additional toddler chair when your children are old enough.

Durability

A double stroller and infant car seats must be durable and built to last. It should also suit your budget and lifestyle, whether you intend to use the stroller for a few or several years. When you are making a purchase be sure to consider the fabric of the stroller and its components, like its tires.

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

Parents of twins may choose an equilateral stroller to give equal visibility and access to both children. However, parents with children of different ages might choose a tandem style that allows the rear child to be raised or lower. Tandem strollers are typically heavier than single strollers, however, and could cause sibling fights in the event that the seats are different heights.

A stroller equipped with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust it to the right 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 only a small amount of storage space.

A modular stroller, like the CYBEX Gazelle is a model that offers unbeatable flexibility. You can mix and combine the cots and seating units to accommodate twins, multiples or a single child of varying age. Its sturdy design and a variety of seating configurations make it clear that this top-of-the-line model is worth the price should you intend to keep it for a long period of time.

Safety

A safe stroller is secure for the child sitting in the seat and for the person pushing it. Certified child passenger safety technician Alli Cavasino recommends looking for strollers that have ergonomic handlebars, simple brakes and a seat harness that can be adjusted. She also suggests avoiding any accessories that add weight of a child's stroller like ride-on boards, as well as extra child seats.

A double stroller needs to be strong enough to traverse a variety of surfaces smoothly, from suburban sidewalks to park trails. It should be sturdy enough to withstand curbs and bumps with ease and yet flexible enough to climb stairs or negotiate steep slopes. It should also be simple to fold up and fit into the trunk of a car without any compromise in size or maneuverability.

Parents of twins or siblings who are similar in age might want to consider a double stroller which can accommodate two infant car seats. This allows them to transfer sleeping children from the car to the stroller without waking them up. Many of our top-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seats, such as the Evenflo Pivot Xpand double car seat stroller or the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Double.

The joovy double bundle is another alternative. It includes two infant car seats and an add-on rumble chair which can be turned into a second one once your children outgrow the car seat. It has stadium seating with plenty of leg room and can be configured to make your children face each other or the entire world. It can't accept two bassinets or an infant car seat or riding board simultaneously however it's a great choice for families with multiple young children.