To Double Stoller or Not To Double Stoller?

Becca - posted on 12/04/2012

no i have a double stroller and it's a lot easier to handle then separate strollers, i think you should go for it and get the double stroller

Rachael - posted on 12/03/2012

I thought the same as you. I got a "limo" double stroller as I call it and used it a handfull of times, maybe. It was far too long and most of the time my 2 year old wanted to be out running around. We sold it and got an umbrella double stroller where the girls sat side by side and I used that a little more but still no more than 10x's. It's so hard to get them in & out of the cars and they are hard to fit in doorways and in stores which is when I mostly used both strollers. We sold the umbrella stroller and I used a sling & wrap for my youngest while my 2/3 year old walked. Now we did buy 2 single umbrella strollers when my youngest got old enough to really tot around because as you said, they do get tired and need a stroller for longer outings. Now that my girls are 4 and 3 my husband and I purchased hiking backpacks for our girls that we wear on our backs for long trips (ie exploring Chicago, St Louis, Austin, etc.). I won't ever buy a double stroller unless I have no choice (multiples). Too hard to maneuver in todays world.



I don't know if this helped you make your decision, but I hope that you at least got a little insight. Good luck!

Sarah - posted on 12/01/2012

I don't think your mom is right and you are certainly not being greedy. I don't live in a very accessible area and I had to have a double stroller. I have a 2 year old and a 11 month old. My 2 year old loves to walk, but he gets tired and wants to ride. Even if you are in an accessible area, you need to have a stroller for them both to sit comfortably in. Have you thought about those sit and stand strollers. It allows for the younger child to be securely strapped in and then there is a place for the older child to either stand or sit. Also, check yard sales, or look and see if there are any mommy market places on Facebook in your area. We have a couple of those in my area and people sell things like that all the time for really cheep prices, usually under $70. I am not sure where you are from, but Once Upon a Child is a great place to shop for used, but still in great condition, baby items. You can even take your gently used baby items and clothing there to get cash back. Fight for your double stroller, you will need it, even if it only for the first year.

Bernadette - posted on 12/01/2012

try looking for a second hand one. You could try to see if there are any local Buy/Swap/Sell groups in your area. Often there are online ones, even on Facebook, for your local area, and some specialising in baby/child products. They are so expensive that a lot of people try to sell them when they're done with them, simply because they need the space or want to recoup some of their money, not because there is anything wrong with the stroller so you can get them in pretty good condition second-hand. I find that the best type for a baby and young child are the ones with the add-on toddler seat, as they are narrower than a twin pram so much easier to fold and manouvre if you do a lot of walking (also fit through check-outs, etc) and since your 3 yr old will stop using it long before your baby will, it can then convert back to a regular single stroller.

Kate - posted on 11/29/2012

I picked up a baby trend "sit and stand" stroller (which I think would work for you) for $45 on craigslist for my sister last month. Check out craigslist, consignment shops, freecycle, for sale in the paper. The thing about double strollers is that they are huge (even the smallest ones) and no one wants them when they aren't using them any more- it's super easy to find a used one.



Also with craigslist at least, if someone has something you like make an offer for less then what they have posted. I've always found that people are willing to talk about price of an item.

Jen - posted on 11/29/2012

No. You aren't selfish. You're remembering what worked last time. Happy mom, happy family.:)

Keri - posted on 10/09/2012

Currently, our 5 year old son is our only child. We had wanted another child and had hoped to have it within a couple years of him, but that (obviously) hasn't happened. If it had, I would have gotten a double stroller because he just didn't want to walk for long periods of time (like if we went to the mall) and I would have needed a spot for him and a spot for the baby. If your mom won't help, what about the other side of the family? Or just saving up for a couple months? But, yes, I think you should try to get one.

Katy - posted on 10/02/2012

i have a graco one but thats all..u can take it for free if u like..im located in calgary

Leanne - posted on 10/02/2012

BUGGY BOARD definitely! We got a used double stroller when DD was born and while it worked just fine it was awful to push when it was full of children and diaper bag and other bags. I ended up pushing nearly 100 lbs regularly. I saw a friend using the buggy board and asked her about it. Like another poster said, it attaches at the back of ANY single stroller and your toddler can walk until they're tired then ride. This has saved my back so much and my toddler loves riding on it (to the point where I have to encourage him to walk!). It's much cheaper even than a used double stroller as the buggy board here was $49.00 and my used double stroller was $75. Since getting the buggy board we've only used the double stroller once and I don't intend on using it a lot when DD gets bigger either, cuz that'll just be even more weight. Good luck with your decision, it definitely sounds like you need SOMETHING other than just a sling and a single stroller, but it's up to you what you get. I'd definitely make sure your toddler is in on the decision though, so you don't end up with tears every time you go out.

Leanne - posted on 10/02/2012

BUGGY BOARD definitely! We got a used double stroller when DD was born and while it worked just fine it was awful to push when it was full of children and diaper bag and other bags. I ended up pushing nearly 100 lbs regularly. I saw a friend using the buggy board and asked her about it. Like another poster said, it attaches at the back of ANY single stroller and your toddler can walk until they're tired then ride. This has saved my back so much and my toddler loves riding on it (to the point where I have to encourage him to walk!). It's much cheaper even than a used double stroller as the buggy board here was $49.00 and my used double stroller was $75. Since getting the buggy board we've only used the double stroller once and I don't intend on using it a lot when DD gets bigger either, cuz that'll just be even more weight. Good luck with your decision, it definitely sounds like you need SOMETHING other than just a sling and a single stroller, but it's up to you what you get. I'd definitely make sure your toddler is in on the decision though, so you don't end up with tears every time you go out.

Mommy - posted on 09/30/2012

My daughter is 2 1/2 and my son is 6 Weeks. Sometimes the double stroller is best depending on what we are doing, and sometimes we don't need it, but I world definitely get one. Try a consignment shop, I have great ones by me that carry nearly new baby gear for a fraction of the price. I got my double stroller there for $50, and it is originally $200.

Yazmin - posted on 09/29/2012

Get one! My daughters are 2 years apart and I got a double jogging stroller, for me this was the best decision ever, walks to the park, grocery store, then running and skating I really got my moneys wroth I liked that it was easy to fold and put away. My girls are 7 and 5 now we have trailer/stroller my oldest likes riding her bike now but little one is still there :) look for the stroller that is right for you. Good luck

Rachel - posted on 09/25/2012

Get one! I walked nearly every where I could. Put the word out and hopefully someone can pick one up for you. They are cumbersome and awkward and there is no way around that but carrying two kids is even more uncomfortable. I had two actually. I kept the one with a broken basket at my mother's (purchased for $10) and the intact one at our house (given to us). You can be picky about what kind. Either both kids having a seat that lays down (I did a lot of bedtime walks due to lack of ac) or the kind where your oldest can either sit or stand. Either way, get one.

Joanna - posted on 09/25/2012

I got a single stroller that converts to a double so I have the option of using it for one or both kids. It was expensive but very worth it for us - I would try Craigslist and see what's there if you really can't get a new or expensive one. And no you are not being selfish. By the way plenty of second time moms have necessity showers to get together with friends and also get diapers etc.

Kate - posted on 09/22/2012

Get a double stroller it will make your life easier. I have the sit and stand my daughter was going to turn 1 3 day after my 2nd was born. At 1st I had the graco double where they sit behind each other but then when my 1st daughter wanted to walk and got tired I think my aunt bought me the sit and stand and it did work out great. Now that I have my son (11 month) I went back to my single stroller and my 2 girls walk next to me.



So when you daughter gets tired as could either sit or stand while the infant carseat is in the front seat. It isn't that heavy ether surprisingly for a double stroller. Good luck

Bonnie - posted on 09/21/2012

You are not being selfish or greedy. I love to use my double stroller for my 1 and 3 year old. Using a baby carrier and a single stroller is nice while the infant is small. Both my boys were very large and it would kill my back to put either of them in a carrier after 3 months. I have had 2 double strollers so far. My first I paid $35 for secondhand and it was a graco front and back. I HATED this stroller. It was so hard to push I could barely make it back from the walk I'd be so tired. The one I currently use is a side-by-side jogging stroller. My mom paid $10 at a yardsale for it. It doesn't stear all that great but I use it anyway (and for the price I can't complain.) Since you are still pregnant maybe you have time to look for a secondhand one. I am looking for used 3 passenger option as I am pregnant with my third. You could try going to yardsales/thrift stores or maybe Craigslist. I see double strollers for sale all the time. Good luck!

Darla - posted on 09/18/2012

I used my double stroller all the time! In fact, I finally had to put it away only because the boys became too heavy to push in it. If I had to do it over again though I would have not gotten the side by side kind. It was a real pain getting through doors like at the mall.

Emelina - posted on 09/11/2012

I am a mother of one, working on number two! this is actually a topic my husband and I have spoken of when we were still hauling around the carseat from place to place. Double strollers are disgustingly expensive! (as convenient as they are!!!)



I'd say, go for the sling for the first few months. I dont know what kind of stroller you have for your 3yr old but the umbrella strollers which are about $15, now have the option of buying clips ($10) to attach two umbrella strollers.... once your baby is able to sit up, you can set up your own double stroller for about $40!!



hope this helps

Amanda - posted on 09/08/2012

Well you can prob do without one. I bought one when I had baby #2 and now I have baby #3 and I have used it all of once:P U can prob get by with a single stroller and a snugly for baby.

Liz - posted on 09/06/2012

Definitely get the stroller. You will thank yourself later. I have a Kolcraft Contours Options Double Stroller and I LOVE it. It comes with 2 seats and a car seat adapter that fits most infant car seats. You can have the seats face either forward or backward. Plus the stroller has 2 handles on the side for older kids (perfect for me, since we have 4 kids). My mother in law bought ours for us on Amazon.com for around $150 brand new. I don't use mine that often, but I always keep it in the back of my van. It fits perfectly and it's not too bulky (it is a little bit, but hey, it's a double stroller!)

Dianne - posted on 09/06/2012

I also love going for walks to the park so I understand exactly where you are coming from wanting a double stroller. I had one but when my son turned 3 and baby was 1, I traded the double stroller for a quinny and attached a BUGGY BOARD for my 3yr old to stand on. Since your son is 3 why don't you try this option. You can get a relatively cheap pram as the Buggy Board attaches to most prams.

It is a win-win situation with you and your mom :)

Google buggyboard and check it out.

Stephanie - posted on 09/01/2012

Instead of buying new check out garage sales and craigslist.com You can find pretty good deals at both :) good luck!

Amber - posted on 09/01/2012

I love love love my double stroller! We have a BOB Dualie and I used it with the carseat adapter and as soon as I got the clear to exercise we started walking and I lost all my baby weight from him and then some by pushing him and my then 3 year old. I love to walk with it still, but now that my oldest is 5 and we live in an area that is much more hilly then where we were before, it is more difficult to push the two of them but once kindergarten starts I plan on taking the youngest to the grocery store (.5 mile away from my house) and using the empty seat as my cart!

Lisa - posted on 09/01/2012

Get a double stroller! Mine has saved my life many times! I have four kids who are now 5, 4, 4, and 3! Of course I could never afford a triple or quad stroller but having the double was amazing! I also have the sit and stand stroller. I got mine at Target and it was only about $130 but definitely worth the money! I still use mine to go the mall or zoo with all of them! Definitely worth the money!

Jessica - posted on 09/01/2012

.I personally love my graco sit and stand stroller. The one where the bigger child can stand. I have a soon to be 3 year old and a four month old. The stroller itself was $110. But I def think it was worth it. And just like you, we were strapped for cash also. We didn't by the stroller till about 2 months after our second was born its very light weight and folds up very slim..hope that helps!

Brandi - posted on 08/31/2012

Absolutely go for the double stroller! It truely can be a life saver. If you can find one with the bicycle wheels, that will help with terrain & manurverability since your older child will be heavier now.

I loved my Graco Quattro Tour Duo when my boys were 18 mos & newborn, for a couple years, because it was easy to put the infant car seat in the front or back, room for either child to lay down & sleep in the back seat, & narrow was great for thin isles. It folded up well enough to put in the car. It was very versatile, with lots of basket space, cup holders, & awesome handles that were great for hanging shopping bags. I think it was around $230.

As they became older, walking, & out of infant seat, I love the lightweight, Schwinn, side by side. It wasn't as expensive as some brands, but is narrow enough to get through doorways. I also started to take them more places so I could jog with it & go over rougher terrain. There is a lower price In-Step version of it that is made with steel instead of the aluminum, so it weighs more, but functions the same. I found mine at Walmart's website & prices were $159-219.

Now that they are 4 & 5, I don't use them as often during basic outings. If you don't want to go for the double, you can get by with a single, since your oldest is 3 or older.

Laura - posted on 08/31/2012

get the double stroller!! It saves on back pain from carrying around a baby in a sling, and you are more mobile to tend to your other child. I have one and love it!

Ashley - posted on 08/30/2012

I suffered without one for a few months, then thankfully I found one for twenty bucks, in great condition, at a thrift store. Cleaned it up and it was like brand new. I carried my newborn in a sling/carrier or whatever the heck they are called and sometimes in her carseat, before we got the double stroller and I was exhausted. Totally killed my back and I had to take turns carrying her with my husband. My kids still fit in that stroller, they're 3 and 4. Since I got it I keep it in my car and we bring it everywhere. Used it hundreds of times and its been a lifesaver, especially when the kids want to take a nap and I want to keep walking without wearing myself out or stopping. I probably wouldn't have gotten a new one because they're too expensive, so try to find one cheap online or in a thrift store. I think they're absolutely worth it if you like to walk around like I do! The double stroller gave me the freedom to leave the house with both kids and take them out to the mall/park/etc alone.

Laura - posted on 08/30/2012

I had a double stroller with my eldest 2 (age gap is 2 years) and hardly ever used it for short trips as my 2 year old loved to walk but it was great if I wanted to stay out that bit longer as being a toddler he till had his sleep in the day, although he was walking everywhere by the time he was 3 so I didn't use it for long. They r now 8 and 5. I now have a 1 and 2. Year old so def got a double side by side one as I had a one in front of the other type and it was soooo heavy.

Deanna - posted on 08/28/2012

Are you having a girl this time? If not, it is perfectly acceptable to have a shower.

Andrea - posted on 08/28/2012

MIne were only 15 months apart and I have used our double stroller many many times. However we have not used it since my son turned 3. I am expecting again and will likely pull it out a couple times for things like all day trips but don't plan to use it other than that.



if you really want one try shopping around - Craigslist, consignment store, goodwill, and garage sales are all good place to find good deals. I got my double stroller (Graco) at a yard sale for $20.



Also have you considered an attachment for you single stroller?

Something like these? http://aperfectplayroom.com/?p=1026

Samantha - posted on 08/27/2012

Wal-mart has on for $124 cup holders under basket very nice black n silver very nice unisex:-)

Samantha - posted on 08/27/2012

I would suggest a sit n stand. There are different kinds some more pricey then others. I had one for my two kids and loved it! Watch Ebay you maybe able to find one there. Or look into your local free cycle .com lots of good free bees on there. Best of luck.... And spare your back lol

Lynn - posted on 08/27/2012

When my kids were little, I bought a Sit n' Stand. Don't remember what company makes them. though. I bought it because we were going to Las Vegas, and I knew my one and three year old's would get tired walking in the shopping areas and between hotels. They loved it, and my four year old nephew took turns in it, too. The front is a stroller, and you can put a car seat in it, and the back is a bench seat for the bigger kids to sit on. We used it at fairs and festivals, too. Not all that often, but when we used it, it came in very handy. I paid $200 for mine, but I'm sure you can find a used one. I sold mine for $45. There's lots of room to carry bags and boxes when shopping, too. I hung bags from the handlebars and on the sides, and sometimes made my son walk, so I had room on the little seat. Lol!

Kalli - posted on 08/27/2012

I bought a double stroller about 2 and 1/2 years ago (when my baby was born) and it was definitely a good investment. I still use my single stroller alot but I LOVE my double especially when we go to big places - like the zoo, disneyland etc. I have a 6 year old that gets worn out every once in a while and it's nice for her to be able to sit down, plus it's great for packing heavy bags/purses etc. I think it's a good investment - I've heard not so great things about the sit and stand strollers though - they end up being too much work.

Kirsty - posted on 08/27/2012

my nan use to take care of all 4 of my little cousins whilst my aunties and uncles were at work. she bought one where it held all 4 of them it was a kind of long one like a little train lol rather than a wide width take over the whole path and road lol. but ill tell you know she never regretted it it helped her so much, i know you have half that amount of children well will have but like you said your 3 year old gets tired, so how are you going to be able to carry a tired 3 year old and a newborn? i think get the double stroller. you are not being selfish or greedy x

Yinni - posted on 08/22/2012

to be clear, the babies r us trade in is not old for new. if you bring in your used baby gear item (in this case a stroller), they give you 25% off the purchase of the new stroller (select manufacturers).

Chrissy - posted on 08/22/2012

if its price u r worryn about, babies-r-us is doing a trade in old for new special. u should check it out

Melissa - posted on 08/22/2012

I initially didn't get a double stroller when I had my second because we too were very strapped for cash and it just didn't seem like an option. For the first few months I carried my baby in a sling with my 2 1/2 year old in the stroller, but as she got bigger it got so heavy to carry her and she never liked the sling, she's not a cuddler at all and wants her space (my oldest is a cuddler and LOVED being in the sling). But we go to the zoo alot (we have a membership) and when we go to the park I like to go to ones with long trails so I can get a good walk in and then let the kids play, with all the walking it was getting too much to carry her in the sling (plus I live in AZ and it is sooo much hotter having the sling on!) so we ended up getting a double stroller and it has been soo nice! We got the sit and stand kind where there's a normal seat in the front and the back has a toddler bench that they can either sit on or turn around and stand and has handles for them to hold onto. My 2 1/2 year old loves having the option to either sit or stand and it works out great for at the zoo, it makes it really easy for him to hop on and off to see the animals and whatnot. I really felt like it was worth the investment for me. Craiglist is a great place to look for a used ones, I've seen some really good deals for them on there or also checking out consignment stores too, I often see them at the one I go to regularly.

Rebecca - posted on 08/21/2012

could you get one of those 'monkey boards' for the back of your stroller? (Its a board the oldest can stand on so they dn't have to walk, but doesn't have a place to sit for them.

Or if you are keen on carrying your new baby, ERGO!! best thing I have ever bought, my youngest is 8months old now and when we are out and about she sleeps in there when needed. its great.

We do have a double stroller as well though, and I LOVE it. My oldest walks alot, so I just have the other seat just in case. We have an ABC adverture buggy.

Sherry - posted on 08/21/2012

They have the sit and stand ones. I just bought one I love it. My son is 3 and my other is 3 weeks. The cheapest ive seen them is $130.

Tiffanie - posted on 08/21/2012

I swear by my double stroller! I got a sit 'n stand double stroller. The infant goes in the front seat and it can even accommodate any brand car seat and the toddler can sit or stand behind the front seat. It's not too bulky but is longer as it fits 2 children. And your toddler really can't fall asleep in the seat, but I love my double stroller! I don't think it's selfish or greedy to make parenting a little easier on you, and a double stroller will definately make your life easier!

Sherrie-ann - posted on 08/20/2012

I don't know where you live but there are plenty of inexpensive umbrella double strollers out there. I know Jeep has a few for just about $100. They are relatively cheap, lightweight, easy to fold and well made. Also, some people have garage sales, you might get lucky and find a second hand one. They are also stand and ride strollers. The toddler can stand and hold on at the back.

If I were you I'd get the double because most toddlers tend to regress when the baby comes along and your daughter may not want to walk while the baby is pushed. Just make sure it's lightweight. Also, it will be safer. You tell them to hold the handle and don't let go but they don't always listen. Then what do you do if both of them are sleeping?

Couldn't you sell the single one you have to help buy the double. Or let Jen send you the one that's just sitting there collecting dust.

Kathie - posted on 08/20/2012

I think you should get the double. I had a double when i had my second & didn't have a car, definitely a life saver. I have back problems so my carrier/sling only made it hurt more. I used the stroller alot for the first year & then had my third child, so i don't use it as much now but still comes in handy when we go on vacation or even an event downtown. My kids are 3, 4, & 8 and even though my 8 yr old is a LIL big for it, he still sits in it sometimes to rest his legs.

Kelina - posted on 08/20/2012

see if you can get a secondhand one. If you do a lot of walking you're not being selfish you're being practical. Look into a bob or something like it, the jogging stroller will be far easier on your back. I got my stroller about a year ago and I've used it so much it's going to need new tires! we've taken it skating and we do a lot of walking since we got rid of our second vehicle in january. we also live in a town that's basically on the side of a giant hill so after investing in a graco, I ended up having to reinvest in a jogging stroller because pushing the graco double up the hill was murder on my back! If you find you're super strapped and just can't get the stroller invest in a good carrier. I like the ergo, I can carry my son for long periods of time with winding up in pain.

Victoria - posted on 08/20/2012

You're not being selfish!!! Go to target and get one of their double strollers! Or what I did was, I waited until my daughter could sit on her own whic was about the time I couldn't handle the her strapped to me anymore and I bought a double umbrella stroller for $80 at Target. If you're just going on walks and not for jog, the umbrella stroller is great!

Nikki - posted on 08/19/2012

I have a 1 1/2 yr old and 3 1/2 yr old, when the baby was born we got a double Sit n Stand and my daughter REFUSED to go in it and it was HORRIBLE to try to push and lug around, really heavy and bulky. So I sold that and my friend kept telling me how much she loved her Baby Jogger City Select. I looked at one in a store and fell in love with it and my 2 yr old immediately wanted to sit in it... It can have 1 or 2 seats attached that both can go forward or backward facing depending on your preference...car seat adapter works for infant seat, and you can use the other seat for older child and switch to 2 seats when 2nd child is older..there is also an optional bassinet for baby. I have had about 4 or 5 strollers and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE the City Select... It folds up pretty compactly, isn't too heavy but is very sturdy. Both of my kids love riding in it, and it's easy to push compared to the sit n stand...also there is an optional skate board type thing that attaches to back for older child to stand on while riding. My husband isn't one to get excited about strollers or any baby product for that matter, but even he said I LOVE THIS STROLLER!! I can't tell you how many hundreds of times we use it.. I even got rid of my umbrella strollers and the larger Graco because this one is much more convenient and comfy for the kids and us too. The city select is a little pricey but I think you get what you pay for with strollers, and we've more than gotten out money's worth from this stroller :) check on Craigslist or eBay and you may be able to find one used. You will not be sorry if you invest in this awesome stroller though and you will be so glad it's a double when the older child all of a sudden wants to ride in a stroller again all the time because little brother or sister is riding in it too ;)

Kristine - posted on 08/19/2012

I think you need a double stroller. Sure you may carry your second child for the first month or so but be real once baby gets to 20 lbs you will not want to carry. You may find that your oldest won't use the stroller as much but it will still be nice to have. I have a 2 week old and a 4 year old and I struggled with what to buy. I ended buy a single stroller but only because this past summer I never once pulled the stroller out for my oldest. I used the stroller all the time for my first and we are using it just as much for our 2nd. If your mom is refusing to pay see out craigslist in your area I find lots of great deals if I take my time. Good luck.

Timora - posted on 08/19/2012

My girls are 2 1/2 years apart. I thought I would want a double stroller, but didn't feel like it was worth the expense and I found there weren't very many times when I wanted it. I just use a single stroller and if I'm going to be out enough that I think my older one will get tired I take a Moby wrap or similar carrier so I can wear my little one while my older daughter rides in the stroller for a while. I do the same thing if I'm walking along a street or someplace where I'll feel safer with my 3 year old in a stroller. She rides and I wear the little one (who is 1 now). I found that I"ve just used my Moby wrap and backpack carrier a lot more with my second than I did with my first.

Yinni - posted on 08/19/2012

They also make something called a boogie board. It's a small platform that attaches to the back of the stroller that your older child can stand on when they get tired of walking(kinda like how kids hang on to grocery carts). As useful as a double stroller is, it's not very maneuverable in small spaces like in restaurants and some stores.