RP: Double stroller testing update from the weekend!

MommyMar2010

For those of you that read my Graco Ready2Grow Stroller test....here is an update!

So I went to Buy Buy Baby and finally tested out the Baby Jogger City Mini Double (2011--though I want the 2012!).  I had the guy put the carseat adapter on with a graco seat so I could see if i liked it....and....i hated it!!  The adapter was not easy to use, a strap had to run ACROSS the baby's legs, which I hated and the infant carrier sat out further than the actual stroller, which made me uncomfortable and I didn't feel it was that sturdy.  Also, the 2011 model has AWFUL storage space and no place to put the diaper bag since they say you shouldn't hang it from the handlebar.  Access to the under storage basket was ridiculously awful.  I was told the 2012 model fixed this issue and access to underneath is MUCH better.

With this in mind, I decided no way I'm getting the BJCMD until my little one is out of his infant seat *or big enough that I can just lay him down in the stroller* because the infant adapter totally sucks and for $90 I feel like I should really love it!  Side note, it was ridiculous to attach also, even the "stroller expert" in the store had issues with it!

 All in all, I'm going to get the Graco Ready2Grow now (I can get it for cheap since I'm going for the BRU trade in event) and use that for my infant seat with my toddler....and late summer when the 2012's are everywhere, I'm going to get the BJ City Mini Double GT (which I have been told is the best one and the GT INCLUDES ATTACHMENTS!!!--no spending anything for snack tray, belly bar, etc--though the GT model is $100 more).

Hope that helps those of you that are thinking of using the BJCM double with the car seat attachment!!!

sept04brideinMD

I just saw the Graco today - how cool!  I totally would have gotten that when our LOs were smaller...but now that we're working on #3 - I think that will be the first purchase

kagl08

We have the 2010 BJCMD. Just a few things I wanted to point out.

DS has been in the stroller laying down since 3 weeks old. He's been perfectly fine. BJ says as long as you have the back supports its fine (we didn't have the back supports but DS was light enough that it didn't matter.

We've been hanging the diaper bag from the handlebars since day 1 and we've never had a problem! And my toddler is only 20lbs. I don't find the basket underneath that much of an issue. It's easier to access from the side of the stroller instead of the rear...

MommyMar2010

kagl08:

We have the 2010 BJCMD. Just a few things I wanted to point out.

DS has been in the stroller laying down since 3 weeks old. He's been perfectly fine. BJ says as long as you have the back supports its fine (we didn't have the back supports but DS was light enough that it didn't matter.

We've been hanging the diaper bag from the handlebars since day 1 and we've never had a problem! And my toddler is only 20lbs. I don't find the basket underneath that much of an issue. It's easier to access from the side of the stroller instead of the rear...

This makes me feel much better!!  That really worried me of where I'd put the diaper bag b/c the openings in the double for underneath were small for a diaper bag to fit through--I didn't think of using the side as a way to get into it!

What are back supports????

andreagb

I just looked at the Ready2Grow and liked it.  I didn't have much time in the store but it honestly doesn't seem much bigger than the huge travel system we have now w/ one kid.   Did you try folding the R2G?  I only had a limited time in the store so I didn't get a chance.  Wondering how easy it is to fold and how heavy it would be?

kagl08

MommyMar2010:

kagl08:

We have the 2010 BJCMD. Just a few things I wanted to point out.

DS has been in the stroller laying down since 3 weeks old. He's been perfectly fine. BJ says as long as you have the back supports its fine (we didn't have the back supports but DS was light enough that it didn't matter.

We've been hanging the diaper bag from the handlebars since day 1 and we've never had a problem! And my toddler is only 20lbs. I don't find the basket underneath that much of an issue. It's easier to access from the side of the stroller instead of the rear...

This makes me feel much better!!  That really worried me of where I'd put the diaper bag b/c the openings in the double for underneath were small for a diaper bag to fit through--I didn't think of using the side as a way to get into it!

What are back supports????

Back supports are for the 2010 or older model. I believe the 2011 and 2012 version both have it though. We were cheap though and went with that 2010. DS is so small and light that we have no need for the back support. My DD is comfy without them. And yeah... I have no problem with the diaper bag on the handlebars. Even when my kids aren't in the stroller it doesn't tip back with the diaper bag on it...

SweetHurricane

Did you find that the Ready2Grow was big enough for your older LO? I read the reviews on the BRU website and half of them were complaining that it was too small. DD is 21 lbs at 1 year, she'll be 17 months when #2 comes along. I'm wondering if this stroller will be ok for the long term or not.

RA1109

We have the BJCM single and the diaper bag on the handle bar is not an issue. I carry everything I own practically in my bag and even with no kid in the stroller it won't tip, it's not a concern. I'm going to get the 2012 double so the storage basket won't be a problem supposedly. I also looked at the Ready2Frow, but it got pretty bad reviews on Amazon, especially about the seat being too small for the older child, and since my kids are big that won't work for us. I dont plan on getting the infant adapter for the BJCM2, I'm just going to put DS2 in the stroller. I'm a SAHM and haven't had any need for a double stroller yet and my kids are 2 and 8 weeks.

MommyMar2010

SweetHurricane:

Did you find that the Ready2Grow was big enough for your older LO? I read the reviews on the BRU website and half of them were complaining that it was too small. DD is 21 lbs at 1 year, she'll be 17 months when #2 comes along. I'm wondering if this stroller will be ok for the long term or not.

This didn't worry  me, my DD who is nearly two is a peanut (she just hit 25lbs and is petite) so I'm not too worried about her not fitting in the stroller.....but that's just me.

ltate_8

SweetHurricane:

Did you find that the Ready2Grow was big enough for your older LO? I read the reviews on the BRU website and half of them were complaining that it was too small. DD is 21 lbs at 1 year, she'll be 17 months when #2 comes along. I'm wondering if this stroller will be ok for the long term or not.

I have the same concern so I am going to take my LO and see how he fits.  He will be 20 months when #2 comes along.

CC.to.be

I test drove it yesterday and bought it. They finally got it in at the Babies R Us near me. I thought it maneuvered very well and it feels very light, much better then the other double stroller options they had. Also,I found it very easy to fold and I like the way the Odyssey one looked. I did find many limitations though. When the Graco car seat is attached you can't access the basket underneath, that may be a PITA. Also, I did find the front seat to be a tad small, but when I compared it to the other double strollers sold at my Babies R us they were about the same size. Also, I don't like with the Tandem style how you can't see your kid in the front seat when the car seat is attached, it completley blocks your view, but this happens with most tandem strollers so its to be expected.

Overall for the price its a great stroller. Of course it can't compare to some of the $400 plus strollers but I had a budget of $200 or under. WIth the "Great Trade In" I bought it for $150, it will serve its purpose.