Having a real double stroller conundrum

bluejayway

I have an 18-month-old and a baby due in a few weeks. 

I bought the kit to upgrade my iCandy Apple Jogger to the iCandy Pear Tandem. Um, didn't work. So after a big runaround with customer service, I have to return it and start from square one (and the UPS return is costing $60...uggghhhh).

I am at a total loss. People keep telling me to go with a sit-n-stand, and I have been super close to purchasing the Joovy Ultralight Caboose, but I went to BRU to try one and they didn't have any. My 18-month-old seemed to love the sit-n-stand concept on the strollers we tried in the store, but I am concerned that a little jump seat is not going to cut it for longer walks/places out. Sometimes, she really wants to sit and ride comfortably. All I want is a double/tandem that will hold my infant car seat at first (a Maxi Cosi) and something that will be comfortable for BOTH babies as they grow and is not like $500. I'm concerned that the Joovy will ultimately be useless until the 18-month-old grows a bit.

Can someone help? Are there any sit-n-stands that'll do the trick? I'm at a real loss, and I can't tell from looking online how "comfortable" the big-kid seats are on these things. Please recommend something that worked for you with 2u2s!

marielovestimothy03

My older DD was only 16.5 months when I had DD2 and she was nowhere near ready for a sit and stand. MAYBE after two but even that is a stretch.

We have a Phil & Teds and I love it. I used it as a single with DD1 (and wore DD2) until DD2 was about 5 months then started putting DD2 in the lower seat and DD1 stayed in the upper seat. Now I just switch them back and forth but mostly have DD1 down below and DD2 up top. DD1 actually prefers the lower seat now, she kicks back and rides along and then if she wants to get out and walk she can tell me and then easily climb out and do that then climb back in when she's ready to ride again. We've gotten SO much use out of it and at 2.5 and 15 months they still haven't outgrown it and I love the flexibility it gives.

Ruby_Soho

I'm using a Mountain Buggy +one and I love it. It doesn't take a cr seat but I prefer to take DS out of the car seat whenever possible and the cocoon is awesome. If you want the ability to attach the car seat check out the Mountain Buggy Duo, it's a side by side but not enormous.

I had a single MB before for a year and loved it. Totally rate them for all terrain. 

WhitePicketFence

My girls are 18 months apart and we seriously considered a sit-n-stand when I was expecting DD2. When we tried one out in person, I realized that there was no way DD1 was old enough for it. Even now that she's 24 months, I don't think she would be ready for one.

Although it was pricey, we went with the Bumbleride Indie Twin. I simply can't say enough good things about it. It should be compatible with your infant seat without having to buy an adaptor. I like that I can see both kids at the same time whereas I couldn't with a tandem stroller. It is also SO much easier to push than a tandem. It fits through all standard doorways and has a ton of storage space underneath (a necessity with 2u2).

It was money well spent IMO.

marielovestimothy03

WhitePicketFence:

My girls are 18 months apart and we seriously considered a sit-n-stand when I was expecting DD2. When we tried one out in person, I realized that there was no way DD1 was old enough for it. Even now that she's 24 months, I don't think she would be ready for one.

Although it was pricey, we went with the Bumbleride Indie Twin. I simply can't say enough good things about it. It should be compatible with your infant seat without having to buy an adaptor. I like that I can see both kids at the same time whereas I couldn't with a tandem stroller. It is also SO much easier to push than a tandem. It fits through all standard doorways and has a ton of storage space underneath (a necessity with 2u2).

It was money well spent IMO.

It really depends on the stroller. I can see both my girls at the same time in the P&T and I think it is WAY easier to push than any side-by-side double we tested (including the Bumbleride Indie Twin). Personal preference though. 

sometimesalwayschaotic

We just bought a Contours Optima.  With a 20% off coupon we were able to get it for around $250.  It steers much better than a Graco or Chicco and is a great option for a lower price range.  If you have a Buy Buy Baby near you, I have found that they have way more options of strollers to try out. 

bluejayway

Interesting. Thanks for your answers. It really is hard when you can't try them out easily. And also not sure what LO2 will be like...for instance, i could never have transferred my sleeping DD from car seat to stroller without chaos and waking...but maybe LO2 will be more relaxed about it. I will look for a Buy Buy Baby near me. I have seen the models mentioned, except for the Bumbleride. I think we'll scrap the sit n stand idea for now...you've confirmed my suspicions that DD is too young and it'd be useless.

kcisthebombdotcom

bluejayway:

Interesting. Thanks for your answers. It really is hard when you can't try them out easily. And also not sure what LO2 will be like...for instance, i could never have transferred my sleeping DD from car seat to stroller without chaos and waking...but maybe LO2 will be more relaxed about it. I will look for a Buy Buy Baby near me. I have seen the models mentioned, except for the Bumbleride. I think we'll scrap the sit n stand idea for now...you've confirmed my suspicions that DD is too young and it'd be useless.

It really depends on your kid. My son was fine with a sit n stand at 1 1/2 for longer trips.

Whether I'd upgrade to something more expensive depends on what your lifestyle is. Are you a SAHM on the go everyday that takes their kids lots of places and you don't want to wear baby in a carrier? If so then yes, I would definitely invest in a double stroller. I have the combi twin sport and like it just fine. I got it under $200 with coupons, and it's lightweight as well as really quick and easy to fold/unfold.

If you work, or if times you'd be taking long walks around would be with your DH/a friend/not alone, then I'd probably stick with the sit n stand. I think it would work just fine. Say you're on a long walk/trip to the zoo/whatever and you think your oldest wants a real seat. put the baby in a carrier (I recommend the ergo) and put your oldest in the seat.

jf198400

I can't speak from experience b/c my 2nd LO isn't here yet, but DD1 will be 18months when LO2 arrives next month.  We decided to buy the Baby Trend Sit and Stand Double b/c it starts out as a traditional tandem double, but converts into a sit and stand.  DD1 definitely is NOT ready for a sit and stand yet, but I don't want to buy yet another stroller in a year from now.  And I wanted something that I could attach the car seat to as well.