Selecting a Double Stroller With Infant Car Seat

A double stroller with an infant car seat is essential for twins or two children with similar ages. If you're planning to purchase one, it's crucial to think about your budget and the length of time you're planning to use the stroller.

Kate liked that the stroller was lightweight and easy to maneuver. She also liked how easily it folded, but found the magnetic buckles difficult to fasten.

Size

When choosing a double stroller that includes an baby car seats, size is a crucial consideration. The stroller should be small and slim enough that parents are able to easily maneuver it through crowded sidewalks or through the narrow subway gates. The stroller should also be compact and easy to fold, to fit in a vehicle trunk or small vehicle.

If you plan on having twins or children that are very close in age, think about purchasing a double stroller that has two seats that can accommodate infant car seats. These double strollers cost more, but have a longer lifespan and can be used until the age of toddlers or beyond. Our top pick, the UPPAbaby V2 Double, offers a range of seating options. It can be used with two infant seats or toddler seats that can be converted into bassinets.

We also like strollers that can be used with different infant car seats and offers more models for families to choose from. For example the UPPAbaby Vista can work with the UPPAbaby Mesa, as well as a variety of other infant car seats that have adapters, and also is compatible with the Baby Jogger Glider Board for an additional, standing passenger.

Many parents buy a stroller that is single to double that can be modified to accommodate a second child. We recommend buying what you need now. A second kid may arrive later than you expected or your primary child may not take to walking. Moreover, the type of seating on a double stroller with infant car seat can affect sibling relations, especially for kids that are very close in age.

Weight

Double strollers are generally heavier than single models. They come with two seats and more cargo, which means the final pushing weight is higher. This is an important factor to consider when deciding on your ideal model, especially when you intend to use it for long walks or jogging. The best models will be able to handle the extra weight with a minimum of movement and swaying.

It is also important to consider the long-term durability of a double-stroller. The higher-end strollers are built better and come with more seating configurations which means they last longer than their less expensive counterparts. The double-joovy bundle is a good example. It accepts adapters for two car seats for infants and can accommodate a second rider via a bassinet that attaches. This configuration is ideal for twins or children of different ages or siblings that have gaps between them.

The Baby Trend Double Snap N'Go is a great choice for parents with a limited budget, as it can be converted to a tandem stroller (single file) and accepts two car seats for infants. It's compact and lightweight which makes it easy to move around despite the added weight.

Another budget-friendly option is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double. It's similar to higher-priced award winners and offers a variety of seating configurations for kids of different ages and stages. Its side-by-side seat design allows for twins or kids with different ages, and it can be customized with add-ons like dual canopies twin bassinets, twin bassinets or altered seats that act as toddler seats. It can be folded easily and has a tiny footprint, making it easy to fit into the trunk. It's not designed to be used until kids can sit up unassisted, however the younger ones will need to be carried or put in a car seat.

Convenience

It's more convenient and less stressful take your family on a trip if you transfer your infant car seat seamlessly from the vehicle to the stroller. You can simply click the seat into place and move the stroller without having to fold it while holding a baby and a toddler. This feature is particularly helpful for long journeys where you don't need to unbuckle or re-buckle your child every few minutes.

Many parents with twins opt for a travel system that can accommodate two infant car seat at the same time. The Graco Fast Action Flip offers this functionality, and also comes with a 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 little heavy for some families.

Some parents prefer a double buggy from birth-stroller with an integrated car seat adapter that works with the majority of infant car safety seats. Evenflo Pivot Xpand Combo offers an excellent value for the features it provides. While it's not the ideal double stroller for infant twins (it is only compatible with one) it works well for many families and is a great option for those looking for a one-and-done purchase.

Other double strollers come with a more complex method of attaching and disconnecting the car seat. The UPPAbaby Vist Double for instance, requires you to press down, and then hear a loud click to know it's securely secured. It's more difficult to use in parking spaces especially when you have hungry or exhausted children. As it grows with your family, we don’t think it’s the best choice for parents with twins. You'll have to buy an additional toddler chair when your children reach an age.

Durability

A double stroller with infant car seats should be sturdy and built to last. It should also fit your budget and lifestyle, whether you plan to use it for only a few years or many more. Be sure to consider the quality of the stroller's fabric and its 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 items. A large parent console with cup holders is also useful, as well as an umbrella sunshade that offers adequate coverage. Also, ensure that the stroller is able handle off-road terrain and navigate the narrow sidewalks of cities.

Parents of twins may prefer a stroller that is side by side to allow the same access and view to both children. Other parents with children of different ages could opt for a tandem stroller that allows the seat of the rear child to be adjusted by raising or lowering it. Tandem strollers tend to be bulkier than single strollers, however, and can cause sibling rivalries if the seats are at different heights.

A stroller with an adjustable handlebar will allow you to adjust the height to your liking. Also having a one-hand folding mechanism can be useful. A most compact double stroller footprint is another feature to take into consideration. It should be able to fit in your trunk, and will require only a little storage space.

A modular stroller, like the CYBEX Gazelle provides unbeatable flexibility. It is possible to mix and combine the seating units and cots to accommodate multiples, twins or one child of different age groups. The sturdy construction and versatility in seating arrangements make it a worthwhile investment if you are planning to keep it for many years.

Safety

A quality stroller must be safe for the children riding in the seats as well as the parent pushing them. Certified child safety technician Alli Cavasino suggests looking for a stroller with ergonomic handlebars, brakes that are easy to use and an adjustable seat harness. She also advises avoiding any accessories that add to the weight of the stroller, such as ride-on boards or additional child seats.

A double stroller must be sturdy enough to handle different surfaces, from suburban sidewalks and paths to paved roads. It should be strong enough to handle bumps and curbs easily but also flexible enough to scale steep steps or navigate steep incline. It should also be simple to fold and fit into the trunk of a car without restricting its size or maneuverability.

Parents of twins or siblings who are similar in age may think about a double stroller that is able to accommodate two car seats for infants. This will allow them to have the flexibility to move sleeping kids from the car into a stroller without waking them. Many of our best-scoring strollers are compatible with two infant car seats, including the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double or the UPPAbaby vista V2 Double.

Another option is the joovy qool smallest double buggy 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 once your children are old enough for their car seat. It offers stadium-style seating with plenty of room for legs and is able to be set to allow your children to interact with each other or the world. It is not able to accommodate two bassinets, a baby car seat, or a riding board at the exact same time. However, it is a great choice for families with multiple young children.