2 kids: 1 double, 2 singles or rental?!?!?!?

[DisFam95]

The never ending stroller saga!!!

I'd like to hear opinions on going w/ a double or 2 singles.

We have DS4 that is not a big walker at malls/parks and DS1

We have a Sit-n-Stand (too heavy for the busses) and a Mac Techno single.

My choices were....

1. Buy a new SBS double. I was looking at the Mac Techno or Rally. I went today and tried them out and it just seemd like DS filled the seat. He's not fat by any means but he is 95% in ht/wt. It moved nice but still seemed bulky (I know nothing will be smaller..I just need to get used to it..definitely smaller than my SitnStand).

2. I thought about just taking the Techno single for the baby and renting another single at the parks but then we would not have a stroller for DS4 at the hotel, to the busses etc.

3. I just thought today about buying a Volo for DS4. The cost of renting would be about $50 for our trip and these run about $100 (have not checked online). SO It would be best to buy.

I think DH can manage the 2 light strollers on the bus ok. My problem is deciding on the double or buying the Volo.

Any opinions appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My son wanted to add these.....

 

[tadamom]

Just curious as to what kind of Sit n Stand you have? I have a Joovy Caboose and I don't think it is heavy at all, especially for the small length of time that it will be folded up on the buses. We are planning our trip for February and I definitely plan on taking that one instead of two small strollers. BTW my kids will be 5 and 2 when we go.

 

[KJMAX1]

We love the Maclaren Double we have, but I had thought of singles. However, if I was holding the baby, my DH would then have to try and push two strollers instead of one. Also, the bus and monorail was an issue for us trying to get a baby and three other little ones onto the transportation.

 

[DisFam95]

I have the one from The Right Start. It was before all these other companies started selling them too I think. It looks just tlike the Joovy but since it was a year ealier it may be a bit heavier..not sure what the weight is.

I still don;t like the front seat on ours much for long duration for the baby..since it technically does not recline..not enough for a comfy sleeping baby.

I like the Mac double. I;m just not sure how much use we'll get out of it. I know they resale well.

I know there are situation where 2 strollers would be a hassle. Sometime DH or I go out to the lobby ahead of the other or the same in the parks. I guess that would come to a stop.

The 2 singles seem nice so each of us can wander the shops w/o feeling like we're going to destroy things. When our oldest was a baby he slept all the time in the stroller and I'm afraid DS4 will disturb him. Also we could always bring napping DS in the restaurant easier in the single stroller up to the table.

We used the hip carrier a lot too (more for lines) so pushing a stroller while 'holding' the baby would bot be a problem.

Keep the debate going!!!

 

[jnordan]

I just went through this, too, and finally settled on the Peg Perego Pliko P3 for my daughters (2 and 4 in September, but we're not going to Disney until May 2007).

We also HAD the Joovy (I sold it when I bought the Peg Perego). I agree with you that it's too heavy. It doesn't fold small, and if you're short like I am, it's TALL when folded. Also, when folded, the back wheels don't roll, so you HAVE to carry it?!? The front seat isn't cozy at all for sleeping for the little one. And finally, I just don't think it pushes/maneuvers that well -- I could really feel the weight -- especially on the back.

I settled on the P3, even though it was expensive, because it's perfect for what we need now even on a day-to-day basis (and after I sold my Joovy, the price didn't seem so bad!). The seat is so comfy for my little one and she can still sleep if she wants. The sun shade covers her pretty much entirely. It's a breeze to fold/carry/transport. And it's WONDERFUL to push. Even with my 4 year old standing on the back (she's not a big walker, either, but she's fine to stand rather than sit), it navigates so well and doesn't feel heavy in the least. Truly. And it's still the SIZE of a single stroller! We've gone for several 45+ minutes walks since we've had it -- up hills, over curbs, into town . . . And I love it. My older daughter can stand on it for that entire length of time without any problems at all and is comfortable.

So, I'm hoping it's all we need for our trip to Disney, too. I figure, if we get there and find that we really do need something else, then we'll either rent a stroller for my older daughter or possibly buy a REALLY cheap $20 umbrella that we'll give away at the end of the trip. But I truly don't think we'll have to do that . . .

Not sure if you'll make the same decision we did, but I hope I helped! In any case, good luck -- I hope you find whatever is just right for you!

 

[KJMAX1]

Have you thought of two of the newer style umbrella strollers that recline, and have canopies and baskets? You could get the locking clips...Then they are together when needed, and apart when wanted?

Plus I think I will really enjoy our Mac there because if we cant fit into any stores itll be nice to not have DH second guessing my purchases!

Also no hip hugger or front pack here...My DS 4mos old is in the 90th to 100% for weight! I dont know WHERE he got his weight from <all the rest of the kids were skinny compared to him> but honestly, he breaks my neck or back!

 

[2dogmom]

The problem with a sit n stand is your older son won't be able to tall asleep, right? So that may not be a good idea if he likes to pass out when he is tired (I have a 6yo that falls asleep almost every night at WDW).

I was traveling by myself last Dec to WDW with my then 5 and 3yo girls and I bought the jeep double. That worked out well for me. On a previous trip, when I went with their dad to WDW, we used 2 singles and used the stroller connectors. I thought those worked wonderfully. We were able to talk together or split up, and one person could easily push both strollers. The only downfall to those was it made the strollers wider than a SBS so we had to unconnect to get through the gates. It was easier on the monorail with the singles because we didn't need to wait for the handicap cars to fit.

 

[blitzkrieg048]

We've used side by side strollers but the only thing with that is it's very difficult to navigate when in stores or in crowds. The front to back double would be a little eaiser. We used the side by side b/c it is not bulky for the buses.

 

[DisFam95]

I love all the opinions!!!

We're difinetely not doing the Sit n STand due to the DS4 may fall asleep if he's tires enough. It is too bulky/heavy IMO for the bus.

I think I'm sold on getting another Mac. We tried the new Volo yesterday and it was nice. I can't believe it's 8.6 lbs and the shoulder strap is nice.

Now my question is how well the stroller connectors work! Guess I'll start a thread on that

It's not purchased yet so not a done deal so you can keep the thoughts coming!

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KTMB]

I have the same type of question too. We're going 9/1-9/6, and it will be me, DH, DD (2.5) and DS (4 months). We have a DuoGlider that we were planning on taking, but now this thread has me reconsidering. DS will definitely need one that fully reclines and that accepts his Graco infant seat. We have a single Graco stroller that would work, but then would have to take an umbrella stroller or buy something else for DD.

The other concern is that DS will be very hot in his infant carrier snapped into the double stroller (a lot of material snuggling him in). I'd like to leave the carrier at home (or at least in our resort room), but then I'd have to hold him every time we eat. I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining, but I know I'll need my hands free for taking pictures of the characters with my DD. I have a Baby Bjorn Active Carrier. Maybe that's my best option to put him in during lunch/dinner.

Any advice?

 

[jnordan]

The only thing to remember about the stroller connectors, from what I've read (I was THIS close to buying two Volos and doing the connectors, myself!) is that you need to use them with two identical strollers. Again, that's what I've read, so maybe it's not really the case . . . but just make sure!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

We're taking our first trip to DL in September, with a newly-minted 6yo and a 2yo. I've been debating also whether to bring 2 strollers from home or bring 1, rent 1. I think I've talked myself into the latter after pushing my 2nd (cheaper, lighter, harder-to-push) stroller for half a day; my hands were really starting to ache!

I think we'd only need a 2nd one in the evenings, and perhaps not the first few evenings...? Hard to say at this point, but previously people have said to plan on needing a stroller for DS6. So we'll see how it goes, and rent if we need to.

 

[DisFam95]

KTMB..sent you a PM

jnordan: I have a Mac so I'm going to compare it against the other one I want to get. Hopefully BRU has these in the store. I've called 2 other specialty stores and they don't have them.

Hey..ebay!!

I'm off to check.

 

[imp&pixie]

We're taking our first trip to DL in September, with a newly-minted 6yo and a 2yo. I've been debating also whether to bring 2 strollers from home or bring 1, rent 1. I think I've talked myself into the latter after pushing my 2nd (cheaper, lighter, harder-to-push) stroller for half a day; my hands were really starting to ache!

I think we'd only need a 2nd one in the evenings, and perhaps not the first few evenings...? Hard to say at this point, but previously people have said to plan on needing a stroller for DS6. So we'll see how it goes, and rent if we need to.

I could have written this same post.

We are going on our first WDW trip ever in September and my kids will be almost 6 and 2. What I did was buy two new strollers, a nice Mac Volo (that's rated to be able to carry a heavier kid - DS weighs about 40lbs.) and a cheap Kolcraft. What I figured we'd do is to take one stroller to the park in the morning and then probably take two to the park for the evenings. We are planning on returning to the hotel midday for rests and swimming.

 

[mikkiwikki]

I could have written this same post.

We are going on our first WDW trip ever in September and my kids will be almost 6 and 2. What I did was buy two new strollers, a nice Mac Volo (that's rated to be able to carry a heavier kid - DS weighs about 40lbs.) and a cheap Kolcraft. What I figured we'd do is to take one stroller to the park in the morning and then probably take two to the park for the evenings. We are planning on returning to the hotel midday for rests and swimming.

We are in the same boat...DS will be 6 for our next trip...and dd will be 3 +...almost 4... so...Im really torn. An umbrella stroller could do.,,,but....something would be missing..ie the ability to sleep comfortably.

We rented a double at disney last trip..for both kids.....and all I can say is...it really didnt work out. I hate to rent two singles, for many reasons...one being I cant talk with my hubby while we are walking.

Is the Mac Volvo sturdy enough for a 46 lb child? doesnt even say on their website!

http://www.maclarenbaby.com/national/us_xl/2006_collection/buggies/product.php?m=techno_xt

 

[cinjam]

I used the stroller connectors on our last trip to WDW on two Mac Quests (kids were 5 and 2). They worked ok - just OK. It is just a short term kind of thing - I wouldn't take off with both kids and the stroller connectors. It takes a little bit of work to lock all three properly in place. Having separate strollers worked out fine, but I prefer the double.

We are going in September, and I just put a bid in on a 2005 Mac Twin Traveller (my husband is groaning as I type ). I'll leave it all in fates' hands - if I win the auction then a double it is this trip; if not, we are back to two singles LOL

 

[DisFam95]

I tried all the strollers today w/ the kids in them (we camped out in the stroller aisle for 45minutes )

I kept kicking the the center wheel in the double. I had to adjust my walk so I can't imagine that for a week in WDW. Maybe my legs are too long ..I'm only 5'8".

I think I'm going to go w/ getting another single..probably the Quest..it seemed more comfy.

 

[english rose 47]

Dgs will be 5 and he is avery big boy now. He doesnt like to walk far and definately would sleep in a stroller if it was comfy, so a reclining one is a must. Wa are looking at the 3 wheeler ones they look so sturdy and recline , have storage and fold. Anyone have any comments on them?

 

[mikkiwikki]

Can someone tell me where I Might buy such a thing? Ive never heard of or seen.....a locking clip or a stroller connector..

Have you thought of two of the newer style umbrella strollers that recline, and have canopies and baskets? You could get the locking clips...Then they are together when needed, and apart when wanted?

 

[DisFam95]

mikkiwikki: do a google search on 'stroller connector" and you'll find lots of baby stores selling them. The big brand I always see is Prince Lionheart. Also on ebay but w/ shipping I find most people end up paying more than you get from online baby stores..unless you buy from a person selling them used.