How necessary is a double stroller?

sjl121709

Hi Ladies,

I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant with my 2nd DD. (can't change my ticker). I'm starting to think about double strollers. My 1st DD hates being in the stroller now since she loves to walk on her own. I know that I will need a double stroller at some point to take them both out by myself, but I'm not sure how important it is. 

What are you getting or did you use for your double stroller? I've had some people recommend the Joovy Caboose stroller where DD could stand or sit if needed. 

I'd hate to spend alot of money on a stroller and then never use it. 

Thanks for your help.

 

scaneiki

My DD is 2 weeks and I regret not having a double stroller already.  Its really hard for me to get both out of the house.  I ordered a Baby Jogger City Mini from diapers.com.  We tried it out in the store and DS really liked it.  The 2010 model is clearance priced at $299.  My DS is too young for the Joovy to work for me.

jgoo

We didn't get one & so far, I haven't seen the need for one.

DS hates being in a stroller & wants to walk everywhere, so he's usually on my hand. & I have an Ergo for DD. 

Kristin131

Sorry I can't offer any advice but I'm in the same boat (and timeline) as you! DS really doesn't mind being in the stroller, and I do love taking him places shopping with me, but I didn't always. I'm not sure how much I will take them both out...

Oh and I bought an Ergo as well. I wasn't a baby wearer with DS but that could change I hear.

howleyshell

I think it probably depends on how you feel about baby wearing.

For us?  When the baby was little and the toddler was all about getting out and running off I wore the baby so I had 2 hands and feet free to chase down the older one.  (and just kept using the single stroller)

Then when the baby got heavier a sit and stand worked fine.

We had a double and used it maybe 5 times total.

I recommend looking into the sit and stands that have the removable 2nd seat.  Kinda the best of all worlds IMO.

 

beyoga

We got the Phil and Teds Explorer with the double kit.  We live in the country and it maneuvers well out here.  Also I didn't want a double wide and it really limited my options.  You also don't need a car seat.  You can strap a newborn in it lying down.  

MammaBear81

We have the baby jogger city select, and we love it. A double stroller was an absolute necessity for us, so spending the money on a good one that worked for us (rather than trying to deal with a different one) was totally worth it.  Not everyone needs a double, it really depends on 1) if you want to baby wear and put the older one in a single, or 2) your older one is big enough to walk and not run off and you LO can be in the stroller. If those options don't seem right for you I think a double stroller is an important item to have.

If you have a single stroller that your LO can ride in you can try it out with your DD walking, if she ends up taking off, or not wanting to walk you can always purchase a double later.

kcisthebombdotcom

For the most part, I wear the baby and push my DS in a single, but I do like having a double stroller. I guess it depends on your lifestyle and how much you travel, take your kids to the zoo/aquarium, etc.

I'd say try to not get it before baby is here, but if you feel you need one get one used on craigslist.

roundtheworldgirl

I definitely needed one.  I do wear DD2 in the Ergo occasionally, but she doesn't like it that much.  On long outings, I put them both in the Phil and Ted and stow the Ergo under the jump seat.  I like having the option of both.  We actually went to a museum with friends today and it was a good thing I had the Ergo because strollers weren't allowed.  So DD1 (20 months) held my hand, but wanted to be held a lot.  And I wore DD2 (7.5 months).  DD2 lasted about 45 minutes before she wanted out of the carrier - loudly.

I guess you should think about how often you use your current stroller, and for what purpose.  I live in the middle of a huge city with great public transportation, so we rarely drive anywhere.  I needed an easily maneuverable stroller that worked well as a single or a double, and that could get into tight spaces like a jammed Metro car or a trolley bus.  The P&T fit the bill for us.

trinny

I'd go without and see how it works.  I never needed it, though we might get a wagon at some point.  I am rarely out with them by myself though, and DS is now old enough to sit unassisted in a grocery cart.

juliane2004

Well, DS was born when DD was 14 months, and she didn't even begin to walk until 15 months, so we definitely used a double stroller. In fact, now when DD is 19 months, we still use the stroller at least 1-2 times per week. I let her walk at the mall, etc sometimes, but it's so so so nice to be able to have her in her stroller and not get into everything.

sweetpea2003

I think it depends on your lifestyle.

I personally use one or both of my double strollers every day.  I do a 4-5 mile jog/walk almost every day for exercise and fresh air.  Both kiddos love it and the time we spend on those strolls. 

My other double is in my car for errands.  Occasionally I will put DS in an umbrella single stroller and let DD walk.  Or I'll wear DS and try to let DD walk.  But because my husband is deployed, I'm always alone.  So to wear my 21 pound DS and not bring a stroller for DD is a risk because if she decides to have a toddler moment she sometimes needs to be picked up.  And then I have a 26 pound toddler and 21 pound baby that both need to be in my arms.  It isn't pretty.

So USUALLY I bring my double everywhere and if K wants to walk I let her.  I also keep my Ergo in the basket just in case. 

ksb717

We didn't have one in the beginning, I wore DS and put DS in her stroller.  We did get one a few months (BOB dualie), I love it.  DD is touch and go about riding vs walking but I definitely think it's worth it.