Registering for Strollers

I love my Combi Twin Savvy. I don't hade twins though, just 3 little ones under 6.

I don't have twins but I have two close in age. We have a front and back and a side by side stroller. The side by side is somewhat easier to push, but it is nearly impossible to maneuver through doorways, crowds, racks in stores, etc. So much so that we almost never use it.

Deciding on a stroller for my twins was something I struggled with too! I ended up going with a side by side Combi stroller (this was 6 yrs ago). There are advantages to both styles, but I liked the way the side by side stroller was so light weight and was unbelievably compact when folded up.
Mine fit through doorways, and like the other mom said, the automatic/handicap doors make is super easy. I remember getting annoyed a few times as I tried to steer through clothing racks in a crowded store, but to tell you the truth, I didn't go out shopping with the twins very often. Having a side by side is sure nice for strolls to the park or walks at the zoo etc.
I think you'll be happy with whichever style you choose.

Also, if you haven't already, try to find a Mothers of Twin club in your area-- I belong to Double Take in Arl Heights(Doubletakemotc.org). There are some great groups out there that can offer support and suggestions now and after the babies are born. Good Luck!!

I don't have twins, but I have 2 close in age. We just bought the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem. They sell it at Burlington Coat Factory (if they have a baby depot)for $199. It is expensive, but that is the cheapest place we found it. It is a front and back in line, which I like for shopping and such. we have only used it a couple times so far, but I like it and it pushes very smoothly. I also like it because you can change the seats around. They can both look forward, both look backwards, or they can face each other. My kids like it and seem to think it is comfortable. Another thing is both seats recline. When we were out walking with it my youngest fell asleep and we were able to recline his seat for him to sleep more comfortably. A couple things though... It is heavy (which I think is part of having a double stroller) and you have to remove one of the seats to fold it up. However it fits in the trunk of our car ('06 corrolla), so that isn't bad.

Congratulations on having twins! My twins are 9 months.
I started with a Graco Quatro Duo, it was great when they were in their infant seats but now that they are bigger I don't like it as much. So I'm selling that one.
I also have a Maclaren from years ago when my older boys were 2 1/5 and newborn and I love it for quick trips.
Then I bought a BOB duallie Revolution and I love it. It is heaver but so easy to push.
I suggest going to the store and playing with them.
Also check out some twin boards and see what some experienced moms like. www.twinmagazine.com is a great one.
Good Luck! Twins are a true blessing.

I do not have twins, but a toddler and a newborn. I returned the Chicco trevi for the Maclaren. I hated having to do that since it was a gift and had to pay the extra amount out of pocket, but the chicco is extremely hard to open. I guess you have to lock the wheels to get it to open and I was practically jumping on it to get it open. I would try them out in the stores and feel for yourself. The truth is, they are all pretty heavy and hard to open. I find the maclaren the best option for light weight, able to fit in the trunk, get the kids on the go stroller. Hope this helps. Good luck!

N.,
Congrats on your twins to be. I also have twins and I have both the side by side and front to back. The front to back is easier when you are out shopping because you fit through the doors & down the isles better. I use the side by side for walks, going to the zoo, etc. I have the baby trend side by side and the graco front to back and love them both.
Good luck & have fun registering for you little ones.

I would suggest front to back inline strollers. If you do any kind of shopping and plan on taking the twins shopping you will want an inline stroller. A side to side stoller doesn't look like it would fit in between isles at department stores or malls. I have recently seen a super cool inline stroller in my parenting magazines. I think it is made by a company called BOB or something. It might be worthwhile to research it.

I do not have twins, but mine will be 22mo apart. We got the Bumbleride Twin side by side:
http://www.bumbleride.com/collection2009/indie-twin-color...

Demo video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb13DjArxWY&feature=re...

(it's 29 inches wide and longer to give the kids room to grow). I for one have a hard time steering front to back personally, we also wanted BOTH kids to be equally fair and able to see in front of them without the other being in the way, and especially to be able to fully recline whenever they want (with a front to back you can't do that) and you'll have twins doing things usually at the same time so consider a side by side while researching. Although, there isn't a side by side that accommodates 2 infant carriers, so in the beginning you'll need the front to back. I think the double Snap n Go is the way to go (for now) because it's lighter to lug around, besides it'll buy you more time to check out the other strollers and try them out.

The other stroller we were considering were:
The B.O.B Revolution
http://www.bobgear.com/strollers/stroller_accessories.php...

Kolcraft Contour Double Stroller:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5223201

Good Luck on your decision and CONGRATULATIONS on your twins!!

Hope this helps,
A. R.

Congrats! I love my double snap n go! I have a Maclaren Rally Twin that I've used a few times and plan to use soon, when they are out of the carseats. I haven't seen a doorway they can't get through and I prefer that it's easier to steer (front back takes more effort because of the weight that far forward).

I also love the wind/rain guard that comes with a maclaren. I use it when the weather is cooler and I want to go on a walk, it protects them and keeps them warm (I don't do much walking in the rain).

May I take the chance to recommend the books "Juggling Twins" and "On Becoming Babywise". I read many books during my twin pregnancy and these were the best.

Good luck!

S.(Mom of 7 year old, 3 year old, 5 month old twins)

Congratulations! I am a mom of 15 month old b/g twins and I LOVE my Mountain Buggy side-by-side jogging stroller. Of course I don't actually jog with it, but the wheels are large and it can run over virtually any surface. This brand is expensive, but a good group gift and well worth it. You can also find a lot of used strollers on craigslist, etc. Since it is such a well made stroller, they typically wear well and last long.

It seems a lot of the posters are doing a lot of shopping, therefore preferring the front-to-back. I, however, try to stay out of stores as much as possible (hubby gets a list to grocery shop on his lunch break) and use my stroller daily for walks to the park, quick trips to CVS, etc. (I live in Oak Park, a very walking-friendly town). I love the side by side because you can see both of them at the same time and now that they're older and the seats are adjusted higher, they hold hands and pass toys back and forth.

I think you need to analyze how you will use the stroller and where you will go. The front-to-back doesn't maneuver as well as side-to-side, but does get through areas easier. That said, my stroller gets through all doors and bigger aisles (no problem in Jewel, CVS) and there has to be at least one lane in all check-outs that is handicapped accessible, so the stroller fits through that too.

Lastly, I got a well-worn used double umbrella stroller (craigslist again) that I toss in the back of the car and use to get kids in-and-out of car for quick trips. Also worked great at the airport and on vacation. I paid $8! It isn't pretty, but I don't have to worry about it getting banged around and it is super light and easy to open/close. This will be helpful as before they walk, it is next to impossible to get them in and out of car by yourself, especially during winter.

Best wishes!

If you can afford it, look at the Mountain Buggy Urban or a similar all terrain type. I had a McLaren, too, and while it's light weight and good to keep in the car, the Mountain Buggy is like the four wheel drive cadillac of strollers. Others with the fat tires and front swiveling wheels are similar - smooth and easy on any surface. Test them out -- go to a store and push them around and you'll see what works. I can push the Mountain Buggy with one hand around tight curves and in and out doors, across playground grass, on sand. I feel for the nearly 5 years we've been using it, it's well worth the price. (btw, we got a floor model that was cheaper and in perfect condition.)

Congratulations on the twins. They are fun to watch grow up. I have 6yr. old boy girl twins. The best stroller I found was the front, back kind. The side by side was a little harder to get into the aisle of some of the stores. Ours was a Graco but it had a nice big storage pocket underneath it. Which fit diaper bag, blankets, jackets and such when we were out. I hope that this helps you out.

N.,
Congratulations on your twins! It will be the most amazing and rewarding experience! My boy-girl twins just turned 3 this week and we are still using a stroller frequently (twins tend to spend more time in strollers than singletons because it's just too difficult to chase after two going in opposite directions). You may find once the babies are here that you will have a need for different types of strollers - I have 3 and several of the other twin-MOMs I know have at least 2 as well.

When our babies were born, we used the Grago DuoGlider (tandem) because the car seats snapped in (the Snap n Go was just starting to emerge at that time). We used this stroller for the first year or so, but soon discovered that it really was not the best option for us once the kids were older. Biggest problem is that the child in the back could kick the seat in front, therefore annoying the front child and causing problems. Also, tandems are quite large and heavy so it is not the easiest to fit into a vehicle if you also have other things to bring along. Once the kids were about 15 months, I bought a Maclaren. LOVE IT!!! This stroller is light and folds up smaller than the tandem. I have yet to encounter a doorway it doesn't fit through and I take it shopping with us as well as out and about all the time. Several of my friends with twins have also made this investment and none of us regret it. The Maclaren also has larger storage baskets on the bottom than some of the other side-by-sides out there (an added "+"). I strongly recommend it.

As mentioned in another response, PLEASE consider joining a Mothers of Multiples club if you have not already done so. During your pregnancy is the perfect time to join because of all the additional support you will receive. I am actively involved in the Will County Mothers of Twins Club (WCMOTC) - we have over 80 members from Will, DuPage, Kendall and Grundy Counties (many from Naperville!). Our group meets monthly in Bolingbrook and in fact our next meeting is tomorrow night. We would love to have you join our group! WCMOTC is also holding our Spring/Summer resale this coming Saturday (5/2) where you could get some great deals on baby gear, clothing, toys and more. Check out our website for more info: www.wcmotc.com. If you have any questions, please send me a message!

Best of luck with your precious bundles of joy!

I used a Graco back and front stroller for my twins. I feel it's easier to get in and out of doors when you are shopping since many doors do not automatically open at stores. I think it would be nice for the baby in the back to sit up a little higher than the baby in front. My stroller (7yrs. ago) did not have that feature, but I've seen it around. (That way, the baby in the back gets a better view than just a head in front of him/her.) My Graco was used a lot since my twins were good in the stroller, it was used for the first few years of their lives. I'd say it was priced moderately and was very durable.

With the side by side strollers, you have to keep both doors open when entering and leaving stores. (I think that would be pretty hard to do while you're also pushing the stroller thru the doors... unless you always had another person around to help. (I used the handicapped doors to get my stroller thru, but they are not in every store and these doors would still be hard to get the side by side type strollers thru.

Good luck and take it easy!