Sit-n-Stands: Joovy vs. BabyTrend????

[MNDisneyMommy]

I just recently made a purchase in this area after looking at all three. I didn't want to spend a ton of money, so we ended up with the Graco. It was on amazon for $99 and since everything I read and saw made me think there would be things I liked and things I hated about each one, I figured I would just go with the cheapest (which was especially the case since a Joovy would require me to purchase a parent console too, even if just a $10 generic). This was after a couple weeks of no luck on craigslist for a used version of any of the three. BTW - there were videos comparing the models online which I found very helpful.

So far its gone on a Mall of America trip and a neighborhood walk. It has definitely fit the bill - my 3 yr old just hops off and on. When we had a far distance to go, we asked her to hop on and she was very happy to. When she got tired, she could sit. My 7 month old who sat in front was less impressed, but he's been in a carseat exclusively up until now (we just strapped it into a frame for walks). He did eventually nap in the stroller (it has a great recline, although obviously this limited my daughter to standing). It helped me feel a little more in control of both kids, and definitely helped us move faster. Obviously, carrying two kids make it bigger and just more awkward than a single. The full-size doubles I saw, though, seemed really huge. I was happy I got a sit n stand.

My husband didn't like the fold at first - but we're coming from a City Mini which has an awesome fold. He actually read the instructions and it's been smooth sailing from there. Folded, it fits in both our Accord and Santa Fe.

We also both don't like the sunshade - it is awkward and too small. (Again, City Mini has that huge sunshade so we're kind of spoiled). We'll probably take it off seasonally.

I will say - it is bulky. While we were at MOA I saw the other models side by side with mine (lots of strollers there!). The Joovy has a more upright handle, so it has a shorter overall length from your hands but the actual stroller part is about the same. I didn't really notice much of a difference with the Baby Trend from the Graco. We're minimalist kind of people, so anything that fit two kids would probably be a lot for us.

I think we'll end up doing the City Mini for most normal activity, and reserve the sit n stand for day trips or places with lots of walking (which is exactly what we got it for).

Our next Disney trip is in October and right now anyway we're planning to bring the City Mini via airplane and rent another City Mini single upon arrival for the 3 yr old. We're traveling with extended family and I believe the kids will separate a fair bit. And, we'd like at least one stroller for the airport (my son is chunky!).

So - I would certainly recommend the Graco in this category too. It was a nice affordable option for what will be for most people a secondary stroller, came with all the goodies and has the required features (recline for baby, storage, decent fold, etc).

Good luck!

 

[Lilliputian]

I don't like sit & stands. In fact, I don't like any tandem-style stroller at all. If I'm pushing a double, it's going to be a side-by-side. To me, they just push so much more easily.

I bought a Joovy several years ago. In fact, it was a few months before they came out with the ultralite, so it was obviously heavier than what's on the market now. I tried it out for a few feet in the store and loved it. Then I took it for a walk around the neighborhood and never used it again.

I don't like having that much weight that far out in front of me. I think it makes it much heavier. Especially as the younger child gets older and heavier, the stroller just gets harder and harder to push. I tried it on the sidewalk and could barely make it over the places where the segments were at slightly different heights, and turning corners was really hard, too.

Any stroller that requires a baby to be in a car seat is out of the question for me when I have a baby too little to sit up. Babies need to spend as much time out of their car seats as safely possible. Those things are too confining and too hot. It's easy to get a side-by-side with seats that recline enough for an infant. It's absolutely a much better choice when your younger child is a baby who can't sit up.

 

[amylevan]

We have the Joovy ultralight. We got it when our DD was born, at which point DS was already 3.5. So for the most part, the only time I use it is all day trips (amusement parks, zoos...) since DS rarely rides/rode in a stroller at that point. It went to Disney with us was the kids were 1 and 4.5 and yes, it's big, but it served its purpose.

The front seat reclines, not fully, but far enough that DD sleeps, but when its reclined there's no room to use the jumpseat in the back. When reclined, if DS wants to ride he has to stand.

My biggest complaint, and it seems to be across the board for all sit and stands, is its nearly impossible to get things in and out of the storage basket.