Double Strollers/how Much Do You Really Use Them?

I have 2 1/2 & 1 year old boys, and couldn't have lived without mine... but I am on the go quite a bit because we don't have much of a yard and I take my boys to parks often to burn some energy! In addition to the park, I use it for church, shopping where the carts aren't big enough to hold two boys, the mall, the doctor's office, basically any time we go anywhere.

My daughter was 2 when our second was born. I bought the sit and stand stroller and I really wish I had just kept my old single stroller. Our second baby likes to be held so I just babywear her in a Beco and my oldest rides in the stroller. I really only use it when shopping at the mall. Any other time my 2 year old prefers to walk. I say take it back and buy a baby carrier. :)

My girls are almost 4.5, and we use a stroller everywhere we go still. I am not comfortable with letting them walk around a store, and I also walk them frequently around the neighborhood. Actually, the tires on my double stroller are almost bare because of how much we've used it over the past four years. You ask "will my 2.5 yr old sit in a stroller" - yes, if you make that the habit. My girls have never argued about being in a stroller when we go places. By the way, my 4 yr old stroller is from Target - so it is well worth the $150 becuase it has lasted so long.

I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old & i have a sit & stand. I use it all the time - to go to the store or run errands or to the library (so i don't have to chase anyone). I'm not a shopper either. Good luck.

I wouldn't get one if you rarely use the 1 stroller now. Everyone is different. When you go to lots-of-walking places like the zoo or fair you could use one of the rental strollers (they have doubles) or bring a wagon. None of my kids liked sitting in a stroller after they hit 2.5 or so - as in they'd scream and arch their back and cry and whine and throw a MAJOR tantrum when you tried to put them in. They wanted to walk - which is healthier for them anyways. So we let them walk. I still don't understand why we (as a society) complain about our kids not moving/exercising when most kids I see are confined to a stroller (or swing or bouncy seat or exersaucer or whatever) for so much of their 1st 3-4 years.

Anyways... my 3rd was born a couple weeks after my 2nd turned 2. We have an awesome Double Elite Sit 'n Stand stroller from OneStepAhead.com. I used it alot for the first 6 months as a double stroller (normal front/back double with reclining seats, 5 pt harness, sun shades, etc). After that, it stayed in the sit 'n stand configuration all the time (baby in front seat, big kid on back with platform to stand on). However, we only used it for like a year. Once the older one turned 3 she never used the sit 'n stand at all -- even when we drive to Chicago and spend the entire day (opening to closing) at Brookfield Zoo (huge zoo for those who've never been there) the 2 year old would walk the entire day and >maybe< sit in the stroller for a 10-15 break while eating. I'm going to be selling my great sit 'n stand stroller soon even though my youngest kids are still 4 & 2 -- haven't used it in over a year! We rarely go to the mall (the kids would want to walk anyways) and when I go for neighborhood walks the kids are walking with me (or riding their scooters - even the 2 year old). I take the wagon to the State Fair (better for uneven surfaces than stroller). The kids walk at the Farmer's Market every weekend - they like to explore and see the veggies up close and help bag stuff -- wouldn't be able to do that from a stroller. Heck - I haven't even used the single (umbrella, sold the big one years ago) since last summer! And most of the time, I'm taking all the kids to these places by myself since my hubby works long hours.

Anyways.... if you rarely use a stroller now, don't bother spending the money on a double. Walking is healthier for your toddler anyways!

I loved my double stroller on vacations or when I was alone . Other than that I hated it. using It took awhile to get used to it. It was just so big and bulky. I hated folding it down and getting it in and out of the car.
It was basically good for trips and the mall that was about it. When I went shopping if at all possible I went alone.

My daughters are 28 months apart and the older one loves to ride in the stroller now. I spent a lot of time the first summer carrying the baby in a Mei Tai and pushing the stroller with my older daughter in it. Last summmer when my baby was about 1 year old we finally purchased a 2 seater wagon. It is one of the more deluxe Radio Flyer wagons with a canopy and there are seatbelts for the kids. The seatbelt is key for the younger kid. It does not have a little door but it does have cup holders for the girls and 2 in front for the parents. My girls love the wagon and I have never regretted not having a double stroller. For me, I thought my oldest child would be jealous of the baby with a sit and stand model.

I used my double until my kids were 2 and 5. Even now I appreciate my single with a buggy board now that my kids are 3 and 6. You really need somewhere for both kids if you go to the zoo, mall, travel a big city and walk a lot.

I'm currently in the same boat as you, except my son will be 17 months when his sibling is born. A double stroller will be a must. I was recently just window shopping at babies r us and found one where the back seat can be removed and transforms into an area for your child to stand on.

Here's what I'm talking about: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3012699

Good Luck... I personally think you will find more use out of it than you are thinking right now.

We have 5 children. With my first two, I purchased a double stroller. I hated it. So I rarely used it, even #2 and #3 are only 16 months apart. I finally sold it. When we were pregnant with #5, #4 was only 6 months so I knew that I would need something for the two smallest. So I sold the double stroller and bought a sit and stand. It was a fantastic investment! My older baby (#4) can sit and be strapped in if I need her to be or she can stand on it if she needs a break from walking. Even the older two (#2 and #3) will occasionally stand and ride on it. You can get them used. I would try Craigslist or Once Upon a Child. Unless you find on a great clearance, I wouldn't buy them new. Used vs. new in something like that isn't typically worth the money.

Sounds like you've answered your own question. Just make due with your single stroller. My two B. are similar in age difference. The older one would get jealous if the younger one was in the stroller so we would switch them out. The older one would soon get over it and want out. Since summer in fast approaching, maybe you could find a used double at a garage sale but again, if you are not going to use it often just make due without it. I'm sure they are bulkier and tougher to maneuver. Additionally, we ended up buying a wagon for our outings once our second child turned one. Now they get to ride with each other and man is that exciting for them! Good luck, save your money and spend on something you "need."

My two girls are 18months apart. I originally had a tandum stroller. But then I ended up selling that one because my older daughter didn't like sitting in it all that much. I bought a Sit and Stand for my girls and we use it ALL the time. My older daughter likes to walk but when she gets tired she can jump in and out whenever she likes.

My first two children were 23 months apart and I used the double stroller a lot and used it until my oldest was almost 4! We walked to his preschool and it was a little too long of a walk for him so he still rode in the stroller. Also, loved it for things like the zoo or walking to the park, etc.

The flip side is I have a 2 1/2 year old now that almost never rides in a stroller. He walks with me almost everywhere we go so I guess it all depends on how much freedom you are comfortable with your oldest having as well as whether or not he is a "good walker".

These weren't really as popular when my kids were little but I think I'd get one of those strollers with the place on the back for the older kid to sit or stand before I'd get a double stroller if I was buying one now.

Good luck,
K.

I have 2 boys who are 2.5 yrs apart, and for me a double stroller is a must. My older son is the kind of kid who does need to be restrained sometimes, even though he insists on walking. Sometimes I am just not up to chasing after him in the mall, at the zoo, on the way to the park, going into the gym, etc. Once a month I have to take the kids to church by myself when hubby is on call, and I'd probably not act in a very "church-like" manner if they weren't in the stroller ;) I am alone with my kids 95% of the time, so I definitely needed one, or I'd be stuck at home.

So, I think it does depend upon your lifestyle, as well as your son's personality. It sounds like it might not be the best use of your gift card. I'd return it for now, and see how you do without it. If you find yourself wanting one later on, check Craigslist. You'd probably be able to get away with wearing the baby in a carrier and having your older son in a single stroller if need be.

If you don't use one now very often.......I wouldn't get one. I got one when I had my 2nd child (22mos apart) and found that I didn't use it, except if we went to a zoo or amusement park or something. So, very little and I could rent one for a lot cheaper than the price per use of the one I bought.

On the other hand, if you use them a lot now.......by all means, I can see the benefit of having one, they are nice, if you use them! lol

Besides.......you have a lot of diapers that need to be bought! lol. I would be more inclined to buy something like that! imo

Never. I didn't own one. I wore my baby and my toddler (they are not quite 17 months apart) rode in a small stroller - bigger than an umbrella stroller, smaller than a full-size.
Get a sling or soft carrier like the Ergo, it's cheaper, it's better for communication about feeding needs, and it's better for the baby (unless it's one of those awful crotch carriers like the Bjorn or Snuggli).

We also have a sit and stand. My children and 19 months and 4 1/2. It gets used pretty regularly, since I am often by myself with the children, even with a 4 yo. Any time there is a busy street or crowds involved, I bring it. It's much safer for my son to hop on the stroller and ride than to hold my hand. I haven't found the sit and stand to be any more difficult to use or cart around than our regular stroller. Like you, I don't like spending a lot of money for these items that seemed to be used so temporarily. I found mine on craigslist. I looked almost daily when I was pregnant until I found one in my neighborhood, since I am also not willing to drive to timbuktu to get it either. I only paid $50 for mine and it was definitely worth every penny. If I had to do it all over again and pay full price I would still think it was worth it. If you buy them new, they now come with two regular seats that you can convert into the sit and stand bench when you feel your older child is ready. GL!

My kids are now 4 & 6, but when they were little we took our sit 'n stand everywhere. It was the best piece of baby equipment I ever purchased. I would definately recommend one!

I can relate I have 3 girls and just had my fourth and my double stroller comes in handy. I don't know if you are planning on having more but my two that can't walk acutlly use the stroller and I go everywhere and we use it all the time. So If you can afford it I say go for it.

I have an almost 4 year old and an 18month old and we use all the time. We use it for the park, when we're going somewhere where we have to walk a lot, and just for walks. First, the 18 month old was able to be in there in the carseat, now can sit in the front and sometimes likes to stand with his brother in the back. Our 4 year old, can sit or stand when he doesn't feel like walking and we don't have to worry about carrying either of them. For us, we definitely get our $$ worth. I guess it depends on how much you're outside or walking with both of them. We do A LOT outside.

I'd say take it back and see how it goes without it. With the infant car seat, I would often put one in the shopping basket and one in the seat. And if you like using baby carriers or slings, you can carry the baby for a while. You can always buy it later if you find you really do need it!

My kids are 25 months apart and I was of the mind set that I would "have to have" a double stroller. After much research and comparison shopping we finally purchased the double. I have to admit that it was not needed, at least for our family. My older child never liked the double (loved our single) and always preferred to walk with me. So I say take it back. I also agree with a previous poster Leslie as the kids are older a wagon works great. Just stick with your single and if you decide you need a double stroller, by one second hand, you can get really good deals that way. Yard sale season is upon us so try that for a double and spend your money on something more useful. We have always been a one income family so I understand where you are coming from, if you do not go out much and rarely use your single take the double back.

I use mine all the time. I don't have two children--just one, but I babysit parttime. I would suggest maybe looking at Once Upon a Child. Then you return the new one if you find one that will work for you.

Well if you find you really need it, you can always buy one used for cheaper. So return it, especailly if you don't find yourself using the single a lot.

I would say it is not a necessity. I had (used) one and I did use it, but only because my 2nd child was also my 3rd, lol. I had twins when my daughter turned 2 1/2, and there was no choice, she had to learn to walk and stay with me as no way was I spending the money on a triplet stroller. Then when I had my 4th they were 2 1/2 and learned to hold onto the sides of the stroller and walk beside my single stroller again. I held onto the double for a while and would use it on long shopping days or zoo trips when I had someone else with me to push a second umbrella stroller.

A better option is to return the stroller, use the single for the little one... and invest in a nice wagon that can be used for not only toting the kids, but holding bags and lunches when you go to picnics, parades, amusement parks, etc. Even a family picnic is easier when you have one big wagon to put your kids, food items, and a change of clothes into. I never went back to using a stroller... and they even sell little backrests for tykes inside the wagon with seatbelts!

heres a great one...

http://www.ridingtoys.com/tricycles-and-wagons/plastic/ra...

We have a sit and stand and we use it all the time. My older shild doesn't use it much except at the zoo and when we go for a walk to the park etc, but it is really nice to have!!! I have tried using just a single a times and my older child got tired - nothing worse than carrying my 3 year old and pushing a stroller! Maybe look into second hand strollers to save money!

My kids are 2 years apart and I REALLY wanted a double stroller. I just didnt' want to spend the money--I found at a garage sale advertised on Craigslist and ended up spending $85 on a Peg Perego side-by-side that was barely used. My 2 year old was walking everywhere by the time we were really out running around a lot. I'm glad to have it in case we need it, but we really don't use it often so I'm glad I didn't over pay. It's garage sale season, so I'd shop those if you have the time!

My advice is to have a double stroller! BUT, don't pay $150. You won't use it long enough to justify that if you're on limited income. Go to a garage sale, www.craigslist.com or once upon a child and return the target stroller to use that money for essentials.
Best wishes!

I have an almost 5 1/2 year old, a 3 1/2 year old and an 11 month old. I have used our double stroller since my middle child was born and use it all the time. Parks, malls, neighborhood walks, parades, zoo, we use it everywhere. It has been a great investment for us. My oldest still needs a stroller ride from time to time. I can't imagine not having this stroller.

I think it really depends on the lifestyle you lead.

Our kids are 21 months apart, and we used to use it quite a bit. Mostly during my time on Maternity Leave where I was walking frequently to help lose the baby weight and then on excursions for the older kids (with a friend whose kids are the same ages).

We used it a lot to go to the pool/park in our neighborhood as the basket on the bottom was had generous space to put things we might need. We don't use it as frequently now - more because we don't want it taking up all the space in the car (kids are now 2 and almost 4), and we want our son to start walking more and riding less.

If your lifestyle includes a lot of walking, trips to the mall, etc. I would recommend keeping it, but if doesn't (trips to Target, playing in the yard, etc), you may be able to get away without it.

Good luck!

I like Kelli A answer. I would look for one on a yardsale. If you don't use one very much now I think it might be better to buy a wagon maybe. Then you can use it for long trips like the zoo and get many years of use out of it. We've got one that has a door and two seats (Step 2 product I think) and one of the seats lift for storage. I've seen people even using them at the Mall they leave them outside of smaller stores but take them in the anchor stores and they don't take up much room compaired to a double stroller. I don't think my sister used hers a lot. She also had some problems with the child in the back kicking the child in the front so she soon got two umbrella strollers.

My daughters are 18 months apart (now ages 13 & 15). Money was tight when they were little. I remember we were going to a flea market, and had to stop at Wal-Mart on the way to pick-up diapers, and there it was it the main isle, my stroller. My husband and I just looked at each other, didn't say a word, and he picked it up and put it in the cart. It was the best piece of child equipment I ever owned. It went to the mall, the zoo, the fairs, the beach, around the neighborhood, the amusement park, everywhere!

Note: mine had a seat in front and one in the back. Or you could make it just one large seat so a child could lay down.

I have 2 boys - almost 2 and 5 months. The only time I use the double stroller is for walks around the neighborhood when I am alone. If hubby is home we put the baby in his stroller and the almost 2 year old walks with daddy.

I'm like you, I'm not really a shopper. When I do go shopping it is at Target or something like that so I will just use the car cart they have. I don't use a stroller.

So, for me, if I didn't get a hand me down double stroller, I don't think I would have gone out and bought one. I just don't use it enough to justify spending the money. I'm also really fortunate to have fantastic parents who always want to babysit, so if I have a bunch of errands to run, I drop one or both off for a visit!

Since you're not due till September, I'd personally return the one you have and watch yard sales or second-hand shops for one. You may find more at the end of the summer, when you'll actually need it.

Most places where you'll actually need it have them to rent anyway.

My boys are 2 1/2 years and two months. I use my double stroller every day when we walk the dog. I found myself waiting till hubby got home to do the walking and we were using two strollers. I bought the side-by-side but it's so big I doubt we'll ever load it in the car to take anywhere. We're lucky that we live within walking distance to a lot of things to do and with the dog we walk nearly every day.