[sbmama]

That is the question. I'm really debating what to do about our stroller situation. I now have a 2.5 year old and a 4 month old. The older one likes to walk, but not all the time and isn't safe all the time if he is walking (likes to run away FAST!) I'm looking for a stroller akin to a jogger that is good for extended walks with just one kiddo, but ready for two if necessary -- like a Phil and Ted's.

I'm just not sure whether to spend the money on a new double (side by side or double jogger), spend a lot of money on the Phil and Ted's with the second seat, or just get a used jogger and make due slinging the little on when necessary.

So, what has worked for you?

Thanks!
Heidi

 

[luckymamato2]

We've got a P&T and we've used it very little so far (my dd just turned 6mo though). I still prefer to sling her, and she prefers the closeness. I am glad I got one. It'll come in handy as they get older. My dh likes to jog with ds, and you can't do that with a regular double. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[witchbaby]

we're planning on picking up a joovy caboose in the late winter/early spring. k will be 3 in december and m will be one. he's already well on his way to being too much for me to carry in a sling or wrap (almost 20lb now and i can't do much more than that), plus he thinks strollers are hysterical. for longer outings, like the zoo and such, we think this stroller will help us a bit-- k is old enough to want to walk for most of the time, but she can tire out pretty easily, so the little caboose seat for toddlers will come in handy.

 

[wombat]

I briefly considered a dbl stroller but then thought how little I use a single stroller. And dbl strollers are even harder to take places.

I have a 3 1/2 yo and a 9 mo old. The stroller I use most is an older style one that lays completely flat (for baby to sleep), or sits up. I can use it for both children. I also got an Ergo baby carrier to wear my 9mo old on my back. I've hurt my back and can't use my usual slings much now. You can carry quite a bit of weight in the Ergo before it'll bother you I find. What I like most about using the stroller is it allows me to keep my 3 1/2 yo contained when I have to go somewhere like a big Mall or hospital (where she'll run off). So I put my 9mo in the carrier and my 3 1/2 yo in the stroller. When I'm out, they tend to switch around a bit. 9 mo might move to the stroller while 3 1/2 yo walks a bit, then switch back again. This switching seems to work well, keeps them happy and gives my back a break.

This combo has also been a lifesaver sometimes, as when I was in a downstairs carpark and the *** elevator was broken, at a hospital no less - no idea what the people in wheelchairs did! With baby on my back, I could drag the stroller up stairs and my 3 1/2 yo could walk up.

 

[Angel Kisses]

I have a Graco Double Stroller that has definitely gotten a lot of use. Now that my DD is 3, she doesn't sit in it as much anymore, but she still gets tired and will want to sit in it occasionally. I am really glad we got one!

 

[mightymoo]

I couldn't do without my Maclaren twin traveller. It's side by side, which is so much more maneuverable, but narrow enough to fit through a doorway. It reclines, so I could use with DS when he was little. I like it because I can't sling DS (he's huge and my neck and back go bananas) and DD doesn't always want to walk, and sometimes I don't want her to walk, I need to keep her close. It folds down pretty compactly, I keep it in my car at all times.

 

[LittleYellow]

I have twins and own a Maclaren Double, an umbrella stroller and an Ergo. I rarely use the double stroller. Usually I have one in the ergo and the other in a shopping cart or single stroller. It's kind of a pain to drag out the big stroller. I did use it the other day when we were going to see the ducks and I wanted them both to have the same view and too be able to see their reactions to the ducks.

I totally agree with PP about the Maclaren being maneuverable and fitting through doorways. When dd's were tiny I had a snap-n-go double that was front to back and it was much more difficult to maneuver.

 

[laneylue]

I am also considering the P&T e3 but I have to be sure I'll use it to justify the cost. If I do get a double, I will definitely get the P&T, though. You just can't beat a double the size of a single, indoor & outdoor, single & double use maneuverable stroller like the P&T!

 

[sbmama]

Thanks for all your replies. I already have an Ergo that I used with ds#1, so I was considering the sinlge stroller+ Ergo combo. I just get so tired sometimes wearing one and pushing the other (they are both big for their respective ages),but I'm not sure pushing two will be any less work.

I'm think I'm down to the Maclaren twin traveller or the P&T. Now for the creative financing!

Thanks again!

Heidi

 

[mightymoo]

Consider searching around for a good used one - especially if you live in an area with a lot of yuppies. I got my twin traveller for $175 I think and it was essentially brand new. And if I don't beat it up too badly, I'll be able to get some of that money back when I'm done with it. With the maclarens I found you have to keep a lookout and act quickly - they get snapped up fast.

ETA - We lived in Red sox fan exile for a while - but at least we didn't have to live in *enemy* territory

 

[boheime]

My kids are 22 1/2 months apart. I never use a stroller. I use a sling and ERGO. Ds will be 4 in November and dd will be 2 in Spetember. I still wear them both at times. I used to use a Mei Tai, but it was such a pain when ds wanted to get up or down while dd was in the sling. Ther ERGO/ring sling combo has worked great for us.

mandy

 

[mightymoo]

Boheime - do you mind sharing how much each of your kids weigh? I'm just wondering if I'm just a wimp or if my kids really are much heavier than the mamas who still wear their kids at 2 and 4.

 

[jencha]

We use our double stroller very occasionally!! They are nice to have, as you probably will need one at some time or another. I love the double umbrella strollers. I have a tandem, and it is sooo bulky in my trunk.. I would get one that has two different visors and where the seats independently recline!

 

[2M's Mom]

I love my double Peg Perego. It folds up very small, is very light weight, yet has enough room for both my kids and their gear. When my youngest was smaller I would wear him in a Bjorn and have my daughter in the single stroller. But now he's to heavy for me, so the double stroller is a lifesaver!