Double Stroller Advice Wanted

andyandrachel

I'm trying to decide between a full sized front to back or a side by side umbrella styled stroller. My sister said (her kids are a bit older now) that I won't be able to get through doors at some stores if it is a side by side. Any truth in that? I'm hoping her information is outdated.

My plan is to wear DS2 in a wrap or carrier for the first few months whenever DS1 needs to be in a cart or stroller. Is that realistic?

Daisy22

I have a double bob that I run with and it fits through doorways. Some are tight but it fits. We take it to disney world with us every time we go and it even fits through the little gates to get into the parks. I also have a city select that I use more for indoor stuff like doctor appts or if I only need it for one of the boys. I love that it's a single or double and that the seats move. DS2 until recently liked to face me and ds1 liked to face out. Now ds1 walks more so I'll be using the CS for ds2 and ds3.

sosoph

It really depends on how you use the stroller. What do you like/dislike about your single for how you use it? We primarily go for long walks, so a side-by-side with big tires was a must. The one I got won't really work indoors. We're going to wait and see if it works to wear one and have the older one walk/be in the shopping cart. We rarely use a stroller indoors now, but I suspect with 2u2 I'll need one for safety and sanity purposes. If I do need one that works indoors, it will be a stacked tandem (britax b-ready)

CandT

I have one of each.  I use the font to back in stores because it's so much easier. I use the side by side outdoors because it's "smoother". I will say I spent a fortune on strollers but use them both a lot. My Bob double makes my uppa baby vista seem so chinsy in comparison... I love the Bob!

Sept1799

I wanted a front to back one but I have a small trunk and there is NO way it would fit...I also have a small car.........

I brought the combi double stroller side by side...its great...it can put a combi car seat and make one travel system (I don't have one so I don't know how good it is but I would think it would be great.)

The seats go pretty much all the way down, great for an infant and also you have the boot option.

I actually have more room in my trunk with this one than I did with a full size graco stroller.

It fits through all standard doorways.

akbride25

Some side-by-side double strollers don't fit through doorways, so you would have to research before you buy. I have both types of strollers and end up using my front/back more. It doesn't steer as easily, but when I go for a walk with friends it is nice because we can then walk side by side. If we both use side-by-side doubles, the sidewalks aren't big enough and it ruins the fun of walking. It is also much easier to maneuver in stores.

laura1

I only own side by side strollers.  We have a Bumbleride Indie Twin that we use mostly outside for walking, playground etc, but we do take it on walks to Starbucks, the grocery store, and the pharmacy.  I fit just fine in those places!

 When DD was small and I just wanted to run in somewhere when we were driving, I would use the snap and go, and have DS help me push - this worked well for a trip in to a coffee shop, doctor's office, etc.  When we were going to the grocery store, Target, etc, DD would go in the Baby Bjorn and DS would go in the shopping cart.  For mall trips, we would use our Bumbleride or use the single with the Bjorn - usually the double.  It was easier for me to push a stroller without someone in the way!

When DD got too big for the snap and go and the bjorn, I bought a Maclaren twin techno (from Craigslist for $50) to keep in the car for quick trips to the mall, etc.  It folds up much smaller than any other double, so it was easier to keep in the car.  It definitely doesn't steer as well as the Bumbleride, but it fit easily through any doors and aisles.  

Good luck choosing! 

TheMutleys

I think that is very realistic, depending on when you are due and how much time you spend outside.  Now that it is hot here, I only babywear indoors.  It is too sweaty for both of us outside. 

We got a City Select because I like the versatility.  Sometimes I wear DS2, sometimes I put him in the stroller.  I never brought a stroller inside a store with DS1, so that didn't factor into my decision process.  If I have both of them at Target, etc., I wear DS2 or put his infant carrier in the main part of the cart.  I mainly use my stroller for walks or dr's office/need for containing DS1. 

etude de la vie

Daisy22:

I have a double bob that I run with and it fits through doorways. Some are tight but it fits. We take it to disney world with us every time we go and it even fits through the little gates to get into the parks. I also have a city select that I use more for indoor stuff like doctor appts or if I only need it for one of the boys. I love that it's a single or double and that the seats move. DS2 until recently liked to face me and ds1 liked to face out. Now ds1 walks more so I'll be using the CS for ds2 and ds3.

 

This is us almost exactly except we have the city mini elite double (side by side) and the city select. I love both for different reasons. When they were small I loved the city select because I could drop the car seat in and have 1,000 different seat combinations but now with two toddlers I use the side by side a lot or use the City select as a single with the glider board.  

saturdaynightdoubletree

We had both. The front to back was chicco to fit the infant carrier which was nice, lots of storage but it was a beast to drive and carry. After 2-3 months we bought a city mini and still use it quite a bit. The side to side is only a bit wider than a typical travel system stroller. The city mini storage isn't the best, but there are other options and you can always buy the attachment accessories. It drives very easy with one hand. Only complaint is after a year, we had to call and get replacement wheels because one of the front wheels kept getting stuck in the locked position. Try some out in the store, see what you like. Everyone is different. In the mall/store front to back strollers are too long and side to side are a bit harder to navigate with certain layouts. Double strollers do fit through a regular sized door with ease. GL