Double or 2 single strollers?

[DumboPrincess]

Well, we are tentatively (well, DH is tentative, I am not )planning our trip for this November. WOOHOO! It will be our girls first trip and they will be almost 5 and 2 yr. 4 mos. at that time. So...I know we will want a stroller for both of them. The question is--2 singles or 1 double?

Some info-- we will be staying off site, and are driving down. The girls get along REALLY well so they won't bother each other in a double. So give me all the pros and cons from those that have been there--and I know there are a lot of you! And, if there was a stroller that worked really well, feel free to tell me the style and brand Thanks in advance--you guys are awesome!

 

[Diz Kids]

I would recommend a double, since they may not both want to be in the stroller the entire time. A double will leave one of you free to hold hands with whoever is not in the stroller. We just took a double for the first time with a 3 yo and 2 yo. In the past we have used two singles, but with DS getting older I didn't think he would want to be in a stroller much and I was right. I have to admit, DH did just about all of the pushing, so having the double was very easy for me! It is easier to get around with two singles, especially if there are large crowds, but we found that the double was overall less of a hassle. We have a Maclaren Twin Techno side by side.

 

[tanyaandallie]

Oh the big debate!!! It's one that is debated often here. Many swear by the 2 singles. I much prefer the double. My kids are close enough in age (22 mos apart) that we do not split up. So, there really is no need for 2 singles. I like it that if I need to run to get a fast pass or a drink or run into a store, dh only has to keep up with one stroller.

We have 2 sbs doubles. A Maclaren Ralley Twin and a Baby Planet Unity Sport. I like both. Our Mac was broken on a recent flight and we could not get it fixed in time to take it with us when we went 2 weeks ago. So, I bought the Unity Sport. The Mac is an awesome sbs stroller. It folds up small (for a double), comes with a rain shield, has little pockets on the back of the canopy for their autograph books, holds 2 kids up to 55 lbs each. My issue with it is that when it broke, the company made me very angry. We needed 1 super tiny piece to fix the darn thing and they would not send it to us. They force you to take it to one of their service cetners. Since thye only have a handful of svc centers, you are forced to mail it and incur shipping both ways on a heavy stroller. The only other thing I don't like about Macs is that you can't hand a bag on the back of the stroller w/out a chid in the stroller or it will flip backwards.

I was not so sure about the Unity Sport when we got it. It does not fold down as small as the Mac and is heavier. But, it actually worked out fine. it's not that much bigger or heavier than the Mac. Does not come with a rain cover or the pockets on the back that I like on the Mac. The one thing it has is this awesome Easy Steer handle. WOW. LOVED it. It made pushing the stroller a dream!! I wish our Mac had something similar. The kids loved the Unity sport. They were super comfy in it.

I honestly have no idea if other strollers companies have the same issues as Maclaren when you have a broken stroller. But, it's my major issue with their ocmpany now. Other than that, the strollers are excellent.

 

[TJA]

Well our particular situation is this: we have twins age 4-1/2 and we never split up at the parks. What works best for us is a double jogger. We use a jogger rather than a stroller because the jogger handles the weight better at this age. We've taken a Dreamer jogger in the past but just purchased a Baby Jogger City Series Double and cannot wait to take it to Disney in a couple months! The advantages of the Baby Jogger over our Dreamer include the one-step fold system and also the head height goes a lot higher.

 

[Zeebs]

We will be taking two singles, that way a parent will be in "charge" (so to speak) of one child, meaning that we can split for rides if required to go to the bathroom etc. Also if we need to disapline a child for any reason we don't need to penalise the other by all staying together. Plus surely 1 stroller will be slightly easier to get around with than a double. Just my opinion will let you know if it works when we return.

Kirsten

 

[katie111]

We've done the 2 singles the past 2 years with our DD now 5 and DS now 4. As the previous poster said it was just always easier for us to have one person in charge of each child. What we often did was just get to a section of a park & then park one or both of the strollers while we walked around that area. Then we'd just pick them up once we were done & move on to the next section. There was really never a need to be pushing an empty stroller. Also, it was nice because often times the older one didn't need the stroller so we weren't pushing a double with only one child in it. Also if one fell asleep & the other one wanted to do something, i.e. get a snack or go to the bathroom, you could just take that child in their stroller. We used chicco umbrella strollers, I think they cost about $40 each & they were fine. I actually started using them as my primary stroller once we got home because they were so lightweight. We've since added a new addition to the family, so when we head to FL next week I'm bringing my new Joovy ultralight sit-n-stand for the 3 of them but I think I'll definitely miss having my 2 singles.

 

[mommylibrarian]

My husband and I debated over this from the moment I knew I was pregnant with baby two. We eventually bought a double stroller (the joovy sit/stand model). We took it to the zoo when DD was just over 2.5 and DS was itty bitty (six months). It was awful. Hot, heavy, and cumbersome. It also took up the majority of the trunk space in our Saturn Vue and weighs about 20 lbs.

So the following year, when we took them to Disney in June, we opted for two strollers... our old Combi lightweight ($99 back in 04) and an umbrella stroller we got free when we bought a car seat for DS. The Combi has some storage underneath (not much) and a couple of pockets, but it folds easily and is very light. With a 40lb 3y.o. and a 28lb. 1y.o., I was SO glad for it. I took one, DH took the other, and we switched often. Occassionally one of us did have to mind two strollers, but not often enough to justify either one of us having to push around close to 90 lbs. in the heat of the summer.

We're selling the Joovy, though, if you want it.

Now, if I could have purchased a double MacLaren, I might be singing a different tune. We just couldn't swing it (I mean, we have to pay for Disney, right?!)

Whatever you pick, make sure you can get it down there... fold it and unfold it easily, and be sure it weighs less than 15 pounds if possiblee.

 

[twinmom2]

We've done the 2 singles the past 2 years with our DD now 5 and DS now 4. As the previous poster said it was just always easier for us to have one person in charge of each child. What we often did was just get to a section of a park & then park one or both of the strollers while we walked around that area. Then we'd just pick them up once we were done & move on to the next section. There was really never a need to be pushing an empty stroller. Also, it was nice because often times the older one didn't need the stroller so we weren't pushing a double with only one child in it. Also if one fell asleep & the other one wanted to do something, i.e. get a snack or go to the bathroom, you could just take that child in their stroller. We used chicco umbrella strollers, I think they cost about $40 each & they were fine. I actually started using them as my primary stroller once we got home because they were so lightweight. We've since added a new addition to the family, so when we head to FL next week I'm bringing my new Joovy ultralight sit-n-stand for the 3 of them but I think I'll definitely miss having my 2 singles.

Exactly what the above poster said!!! Rarely pushed an empty stroller. I have twins and when we first started going to Disney we used a double for about 3-4 trips. It was so frustrating trying to get through crowds at the parade times or at night. Anyway, we bought two single Maclarens and there is no going back. We breeze through crowds and it has been great getting on and off the tram & monorail.

Have a great time.

 

[twinmom2]

My husband and I debated over this from the moment I knew I was pregnant with baby two. We eventually bought a double stroller (the joovy sit/stand model). We took it to the zoo when DD was just over 2.5 and DS was itty bitty (six months). It was awful. Hot, heavy, and cumbersome. It also took up the majority of the trunk space in our Saturn Vue and weighs about 20 lbs.

So the following year, when we took them to Disney in June, we opted for two strollers... our old Combi lightweight ($99 back in 04) and an umbrella stroller we got free when we bought a car seat for DS. The Combi has some storage underneath (not much) and a couple of pockets, but it folds easily and is very light. With a 40lb 3y.o. and a 28lb. 1y.o., I was SO glad for it. I took one, DH took the other, and we switched often. Occassionally one of us did have to mind two strollers, but not often enough to justify either one of us having to push around close to 90 lbs. in the heat of the summer.

We're selling the Joovy, though, if you want it.

Now, if I could have purchased a double MacLaren, I might be singing a different tune. We just couldn't swing it (I mean, we have to pay for Disney, right?!)

Whatever you pick, make sure you can get it down there... fold it and unfold it easily, and be sure it weighs less than 15 pounds if possiblee.

I agree here too.....If you really want a double and can swing the price....go for the double Maclaren. It is very light weight, folds great, good baskets and will last you. If you do go with a light weight double make sure it has six sets of wheels and not four. The ones with four get very difficult to push when the kids get heavier.

 

[DumboPrincess]

Wow! So much great information! Ours are close in age (2yr 4 mos apart) so I don't imagine we'd split up at all. I also like what a lot of people have said in other posts to (I've been following a lot of stroller posts) about strapping them in the stroller so you don't lose them in the crowds and so they don't get overtired! I think I'm leaning towards a double, and thank you for all the great info (esp. about 6 wheels instead of 4, and for telling me what brands you all used.)That will really help to nary it down. If there is anyone with a fabulous, lightweight double stroller that folds flat easily -- please tell me where you got it! I'm off to google some of the ones you guys mentioned! Thanks again!

 

[DumboPrincess]

Thinking about driving and trunk space--has anyone ever rented a double stroller from A Baby's Best Friend? (ABBF) This would be cheaper than renting in parks, with the advantage of having it 24/7 and not having to bring it from home (since doubles tend to take up a lot of trunk space). Just wondering if anyone has had this experience? More room in the trunk to bring home souviners

 

[tanyaandallie]

My only issue with renting from them is that (I think) they rent the sbs Graco double. It's not super narrow like the more pricey doubles. So, I am not sure that it fits through all doorways. Not 100% positive either way, but pretty sure it's wider than the Macs/Pegs/Combi, etc.

If you are worried about space, you could always buy and have it shipped to your hotel. That doesn't help ont he way home, though.

 

[tanyaandallie]

Oh, wanted to add one more thing! They do sell inexpensive singles at the parks and the hotels. can't remember what kind they are but you could buy 2 of the ones from the hotel and just dump them when you are done.

 

[Not so Dumbo]

We will be taking two singles, that way a parent will be in "charge" (so to speak) of one child, meaning that we can split for rides if required to go to the bathroom etc. Also if we need to disapline a child for any reason we don't need to penalise the other by all staying together. Plus surely 1 stroller will be slightly easier to get around with than a double. Just my opinion will let you know if it works when we return.

Kirsten

My thoughts and expierence exactly. We didn't plan on spliting up but if there long enough, it's bound to happen.

 

[ColleenG]

We have gone 3 times with our Graco Duo Glider double stroller. On our last trip we brought that plus a cheapo ($12) umbrella stroller (with 3 kids). The double stroller with only 2 kids was great. We actually were able to get through the park faster since we could walk at our pace not the kids straggle. The double folded relatively easy to get on and off Disney buses. We have always stayed on property and used WDW transportation. One big pro--lots of storage space underneath. We've always had a small soft cooler, big diaper bag, camera bag, and room for purchases. We were even able to stuff the umbrella stroller in there when not being used. It's easy to steer. One gives you a set of free hands if one wants to walk it.

 

[4winks]

The last 2 trips we have taken our Graco sbs double stroller. The stroller worked great for us. The basket size is a major plus! We didn't have trouble folding it to get on Disney Transportation and it is fairly lightweight. The seats recline for sleeping kids. We are planning a trip in the fall. Our youngest kids will be 4 and 7. Both our kids are tiny for their ages. Dd- 27 lbs (3 1/2 yrs) and Ds-38 lbs (6 1/2). We decided that we are going to take the double sbs stroller again this time. With 4 kids it is much easier having 2 in a stroller - less heads to count - lol! Our 6 yr old often can't keep up anyways. We love our Graco sbs. It is nearly 10 yrs old and has been through 4 kids. I wouldn't trade it!

 

[DumboPrincess]

Thanks for the info--on the www.abbf.com site I'm looking at the double jogging stroller. Any thoughts?

 

[Mickeyherewecome123]

DH and I debated over this for weeks and we finally decided to get two Maclaren Volos. We have these plastic stroller connecters we got for our baby shower (which we have never used) and we are going to connect the strollers together. The nice thing is that if dh wants to take one kid and go on the Haunted Mansion and I can take the other and go on something else. We can disconnect the stroller connecters and have two strollers. But when we are all together dh and I both dont have to worry about pushing a stroller around we can connect them back up.
Just a thought.

Happy planning,
Fran

 

[twinmom2]

Thanks for the info--on the www.abbf.com site I'm looking at the double jogging stroller. Any thoughts?

I just looked.....it seems pretty heavy..30lbs.

I also did what the above poster said....two singles with the clips. lets you ride single or double.

 

[twinmom2]

check this site out....some of the older model maclarens have free shipping and are on sale.

http://babydealz.stores.yahoo.net/mulchilstrol.html