I'm in the market for a new double stroller
and I need help.
The Problem: We have a lightweight side-by-side double stroller that we really like....but we got it when Ethan was born. It's really old and I fear it won't survive the trip to South America. The cargo bags have ripped off and I'll certainly need sufficient cargo space for my daily trips to the bread, fruit and vegetable stands, and don't forget the trips to the beach.
While Ethan's probably old enough to walk with Garrett, I'm not taking my chances. When I'm walking around with my three kids in one of the largest cities in the world, at least two of them are going to be strapped in.
I've looked around at a lot of different strollers but can't make a decision. I've only ever had a side-by-side stroller and it's worked great for me. I like that it's lightweight. It's easy to fold up and it folds up small. I like that the kids can sit next to each other and both see where we're going. Yes, it's wide, but as long as my wheels are straight I can make it through any doorway. I've never even considered a tandem stroller.
Have I got it right, or am I missing out on something better?
Here's where you all come in.
What's your opinion on double strollers? I've been looking at this one and I quite like the looks of it, but I've never heard of the brand.
Anyone know anything about it?
I had a friend recommend this one too, which also seems pretty cool. Anyone else have this one?
How about a convicing argument for a tandem stroller?
My biggest selling points are going to be:
1) Compact. We're going to have a small vehicle and a small highrise apartment so not a lot of storage space.
2) Cargo space. I don't need a ton, but at least some (for my mangos and such).
3) Ease and maneuverability.
I know all you double stroller pushers out there have an opinion.
Let's here it.
I know I keep adding to my already posted post, but this one made me laugh right out loud. This might be a good option if I get tired along the way too.
22 comments:
Hi Muff! Just have to tell you that my Graco Duoglider tandem stoller is one of those items I CANNOT live without! I love it. I'm sure it is heavier than what you have, but I love how easy it handles and all the cargo space. Several others I know have the same one and also love it. I originally bought the tandem because I wanted my carseat in the back and it seemed to work better. Just though I'd share. Good luck!
PS Here is a link to one similar to mine: http://www.amazon.com/Graco-DuoGlider-LXI-Stroller-Samba/dp/B000EFQWY4/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1200349738&sr=1-9
Hey Mary I have the blue version of that stroller and LOVE it. I swore never to own a double stroller and now don't know how I lived without it. Let me share a few pros and cons I have found.
Pros-light, folds down two ways yet still rolls, has enough storage, has a shoulder strap (carrying handle)for when it is folded, fits through all doors, reasonably priced, good colors.
Cons-No snack or drink trays and the generic ones do not work because of the way it folds, a little hard to turn with only one child in it, and my two year old is already getting a little too big for it.
With all that said I would buy again but would recommend putting Ethan in it and pushing it around to make sure he is comfortable and fits.
Mary,
I love the stroller you are looking at, I pushed it around with my kids in it at babies r us when I was looking. It seems great, it's super light, not too wide and easy to steer. I have the kidco side by side stroller, I chose that one becuase it was cheaper, especially on ebay. It works great, pros: folds small, has cargo nets (fits quite a bit), reclines each side individually, not super wide, bigger wheels for easier steering and rough terrain, umbrella w/ rain cover and a carrying handle, folds pretty small (about the size of a large single stroller). Cons: no cup holders, the padding on the straps is pretty useless, a little difficult to unfold the first few times, and a little difficult to recline while a child is in it. Other than that it works great, we have had it almost 2 years and it still works like new.
I also had the DuoGlider. I just found it easier to fit through small doorways and spaces in stores. It also worked with my carseat, has trays for food and cargo space. And the kids can get quite big and still use it. Check out more info on strollers here:
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/double-strollers/index.html
Funny that you should be looking right now since I am too. :) I have an Evenflo Take Me Too Deluxe which is a TANDEM double. I've had it since Heidi was born, so about as long as you've had yours. I always thought tandem would be so much better than side-by-side because of the whole door issue but over the years I've decided against TANDEMS because 1) when it comes to rain covers or sun protection, they're just not as good as what you get with the side-by-side and 2) the weight seems to be distributed in a manner that takes a greater toll on the wheels. We've replaced the back wheels twice, once under warranty and once after.
Combi is huge in Europe and Japan and it's a REALLY good company. I don't have anything of theirs myself, but I've only heard good things.
I'm actually looking for a double jogging stroller. You could get one of those and it'd work great for everything you're talking about, but the only small ones I've seen are the more expensive ones -- like tons more expensive....
And since we're on the subject, do you or anyone else who reads your comments have any suggestions on double jogging strollers? :)
Oh yeah, I forgot to say -- Megan Bernards has the Sit N Stand and she loves it! (Or she did the last time I talked to her about it) I've considered that one for a regular everyday stroller but haven't decided yet.
Yeah, I was going to suggest the Combi. If I were going to get a double stroller, which I don't have to yet, I would get it. It pushes the best. And don't worry, I pushed every. single. one. around Babies 'R' us. Even the doubles. Just in case I had twins.
And OH MY GOSH... could you IMAGINE pushing that 4-kid stroller around?!?
I love my Graco double stroller. It was great at the airport. I was pushing it with one hand - 2 kids inside - 2 carry ons in the cargo net - car seat on one arm and purse on the other. oh I can not forget the Big stuff animal hanging out the side. Good luck!
Hi Mary.
I wish you good luck in your hunting for a stroller. My input is for a doubble umbrella stroller. I've had mine since Ben was borne so almost 5 years and it is still amazing, takes not very much space, is comfy for the boys and is easy to push and stuff. Here is a link for one, it's not the same one I have but It's a good brand and I like it http://www.target.com/Jeep-Wrangler-Sport-Umbrella-Stroller/dp/B000BU4CHQ/qid=1200410412/ref=br_1_14/602-2497951-6563857?ie=UTF8&node=3580041&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=3580041&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=3
Anyway, I hope you have a great time and good luck
I found mine the strange way... I asked people at Disneyland. It worked. Some even let you push them with kids in it... Its also how I pickd out my diaper bag.
Mary- First- We'll see you this Saturday. Ian's excited, and I'm glad I get to see you before you leave.
Second, I have a Chicco double stroller. I have a heck of a time getting through doors. I'd read reviews about the Combi online (on amazon or something), before I bought it. I also agree about the weight distribution. My back wheels on my stroller are in such a sad way. I use it a lot here for my groceries, and it just didn't cope very well. I think I'd go with the sit and stand or the duo glider. (Probably a little more storage room with the duo glider. And it will work with a car seat if you happen to have another little tyke!)
I have both, and I MUCH prefer the side by side. Door and department stores are sometimes a pain, but it is so much more manueverable than my Graco tandem. I have the Jeep version which I LOVE, but it definitely lacks the cargo space. Good luck with the move!
I love my side by side, but it just so happens that our Target has a phenomenal deal on some double strollers, but they were front/back. There was a Graco double that was on Clearance here for $36! I just saw it today. There was another one that looked light weight, more like the umbrella type. It was front/back and it was on Clearance for $42. You might want to check it out. The boxes looked pretty compact too.
Good luck finding one!
I've been salivating over the Combi side-by-side stroller. But, when I was needing to buy one, I couldn't afford it.
I bought the Sit-in-Stand stroller. It's like the Caboose, but a little less expensive at Target, I believe. I really like it. The Cargo space is great. It's fairly easy to push and manuever. It's lighter than a Duoglider, and easier for the older kid to get in and out of. You can still strap a kid on the back seat. You can actually have 3 kids in it, because one can stand on the back, then one can sit, and finally you have the 3rd in the front seat. The only down side is that it is bigger than the combi. But, it's a great stroller and very sturdy. I have taken it on many walks outside, and also used it alot at the mall. It's not too heavy, but takes some getting used to with lifting it.
Also, the one I bought has 2 cup holders for me, and a place for my keys/phone to go.
Good luck!
I haven't read the previous comments for lack of time, but I did want to give my opinion since I have one. I too looked and looked at double strollers when I had my second child. We moved to a big city (Boston) and I needed something light weight (to pack up and down subway steps), compact (to fit in my small car and through doorways), and comfortable and easy to use for the kids. I fell in love with the COMBI TWIN SAVVY. It is very similar to the one you're looking at, but I like it better because it has cup/snack holders for the kids which I use A LOT! Plus it has storage underneath (not huge) but usually enough, and I like that both seats recline for the kids to nap on the go. I would suggest though getting an attachment for the handlebar to hang shopping bags and such. If they're too big they don't fit underneath. I also suggest getting one with an extended visor, as the regular one doesn't cover kids from the sun/rain very well. I have LOVED my stroller, and I actually purchased it used on Ebay for much cheaper than new, about half the price. There you have another opinion. Good luck!
Hey -
This is Ryan Koch. We have a tandem stroller and like the narrowness of it (although not always the length...). Just keep in mind that overseas (although never having been to Brazil I can't say for sure, I'm sure it's similar, though), everything is smaller. Doorways are smaller, sidewalks (if they exist...they didn't often in the Philippines, better in Ukraine) are narrower, etc. etc. Just a thought.
Ryan
Looks like you've gotten a lot of feedback on this already so this might be redundant. I have a Combi travel system and I really love it. Love how it is lightweight, small, and very maneuverable. I have a friend with twins that has that same stroller and she loves it - she recommended combi to me. I read somewhere it is a Japanese company made for small apartments and small trunks. While reading your post, before I came to your links to strollers, I was going to comment and reccomend Combi.
I'm afraid I have nothing of value to add to this conversation. I am thinking, however, that I should have listened to you when I was asking advice on the same subject -- side-by-side will be my next stroller purchase, I'm pretty sure.
Thanks everyone! You guys know your stuff!
I still love the Combi side by side, but am considering the Joovy Stand-on or the Graco Quattro Duo Glider.
Ryan, I think you're right about things being different overseas, I'm looking into that in Brazil.
I have both, and I love my tandem stroller. It's similar to this one: http://www.target.com/Eddie-Bauer-Bryant-Two-Way-Stroller/dp/B000K52H5Q/qid=1201456047/ref=br_1_9/601-4780322-7376157?ie=UTF8&node=3580041&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1
It's nice to be able to remove the front seat if needed for extra storage space. Or turn it around so the kids can chat.
Folded down, it's big and depending on how small your trunk is it may be a tight squeeze.
We're trying to sell both of ours so that we can get a sit n stand, for the baby's car seat in the front and the boys can hang out in the back if they get tired of walking. Good Luck!
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