Double Stroller - what to get?

Aimee-Grace - posted on 06/28/2011

I have a 2 year old and a 4 month old and I purchased a Sit-n-Stand Double (that's the name). It fits my Chicco car seat and is cheaper than all the other strollers that accommodate this particular car seat, including the Chicco double stroller. It has two full seats, you can put the infant car seat in either seat (so mine goes in the back where I can reach him easily). The back seat comes off and becomes the sit or stand option. I like this particular sit-n-stand because I can have the young one near me and ounce he is sitting in the stroller only then he can go in either seat. Also, once my daughter is old enough I can always convert it to the sit-n-stand so that she doesn't feel like a "child" trapped in a seat. It is easy to maneuver, very smooth ride! Also, It is lighter than most of the ones I've tried and a reasonable price. I hope you find something that works for you.

Rebekah - posted on 06/28/2011

The side-by-side is the only double stroller I would ever purchase. I've tried to push two kids in a tandem stroller on a few occasions and I'm just not strong enough (or tall enough). I borrowed a sit-n-stand for the zoo one time and after 30 minutes I knew it would NEVER work for me.

I do like the side-by-side umbrella type double strollers, but unless they have an attachment for an infant carrier they can be difficult for a small infant... and storage can be pretty tight.

After trying several from friends, and purchasing a few for cheap at a garage sale, I broke down and purchased a Baby Jogger City Series Double. I absolutely love it for the zoo, amusement parks, running, and for long outings when I need both of my kids contained. However, for just running into the store or for quick trips when I still feel I need a stroller, I use a double umbrella stroller (that I got from a garage sale).

Check out the Baby Jogger City Series Mini Double. I have several friends that have it and love it. It's smaller than the stroller I have, and doesn't have the big jogging wheels, but if you'll just be using it around town it might be perfect.

ETA: My kids are 4 and 2 and they both still love to ride next to each other. We do not use it a whole lot, but when we do they are both pretty comfortable and happy in it. Our baby #3 should arrive in October and then I'll go back to having a newborn and a 2 year old in it.

Lady Heather - posted on 06/28/2011

I just bought a Phil and Ted's Explorer. Haven't got to use it as a double yet really because the second kid isn't here until October, but we've tested it with my daughter's doll in the baby spot and I really like it. They aren't too long because of how the seats sit almost double decker. It even fits the dimensions for transit, which is why I got it (we take the bus a lot). Can't find a con on it yet.

I thought about a sit and stand because my daughter is 2 now and will be 28 months when baby comes. But I worry that if we got stuck out somewhere waiting for a bus or something and she got tired, I'd have a bit of a problem on my hands. I guess it all depends on what you are using it for!

Michelle - posted on 06/28/2011

A sit n stand may be a good way to. Some of it depends on what is comfortable for you. The side by sides are wide and the front/ back ones are long. So you have to figure out what you're more comfortable using. I was always more comfortable with the side by sides. I had a combi double that I used when my second was first born because it used our infant carrier. When my third was born my mom gave me a double umbrella stroller and I have probably liked that the best. It's as good as it gets for putting a double stroller in the car (umbrella double strollers are cheaper also). Some of what works for you will depend on your kids age. My son was 16 months old when my middle daughter was born so he wasn't old enough for a sit n stand. There is 22 months between my older daughter and the little one. So I probably could have used one with my daughters. But I honestly enjoy the simplicity of the double umbrella stroller best.