Hi ladies! My hubby and I disagree about which to take on our trip tomorrow, and any insight you can provide will be helpful! We have a 2.5 yo and a 8.5 month-old baby. I voted for the double because I have a fear of taking my eyes off my toddler for a second to find something or get through security or something and having him disappear. I would rather be able to strap both kids in and not have to worry if I need to take my eyes off them for a second which will be so much easier than trying to hold on to both kids when one just wants to explore the airport!
My husband, on the other hand, thinks the umbrella for the baby so we don't have to carry a lot of stuff, it will be light and easy to manuver. He claims he will hold my son's hand the entire time.
It will be tough to fit both the double and a suitcase in my car to get to the airport, but it can be done, albeit uncomfortably.
What's your opinion?? Thanks!
I would def. go with the dbl or 2 umbrella idea, the 2.5 y/o will be tired of all the walking quick, and I do not know where you are going but if you are site seeing you will need a back up for the little one for when he gets tired of all the walking. My husband thinks I over pack too, but we have never said dang we should have brought and we always use everything I have.
definitely have something handy for the 2.5YO - either a second umbrella stroller (ask your husband if he'd prefer to be able to stroller the 2.5YO or have to carry a tired 2.5YO on his back b/c the 8.5YO is in the only stroller) or at least a toddler harness.
BTW as a mom of twins I had a snarky comeback ready in the event that anyone made snide comments about the toddler harness (we lived close to the intersection of 2 busy streets and I'd take the kids out on walks where one would be in the single umbrella and the other on the harness and then they'd trade off): "Cruel? Well, we used to think so too until <sniff, sniff> we lost one of the triplets" ;-) I never had to use the remark but another mom of twins I know said it was quite effective in silencing a busybody who saw her using harnesses on her toddler twins.
We took the double stroller last time and it was helpful to have a way to confine both kids. You will have to take your kids out of the stroller to go through security though. They have always made us put the cars seat and stroller folded on the belt to go through the x-ray machine.
I'd either do 2 umbrella strollers or the double. Your 2.5 yo is unlikely to be able to walk all the way from the ticket counter, thru security, and to your gate. We've done a LOT of airline traveling with our kids, and having them strapped in is a MUCH less stressful way to do it. It is especially stressful to have to go through the lines of security if your older boy is not secured Our son always tries to line jump and it's hard for him to understand why we can't just keep walking when the lines are moving slowly.
Also, with a double stroller you can usually put some of your carry ons in the basket so that you actually end up with LESS to carry.
At those ages the double stroller is the way to go. You strap everyone in and then can take a breath to get everything done you need to do to get to your flight.
It will be a bit tougher getting through security if they make you put the stroller through the xray machine.
I liked the previous poster's idea of 2 umbrellas...or you could umbrella the baby and then get a backpack with a leash thingy for the 2.5 yo...depending on how you feel about those types of products. (I always figured if I loved my dog enough to put her on a leash so she didn't get hurt...how much more do I love my children).
If your husband can keep hold of a 2.5 yo's hand the whole time...good luck...he lets go once and the child runs or even steps away...you can't see them in a crowd, they are too short...
Remember everyone has to take off shoes, including the children...so the worst part will be getting through security with either stroller, take on bags, and no shoes. Good luck and safe trip.
I vote for the double or try the two umbrella idea, but I completely agree, both kids needs to be strapped in, the last thing you want is to chase after your 2 1/2 yr old in the airport.
Go with a double, or try and pick up another umbrella stroller or can you carry the 8.5 month old in a sling or snugli? You are required to put the stroller on the conveyor for x-ray screening. I'm from the Chicago area, I know what O'Hare is like and I don't blame you for wanting to keep the 2.5 year old harnessed, plus if you end up way the heck down at like H18 that's a VERY long walk for a 2.5 year old.
Can you take 2 umbrella strollers instead of the double? Those fit easily and both kids will fit in them. You can push the kids in the strollers all the way to the gate and gate check them so you don't really ever have to carry them once you get them out of the car, then once you reach your destination, the airline will have them waiting for you when you get off the plane. I wouldn't want to have to constantly be worrying about my 2.5 year old escaping either, you will not be able to relax your whole trip.
We have a 4yo and a 2yo. The double is the way to go. You already have luggage to deal with and your 2yo will be all over the airport. For air travel, we have an inexpensive and extremely lightweight side-by-side stroller made by Jeep. It's awesome and folds up extremely easily. It maneuvers well, too.
