Strollers for Older, Heavier Children

[lotusdebi]

*

[~member~]

Wagons are better, or get a ride on type toy.

[jaye]

I think joggers are great for bigger kids - they're easier to push. The double one might be difficult to push with that kind of difference in weight.

[meowee]

I have a double jog stroller I purchased 2nd hand. My life would not be the same without it. I have put many many miles on that thing. Don't even bother with the none jog strollers... I don't jog with it but the jog strollers are a thousand times easier to push and maneuver. This item changed my life, in part because I am not able to sling for long periods because I am vulnerable to plugged ducts. The jog stroller gave us mobility.

[Justmee]

Maclarens go up to 55 lbs. They are not offroad stollers though. Great for malls and walks, but not what you want to take on a nature trail.

[LittleMonkeyMom]

I am a bit of a stroller addict (strollers, carrier and diaper bags--my husband wishes I had cheaper interests! ) so I'd be happy to share my experiences and research.

First, how are you/will you be using your stroller and where? Malls? Shopping? Sidewalks? Country? City? Suburbs? This really impacts what type of double you should be looking for. Second, what's your price point? Once you know those two things, finding a stroller will be much easier. There are tons of strollers on the market and you want to make sure you find one that really meets your needs.

Wagons and ride-on toys are great for going to the park and neighborhood walks, but if you do a lot of shopping and need something maneuverable, you may find those rather frustrating.

[mimim]

You're Due in March?

Your DS may outgrow his need for a stroller by the time your baby is born then. I'd wait and see how things are before making an investment in a double.

Pretty much the only time my DS (4yrs. 4 mos.) ever uses the stroller now is if he falls asleep on the train or something. He used to need to ride if we were walking more than a 1/2 mile or so just a few months ago, but recently he began to prefer walking. My oldest was about 4 1/2 when he stopped wanting to ride as well. Obviously all kids are different, but I'd be frustrated if I $pent on a big stroller and didn't use it.

He is 43" and 45 LB. and can still fit in our MacClaren Triumph, but his head hangs partly off the back if he's asleep.

[PumpkinSeeds]

Maybe you could get one of these? Very popular in Europe.

[lotusdebi]

*

[lotusdebi]

*

[LittleMonkeyMom]

Originally Posted by lotusdebi

We generally only use a stroller for things like mall trips and long walks (usually on well-worn or paved trails, or at places like the zoo.) I don't need anything that goes off-road or anything. We used a pretty basic umbrella-like stroller with DS once he was old enough for it, and that was fine for most of our needs.
We don't have much in the way of extra money, but could probably handle spending up to around $200 for a stroller. Or, if I know what to look for, I can keep an eye on Freecyle and Craig's List.

Thank you all so much for your help with this! I really appreciate it!

Assuming your son will decide he needs to go everywhere in a stroller and you want to buy one, you'll most likely be limited to jogging-type strollers due to the weight limits. The side-by-side umbrella type-strollers generally have a weight limit per side of between 30 and 40 pounds. Most joggers I've seen out there have a weight limit of 100 pounds--how that is distributed doesn't matter. I'd suggest looking for a jogging-type stroller with a 12", swivel wheel in front. This will keep it maneuverable enough to go to the mall and zoo, but it's not a true jogging stroller. Also, the seats need to recline enough to accomdate a young baby. Check out the InStep and Schwinn brands. Both make swivel wheel joggers that sell for under $200. If you are combing Craig's List and e-bay and see a BOB double revolution or a Baby Jogger City double for under $200, snap them up because you are getting a deal, provided the stroller is in good condition.

HTH!

[lotusdebi]