Double Stroller Dilemma!!!

Nichelle - posted on 05/20/2011

I had a sit and stand which we all loved even my husband loved to push it. My son was 3 when my daughter was born but he was always small for his age. I never used a infant carseat with the stroller because I think it is important to move the baby around and by the time she was 6 months old we had to switch to a convertable carseat. I also used the front pack a lot so by the time we were done with the pack the baby carseat was more work than just moving her. We lived in a very small town at the time and I walked everywhere Dr. appointments, store, libarry, park, ect. My son loved to ride both ways. I always keep a saftey harness on him so he could walk beside of if he wanted. By the time my son started school we had worn out one of the tires on the stroller that is when I got a jeep 3 wheel stroller with a 360 wheel. I loved both of these rides.

Sherri - posted on 05/20/2011

I relied on my dbl stroller and would have been doomed without it mine were 18mo's apart and yup used it were we went from the grocery store, to the mall, for a walk, the amusement parks. Pretty much everywhere. I highly recommend them. I didn't like the sit n stand ones because usually my 18mo old needed the stroller more to nap etc. I also never baby wearer couldn't stand it so the stroller was a life saver.

Tina - posted on 05/20/2011

You can get a seat that hooks onto your current stroller so it's not so expensive not sure how much weight they carry though. Personally I think it's a good idea to have a tandum stroller. Or anything that means you're not going to be carrying baby all the time. There will be times your older one will just not want to walk and will want to sit or be pushed and it's a handful trying to hold a little on all the time especially when you're shopping or out for long periods.

Tara - posted on 05/20/2011

Phil and Teds....

Terri - posted on 09/14/2009

A two year old will still get tired, so you'll definitely need something for her - have you thought about baby wearing? I wore my son often until he was three (as his endurance increased, the time I carried him decreased). I found carrying him on my back so comfortable, and it meant I could do everything I wanted without having a stroller at all. I have an older daughter and when my son was born, I used a pram with a toddler seat for a while, but honestly found it simpler to carry a toddler on my back and a baby on my front, especially for things like shopping trips (where I wanted to use a shopping trolley) or day trips to parks, fairs and zoos etc - places it wasn't always easy to push a big pram around. I had twins a year ago, and I have worn/carried since leaving the hospital; I have a double pram which I have used less than a dozen times in more than 12 months - including following an ankle injury where I really couldn't carry them!
It really depends what you want to do - I wanted to avoid buying another pram (so I didn't; I borrowed one that was older, not flashy, but cost me nothing) and I wanted to avoid using a heavy, double wide pram as much as possible. So, I learned a lot more about baby wearing, and found ways to make that work for me. I've got 4 kids - 5, 3, 1 & 1 - and I love the freedom of carrying the babies and having my hands free to help the older ones.
best wishes!

Carol - posted on 09/12/2009

I had two children 25 months apart. I wanted a babytrends sit-and-stand deluxe double stroller (I didn't need a double stroller) but I am so glad I got one!! My oldest sat in the rear seat (5 pt harness) until she was old enough for the jump seat or standing board. My newborn sat in his carseat which just snapped into the front section of the double stroller. So if he was sleeping in the carseat I could easily snap him into the stroller frame or back into the car. I was sad to sell it when they outgrew it. It even worked for 3 children at times. One on the standing board, one on the jump seat and the littlest in the front seat. So if you think you might have 3...

Nia - posted on 09/12/2009

Hi Jasmine-

First, congrats on your second edition and I hope all is going well. I 'm a mom of  four, but I have a 2 yr old and a 7 month old. I carry my 7 month old in a front carrier and have since she was 21/2 months. I wish I had the funds to buy a double stroller, so I say go for it! Find something lightweight, but sturdy, and  give yourself a break from always holding the baby on your body, while you are out and about. There will be times when the 2 yr old is sleepy or fussy and it would be good to have a place to put them both down.

Hope this was helpful:)

Double Stroller Dilemma!!!

I am due w/ 2nd child in Nov. & my daughter will be 2 in Jan. Wondering if a double stroller for a newborn & a toddler is even neccessary. I have the Chicco infant carseat, so that right there limits the double strollers. I'm sure I'll be carrying the baby in a sling or front pack for the 1st six months, at least. What has worked best for other moms out there. Did you find a double stroller neccessary?

Erica - posted on 09/12/2009

My kids are almost exactly two years apart. I bought a Graco double stroller (not a side by side) at a garage sale because I had a Graco infant car seat. I used the double stroller A LOT for the first year and a half - trips to the mall, zoo, walks in our neighborhood. Eventually, I got a wagon because my youngest did not want to stay in the stroller as long as my older child. They both like the wagon and they're 3 and 5 now.

Tiffany - posted on 09/11/2009

My kids are 2 years apart and I have a double side-by-side stroller that I LOVE! It's the zooper tango stroller, and is compatible with a variety of infant seats without having to buy any extra add-ons. It fits through all standard doorways - anywhere a wheelchair can go. It is rather heavy to pick up, but it turns and pushes so easily. I do have an SUV, which makes fitting it in the back easier - I have room for the stroller and leftover room for other stuff. But I have also used my mom's standard sized car and it fit into the trunk with no trouble. I use a wrap to carry the baby around in quite a bit, but it's nice to have somewhere to set him in, and the seats recline all the way back which makes for easy napping and diaper changing while we are out. My toddler doesn't always ride in the stroller when we use it - but she like being able to get in and out at will. The times I've taken just a single stroller she's complained. The zooper is a little spendy, but after doing a lot of research on double strollers it was what fit my needs the best - I searched online for several weeks and finally found one that was about $100 cheaper than in the stores. Good luck!!!

Tonya - posted on 09/11/2009

I have 10 1/2 month old twins so my situation is a little different but I love my double strollers. I have a tandem and a side-by-side. I love them both and use them almost daily. My side-by-side is a combi and it folds up easily. I purchased them both at babies r us.

Alison - posted on 09/11/2009

I encourage you to wait until it seems necessary. Sling and single stroller is a great solution for the first while. My girls are about the same span as yours and I bought a sit and stand stroller and a lightweight stroller that I use for just one or the other. You definitely do not have to have the double stroller from the get-go. Wait it out!

Susan - posted on 09/11/2009

I have an Evenflo front and back double that is designed for the older (heavier) child to sit in the back, which I found made it easier to steer (this was bought gently used). I also have clips that you use to connect 2 folding umbrella strollers into a side by side double. My boys are 11 months apart and I'm very glad I have my strollers. With another on the way, I'll be using the double for the boys and wearing the baby in a sling for the first while.

Bridjette - posted on 09/10/2009

I had twins almost 10 years ago and I really don't know what I would have done without my double stroller. So my advice to you is if your an on the go mom you really need one.

Sonja - posted on 09/09/2009

i have a double stroller that is called the sit and stand...the older one can stand or sit in it in back while the infant is in front with or without a carseat...its been a good one...only problem is...if you are going to be out all day the older one cant fall asleep in it like if you had a regular double stroller

Justine - posted on 09/09/2009

I have 2 sons, one is 3 and one is 1, we brought a valco tandem pram cos alot of the double strollers often dont fit down aisles in shops. We still use it now and its great, even for holidays we can go on walks and when mister 3 is tired he just climbs into his seat too...

Genis - posted on 09/09/2009

I have the sit and stand I love it my older child loves it. She was 3 when we got it but friends with younger children have used it as well and it make the older child feel so grown up being able to sit on the bench seat in the back and it has a buckle just like the front so she wont fall out

Amy - posted on 09/09/2009

if new baby is going to be in a sling for a while, you have a bit of time, and you probably wouldn't need one compatable with an infant carrier. The double will come in handy once new baby out grows the sling. One to look at (since you have a toddler) is the sit-n-stand. they carry it at Wal-mart. Good luck!

CC - posted on 09/09/2009

Yes and the Joovy Caboose sit and stand is the best.

Jasmine - posted on 09/09/2009

Quoting Kitty:

I have a side by side double stroller and love mine. It fits threw doors fine and I carried my babies around in slings and such all the time but your going to want to lay the baby down if your out in the mall. I read a lot of reviews on double strollers before I bought one too and I always took noticed of how much they weighed. My double stroller only weighs about 13 lbs where others can weigh 40 lbs!!! crazy I know but I would get one just take notice of the weight of them.

Kitty, which one did you end up going with?

Kitty - posted on 09/09/2009

I have a side by side double stroller and love mine. It fits threw doors fine and I carried my babies around in slings and such all the time but your going to want to lay the baby down if your out in the mall. I read a lot of reviews on double strollers before I bought one too and I always took noticed of how much they weighed. My double stroller only weighs about 13 lbs where others can weigh 40 lbs!!! crazy I know but I would get one just take notice of the weight of them.

Jasmine - posted on 09/08/2009

Wow thanks for all the feedback, Everyone! It really helps to hear ideas & opinions from other parents. Sounds like the best thing for me to do is go "test drive" a few strollers out. I may go w/ a sit n stand, I really don't want anything too bulky. I read that the Joovy Caboose is a nice one & it's compatable w/ Chicco car seat. Thanks again, so helpful!!

Karen - posted on 09/08/2009

I had Twins, then 17 months later a singleton, i found the sling /pouch handy for short trips to the shop, but found it a must to have the pram for anything more than an hour, it also helps with carrying the baby bag, and anything else you may buy when out. So i had a double sise by side pram then i bought the toddler seat for the front, long and wide but very helpful. good luck

Yesenia - posted on 09/08/2009

My two girls are 15 months apart and I fell into the same dilema. I bought a side by side which works great if I go to the mall (sling doesn't work if you plan on trying things on) or walks around the neighborhood. I also have a travel system for the baby when I don't have my 18 month old with me. The car seat was an issue as it didn't fit into the dbl stroller, but the baby lies down fine in it. Also the dbl stroller, when folded is smaller than the travel system. I would def. go to baby's r us and test them all out.

Rikki - posted on 09/07/2009

My daughter was 18mo when my 2nd daughter was born so we have a double stroller and an umbrella stroller....when I'm alone, the double stroller is a necessity! When my husband is out with us, then most of the time, my 2 yr old either wants to be held (and daddy can't say no) or she like to walk, so half the time I am pushing a double stroller for just the little one..(or I just grab the umbrella stroller for the little one). If you can try to get one from a consignment shop or craigslist or some other used site... Baby Depot at Burlington has good prices on doubles also.

Adrienne - posted on 09/07/2009

I did the double stroller for when I had my second and my first was a year old. But by the time my oldest was a 1 and a half he learned how to get out of the stroller without me feeling the stroller move. They are now 2 and 1 years old and I do have a double stroller that I use when I'm by myself or I use the wagon when walking with someone. I know someone who uses the sit and stand stroller because their kids were the same as yours are going to be and she loved it. Good Luck!!

Christel - posted on 09/07/2009

I have had six childern and love the double stroller the only problem with them is dont put your little one in the back seat when the older one is the front because it does flip over because of the weight difference. I would wait until your little one is about 6 to 7 months if you were going to use it. so he or she can sit up. this is great if you go to zoo or take really long walks. you will have to make upyour own mind about the stroller you never know what will work for you until you use it.

Crystal - posted on 09/07/2009

I use a double buggy (side by side), and I LOVE it. I use it all the time. My two youngest are 4 months and 2 years, and it's nice when we go out shopping or longer walks. I wear the baby in a moby wrap a lot, but the buggy I have folds up so nice and compact. Even smaller than the single stroller I had. The first double wide I had was the Peg Perego, and those fit anywhere a wheelchair will, and the same for the double i have now. I haven't found a place yet where it doesn't work. I even put it in my front seat because my trunk is broken. :o)

Julie - posted on 09/07/2009

My granddaughters are 22 months apart, they are now 5 & 7 years old. My daughter used a double stroller for 2-3 years for them and it worked very well and came in quite handy even if someone was carrying the baby. It's an easy way to keep track of the toddler and there are always a million things to take with two little ones.

Sharon - posted on 09/07/2009

I got the graco front and back when i had my second, as my son was only 2 1/2 when my daughter was born and even though he liked walking it was not always practical and would get tired quickly. I could not do without it. I now have another baby girl and because there is only a year between my daughters I use it all the time. I bought the front and back because i think the side by side ones can be a bit wide for going around shops and things like that.

Stacey - posted on 09/07/2009

i bought a double pram & have hardly used it, they are handy to have, just in case, but probably not really necessary.

Jessica - posted on 09/07/2009

My kids are 18 months apart and I have a double stroller...I love it! They are 5 and 3 1/2 now and I still use it all the time! Good luck!

Dolly - posted on 09/07/2009

My sister used one of the super cute Ring Slings for her baby and her Combi stroller for her toddler! She found the double stroller so big and bulky that it wasn't worth the hassle... Plus most places have carts.. so she puts her toddler in the cart & Baby in the sling!.. Its really up to you.. but it's Do-able with out it

Michele - posted on 09/07/2009

I was in the same dilemma. My oldest son just turned two today, and my youngest is 4 months. I got the Kolcraft Contours double stroller and it is the best. It has so many diferrent options and fits any infant car seat. It rides easy in dirt and grass, too. I absolutely love it.

Christina - posted on 09/07/2009

I had four kids in five years and had a baby in oct with the elder turning 2 in Jan. Yes I did find it useful. I depended on my double stroller and I bought it gently used. Later when the baby was 18 month I used a wagon. I found the front back stroller easier for getting in and out of doors.

Lori - posted on 09/07/2009

With my twins I used the double stroler were it was front and back. Much easier then the side by side. I've seen where the new born is in the back seat and the older child is in the front seat. Just use big towels to make like a pouch for the child.

Danielle - posted on 09/07/2009

I bought a double stroller with my second, and I probably don't use it as much as I thought I would. Mostly just use it to take walks to the park. We got the carseat adapter for it but our carseat still didn't fit very well. So I bought the carseat insert that holds their head steady and put that in the stroller and put the recline all the way back and it worked very nicely. Overall I would say get one if you want but you don't have to have it. I also put my baby in the front pack and my daughter in the single stroller for walks too. Can work either way.'

t

t

Shayla - posted on 09/07/2009

my almost 4 yr. old often wants to ride in a stroller when we go places, and I have a 6-wk old now too. We've used a side be side dbl. at the zoo and for a few walks so far. I want to get a better one tho. This was used and bought in a hurry. Not the best stroller, but definitely handy...

Corlissa - posted on 09/07/2009

I have the sit and stand stroller, which I really like. My son is 2 on the 29th and my baby is 8 weeks. Its nice cause for now the car seat attaches in the front and once the little one gets bigger he can sit up front and the bigger one can sit or stand in the back.

Emma - posted on 09/07/2009

wow this sit n ride stroller is excellent, wish i had done some research and found this 18mths ago. what more could you ask for

Lisa - posted on 09/07/2009

Depends on how often you think you would use it. I have 8 children, 7 of which are age 8 and under, 4 of which are age 3 andunder. I have many strollers. I usually use 2 side by side double strollers. I like the side by side, both babies can see and can't pull hair, but don't work as well w/a toddler and newborn because the toddler can reach the baby too easy. I use my sling until the baby is about 6 mos old then they go into the stroller. I am a big fan of keeping kids in strollers or carts when in public places until they are 3 or 4. They are safer in a stroller or cart. If you go to a lot of places where you will be walking a lot, a double stroller is a must since toddlers little legs tire quickly and you don't want to end up carrying them. I have 2 Graco Dou Riders and LOVE them. hope this helps.

Rebecca - posted on 09/07/2009

I have the Joovy sit and stand as well as the Graco Duo-glide. I LOVE them both. I have a 2yr old and a now 4 month old and I use it all the time. It comes in so handy when going to the mall, grocery store, the zoo or where ever else we need to go. I spend alot of time just me and the 2 kids and I just find it easier then having to chase the toddler all around. As well he can only walk so far before he wants to ride in the stroller. I love the joovy because it fits in my husbands trunk ( he has a smaller car) and we use it when we are both together so that my son can walk or stand on the stroller, as well it is made universal for different infant carriers. I use the Graco when Im by myself and just love it because it has a big basket underneith and it when it folds up it is pretty much the same size as my single graco stroller I have. (you have to make sure its the one that folds 20% smaller, there are 2 types of the Graco Duo-glide) The babys infant carrier can either snap into the back seat of the front, I usually put baby in the back and my toddler in the front. But I really think that it is a necessary thing to have when you have 2 young kids. I dont know what I would have done without either one of my strollers!

Carly - posted on 09/07/2009

I have a joovy caboose it is a sit and stand buggy I love it but I think my oldest was too old we didn't use it that much she would rather walk. I still take it if we are doing a lot of shopping or a big outting

Cailie - posted on 09/07/2009

My best friend has two kids and she said she loves the sit and stand Cause the baby can lay down or sit and same with older one. Hope this helps

Leighann - posted on 09/07/2009

My kids are 15 months apart, and I have a sit n stand plus stroller by baby trend. I love it!!! It's not that big... it's like the size of a full size graco/chico stroller folded up, and it's not as long as a double stroller is when it's opened up... I love it!! I have the plus which has 2 seats, but the back seat can come off and the child can then use it as the sit n stand part. It's like a bench that s/he can sit on and face you, or stand on with hand holds and face forward. The infant can be in the front seat in the car seat for the first 6 months. most infant carriers fit in the seat, and then when they can sit on their own, you can use the front seat as a seat for them. I love it. I also use a moby wrap for my son a lot, but bring the stroller along just in case he's already asleep while we are getting out of the car and just want to put the seat in the stroller... but my older son isnt quite ready to be out of a stroller yet, so it makes it nice that he has a seat when he's not wanting to walk, or too grabby and we dont want him to pull stuff of shelves and such... and If i end up carrying one of the kids, the other can be in the stroller and the other seat can be a "catch all" for the bags, things to buy and such... It's nice and I reccomend it!!!

Sharon - posted on 09/07/2009

get the stroller and put a boogie board behind it or a step seat, whatever its called.

Kara - posted on 09/07/2009

I never had a double stroller and all my children are two years apart. I found it worked out to have the baby in the snuggli and the older sibling in the stroller for the first little while. They now have the sit n' stand strollers out that I wished I had bought back then. That might be an option for you, not sure how it would work with the carseat you have though but I don't think they are quite as long as a regular double stroller.

Meikjn - posted on 09/07/2009

I love the double stroller! I guess it depends on what you need it for. I use it for walking to the store/park/ etc. but when I drive anywhere it is really too big to haul easilly. it is then that I use the baby carrier. if you get one, I suggest a jogging stroller, they are a little more manuverable.

Emma - posted on 09/07/2009

i had 18mths between my children, i liked the idea of having a double buggy (side by side) and i did actually get one, used it twice and then my parents bought me a car because i passed my test at 8mths pregnant, and i would of loved to of used it longer but my parents bought me a small 5 door car which the buggy wouldnt fit into and i had to sell it as i used the car alot, i was fortunate that my little girl was a great walker and i had no problems, also another reason i had to get rid of mine was because my doorways in my house werent wide enough to fit it through and it meant if we wanted to go for a walk i had to set it up outside then put the kids in not too bad but if its raining :( . best of luck with your decision

Moana - posted on 09/07/2009

I love the double stroller! My son liked being in the front carrier but he also liked sitting in the stroller because he was able to look at my face and I could play with him, but it also came very handy because when he was 6 months it was diffucult for me to have him in the carrier because he was so wanting to be out of it and not feel restricted. But also I have a friend that got the double stroller and she said she would not have gotten the double until her baby was a little older hope that helps somewhat!

Amanda - posted on 09/07/2009

The double stroller is nice if u go on vacation or somewhere you do alot of walking.