Tandem Stroller Recommendations — Straight from Moms’ Mouths

Actually, straight from their fingertips.  When I was expecting Baby #2 (you know, waaaaaaaay back when, eleven weeks ago) and was researching tandem strollers for the baby and my almost two-year-old, I was totally overwhelmed with the choices.  I wanted something lightweight — as lightweight as you’re going to get with a double stroller — and back-to-back, making navigating the city a bit easier than a side-by-side stroller that would make it impossible to get through Starbucks’ doors.  (And mama needs her triple-shot latte!)  So I called upon the expertise of those who know strollers best:  my fellow moms on Facebook.  Their suggestions were helpful, not surprisingly, so I thought I’d pass along their thoughts for your consideration.  With names removed to protect the innocent.

Well, the somewhat innocent.

Fellow parents: Any tandem stroller recommendations for walking around the city with a two-year-old and newborn? (Bonus points for suggestions featuring a nav system, sweet diamond rims and on-the-go margarita maker.)

>>We bought the Phil and Ted’s 3 years ago and have been really happy with it. Love the front back seating and the flexibility to be either a single or a double stroller. Cool newborn sleeping/strolling feature too. Since then, UppaBaby and Baby Jogger have come out with similar styles and look cool. I think in the city, much easier to navigate with a front/back versus side by side. Can still get through the Starbucks door for the several lattes a day you will need. 🙂

>>BOB sport utility stroller, I have twins and it is great. My friend has one and her kids can still sit in it now if they want and they are 5 and 7.

>>E just turned 2 when Z was born and never wanted to sit again, that was for babies. I am really dating myself here, but we used the Peg Perego Venezia (I think they call it Uno now) and E rode on the built in toddler step. It was well loved by all.

>>We have a Joovy Caboose, which is good for short rides in good weather. We also have a double jogger from Baby Trends (cheap version of BOB) for longer rides ( like all day at Disney World!). It is not for a newborn, but handy now for a two and five year old, even through the snow!

>>We have a Sit and Stand Stroller (don’t remember brand name) – passed down to us by a friend. We were able to put the car seat in the back and Nathan rode in the front seat. Then, as both got bigger, we put Jason in the front and Nathan sits an stands on the back part. Important thing I was told was that side by side strollers can be awkward to maneuver through coffee shops, etc. Front/ back ones are more convenient that way.

>>i have a graco duo stadium buggy, the seats are 1 in front of the other so not any wider then a single and its quite light and easy to use, and we walk EVERYWHERE!! x

>>Also check out the City Select from Baby Jogger (it’s not a jogging stroller). You can configure it a million ways and it folds up pretty flat (good for those of us with smaller cars).

>>We have the Phil & Ted’s for longer walks and a Joovy Ultralite in the trunk of my car for errands or trips to places like the zoo, where my son (3 yrs) will want to get up and walk. I have to say, I thought I was going to use the P&T a lot b/c I used my BOB all the time when I just had one child, but the Joovy is the one that I use the most. I like that it has a seat belt in the jump seat so that I can strap my 3-year old in if necessary (and it was when the baby was born, b/c he was only 21 months old at the time). It’s also fabulous for traveling — so easy to get around in the airport!

And after all of that…?  We ended up getting — DRUM ROLL PLEASE — um, none of the above.  We bought the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller, a modestly priced and well-reviewed option instead.  And in almost eleven weeks…?  We have used the stroller — DRUM ROLL PLEASE — um, zero times, instead opting to use the Bjorn for the baby and a stroller for our toddler when we take our traveling zoo around town.  In the meantime, the monstrosity of a double stroller sits in our living room.  A glamorous decor accent, I know.

But we will use it!  I swear!  One of these days.  Probably.  Hopefully.

For sure if we ever find that margarita maker attachment.