Strollers for Two or More
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Nov 2005
I am looking for a double stroller for a newborn and 1 year
old. We would like one that holds an infant seat if possible.
My husband is very tall so one with adjustable handle heights
would be ideal. Anyone had luck with this? What are the best
double strollers that hold infant car seats?
Thanks!
Check out the Dreamer Design Ditto. It has an adjustable
handle, but comes up pretty high to begin with. I've had about
5 moms use this stroller at my classes. None regret the
purchase. I had a friend sell hers because it was too tall for
her. It folds up nicely (I can fit it in the trunk of my
Camry), has lots of pockets, separate reclining seats and
canopies (nice when one is napping and the other isn't). I'm
not sure if it has an infant seat. Can't think of a double that
does except for possibly the Phil and Ted's. Check out
JoggingStroller.com http://www.joggingstroller.com/Shop-By-Style/2-Passenger/index.cat for some very helpful reviews.
Anna
May 2005
Can anyone recommend a side-by-side double stroller that is
compatible with a graco carseat? I have a 2 year old and a
newborn. I've only seen tandem double strolers with carseat
compatability. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.
Andr
I'm the Mother of two children 20 months apart and I have to say
that my tandem stroller is a lifesaver! I'm not sure why you
prefer the side by side but if you have not ''test driven'' the
tandem Graco duoglider I suggest that you do. It seems huge but
it handles really well. I even jog with it! The best part is that
the baby is up high in the back seat when you go to the park or
wherever with the two kids. I would not have been able to leave
my house without it! Good Luck!
leann
I bought a Mountain Buggy Urban Double when my second child was
born (http://www.mountainbuggy.com/) and a carseat clip for my
peg perego car seat (they also have make one compatible with
the Graco Snug Ride). I LOVE this stroller, as does my my two
year old (26 mos) and my three month old. I've been using it
since #2 was a few weeks old and I realized that a single
stroller just wasn't going to work in our lives. I found out
about it when I was on a trip to Boston and five months
pregnant. Everyone seemed to have this stroller, so I
approached a couple in the Common and quizzed them on 'why?'
Here is the gouge from their website: A marriage of
ruggedness, versatility and convenience, the Urban Double, with
two swiveling front wheels that can easily be locked, sets new
standards for all-terrain double strollers. At only 29 inches
wide it will fit through a standard doorway and holds 2
passengers from newborn through about 4 years of age or any
combination in between. If you like the idea of owning one
stroller that can be used for exercise, walks or malls, this is
the stroller for you. You'll be amazed how easy it is to push
this stroller even with 2 large children in it.
In my own experience, all is true. I've pushed it through my
neighborhood build in the '20s (and the awful sidewalks that go
with it), the mall and on the beach. It is much more compact
when folded than a typical jogging stroller due to the 12-inch
tire size, but not like an umbrella stroller or similar, but
fits in the back on my RAV4. It doesn't have a cup holder. The
seats can fold almost flat for my newborn.
jan
May 2005
I'm sure this question must have been asked before, but I'm not
finding the recommendations that I'm looking for in the
archives, so here goes...
I need a stroller for a newborn and toddler (she just turned
2). I have an Inglesina Zippy stroller that will accomodate an
infant carseat if I have the infant alone and I have a Maclaren
Volo for my toddler if I am alone with her, but what about when
I am out with both children together (which will be most of the
time)? Here are some things that I must consider- my 2 year
old does not like being strapped into a stroller, she never
has, but a stroller with standing space in the back won't
really work because she tends to run away. So, sometimes, I
just need to strap her in to get where we are going or finish
an errand. I am also not really comfortable wearing a Baby
Bjorn or sling. I realize I may have to do that more often
with #2, but still don't feel comfortable as I am always
thinking I am going to trip and fall on the baby. A friend
recommended the Maclaren Twin Traveler and I will check that
one out. What are other parents of newborns and 2 year olds
using to get around?
Thanks!
Adding to my stroller collection
We have been using a Swan Sit 'n Stand for the last 9 months or
so (the girls are currently 13 months and 3 1/2 years). It has a
seat for the baby (the car seat can fit in there as well) and a
platform and seat in the back for the toddler/big kid. The
pluses: It's the same width as a regular stroller, so it's
easier to maneuver; the big kid doesn't have to be strapped in.
The minuses: When you have the car seat in (or when the seat is
put back for other reasons), there's not much room for the big
kid to sit down on the little platform; it's made of metal, so
it's heavier than some of the other strollers.
All in all, it worked really well for us. We might actually be
getting ready to sell it--if you're interested, email me.
Michael
We don't have one (we have only 1 kid so far) but our neighbors
do, and they swear by it: Phil and Ted's Kiwi Explorer V2
(here's a link:
http://www.joggingstroller.com/brand/philandteds/kewi.shtml).
It's pricey, esp with the accessory you need to secure 2 kids,
but if it's in your budget it seems like a good option.
anon
I have the First Step Take Me Two Stroller and I really like it. It is a tandem-style
(front to back), which I wanted because I didn't feel comfortable with the double
wides. Here's the pros to me: (1) It is very light; (2) it folds with one-hand; (3) both
seats recline; (4) the back seat fits any infant car seat; and the front seat has a cup/
snack tray for the toddler. Here are the cons: (1) it is a little flimsy (I guess that is
why its light) but so far the only thing that has actually broken is one snap; (2) the
front seat doesn't recline all the way; and (3) the front seat's sunshade is not the
best but it is ok. Overall, I am happy with it and feel like it drives pretty well for a
double. I walk up and down the hills with it all day long and really beat it up and it
holds up ok. Good Luck!
Mom2
See my response in this digest re: double stroller for graco
car seat. I had similar issues with my now two year old. She
hated being strapped in, wouldn't stay in, etc her stroller. I
could sometimes get her to stand on the back for short periods
of time. And yes, I have a pretty well behaved child. She
loves the Mountain Buggy urban double (www.mountainbuggy.com).
I haven't had any issues with her. She actually climbs into it
demanding a ride. She loves having her baby (3-month old)
sister next to her. I've taken her through malls and on 30
minute walks to a playground without any problem.
anon
Feb 2004
I am looking for a recommendation for a good stroller for an
infant and toddler (who will be 21 months when the baby is
born). I have seen the previous recommendations on the
website, but most seem to relate to twins. I was thinking
about the Maclaren twin traveler but it seems small for my
toddler. I don't want it to be too big, though, to fit through
doorways. Any suggestions?
Kate
I purchased the Peg Perego Duette for my 21 month old and
infant. It's a tandem stroller and it maneuvers beautifully
despite its length. It's very sturdy and attractive, albeit a
little expensive and heavy to lift in and out of the car. As
soon as my infant outgrows her car seat which I can pop into the
Duette, I'll probably switch to a lighter, side-by-side stroller
like the MacLaren.
Melissa
I love my Twin Traveller, I couldn't live without it for my 2
year old and new baby. I've had a graco duoglider and a caravan
lite tandem as well and the front back ones were impossible to
get through doors etc unless someone opened it for you. The Mac
Twin Traveller fits through doors easily and is a great size
for my kids. The four year old still fits in easily as well.
And it folds up much smaller than any of the others.
Don't get it at the Right Start though, it's $450 there and
only $350 at Darla's in El Cerrito. Don't want you to make my
mistake:)
anon
I really recommend ''borrowing'' a baby and going to your favorite
stroller supplier with your toddler and testing the double
strollers. I took my (well, a little bigger than a baby) one year
old niece and my (then) two year old daughter to Rockridge kids
prior to my son's birth and tried all of the strollers. I was very
happy with the Graco DuoRider (the side by side one) and use it
quite often, still, now that he is one and she is three. I should
add that my daughter is tiny and when a large three year old sat
in it, the sun shade was resting on top of his head. See, this is
why you should test them out.
MG
August 2003
We are expecting our 2nd child in a couple of weeks (my children
will be 20 months apart) and I am currently shopping for a
double stroller. I've done some shopping around and have read
reviews on several models and I've finally got it narrowed down
to 3: Maclaren Twin Traveller, Peg Perego Aria, and the Graco
Duo Glider. Can anyone offer some insight into these strollers?
I am interested in hearing about how they handle (specifically
your opinions on tandam vs side-by-side) and how they have held
up over time. The archives have some dated information on this
topic but I am looking for more recent experiences with these
newer models. Thank you!
Liz
I have the Graco, and it's OK. Easy to push, good 3-point straps
on the seats, nice recline on each seat, good sized basket. BUT
the fastening points on the basket on this one was popped on both
sides, and the 2nd-hand shop where I got it said they all come in
like that. (grr) Also, it stops short when you hit a hole in the
sidewalk/walkway, which is jarring. I haven't tried the others,
so I couldn't rank it, but I suspect that, as Consumer Reports
says, ''there are better choices.''
Jennie
I have the Gracco Duo Glider side by side and it is my
favorite stroller. I love it more than my single stroller. It
handles better than any single - you can steer it with one
hand easily, it has a huge storage compartment, the sun
shade is large. Of my five friends who all had second
babies last summer, we all bought the Gracco and love it. I
can't say enough good things about it.
patricia
I finally bought a double stroller for my 2 year old and infant,
We went with the Maclaren Twin Traveller as we have been very
pleased with our single stroller of the same brand. It handles
extremely well and is very sturdy for a side-by-side. Also, it's
easy to maneuver with one hand, even when both kids are sitting.
It's a little bit heavier than the Combi side-by-side, but
REALLY worth the difference in weight and price. Only problem is
the sun shade ... it's a bit stiff and the two sides do not work
independently, but maybe I haven't figured out how to use it
properly.
Feb 2003
My sister in law will be having twins in May and is looking for
the best and favorite stroller (s)that can help ease the load!
Can she get away with one? Or does she need one for infant
months and then switch to another for toddlers, and what about
portability? Her family is in Austin.
Thanks!
Tara
While many people do manage with one stroller, I would highly
recommend getting a double snap-in frame for the infant months
and then switching to a lightweight side by side once they've
outgrown the carseats. We managed to do this while easily
defraying the cost by buying used and reselling. I would
encourage her to see if there is a local twins club--we found
this to be a great source for both equipment and
advice/information.
We found it to be invaluable to be able to leave the twins in
their carseats while transfering them to and from the
car/stroller. It made it easier and quicker to juggle two and it
meant we didn't interupt their naps when we brought them into
the house. I was very sad when they outgrew the bucket carseats
and snap-in stroller.
As of 8 months ago, Graco Duoglider (only works with Graco
carseats)and Babytrend Caravan lite (works with most carseat
models)were the only two models of strollers that took the
infant carseats and worked as a regular stroller. We initially
were going to go that route to avoid the whole buying 2
different strollers route. We opted not to however because A)
Everyone with twins we talked to said when they get older, you
need a side-by-side so they don't fight about who is in front
and they have plenty of leg room and B) they were significantly
heavier than either the snap-in frame or the side-by-side
models. I heard a rumor that Peg Perego just came out with a
lightweight double stroller that takes car seats--it may be
worth checking into.
As for the snap-in frame models. We used the Doubledecker (sold
through Doubledecker.com and not available in stores). It was
GREAT! It was super easy & quick to set up/fold down, maneuvered
well, had 3 jog-stroller style wheels so it went easily over
curbs and rough terrain (I was able to take the twins on hikes
that regular strollers couldn't go on), had a huge basket (with
twins you bring a lot of stuff when you go on outings). It had
no sunshade or rain cover (other than the awning on the infant
carrier), but we found it easy to drape cloth on for sunshades
and it wasn't the rainy season. Snap and Go just came out with a
double version. I know it is cheeper than the Doubledecker and
weighs the same. It works with a variety of carseat makes/models
whereas the Doubledecker only works with Evenflo. On the
downside, I believe it is harder to maneuver and doesn't have
the big jog-style wheels.
As for side-by-side strollers. Currently most of the people in
twins club seem to have opted for the Combi. It is only 16
pounds, folds/sets-up easily, is the width of a standard
wheelchair, has a decent basket and (I believe) a snack tray.
Previously, the McClaren was the side-by side of choice, but it
is heavier and more expensive. I did hear from people with older
twins, however, that when the twins get big, the Combi seemed
too lightweight and not quite sturdy enough for them.
Just to make things more complicated and to throw another piece
of equipment into the mix--a double jogstroller is definitely
worth considering. I have heard of people skipping the regular
side-by-side and just using a good, easy to fold/set-up
jogstroller. Since we got a old hand-me-down one, I don't know
anything about the different models.
Best of luck!
anon
I have 16 month old twins and we still use the MacClaren (sp?)
double stroller. I think its the twin traveler. I like it a
lot because it fits (barely) through doorways. We had another
one, but it was too wide. An inch or two makes all the
difference in the world. Its very sturdy. My 3 year old
daughter stands on the metal cross bars on the back above the
basket and it hasn't broken yet. Only down side is that its
pretty heavy.
Elizabeth
July 2003
A great stroller for infant triplets is the triple decker.
It holds three infant carseats (Evenflo brand), has
jogstroller style wheels and has the seats at an angle so
it's nowhere near as long and awkward as a tandem triple.
Unfortunately it is not available in stores. You chan check
out more about it at Doubledecker.com. The downside to it
is it only works as long as the babies are small enough for
the infant carseats, but it is SO WORTH IT for that time
period. It may be possible to buy a used one (they're
pricey). They have a good resale value, but are way less
used than new.
Anon
Twins Magazine (www.twinsmagazine.com) or a local mothers of
twins or multiples group would be the best place to look for
recommendations for a triple stroller. The magazine does a
yearly(?) stroller report (and many ads) and the website has
a bulletin board which might have some recommendations. At
any rate your friend would probably find both of these
resources helpful (if she has not already found them!)
Congratulations to her and good luck.
Melody
2001
Checked the archives and not much there-- except in regard to double
strollers for twins. Can anyone tell us what experience(s) they have
had with a double stroller good or bad? Our kids will be 2 years
apart. Much thanks!
Alexis
My kids are 25 months apart and we *just* started using our double
stroller. My 3 yo is 30 lbs and my 11 month old is about 17lbs (she is a
skinny minnie). Up until now I have been fine using a single stroller for
the older one and a sling, Baby Bjorn, or backpack carrier for the younger
one -- this was successful because my younger is so petite. With a bigger
infant you may not feel as comfortable. Some double strollers don't recline
all the way so they are not suitable for a newborn, but my daughter
preferred
to be carried until a few months ago so that point was moot for us. There
is one
Graco double stroller that allows the toddler to sit in front and an
infant seat to click in the back, but my friends who have it say it's a
piece of junk. It is very difficult to maneuver, especially with the
weight difference between the two riders. The addition of the car seat
makes it very awkward and clunky as well. You might want to try out a few
in the store, putting your toddler in one seat and an infant seat in the
other, plus your diaper bag and all the other crap you're likely to lug
around so you can get an idea of what works for you.
I bought a MacLaren Duo before my second was born (nesting desires
gone haywire) and while I thought it was a bit extravagant at the time, I
am really happy I did. It handles very well, fits through all the doorways
(some a bit tighter than others, granted), looks great, and the kids are
comfortable. They enjoy sitting next to each other; I've heard there can
be rivalry issues when one or the other always wants to sit in the front.
Good luck!
Laurel
We have a double stroller by Graco that is a side by side number. It is a
bit tough getting into some department stores, but it strolls so easily, and
my girls (who are 20 mos. apart) love being able to see/interact with each
other. It is simple to fold up and the best part is that it has a huge
storage bin under each seat for storage -- I can do lots of shopping and
still manage to fit a picnic lunch in the bottom for them! Good luck --
Trish
I have had personal experience with two Aprica strollers (one double) and my
advice is to STAY AWAY FROM APRICA. The wheels always get stuck and
their
customer service department is absolutely no help. I have a friend who had
similar problems with her double Aprica. She switched to Peg Perego and loves
it.
TABNAND
I am happy with the Graco Duo Glider. It is narrow, has a large basket
underneath, and is easy to fold once you get the hang of it. The front seat
is for the older baby and has a removable tray and removable sun shade. The
back seat can be upright, all the way flat, or hold the infant carrier. I
bought it with the infant carrier/car seat and car base for $220 at Babies R
Us in Dublin. You can also buy it without the infant carrier and base for
about $150.
Helena
May 2003
I am in need of a double stroller, but I am having trouble
deciding which one to choose. Tandem or side by side? It will be
for my newborn due in July and her older sister who will be 15
months old then. I am looking for one that is not too heavy either,
as it will be used primarily by grandma who will care for them and
she cannot be lifting a 50lb. stroller! Any suggestions as to
brands, how you adapted to this new stroller, and which one was
most comfortable for you as well as the babies is greatly
appreciated.
Yanneth
I would recommend a tandem stroller, they are less awkward to
push and when walking take up less room when passing people, etc...
anon
I prefer the side-by-side style: it eliminates the
concern/issue/potential battle of who gets to be up front. Of
the side-by-side, I recommend the MacLaren Twin and the DuoRider
by Graco. I love them both. Great maneuverability for both.
The Graco is really reasonably priced, has great storage and is a
real smooth ride for the kids. It doesn't fold down very much
but it's cushy and I know my kids are very comfortable in it.
If you want one that travels well, the MacLaren is my favorite
for its great construction and its collapsibility.
Both these strollers work well even when there is a large
difference in weight on either side. My kids are 2.5 years apart
and the weight difference is now about 20 lbs.
The Imelda Marcos of Strollers
I chose a side-by-side stroller for my then-just-2-year-old and
newborn. I remembered having seen parents struggle with the
front/back ones, when they were opening doors and trying to push
the stroller through. We decided on the fairly pricy Combi Twin
Savvy, and love it. Both sides recline completely, it fits
through all standard doors, it's very light, and folds up very
compactly. Down sides: pretty expensive, about $330 a year ago
at Rockridge Kids, & underneath storage is limited. Also, we had
to have ours replaced when the center stem broke in half, but the
replacement featured their new center post design--super strong
and reinforced, so that shouldn't be a problem. Christian at
Rockridge Kids is very helpful and knowledgeable about strollers
in general; that would be a good place to explore your options.
Happy strolling!
Heidi
One thing to think about is the kind of car you have. I ended up
purchasing a Maclaren side-by-side (which I really like) for my newborn
and 20 month old. I have a Honda Accord and once tried getting
someone else's standard tandem in my trunk with great difficulty. The
Maclaren folds up easily and when placed on its side fits in the back half
of my trunk leaving lots of room for groceries and other things....
particularly helpful now that my backseat is taken up with 2 carseats!
Roxanne
1999
I'm looking for a double stroller. I think I perfer the side by side kind
(so one kid dosn't feel like a second banana), but maybe the front/back
kind is easier to move around? Does anyone have any thoughts on pros and
cons of either kind? Also, If someone knows where I can get one
(inexpensive) that would be appreciated too. Karlyn
We are very happy with our Graco side-by-side double stroller,
which we bought for $80 used at Lauren's Closet in Lafayette.
Most of the used kids' stuff stores will put you on a waiting list
and call if you tell them what you want. We have not had much trouble
getting through doorways with the Graco. It is light and has a big
useful basket underneath. Some kids (especially as they get
older) really do not like being behind a sibling in the front/back kind,
and ours of this type (granted, it's a triplet stroller) is much harder
to move around than the Graco. Louisa
FYI all prospective parents of twins We are parents of twin girls and
have never understood the popularity of the Maclaren double-wide. We
shopped hard for our stroller before our kids were born, driving all the
way to Lullaby Lane to check out all the major (and some minor) brands. We
were prepared to spend up to $400, but left the store with a Graco "Duo
Rider" for $129. It had all the features of the others, was very sturdy,
and at a cost the fraction of the others could be replaced twice if it ever
fell apart! Whatever you buy, be sure to ask a knowledgeable salesperson
what the particular stroller's foibles are. The Duo Rider has a somewhat
weak back axle, we were told, so we have avoided pushing down on it to get
up curbs and have not had a single problem in 18 months of hard riding.
Pamela
Alicia
I would like advice from those familiar with double strollers. What are the
pros and cons of the double strollers you have had experience with? What's
better--a "side-by-side" or "front-and-back?" We'll have a newborn in late
winter and a toddler who'll be 2-1/2 years old.
There may also be other ways of being mobile with a newborn and toddler that
we haven't thought of/discovered yet. Thanks!
Michael
We have twin daughters and we bought the side-by-side Graco stroller and
we like it a lot. We've tried the font-and-back version that one of our
friends has and find it much harder to maneuver since it's long and not
as easy to tip back for going up & down curbs, etc. The side-by-side
still fits through all standard doorways and is easy to wheel up to a
table in a restaurant to let the kids sleep in while we're eating.
Collapses well, but even collapsed it may not fit into every car trunk,
so I suggest you try this with any stroller you are seriously thinking
of buying!
Ellen
We used a back to back double stroller with somewhat marginal success. It
is most useful when going straight. It can be difficult to turn. I had
somewhat more success using a backpack for one and a stroller for the other
child. It gave much better mobility and flexibility.
I have a Combi front and back double stroller. It is amazingly light and
well constructed.My 20 month old (weighs 24 pounds) sits in the front and my
new baby (10 pounds) lies on the back - however this makes the stroller
front heavy and quite hard to manouver. I find myself avoiding having to use
it.
I have found the best way to transport the two of them is to have the baby
in a Baby Bjorn and my toddler in an unbrella stroller.
Hope this helps.
I have twins and have heard nearly every point of view on double
strollers: the bottom line I think is that either style works and it's a
matter of what you can afford and what priorities you have. front to back
is definitely easier to go through stores in, doorways and share
sidewalks with. They also tend to be heavier and harder to steer. If
getting a side by side, Maclaren is the best, light, easy to fold,
replaceable parts--and it's expensive (athough the resale value is good
when you're done). I suspect though, that with two very different sized
children such as you'll have, the side by side will be awkward to handle
due to the weight difference ( I even notice which side my son with the
extra pound is on). I like my front to back Graco, even though it's
heavy, it has a huge underneath basket and big wheels for a smooth ride.
I also have an older Maclaren and use it as my car stroller, easy to put
in and out and fold up but smaller baskets and not as cushy a ride for
the babes. If you have the money to spend there are some very nice models
out there, check out Twins Magazine for ads or other catalogs and
websites targeting parents of multiples. Good luck!
Lisa
I have 14 month old twins and have used a Perego side-by-side double stroller with them
since they were born. I really like it a lot. It's light weight, sturdy, easy to
collapse and put together, and seems comfortable for the kids. It fits through most
doorways ok. I like having the kids side-by-side because then they both get to see
where they're going.
The only disadvantages are that sometimes it is too wide for a doorway or some aisles,
it doesn't have a carrying rack underneath, and it doesn't have a rain guard. For the
rack problem, I just keep a string bag on the handle, and that works well enough. For
a rain guard, we bought the MacLaren rain guard and that works fine.
In terms of other ways to carry two, you can always use a sling or front/back pack and
a stroller.
Transporting Three Toddlers
Has anyone had experience transporting three toddlers around the neighborhood?
Our neighbor's nanny is going to begin watching my daughter along with 2 other
children next month. The three children's ages are 1 1/2 , 2, and 21/2 years.
The older two are not very interested in sitting in a stroller at this point,
but the youngest can't walk far enough to make it to the neighborhood park or
library. Has anyone had experience transporting toddlers in a wagon or are
there strollers designed for this type of
situation? Kim
there is a child care provider in North Berkeley who I've seen taking about 5
toddlers at a time around the Monterey Market area. She carries a rope and has
the ambulatory kids hold onto it. (One of the kids was in a stroller.) It
probably takes some teaching of discipline on her part but there's nothing
wrong with that. The mother of one of these former toddlers is on this e-mail
list and she might also comment. Fran
My daughter's daycare provider puts the youngest child in a stroller and has
the (3) others hold onto the sides. With a group where everybody can walk
well, they take turns riding in the stroller.
Jennifer
My former daycare provider bought an old-fashioned triple stroller,
either from another daycare provider or a garage sale (can't remember).
She's since sold it. Just to let you know that there are such things
out there -)
Sophie
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