Stroller Type...opinions?

allisonmarie22 · December 2011

What kind of stroller did you use, side by side or the ones where one baby sits behind the other? My MIL insists the side by side is the only way to go. I just don't know...

Anyhoo...I'm doing some research myself, but I wanted to get opinions. She wants to buy us a stroller and I can't hold her off much longer.

JosiePosy · December 2011

I use a tandem for most things, and a side-by-side for outdoor activities. They both jave a purpose. I just don't like to use wider strollers indoors, but that's me. We have a BJCS for everyday use and a BOB Duallie for outdoors. I highly recommend both.

JosiePosy · December 2011

Also one of the stroller experts can chime in here, but I'm not sure if you can put two infant seats in a side-by-side. It would be too wide to get into many doorways. That would be something to note for sure.

LakeGenevaBride · December 2011

JosiePosy:
I use a tandem for most things, and a side-by-side for outdoor activities. They both jave a purpose. I just don't like to use wider strollers indoors, but that's me. We have a BJCS for everyday use and a BOB Duallie for outdoors. I highly recommend both.

This exactly. I keep my BJCS in the car at all times and use it to take the babies to the gym, doctor, store, etc. It also is able to fit two infant car seats which is essential for the first 8 months or so. My BOB Duallie is used everyday for walks outside.

LnA5909 · December 2011

I have no real life experience yet, but I am going with a side-by-side. The Stroll Air Duo takes two car seats and comes with quite a few accessories, so I am leaning towards that one. I think the Bumbleride '12 model will also take two carseats. As far as I know, those are the only two. I chose a SBS because the majority of our excursions will be outdoor adventures (park, zoo, walks, etc). I don't shop often, other than the grocery. H and I work together so pretty much anytime I would need to go to a store, he is with me. I figure we can each take a baby (carrier, cart, etc) if need be.

KarliB84 · December 2011

We have the Bumbleride Indie Twin and LOVE it! It fits through standard doorways but if you are a mall shopper it is hard to get in between racks in department stores! The 2011 model accepts 2 infant carseats although i think they have to be the maxi cosi ones. We also have the double snap n go that we use until they are out of the infant carseats.

rachelle2824 · December 2011

BJCS here and I could.not.live.without.it! Love it! Literally it's the only way I can leave the house with my twins. Reasons why I love it: it's very well made and sturdy, accommodates 2 infant car seats, handles great in tight spots, huge basket underneath, easily switches from car seat attachments to the regular stroller seats, and folds easily. The only downside is the expense, space it takes up in the trunk and the weight. I still wouldn't trade it for anything!

UsedToBeGoldie · December 2011

first of all - your MIL needs to chill out. There is no "only way to go" that works for everyone. Everyone has their own preferences, esp when they have two babies.

I like to have the option of a SBS or tandem depending on where I go. Craigslist is a great place to buy a used double stroller if the budget is tight - they are often sold fast b/c people who have 2 singletons get a double then their older kid won't ride in it anymore... so it's sold and in great condition- saving you a ton.

If I could only have one stroller it would be the BJ City Select tandm - it does SO much, including being a DSNG frame early on, which is fabulous. It's not as long as most tandems, which makes life easier getting around in stores, etc. it's expensive, though... there are cheaper tandems out there- but they won't do as much or drive as well.

I love having a SBS when we go to the zoo, park, a long walk, etc. I do not bring a SBS indoors anywhere b/c it's a pain to fit between things (doors are fine, but clothing racks, chairs, etc = PITA).... i'd never be able to get them into my doc office if all i had was a SBS ---- so your MIL is wrong. i'm sure this won't be the first time she doles out advice that sucks. lol

~Lynchie~ · December 2011

rachelle2824:
BJCS here and I could.not.live.without.it! Love it! Literally it's the only way I can leave the house with my twins. Reasons why I love it: it's very well made and sturdy, accommodates 2 infant car seats, handles great in tight spots, huge basket underneath, easily switches from car seat attachments to the regular stroller seats, and folds easily. The only downside is the expense, space it takes up in the trunk and the weight. I still wouldn't trade it for anything!

This, exactly!! My BJCS is a lifesaver!

allisonmarie22 · December 2011

UsedToBeGoldie:
first of all - your MIL needs to chill out. There is no "only way to go" that works for everyone. Everyone has their own preferences, esp when they have two babies.

I like to have the option of a SBS or tandem depending on where I go. Craigslist is a great place to buy a used double stroller if the budget is tight - they are often sold fast b/c people who have 2 singletons get a double then their older kid won't ride in it anymore... so it's sold and in great condition- saving you a ton.

If I could only have one stroller it would be the BJ City Select tandm - it does SO much, including being a DSNG frame early on, which is fabulous. It's not as long as most tandems, which makes life easier getting around in stores, etc. it's expensive, though... there are cheaper tandems out there- but they won't do as much or drive as well.

I love having a SBS when we go to the zoo, park, a long walk, etc. I do not bring a SBS indoors anywhere b/c it's a pain to fit between things (doors are fine, but clothing racks, chairs, etc = PITA).... i'd never be able to get them into my doc office if all i had was a SBS ---- so your MIL is wrong. i'm sure this won't be the first time she doles out advice that sucks. lol

Oh, how right you are. She means well, but it's annoying! I just keep trying to tell myself her heart is in the right place.

Thank you all for your responses. I really appreciate the advice and insight. Smile

Rangergal9 · December 2011

I also have the BJCS and LOVE it! It is my only double stroller and I use it everyday for daycare drop offs, pick ups, doctors office, shopping, etc.. Love it. I also love that I can use it as a single if I have just one child with me. I used it with the car seats for the first 7 months.

Fryjack2 · December 2011

Check out babygizmo's video reviews. The lady who reviews strollers is a bit annoying but she goes through pretty much every stroller. We tested a bunch this past weekend in person. We are going with the Bumbleride Indie Twin for these reasons:

- Soooo easy to maneuver. One handed turns were nothing.

-You can fit 2 cars seats and 2 bassinettes.

- Large cargo space

-The accessories.

-It can go to the beach, on hikes, over pretty much any terrain.

-Its not that wide. It fits through doors.

-The handle can accommodate H who is a foot taller than I am.

- I can jog with it, or hike, or take it to the beach.

-Its soooo easy to maneuver. did I mention that?

- You can put the seats all the way down so a newborn can be put in it right away without a car seat or carry cot if you want.

Reasons we didn't like the BJCS:

- harder to push, even when empty. Saw a couple outside the store who said its tough to do when you have 2 kids in it. They liked that it was narrow though which is good in the city.

-The sales people couldn't get it to work so that the kids were facing each other.

- The kid in back always looks squished, or can kick the other in the head or face depending on how its set up.

I did like it, and seriously thought about it as a second stroller to keep in NYC for when we are there.

A friend has the Stroll- Air Duo and LOVES it. I watched the review on babygizmo, and it looks pretty cool. If I could find a store to test it in person I may consider it more seriously. But its not good for jogging or all terrain.

-

s270453 · December 2011

If you are going to be taking them places like the dr, grocery shopping, the mall...or anywhere indoors actually, a tandem is the only way to go. IMO Its hard enough getting my tandem in and out of places, let alone a side by side!!!!

Temp123197812503460 · December 2011

I totally agree that it depends on how you will use it, and you may find you need more than one stroller. For the first 5 months we have a SBS and the double snap n go. I use the dsng for really quick trips (to the doctor, etc). Most of the time when I have them in the stroller we are outside (I walk with them to get groceries, etc) so we need the SBS to get through the snow, no way a tandem would work. It's a close fit through the doors but it works fine. I decided to wait and see what kind of stroller to get when they outgrow the dsng, maybe just an umbrella and then use the carrier to wear the other when space is tight.

dulcinea03 · December 2011

IMO, strollers are like shoes- its nearly impossible to have one that fits all situations well. When the girls were first born, we used a DSNG that I bought (and later resold) on craigslist.

Then when they were around 6 months old, we bought our SBS Maclaren, which is still our primary stroller that sits in the car for store trips and going to the mall. Then last spring, we added a Babytrend jogger (also bought on craigslist) for walks and outdoor events. Its too bulky for me to use as my every day stroller, but having 2 strollers has worked well for us. It allows me the flexibility to pick the stroller for the situation, and so far I've had very few moments that I wished I had a tandem as well.

kiwi625 · December 2011

::butting in to ask a question::

I've noticed a couple of you have the BJCS (which I am just in awe of, can't wait to go try it out) but for your SBS you have the Bob duallie. I was just wondering why the Bob and not the BJ City Mini?

TIA.

JosiePosy · December 2011

kiwi625:
::butting in to ask a question::
I've noticed a couple of you have the BJCS (which I am just in awe of, can't wait to go try it out) but for your SBS you have the Bob duallie. I was just wondering why the Bob and not the BJ City Mini?
TIA.

BOB has bigger wheels and handles extremely well on rougher terrain.

google123 · December 2011

JosiePosy:
Also one of the stroller experts can chime in here, but I'm not sure if you can put two infant seats in a side-by-side. It would be too wide to get into many doorways. That would be something to note for sure.

no, you can put 2 carseats in a side by side. it still fits through doorways, but the carseats are at different levels.

both have pros and cons.

kiwi625 · December 2011

JosiePosy:
kiwi625:
::butting in to ask a question::
I've noticed a couple of you have the BJCS (which I am just in awe of, can't wait to go try it out) but for your SBS you have the Bob duallie. I was just wondering why the Bob and not the BJ City Mini?
TIA.
BOB has bigger wheels and handles extremely well on rougher terrain.

Gotcha. Thanks!

kiwi625 · December 2011

google123:
JosiePosy:
Also one of the stroller experts can chime in here, but I'm not sure if you can put two infant seats in a side-by-side. It would be too wide to get into many doorways. That would be something to note for sure.

no, you can put 2 carseats in a side by side. it still fits through doorways, but the carseats are at different levels.

both have pros and cons.

Oh that's good to know. I guess it depends on the model though. The BJ City Mini cannot take two infant cars seats at once, only one. Otherwise it would have been my stroller choice.

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