Double Strollers

amywalt1684

For those of you with 2 LOs+, tell me what I need for a double stroller. There is a big local Mom 2 Mom sale this weekend and if I see a double stroller I want to be educated before I purchase.

I guess my biggest question do you have/prefer a double stroller side by side or one in front of the other?

My fear with the side by side strollers is not being able to fit through a doorway (like say walking into Old Navy).

hlsgarcia

We have both a tandem and SBS (a B.O.B) We used the Graco tandem almost exclusivley when the twins were still in their carriers, however, it was the most awkward, cumbersome thing. We called it the Land Train. We love our SBS. Most are designed to fit through a standard doorway, elevators, etc. The only store we've had any trouble using our SBS in was an ACE Hardware that had way too many end cap and mid-aisle displays. Other than that, we've never had an issue at gorvery stores or stores like Buy Buy Baby/Babies R Us. Now that the twins are a little older, we've also purchased 2 Chicco liteway umbrella strollers. They can be attached with an aftermarket accessory to make it a SBS, but we can save the B.O.B for walks and jogs now.

For ease of use in a SBS look for one that's not much wider then 34" to 36". This is the standard for most doorways. GL at the sale, you should get some awesome deals of the local members haven't already beat you to them ;-)

amywalt1684

Fantastic! This is some great info!

Yes - I have big plans of running around finding my deals! Ha-ha!

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

I think most people prefer side by side, but personally I LOVE my Chicco Tandem stroller (it's the Cortina).

As for what you should be looking for...

- Can you fold/unfold it with just one hand? 
- Does it stand on its own?
- Will it fit in your trunk?

I think the rest is the same as for a single stroller: is it easy to handle, does it offer plenty of storage space? Is the handle adjustable/high enough? etc. 

amywalt1684

I just found the SAHM double stroller post. Lots of information there. Seems like everyone has a little different opinions. Best bet is to play around with the strollers prior to purchasing.

I honestly have always been afraid of the side by side strollers because I once saw a lady who couldn't get into the outlet mall's doors without opening both doors. I had nightmares of this. I will certainly bring a tape measure with me...

 Thank ladies!

JaysonandKristin

amywalt1684:

I just found the SAHM double stroller post. Lots of information there. Seems like everyone has a little different opinions. Best bet is to play around with the strollers prior to purchasing.

I honestly have always been afraid of the side by side strollers because I once saw a lady who couldn't get into the outlet mall's doors without opening both doors. I had nightmares of this. I will certainly bring a tape measure with me...

 Thank ladies!

The City Mini Double is a SBS and fits through a doorway NO SWEAT.  People hold doors for me and are astonished that I don't need them to.  I always chuckle a little bit to myself.

The tandem is a HUGE PITA when you have the toddler in front and the infant closest to you.  It's simple physics...  Turning the front of the stroller with the heavier of the two objects in the front is EXHAUSTING.  I hated mine.  

I BEGGED, BEGGED DH to let me get the Contours II because the seats could turn and face each other and me and away and they reclined.  But, bottom line was that it was hard to maneuver and I hated it.  I got rid of it 4 months after I bought it.

 

jodes727

Does an infant seat fit into the BJCM?  

JaysonandKristin

LalaMama81:

jodes727:

Does an infant seat fit into the BJCM?  

I think you do need an adaptor bar, but like I said, it the seat folds totally flat, so you can put a newborn in it.  

I've heard that the infant car seat in the adaptor is really bulky.  Like, it takes up space into the other kid's area.  We didn't bother with the bar, and just laid DS2 in the seat (completely reclined), and strapped him in after wrapping him in a blanket.  He was totally snuggled, and I felt he was safe. 

ExpatFamily06

LalaMama81:

jodes727:

Does an infant seat fit into the BJCM?  

I think you do need an adaptor bar, but like I said, it the seat folds totally flat, so you can put a newborn in it.  

We started off with the car seat adaptor for it and it was AWFUL!  It's huge and bulky and I ended up just getting to pissed off with it that I gave up on it and just used the stroller itself lying flat and that worked perfect.  I love my BJCMD stroller.  And living in England, where shops and doors are smaller than back in the USA, I have absolutely no issues getting around.