Question about Double strollers

[Rapunsel]

I need some help!!!!
I just found out that we are expecting baby #2 at Christmas. But my question is... Do we need a double stroller. my DS will be 3 when the baby arrives. We love to take walks in our village and go places, But they can be so big.

So my questions.. If I do want one do I want a side by side?
Do I want them on in front of the other?
Is there a lightweight collapasable stroller that reclines and has a basket? Or am I dreaming?

I do have a travel system that I will use for flying and everything, but for just around home and going to the mall. I ususally go a lot on my own.

I am also considering purchasing a Maya Wrap to use also.

If I could get some advice about it that would be so AWESOME! I know everyone out there has some great ideas!!

Thank you in advance..


Rapunsel

 

[my3princes]

My middle son was 5 when my baby was born and he did ride in the stroller a lot at Disney. I currently have a 17 mth old and take care of a 21 mth old. I use my double stroller every day. I couldn't live without it. We have a tandem (one in front of the other). I use it alot when shopping and sometimes isles are tight. I know that it a lot of instances a side by side wouldn't fit through store isles.

 

[bartleby1]

Unless you have a child that REALLY loves to walk, I'd say it wouldn't be a bad investment. My DD was 2-1/2 when DS was born and I definitely needed a double. My kids are now 4 and 2 and I still use my double for long shopping trips at the mall and going to the local zoo. I do, however, have two light weight strollers that I use for disney. And, now that DD is 4, I don't keep the double in my car all the time anymore. I just keep a lightweight single for my 2 year old.

A good friend of mine kept insisting she didn't need a double when her second son was born because her older loved to walk (he was 3 yrs, 2mths old at the time). However, she found it too difficult and unsafe to have her 3 yr old "loose" at the mall while she was tending to the newborn, shopping, ordering lunch, etc. She ended up getting a double also.

By the way, we have a Graco tandem (front/back). It is big and a little bulky, but the best one we found in our price range. The one thing I don't like about ours is that it doesn't have a cup holder or tray for the parents. I believe the newer Gracos do have that option though. They may even be making a lighter weight one now.

I stayed away from the side by side models after seeing some moms have difficulty getting into tight spaces at the mall, especially trying to fit between tables in the food court and mcdonalds. Also, I have heard that some have a tendency to pull to one side if you children aren't of equal weight.

HTH!

 

[ajksmom]

Hi! My children are 20,17, & 3. Since my middle child was born I have had a double stroller!! Front/Back as opposed to side by side because there are some tight spots that I can't imagine getting thru with a side by side. I love mine so much that on my last trip to WDW my then 9 month old son rode around in comfort in the back seat of the double stroller. Hooked up one of those stroller fans, kept the sun shade open-cool and out of the sun!!! And I had plenty of storage place for all of our stuff! It is a Graco and on the heavier side but when closed it rolls along so the weight was never an issue. Took it on the busses never any problems.

 

[Kermit]

If I were in your shoes, this is what I would do.

I'd wait until the baby is born before you buy a stroller. That way you can really practice at the store with both children in the stroller. Since your older one is old enough to walk on shorter trips, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. It will especially be okay if the baby ends up liking the sling. I'm going to have a newborn and a 19 month old in August, and I'm really going to try to get this one to love being in a sling so that I can use a single stroller for the older one most of the time. (My first hated the sling.) I will have a double stroller, though.

I agree that a tandem stroller, rather than a side-by-side, will probably suit your needs best. In addition to the reasons that have already been stated, a lot of side-by-sides can be hard to push when the children aren't close in weight. The cheaper ones don't even recline fully for an infant.

 

[Scoootch]

Hi there!

I have a 3 (almost 4yr old - as of June) and a 7 month old and we go to WDW alot -- I cannot imagine not having the double stroller as it has been wonderful for us! I don't know what I'd do without it! My 3yr old loves to walk but there are times when we need to be somewhere (like on time for a PS) or when we are trying to catch a show on time and little legs just would not be able to go that fast and being able to put ds in the stroller is a really big help -- plus as much as he likes to walk, most times he ends up skipping the nap and by mid afternoon is tired and either wants to nap in the stroller or just welcomes not having to walk. It's also been great as far as not having to worry about holding his hand (which of course he likes to protest at times because he is "a big boy" lol) and the stroller I have has a huge basket -- great when in the parks and cup holders for me We have a graco duo-glider (front to back). It's a little on the heavy side but worth it because it can hold the weight of my 3yr old. As other's have posted - I think the side by side would be difficult to manage. It's probably nice for just walking around outside while in the parks but as soon as you get indoors in any of the shops or resturaunts I'd think it would be hard to manuver in smaller areas like around tables or in shop isles.

If you're not sure about getting a double alot of people also seem to like the sit and stand strollers too -- that way the child can walk but if they get tired can hop on the stroller too. Just a thought.

I also have a snugli by the way which I've used more when my dd (now 7mos) was first born, but the baby tends to get kind of hot now that she's older and the weather is getting so much warmer. Not sure how that compares to the Maya wrap but for the warmer weather unless indoors in the air conditioning it's a bit to hot - depends on the time of year you'll be there. I know you say your baby will arrive around Christmas but are you going around then? Just something to think about.

HTH's some - have a good trip

 

[Rapunsel]

Thank you all so much for your opinions. I have also talked with other moms and never thought about the getting lunch at the mall factor. Also thanks for the cup holder suggestion.

I was thinking about the sit and stand ones, but my guy loves his stroller and if he needs to conk out... I might be stuck.

I had a snugli for my ds when he was little, but it was so difficult to get him in and out. Then it did not expand on the sides at all. So that was a problem when he got to be about 4 months old.

That is why I was thinking about the Maya Wrap. Where I live in western NY it is still cold here... So I would think it would be helpful when going to the store and stuff so I don't have to lug the infant carrier around. As I am petite and those things are so awkard (?).


Does anyone have any experience with the sit and stand stroller? My best friend is telling me that I will have a hard time pushing a double stroller. But those walks to the park are still what wants me to get a double..


Thank You all so much! I really appreciate your insite..

Rapunsel


We'll most likey go to Disneyland before we head back to WDW as my family is in LA. But I'll admit I have to check these boards on a daily basis..

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi, I have been wondering the same question myself (I am due in Aug and my DD will be 3 1/2 by then.) I see so many of the graco due glides, but I don't seem to really like the look or feel of them. I know that it says it holds bigger kids, but the seats look so cramped, exspecially the frount one. Yes the kid can sit in it, but can they relax or fall asleep? My DD is small for her age (25 ponds now.) But I don't want her to out grow it too fast if I buy one.

We had a sunglie when DD #1 was born, she hated it. I couldn't get her in and out well. Since then many friends have used a baby Bijon, and that is what I plan to get for the second one, they apear alot more comfortable and easy to acess. We had a sling, and DD didn't really feel comfortable in that either, but I guess I will try it again with this baby.

We currenlty have a combi travel savy DX that DD#1 loves, I don't know if she will give it up that easy. I thought about getting one just like it but double, but I have heard it can be hard with kids that are differnt ages.

Since we don't have many other new baby expences (having so much from the 1st child who has outgrown it now.) I don't mind bitting the bullet and getting a good double stroller, I just worry about the bulk and pushing the darn thing.

 

[tiggerzpalz]

We bought the Maclaren Twin Traveler and love it. Had everything else for the second one, and being a second boy born in the same season we even lucked out with clothes. Anyway, it is side by side but is super light, fits through normal doors without any problems, and is very comfortable. Folds up nice and compact. Love it and would recommend it!

 

[bubbasmom99]

My son had just turned 3 when my daughter was born, and we bought the Graco DuoGlider for them. It worked well but it is heavy and bulky. Also, my son was not able to recline in either seat to nap.

We went to WDW when they were 4 & 1 and bought a Graco side-by-side stroller which worked great except that it seemed a bit too wide at times and did not fold up compactly (it folds flat).

If I had to do it over again, I'd pay the extra money for a Combi Twin or a Maclaren, or one of the other ones that is around $300. However, my son, even now that he's turned 5, still likes to ride in the stroller and I know I would have gotten my money's worth out of the use.

You might want to wait and see how much your older child uses the stroller by the time the baby is 6 months old (you might not want to put a newborn in a lightweight umbrella type stroller anyway).

 

[dougsmom98]

We have twin boys who are three now, but have always had a side by side double stroller. We thought about getting the front and back stroller, but if you want this to be an investment and use it for more than this trip, I would go for the side by side. As the children get older, they are both going to want to be next to each other and in the front so they can see everything. We have never had too much trouble getting around because of the width of the side by side stroller except at a few department stores that have really close cothes racks. I can't imagine what a person in a wheel chair must feel like in those stores. It's a little frustrating at those stores, but with twins and a five year old who has time to shop at those stores anyway! Now that the kids are a little older, the side by side is great at places like Disney or other theme parks in particular because they can both hop in and out on their own when we get to the attractions (they are big enough so they don't need to be strapped in all the time). At the parades at Disney, they were side by side and both had a front row seat. Any double stroller is worth the investment. Ours is a Graco, I don't know the model name.
Good luck.
Amy

 

[dijid]

I also vote for side by side. I previously owned a Combi twin and now occassionally use an Inglesina Twin Jet. The twin jet is about as plush and cozy as you can get and my kids love it. I was also able to fit the car seat in here although it's not officially made for it. I actually try to limit my double stroller use and prefer to get by with the Peg Pliko (DS rides on the back steps while DD rides) or put the baby in a sling and bring a single stroller.

If you can afford it, definitely get a good double stroller. Makes a big difference in comfort and maneuverability.

 

[AMaloy314]

I have two boys 16 months apart, now 3 and 2. Absolutely, you should invest in a double stroller!!!! My advice is to go to one of those baby superstores like Baby's R Us. They have a large display of strollers for you to play around with. We have a Grace DuoGlide tandem stroller, which was not at all what I set out to purchase. I was convinced that I wanted a sit and stand one. Once we got there, I found that if my older son was sitting in the back, he can't see anything. If he sits facing the back, like he's supposed to, he gets a great view of my stomach. If he tries to turn around and look out, his view is blocked by the sun shade.

I don't know that I have the best double stroller. In fact, it is bulky and heavy, but I know after trying out several models pushing it through the store with my son test driving, it was the best choice for us.

I will say this also....while you are trying them out, make sure you also try to fold it up. Some of them are pretty complicated!


Now that my boys are a little older, I am considering buying a couple of umbrella strollers and using those clip things to hook them together. I think that would be pretty light and easily packed. I wonder if anyone has any opinion on this idea.

BTW, I had a Maya wrap that I purchased off ebay. MUCH cheaper and when I found I didn't really like it, I turned around and resold it for the same price I paid! Just something to think about.

 

[shelly3girls]

We used the Combi Twin and absolutely loved it. I had no complaints at all. People were amazed at how easily it folded and the size/weight. The Combi and Maclaren are not as wide as some of the other side by sides and I did not have an issue fitting anywhere. The storage is not great, but acceptable. We also had the cup holder attachment that worked fine and came with the stroller.
We originally owned a tandem and returned it because it was so big and bulky. I could have never managed that huge stroller and two kids on my own. Also, it fit in my station wagon but not in my DH's trunk, it was too long. I hit my breaking point when I scratched the bumper of my car getting it out of the back. After that I bought the combi and never regretted it. My DD's were 2 years apart. I think that if I were to do it over again I would look into the Maclaren also. I have friends that rave about it! I now own the Mac Triumph and it is the best stroller, it steers like a dream!
I think your best bet is to take them for a test run. No matter what your decision, I don't think you will regret buying a double stroller. Even though my girls love to walk, they just can't make it through the mall for more than a half hour without sitting/complaining.

 

[pyrxtc]

I have a 3 yr old and 7 month old. My DS won't be 4 til the end of next January but we decided not to get a double stroller. We also take frequent walks around our village and my 3 yr old loves to walk everywhere and is usually very good about staying with us, he hasn't really used the stroller since last summer. If we do put him in it, we have the baby in a front or back pack. I don't see us buying a double stroller anytime in the future unless something happens before my DH gets to his DR. (And I don't see that happening!!) I think if youy are comfortable with your oldest walking (there will be lots of things he wants to touch and lots of getting in and out of the stroller at his age) then just bring the Maya wrap for the baby so you can switch them up.

 

[moinab]

I have a DS, who will be 4 on Aug. 31, and a 15 month old DD. I'm a SAHM, and since DH takes our car to work, I do a lot of walking. We also have FL resident seasonal passes, and have been to WDW 6 times, so far, this year. We have a Graco DuoGlider tandem, and I hate it. It's heavy and bulky and hard to steer. DS, who is small for his age, is cramped in the front seat. I very rarely use it. When we go to WDW, we take our old Kolcraft Ranger single stroller, and a MayaWrap sling. I carry DD in the sling most of the time. It's great to have a stroller for when DS is tired or needs to be contained, or if I want to put DD down. We have never experienced a time where both kids needed the stroller at the same time.

Getting a MayaWrap off of ebay is a great idea, but make sure it comes with the instructional video/dvd. It is not hard to use, but it is very important to learn how to use it properly. If you don't, I guarantee you won't like it. I tried one when DD was a newborn, and I hated it. After much cajoling by friends, I tried again when she was 5 months old, but this time I watched the dvd and discovered I hadn't been using it correctly. As soon as I learned how to use it, I loved it.

I also have a Baby Bjorn, which I used to love, but haven't used much since I got the sling. Actually, I haven't used it at all since last fall, because it's too uncomfortable now that DD is 20 pounds. My sling is not hot at all. I would always have sweat stains from the Bjorn, but I don't get that with the sling (I bought a light colored one.)

HTH

 

[MateasMom]

We LOVE our Duo Glider. I'm actually on my third one The first one I was given was a low end model (Walmart/Kmart version) and couldn't be used as a travel system. After a couple of weeks and realizing *what* I was missing, we bought a nicer 'department store' version that can be used as a travel system. 2 years later they came out with 'girlier' colors and since I have all girls, I traded in the old stroller for the newer cute one (that also had some newer features). Most of my friends and siblings with small children have the Duo Glider and I've never heard a complaint from any of them.

 

[crazywig]

i am pregnant with #2, my ds will be 2.5 when i deliver.

i have a Kiwi e3 stroller. it's from new zealand and not very well known except to stroller geeks (like me). it is a jogger style with a swivel wheel, but here's the cool thing...it's a tandem stroller! it can be used as a single or a double.

it's expensive, but it's so versatile it's worth it. you can use it as a single, it has a toddler/newborn setup and a toddler/toddler setup.

when my ds stops riding in the stroller i can take the rear seat off and use it as a single with #2. in fact right now i'm using it as a single with ds


you can check them out at http://www.kiwi-kids.com or the manufacturer site at http://www.philandteds.com

if anyone wants more info or links to check out, jus pm me!

 

[R4racing]

My older DD was 3 1/2 when her sister was born. After much thought I opted to not get a double stroller and have not regretted it. I did get a maya wrap, which DD 2 loves. She also loves to ride in her backpack carrier (might not work so well for a very petite person to wear)

I think the type double would really depend on where you plan on using it and how much use you will get out of it. If it is mainly for walking outdoors a jogger might be the answer, although that could be a pain in the mall and taking in and out of the car. I found that the places both DD's tend to both ride they are either in a cart or both my DH and I are there so 2 strollers isn't a problem.

It does seem that once the kids are a little older the side by side would be nicer, as no arguing over who is stuck in the back. But you want to make sure it will steer decent with the weight difference between the 2 kids. Some do not. Also consider how the front/back ones will drive with 2 heavier kids in them.

That said, of the lower-end models, I have heard the best comments about the Gracos. The Fisher Price model seems very similar. I would definately take your older child and try them out. Getting in and out, folding, pushing, foot room in the back, recline, acessing basket, etc.