Double Stroller Advice - Glenside, PA

I was in that same situation with my two boys. Jonathan was old enough to walk, but I still wanted him close. We ended up buying a single stroller from Peg Perrego with a step on the back. Jonathan was much more content with this. He could stand and almost felt like he was helping me push the stoller. It worked well for us..good luck!
K. M

1 mom found this helpful

Have you thought about getting a Sit n Stand? They can accommodate a carrier in the front, and in the back is an area for your toddler to either stand, or sit on a little bench.

Here is a link to one on Amazon.com
http://tinyurl.com/2q22ov

Good Luck!

I've been through several double strollers and have finally found one that I love. My daughter was 26 months when my son was born so I struggled with buying a full double stroller or a Sit and Stand. I decided on a Sit and Stand b/c I didn't know how much longer my daughter would sit in a stroller. The first Sit and Stand that I bought was from Joovy and when I put the infant carrier in, there was no room for my daughter to sit on the bench. That trip to the mall was a nightmare as I had to chase my daughter through the mall. I then found the One Step Ahead which can be a full double stroller that converts to a Sit and Stand...the best of both worlds. I would highly recommend it! I wasn't able to find it in stores, so I bought in online at: http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

Good Luck!

Hi! I'm in a similar situation, just had a new baby boy- and have a daughter 21 months older. I have the Graco quattro double- the front seat holds up to 50 pounds. I gelt this was best because it holds the infant carrier (not all do) But i also have these way cool stroller connectors that I got at BabiesRus for $7. they connect(and disconnect) two umbrella strollers together side by side. I used them often with my daughter and my neice (11 months apart) and inexpensive option for a side by side double that you may not need to use all the time! good luck!!!

The sit and stand stroller rocks! You have the option of the infant carrier attachment and the toddler can sit or stand AND it is lightweight and has storage and cup holders. We're gone through four different types of double strollers and this is by far the best!

I have twins - both between 25-30 lbs. and I have the Peg Perego Twin Aria, and I LOVE it! It fits through single doors, its easy to fold and unfold, and it only weighs 14 lbs, so it's so easy to take in and out of the car!!

I got the Phil & Teds Sporty Buggy in November and it is absolutely wonderful!!!! I just looked on their website & the main seat can hold up to 55 pounds so your 2 year old is covered. The second attachable seat can fit your newborn (which I've used for my baby from 4 days old) until they're a toddler also! It's compact (fits in my Ford Focus) and light-weight. The adjustable handle is great since I'm 5'10". And it comes with a wind protector for the newborn compartment which I've used in South Central PA. Hope this helps. It's a little expensive but my whole family & a few friends went in on it as our shower gift.

My children were 22 months apart and the girls in my office gave me a sit and stand stroller with the attachment to put the baby carrier on it. I absolutely loved the stroller. The older child can stand on the back or sit facing you.

Hey M. - with 4 children I have looked at and tried out a lot of double strollers. The two options I think are most important when looking for a double stroller are a swivel front wheel(s) and independent sunshades that come down far enough to actually shade the children. I never cared for the front to back strollers - although I think the new Phil and Ted's are grand. I lucked out and was given a Bob Double stroller by my relatives as a shower gift. It is amazing! I LOVE IT. They are pricey - but if you think you are going to use your stroller a lot, it's a great investment. They last forever and handle both babies and older children beautifully. good luck.

b.

Have you thoguht about the kind that is 1 stroller with a seat on the back?

I loved the sit and stand stroller. It was easy to maneuver. I found other double strollers (even had a peg perego) too difficult to manuever when 2 kids were in it.

I tried the side by side and the one in front of the other....didn't find any that I liked besides the sit and stand one....

I have one I was just telling a co-worker that I was going to list on craigslist. If you have any interest in it, send me a message.....

Best of luck!

T. 37 y.o. mom of 3 great boys (12, 9, and 4) and married to my best friend for 13+ years. Work full time in healthcare and sell southern living on the side for fun!

My daughter was 2 years months when my second daughter was born. We didn't get a double stroller. My older daughter walks. If we go to the zoo or something like that, I don't go by myself with them so we have an umbrella stroller for the older one. When we're at the mall the older one helps me push the stroller. If she doesn't then she has to hold my hand or hold onto the stroller. If your daughter won't do that, then I'm with you that you need a double stroller. I think I'm really lucky that my daughter is that cooperative when we're out. Good luck!

I have a two+ year old and a nine month old. I did the whole babybjorn with my toddler in the stroller thing for a while. We have a dog to walk often and my kids are big, so this got old pretty quickly (although it did seem to help lose the baby weight faster!). I just recently purchased the Joovy Caboose and we all love it. I did a lot of research and it was the right size and weight, and it didn't require a lot of reconfiguring. It handles well on a sidewalk or in the mall. It was also very affordable with a coupon from Babies R' Us.
Good luck!
-M.

Try a stroller like this. Here is a link of it for you.
http://www.nextag.com/Baby-Trend-Sit-N-528935581/prices-html

try a Sit-n-Stand stroller .. I had one when my youngest was newborn .. the elder was 2 1/2 ... works great ....

Perhaps a Caboose style tandem stroller will suit your needs. Check out Joovy Caboose Tandem Stroller.... The older child can stand on the back and if they get tired they can turn around and sit down. The weight goes up to 45 lbs.... And you can put an infant carrier in the front so you can use it right away. Check out Toys R Us or do a search online for Joovy. Some places offer free shipping. Now if you ever need a bye bye buggy that accomodates 4 Let me know I happen to have one for sale.... :D
Good luck
God Bless!

M.

SORRY I didn't see all the responses that you already received.... Isn't this site wonderful? :)

I would try the sit and stand stroller. The baby can be in the front while your older daughter sits facing you in the back.

My kids are 20 months apart and we LOVE our Graco Quattro Duo. It is fantastic, steers easily, folds compactly, and fits my big toddler and infant perfectly. I highly recommend this stroller. My son also likes to walk around, which is fine when my husband's with us, but most of the time it's just me and the kids and I wouldn't survive without the double stroller.

We have the Joovy Caboose and LOVE it. It is perfect because our two year old can sit on the bench and the baby has the traditional stroller seat.

I have the JOOVY sit n stand. It can accomodate an infant seat in the front and a child can sit or stand in the back. I bought mine at babies r us and it was relatively inexpensive. I have 3 kids. At the time when I used it the most, my kids ages were 5, 2 & infant. The 5 & 2 yr old would stand in the back when I was walking through a parking lot or in the mall. It's really easy to use. I still use it now and my kids are almost 6, 3 & 15 months.

I have two children 18 months apart. We bought the double umbrella stroller by Maclaren...expensive, but worth it! It rolls well, turns on a dime and is comfie for both babies and toddlers. Definitely get one with the rain cover and the leg covers for colder days! We love it and use it everywhere, especially at the mall! And it WILL fit through any door!

Hello. I have a daughter who will be 2 in April, and son who will be 1 in July. We went with the Kolcraft Universal Tandem Stoller. We got it at Kmart. It's really great because it's roomy, easy to push, and turn, and easy to fold and lift in and out of your vehicle (we have a Durango). Your 2 year old would sit up front, and the baby in her car seat will sit in the back. The stroller fits most car seats, and has straps to strap the car seat in. It was also very resonably priced. We went with the Tandem because it's easier to go in and out of doors, and easier to navigate through stores. I hope this is helpful.
C.

Take a look at the Sit 'n Stand by Baby Trend. It has a place in the front for the baby, which converts to hold most infant seats and a place in the back where your older child can either sit on a bench or stand on a platform. There's storage room underneath, too. I bought one and my three-year old loves it. Maybe it's the answer for you, too!

I don't have this dilemma personally since my daughers are 3 1/2 year apart.

However, after watching my sister struggle with a double stroller, I would avoid it because it is very hard to maneuver.

Have you looked at the strollers that have the ledge on the front where the older child can stand and ride?

That's what I would pick if my girls were closer together in age.

good luck!

I would consider getting one of the boards with wheels that connects to the rear axle of a stoller. (not sure what they are called) This way an older child can stand and ride. I've also seen seats that connect to the back of a stroller. All the best to you.........

Hi M.,

My boys are 3 years apart...and I purchased the Sit n Stand stroller. It's great. The older child can stand on the back platform (there is a safety harness) while the younger child sits in the "normal" seat upfront. If the older child gets tired - there is a jumpseat with a 3 point harness in the back. It is a little larger than a normal stroller...but a lot smaller than typical double strollers. You'll love it!

Mine is the Sit n Stand ($119 at Target)...but Joovy also makes one (a bit more expensive @$150).
Hope this helps!

K.

The Sit and Stand is awesome for kids of those ages- my youngest 3 are 1, 3 and 4 and this stroller works great for us! The only complaint I would have is that it takes up a lot of space (but we have a huge car, so it is not too much of an issue for us).

I've owned two diffrent types of double strollers. The wide umbrella type adn the buggy long type. The umbrella one was great in the car as it was lightwieght adn didnt take up to m,uch trunk space, however it was a pain in the mall as some of those stores were just to small to manouver it around.
The longer one was a bugger to get in and out of the car but it fit so much better in those tiny stores and I liked facr that I had two hoods to cover a sleeping toddler also. Tehy were also a little warmer I thought in cold weather as it was closer quarters.
I dont have a double one right now as I'm rarely in a situation were I go to a place I actually need a stroller. Also my three yr old doesn't take naps anymore so he'll definetly want to walk.
these ar ethe things I considered when I bought mine.

I had the the graco duoglider and the sit n stand likes them both. Target has a sit n stand for around $119. Then your daughter can get in and out easily or be buckled in. stand facing forward or sit facing you. It has cup holders and you can use your infant carrier in the front seat. I preferd the sit n stand to the duo glider once my daughter was 3 because she wanted a ride then wanted to walk etc etc and it was a pain to get her out of the front and or back. I dont like the side by sides because if you go to the mall you dont fit well around racks because you are tooooo wide. Also I know you are not supposed to but I could push 3 kids in the sit n standwith one sitting and one standing on the back and one in the front seat! Downside to the sit n stand is the older one cant sleep in it. Good luck.

I just purchased the Zooper Tango. My daughter is two and my second one is due to arrive in June. It was a little costly but I bought it brand new on ebay for half the cost. It allows an infant seat to put in the one side too which was a must have for me. It is really nice but I have not taken on any test runs yet because I only have one kid!
Good luck

I would say get the double stroller - don't listen to your husband on this one. With two little ones, a double-stroller will a big help.
I have a Costco double stroller, which was pretty good for the price, but any brand will work I'd say. Just check to see what the weight restrictions are on the seats. I've had my 1 and 5 year old in the stroller more than once (just for walks around the neighborhood), and it held up ok (but not that I'd recommend that all the time!). The bjorn carrier will be very helpful, but sometimes it will be nice to put the baby down in the stroller as well and give your back a break.
Good luck!

We got the sit and stand and it's just OK. Our kids are 2 years apart and when the baby was littler I spent a lot of time with him in a carrier and with my older child walking. Now they're both walking as I push an empty stroller :) It's nice to have the option though, and we use it at the mall, zoo, or museum. If nothing else it's nice to have somewhere to put the coats and diaper bag, and a makeshift high chair for my now-16-month-old.

My daughters are the same exact spacing as your childern (2yrs and 3 months). We used a double stroller that the girls were one in front of the other both facing the same way. I believe it was made by Graco (it's been a few years). We put the baby in the back and had our 2 year old sit in the front. It was much easier for her to get in and out that way.

As the new baby gets bigger you will not want to carry her all around in the baby bjorn. A double stroller for us was wonderful even as the girls got older. On trips to the zoo and the mall they could ride or walk. We defintily got our moneys worth with the double stroller!

Hi M.,

My little ones are 16 1/2 months apart so I get a lot of use out of my double stroller. I decided to go with a Maclaren double umbrella stroller and I love it. It is easy to open and close and I can fit through any single door. Both of my kids love it. If my oldest ever wants to walk, the stroller is small enough and light enough to push the youngest and not look silly.

I used the sit n' stand stroller when I had my last child and still had a 3 yr old. I liked it a lot since the toddlers don't always want to sit and the platform on the rear allows them to stand at a level that lets them see. Toddlers have trouble keeping up with our long legs and get tired and whine. This stroller allows them to stand (or sit) as we push along at our pace. Whatever you do - NEVER BUY A SIDE-BY-SIDE DOUBLE STROLLER!!! It is too wide for the aisle of any store and you can't dart around others in crowds without clearing a wide swath. It also makes you leave your kids at the end of an aisle to look for something, and you might not want a toddler further than arms length (tend to break stuff when you're not looking). If you buy a double stroller, get one with one behind the other and you will be fine.

Also, Check "Little Liberty" for all baby and kid items (toys, cribs, crib linens, clothes, shoes, skates, cassettes, dvd's, books, etc) before paying full price at a store. Liberty and Little Liberty are located opposite each other on Ridge Pike, just west of the Level rd/Evansburg Rd. traffic light(Lower Providence township). Little is on the left, Regular Liberty on right. Good place to drop off stuff you don't use anymore. (drop off at Regular Liberty)

I know the feeling..... My husband didn't want to get a double stroller with our second child, but I talked him into it, and boy am I glad I did. My children are 13, 10 & 7 now, but you are correct in the fact that there will NOT always be 2 of you to handle 2 of them. And shopping, or park visits can be a nightmare when the older one wears out and there isn't enough room in the stroller for both.....

I can't recommend specific brands (we've been done with stollers for about 2 years), but I would NOT get a side-by-side. They are awful to push around stores to do shopping. And they are not as easy to steer.....Just get one that is sturdy, but not too heavy--you will be lifting it out of your vehicle on a regular basis, and one that easily opens.

Strollers are more useful than men usually think they will be. If you have two adults, you can always use the stoller for shopping (a great tool around the holidays). We even rented strollers last year on a trip to Disney. It kept us moving quicker, and gave the older ones a place to sit and take a break once in a while....

Best wishes on your decision.

Hi M.,

We have a Maclaren double stroller that we love. My son is three and my daughter one and we used it all last summer. They are kinda pricey - ours was a gift. My son still fits in it at 40 inches tall and 36 pounds. Have you tried the kind that have a spot for one child to sit and one child to stand? That might be kind of fun for your older child. If I were buying one now, that's what I would get as my son is sort of out growing a stroller. Good luck!

I had a sit and stand stoller from the Right Start. I loved that stroller, it has an attachment so you can fit just about any infant seat in the front, and then it has a seat in the back, that comes out and you can have your child sit on the platform or stand, it was great. I also take care of other children, and I so got my money's worth out of that stroller, I hope that helps. Good luck, let us know what you choose.

I got a double stroller (tandem not side by side) when we had our second. It really didn't work out like I had hoped. If you try to take it shopping it is close to imposible to get through any store not to mention that they are in general just more difficult to steer. The other thing to think about is cargo space. With the double, there is VERY little space for diaperbag, purse, coats etc. Our girls are about 22 months apart. We just use the single stroller and let them take turns riding when we go to the zoo or mall and used the snuggly off and on for the baby. Once the baby was able to sit up without support, we got a 2 seated wagon for things like trips to the park and such. That works nice. Sorry I couldn't give you more positive results. Good luck!!!

I had the same dilemma but then I discovered Baby Trend Sit n Stand stroller. With it my son was able to sit or stand and be the big boy he was while my daughter was comfortable in her seat. We loved it.

We just ordered a Joovy stroller from Amazon. After looking around on the internet, watching people w/ double strollers, and reading about a million reviews, I took my husband and my 2 yr old to Babies R Us to check out their selection. That turned out to be a great idea b/c my husband could push our 2 yr old around, borrow the carrier and put it on the strollers and just attempt to use it the way we would when our 2nd is born (He thought we would be OK as well since our 1st will be 3 in June. But since we have a wedding in Disney World in August and have to lug the 2 boys around, I was insistant on a double stroller)

We decided on the Joovy b/c it wasn't too heavy, it was easy to close -- as well as move around when closed, and my 2 yr old fit in the seat as well as the back seat/stand area. My son's 31lbs and his weight plus the carrier on the front was much easier to push around than we thought. I know we didn't have the newborn in there, but I don't think his weight will make much of a difference.

Good Luck!
T.

PS We ordered from Amazon b/c it was out of stock at the store.

hi, if i were you, i have a daudhter 3 and son 5 i would get a double jogging stroller w/ the frount wheel that turns we got on last yr. and it was the best thing we got. we still plan on using it this summer. it doesnt matter the size of your child it holds alot of whight. your baby will be fine in it too. they have a 5 point harnes. save yourself the hassle of a loose child get. K.

Hello!
I have a son who will turn three next month and a seven month old daughter. We have the Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller and I LOVE it! I can sit my son in the front and either keep my daughter in her car seat which snaps into the stoller or let her sit on her own behind my son. It is VERY easy to manuver and has the coolest handles that ease the pushing of it. I can push it between the aisles in department stores with no problem.
It folds down into itself and while it is a bit heavy to lift into the back of my SUV, it is very compact.
My sister (who watches my kids for me when I am at work) and myself researched tons of strollers while I was pregnant and settled on this one and are so glad that we did. I have not had any complaints with this stroller. I love it.
All the best to you!

I haven't seen this one mentioned yet so I thought I would add my two cents. We had to budget for this one - it's expensive - but it was absolutely worth every penny we spent. Have you heard of the Phil & Ted's e3? It's has wheels like a jogging stroller but is very compact. We have the extra seat for the back to turn it into a double. My kids love it (2 years apart) and I do too and so does my husband. It turns on a dime, isn't too heavy and can easily be maneuvered through aisles in stores. We ordered ours online. You can google it and find a site that sells it to learn more about it. Every once in a while I see one on Craig's list for a little less. Good luck with your decision!

We have a Sit and Stand and it is wonderful, a Joovy is also similiar. They are designed for a smaller child and then one who is walking and wanting to get on and off at thier own choice. It's great the baby sits in the front and the older child can get in and out of the back whenever they want. It's great for airports and activities like the zoo. Good luck!

I have a side by side for a 2 1/2 yr and 6 mo old. a chicco c5- love it. no weigh distribution issues. easy to stear. not too wide. i did use a single stroller and bjorn till just recently though..

Hi M....I know where you are at! My first two are 2 yrs and one week apart. There is 3 yrs and 3 weeks between my middle one and the youngest. I bought a graco double stroller that sat them in a row facing out. I would put the oldest in front and then I could put the back seat flat to lay the baby down (when she was really little). It had a basket that was the entire length which was really great in the colder months. I would put their coats in the front on the bottom and purchases on the bottom in the back. I used that stroller until my youngest was two...then I went back to a small single since the other two were 5 & 7!! Then I passed my stroller on to a friend, and she passed it on...I'm sure it's still being used by someone!! I actually remember buying it at ToysRUs...and I didn't even talk to my hubby about it since I knew I was the one that would be using it 99% of the time and I would have to be the one that was happy with it! Congrats on the new baby and best wishes for your family.

I'm with Marianne. The Joovy Caboose is awesome! It's sturdy, which means slightly heavier, and can accomodate bigger children (we have "off the chart" children too). Lots of storage space for a non-conventional double stroller! It can also fit most infant carrier systems! While it is a tad bit pricier than the Baby Trend, or other sit-n-stands, it is well worth the money b/c in this case you really do get what you pay for (had a friend who bought the cheaper double stroller and the axle bent!). I suggest going to a Babies-R-Us store (hopefully you live somewhat close to one) with your husband and daughter and letting her sit on it. Push it around the store with her sitting on the back! Good luck!

I have 18 month old twins, so not the same situation, but a lot of experience with double strollers. I prefer the side by side ones so long as they can fit in doors. In your situation, I think I'd try the wear one push one approach. (I'm thinking it would be easier to chase your 2 year old with the baby on you instead of in the other half of a double stroller.)

Instead of the Baby Bjorn, have you tried or heard of the Ergo carrier? They're pricey, but way more comfy. I still wear our guys (23 and 25 lbs) one at a time either on my front or back... and I'm little - 5'2". You can get used, cheaper ones from the company, but a $100 carrier is surely cheaper and less bulky than a double stroller. :)

Hope that helps.

S.

I too have been in your position. I have a maclaren and a peg perego twin stroller. There are pros to both of them. Firstly there is a weight limit of 50#s to either side, which gives U plenty of room. My daughter is taller for her age and the maclaren has adjustable foot braces. Both strollers offer the reclining position for either side but the peg perego is easier to adjust one handed. The peg perego also has a fedding tray for either as well, where the maclaren has more storage underneath and a large pocket behind both seats as well. I also have a double jogger that we take to the zoo and places where pavement is questionable, well worth the expense as well. Both double umbrella strollers fit thru a standard door opening, if even at a slight angle, but the maclaren would be my recommendation. U can also get warmers for their legs and feet that go over the stroller and bug and rain shieldds for the maclaren. The dounside is U have to buy a cupholder for yourself and attach it. U have recieved alot of responses so hopefully you'll find one U will enjoy!!

I absoulutely LOVE my Jeep double umbrella stroller...so much we have 2 of them for our 4 children. I don't like the other double strollers as they were way too bulky and heavy for me (I am 4'9"). The seats lay back so although it did not hold the carseat we were able to transform one of the seats into an infant carrier with padding (old foam bathtub). It is even "big" enough where our 6 & 5 year olds can rest their legs after a bit of long walking (boardwalk/zoo).

I reccommend a sit and stand stroller so that when your 2 year old outgrows the stroller she can stand and have the option to sit down if she gets tired when you go for walks, etc. They are $300 at Babies R' Us. I bought one on sale for $165 from One Step Ahead. It is also compatible with most infant car seats so you can have the baby on there in the car seat.

I love the Maclaren twin techno. It's a bit pricey at $300.00, but it's light weight and easy to use. I use it daily for my twins. I think your dtr will want to be inthe stroller once she see's you strolling the baby around. Just keep that in mind!

good luck!

Have you checked out the bumbleride indie twin? it's really lightweight, and nicely designed. I know of a few moms who have just ordered one and are really excited about it. You can check it out at www.bumbleride.com. I could probably get you one at a discount, if you are interested...

Good luck with your search!

There have been studies out there linking our overuse of strollers with childhood obesity. I have to agree with your husband and let her walk. If you buy a double stroller you will have to lug it everywhere. Buy a small used umbrella stroller at a yard sale for a dollar and take it with you to the zoo trips. If you are in the mall just the 3 of you have your 2 year old hold your hand or "help" to push the stroller. They also have strollers where the toddler can stand up and ride on the back. If you have an unruly 2 year old you could always resort to a leash. You will be fine without the double stroller. I have not met a mom yet who has not regretted the purchase of that double stroller. They are all a pain to lug around for the little use you will get out of them. Good luck in what ever you decide and congrats on the baby to be :-)

Did you look at the sit and stand ones. It is like a sigle stroller except it has a place but the handle where the older child can either stand on a platform or sit on a little shelf seat. My sister had one and loved it!

Did you ever concider the strollers that the older child actually stands? or the ones that there is actually a bigger seat for the older child. they seem to get a bit more use.

http://www.dealtime.com/xPC-Baby-Trend-Sit-N-Stand-LX-7300

If you are interested/willing to wear your new baby, I highly recommend looking at other carriers/wraps/or slings than the baby bjorn. I started wearing my daughter very early on in a Moby Wrap. We both loved how secure she felt. She'd go to sleep within minutes and just hang out. I wore that until she was about 15 lbs when her weight started putting a bit too much stretch in the material.

We just purchased a mei tai from www.keepyourbabyclose.com, and I couldn't be happier with it. A mei tai is an asian style baby carrier and can be used in a variety of positions with children up to 35 lbs. We're using a front carry right now, but I look forward to my daughter (5 months) getting better head/neck control so we can start using a back carry. I really prefer wearing her to having her in the stroller. But as an added bonus, wearing the infant leaves both hands free for wrangling the two year old.

S.

You are definatelty going to need a double stroller! Especially if you are planning to go out on your own. I have a 2 year old and a 3 1/2 year old and they both sit in the double stroller. My 3 1/2 year old still gets tired walking the mall, and most of the time I can not get a thing done with her walking. I am expecting #3 in May, and my oldest will be forced to walk then. I recently purchased the Quattro Tou Duo and LOVE IT! It pushes soo much better than my Eddie Bauer Tandem. The front seat is nice and roomy for my toddler, and I can use my infant seat in the back. I saw that Baby Trend offers a model of their stroller that is a double, but can convert to a sit and stand. I saw it in out local Target ad this past week. Check out babytren.com for more details. That might be something that might interest you because it would be good in the long run. Good luck!