| Author |
Message |
    
Wilbur
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2001 - 11:30 am: |     |
We're expecting our second child, and the age difference between #1 and #2 will be approximately 23 months, which I think necessitates a double stroller. Can anyone recommend a good one? What's best -- side by side or front to back? We're partial to Peg Perego; does PP make a good double? Can you ever get them where one side reclines for a newborn while the other side stays upright for a toddler? And is there any such thing as a double umbrella stroller? |
Eliz
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2001 - 11:39 am: | |
Maclaren makes a good double stroller and you can recline one side. I don't have one but I have many friends that do and they swear by them as they are much lighter weight than the PP's. I havea single PP and Maclaren - once I got my Maclaren I never used the Perego again. |
Pepper
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2001 - 2:06 pm: | |
Yes there are double umbrella strollers |
Mammabear
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2001 - 2:37 pm: | |
I have a Maclaren double umbrella stroller (side-by-side)and I love it! We have had all kinds of doubles and I like that one the very best. Front to back is good at the beginning, but as soon as the children start to interact with eachother, they want to sit side-by-side. Beware, however, the Maclaren double will set you back about $470.
But, I can tell you one thing for sure- you get what you pay for when it comes to baby strollers! The more expensive models definitely last much longer and operate better. |
Shh
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2001 - 4:27 pm: | |
I never wanted to spend the $$$$$$ for the Maclaren, but used many others. My kids are also 23 mos. apart.
First I got a Cosco tandem one, where it's front/back but you could move the seats so they faced each other. It worked great in the mall, but weighed a ton and I couldn't push it up these hills, so I returned it.
Then, I got a Graco side-by-side (recline independent of each other) which was fine and cheap, under $150. UNFORTUNATELY, the buckle broke, so I returned it. (My fault, I crushed it in the trunk.)
After the buckle broke twice, I got the sit-n-stand, which also was great, until the little one wanted to do what the big one was doing.
UNFORTUNATELY, on the sit-n-stand, the strap unravelled, so it retired it for a time. I know I can fix it, but I've been too lazy so it's in the attic.
FInally, I decided I needed a really lightweight side-by-side and found one online, only available at Babyland in Millburn. Spectrum brand, cheap, only $65. Doesn't recline, but it's great when the baby is 2 or so. I run that thing everywhere, even though my kids are almost 3 & almost 5. It has a huge basket below and folds easily.
AND, even though I went through so many, Toys R Us has a return policy for 90 days, so each time a buckle broke, I brought it back and got a new one.
Moral of story: get a side-by-side from a store with a good return policy. (Even the expensive ones break.) I know Babyland does do repairs. I ordered the cheapo one there and the owner was so nice. You would have thought I was spending much more than the $65. He did say he can't keep those Spectrum's in stock. People love them.
I also tried Bellini on Morris Ave, and was treated like dirt in there. (Forgot the Fendi bag at home that day.) |
Eliz
| | Posted on Monday, March 19, 2001 - 5:01 pm: | |
I think the moral of that story is to spend the $$$ up front and avoid the aggravation. One suggestion - try babycatalog.com. They sell strollers (inc Maclarens) at great prices and usually the shipping is free. The double Maclarens start in the low 300's. |
Lydial
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 20, 2001 - 7:05 pm: | |
Check Milk Money (kid's consignment shop) on Ridgewood Road in Maplewood - I saw a gorgeous triple stroller there last week - ask if they get good double strollers -- I got a mint condition Peg Perego high chair there for $20.00 last year. The women that work there are so nice and often have leads on items that aren't visible in the store.
I have gone through 2 MacLarens and I think they are great. BabyLand has a good selection and they make repairs. The only problem with an umbrella stroller is they really aren't for newborns. Have you considered a Baby Bjorn (or similar baby wearing device) in tandem with the single stroller? That worked for me until my girls were big enough for an umbrella stroller. |
Debby
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2001 - 1:08 pm: | |
First I had a Graco front-to-back...which folded on my newborn as we were walking to the park. Then I had a Cosco - the lap bar clearance was too small for a toddler in size 11 hiking boots - back it went. Then a Peg Perego front to back. Very nice, very cushy, baby could sleep while toddler could sit up in front. A real advantage when you have a jealous 2 1/2 year old is that the baby is out of sight. But I swear the front wheels had a mind of their own.
Later on I bought a side-by-side jogger at the Right Start. LOVED IT. Huge wheels that went over ANYTHING, and roomy comfortable seats that held up to 45 pounds each. Doesn't fold too compactly but if you have a minivan or SUV it's ok.
If your older one isn't insanely jealous, and you can afford it, you might want to go for the Maclaren side-by-side. They're absolutely indestructible. It's what all the orthodox women push - and I trust the judgement of a woman with 9 kids. |
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