LilSugar

Moms Options For Avoiding a Double Stroller

LilSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:15:00 -0700

Adding a sibling to the family mix brings lots of excitement and a bit of fear to families already crammed for space. A new addition brings more toys and the need for additional sleeping space and a way to transport multiple children. While some families opt for double strollers, budget and space limitations have others looking for alternatives. For mamas with older kids who don't necessarily spend much time in the stroller, here are a few suggestions for avoiding a double buggy.

Wheeled boards, like the Buggy Board, Hitchhiker Stroller Board and the Bugaboo Boogie Board all attach to existing single strollers and offer older tots a place to stand while being wheeled around town. While the boards do require kids to stand, they also allow them to jump on and off.
Wagons like Fisher Price Kid Utility Vehicle and the Step2 Neighborhood Wagon allow tots to face each other as they cruise around town. Best for shorter distances, the wagons are a fun alternative since they also contain compartments for storing food and toys.
Baby carriers allow mums to carry their littlest one close while pushing an older sibling in the carriage. By doing so, the big brother or sister don't feel like they have to give up their ride for the new addition.
Sit-and-stand strollers like the Baby Trend Columbia, Mia Moda Compagno, and Joovy Caboose provide a middle ground between single and double carriages. They have seat baby in front and have space for the older kid to sit or stand in back.
The new Twoo is a seat adapter for Bugaboo strollers, which attaches directly to the wheeled board and offers older tots a place to rest their bums when they are tired of standing.

Strollin': Double Stroller Roundup

babysugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:00:13 -0700

This week rounded out our month of stroller reviews. The double strollers were a delight to test drive, especially since I'm in need of one myself. Check out my slideshow to see which ones I reviewed this past week.

View Slideshow ›

Strollin': phil & teds Vibe

babysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:00:04 -0700

I won't say that I saved the best for last, but the phil & teds Vibe is pretty darn sweet. Lightweight aluminum frame strollers have been dominating the market in recent years. New to the party is the fabulously sleek and functional Vibe. Much like the other phil & teds predecessors, the Vibe offers the dual-ride capabilities. But the Vibe has got a whole different, well vibe.

The sleek $700 pushchair is comfortably padded with cushy seats in a tandem position. The second seat attachment costs another $110. Each chair can recline for on-the-go napping or relaxing - whatever floats your wee ones' boat. And by wee, I mean newborns through four-year-olds. Older tots take the top seat with a maximum capacity of 55 pounds while smaller babes sit underneath. The bottom seat can handle up to 33 pounds making the entire load capacity 88 pounds.

To see a video and learn what else there is to know about the Vibe, read more.

Having talked to some mamas who have tested out the ride of the Vibe, the biggest complaint is the break. Instead of having it down by the feet, parents can stop the pushchair with a simple push of a button on the height adjustable handlebar. It seemed pretty ideal when I tested it but others find it irritating as they accidentally push the button jolting them to an unexpected stop.

Like the phil & teds Dash, the Vibe also has the updated plastic foot board. The plastic resting spot keeps tots from wearing and tearing a fabric type patch that could endanger their lil feet.

During my demonstration at Right Start, Kristi showed me how quick and painless the stroller is to fold. Bonus points were rewarded as you can fold it with the second seat attached into a compact package - sun canopies and all. Adding more credence to the Vibe, it is a clear winner in the weight category as it weighs only 22 pounds. That's even lighter than the Maclaren Twin Techno XT! But, it's more than twice the price - do you think it's twice as nice? Tell me what you think about the phil & teds Vibe.

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller
reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': BOB Revolution Duallie 12-inch Stroller

babysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:00:26 -0700

When running after your kids isn't the only exercise you count on, the BOB double stroller enables jogging mommies to keep their running regimen up - even with double trouble on their hands.

Perfect for sidewalks, bumpy roads, and tattered trails, the BOB Revolution Duallie 12-inch Stroller keeps parents on track and their wee ones secure. While it's a bit wider than some others in the same class, the BOB offers families peace of mind that their lil honey is getting treated to a classy ride, as cushy reclining seats and air-filled suspension wheels provide a smooth run even over the bumpiest of roads. And, similar to the single BOB, car seat adaptors are available, making it easy to use at an early age.

To see what else I liked and disliked about the BOB Revolution Duallie, read more.

For moms on a winding path, the front swivel wheel makes turning on a dime a cinch. The roomy basket underneath gives moms the opportunity to stash snacks, jackets, or other necessities on the go. The wide handle bar is fantastic for running as you can push and swipe your sweaty hair off your face without grasping for a small handle. But, if I had my druthers, I'd like to have some way of attaching goodies to the handle bar as I constantly find a need to latch on a bag or two - even if it's just a diaper bag. But, if you're running or on a trail, you won't need to make space for shopping loot.

When the day is done, the quick fold is just as easy as the single BOB stroller. Just pull up on the two handle bar locks and fold it in half. At 31.5 pounds, the double-wide buggy packs a heavy punch. And while the width measures 30.8 inches, which should fit most standard 32-inch door frames, it still seems like an arduous task to take this bad boy out for errands or a trip to the mall, making that and the $590 price tag the biggest drawbacks for the BOB Revolution Duallie.

I like the side-by-side strollers because both kids can look out and enjoy the view. The issue with that is that it makes pushing the stroller tougher on mom as she tries to maneuver in and out of tight spaces. For most double strollers, the weight is always going to be an issue, so my thinking is that give or take a pound or two, this stroller is clearly a winner.

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Maclaren Twin Techno XT

babysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:00:29 -0700

As you may remember from my Maclaren Volo review, I am a Maclaren fan. They are easy to manage, lightweight and practical. For those reasons alone, I was sure the Maclaren Twin Techno XT would win me over - even at $380!

Moms of newborn twins or a newborn and an older tot are in for a treat with the Twin Techno XT. Instead of having to wait until the baby is able to sit up on his own, newborns can cruise around in the separate reclining seats leaving the adapters and infant car seats in their rightful places - the car. The sibling can ride shotgun perched straight up without harassing their kin too much as they are each self-contained in their own chair.

To see what else I thought of the Twin Techno XT, read more.

As you may have noticed, I pay attention to how I can store things in or on my strollers. Since most buggies don't offer too much storage space underneath the seats, I rely heavily on being able to hang items from the handles. Fortunately, the Twin Techno XT is able to handle my usual stash, especially as the seats can handle up to 55 pounds of body weight each. And, when the errands are over and it's time to store the double-wide, the simple foot releases and latches make it easy to collapse the stroller into a flat and relatively lightweight frame. Compared to many double strollers, the 25.7 pound frame is no breeze but it's not as substantial as many others in the category. However, trolling around town in the two seater may make you feel like you're pushing an 18-wheeler on less than cushy wheels.

If you want a double stroller where the twosome can be seated side by side, each with a forward facing view, the Maclaren Twin Techno XT is hard to beat. The reclining seats, comfy leg rests, UV-protected sun canopies, 5-point safety harnesses, easy to access mesh storage baskets, simple collapse and storage make it a winner. Available only in the storm grey color, parents can sass up the seats with various colorful pillow packs.

Tell me what you think of the Maclaren Twin Techno XT!

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller
reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller

babysugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:04 -0700

Double strollers can be double the pain as they take up more space and often weigh more than a single option. However, when you've got more than one tot, they are usually a necessary evil.

As I quickly approach my due date, I am eager to find the double stroller of my dreams. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller ($270) fits the bill so I was hoping this would be my golden carriage.

To see what I thought about the Joovy Caboose, read more.

The most obvious argument for the Caboose is that even though it can seat two children, the width is the same as a single stroller, making it easy to push through doors and stores. I've seen some mothers scramble to hold a door open while struggling to get behind a double-wide before it comes slamming on them. The Joovy Caboose keeps that scenario at bay.

The Caboose is unique in that is comfortably seats one child in the front seat while the older child either sits or stands on the back seat. The design enables the stroller to maintain a light frame - weighing only 21 pounds. A simple latch provides a quick collapse and a simple assembly. Both are appreciated when you have two children running circles around you.

While the front seat is fine for a stroll or quick errand, it affords about as much comfort as an airplane seat. The attachable tray has cup holders that offer as much stability as an airliner would and the seat reclining capabilities are about the same. The reclining issue makes sense though as the second child is seated right behind it and hey, at least it has a removable tray! While on the subject, the second child's seat can move back and forth, making it an option to sit or stand for the ride. If you have a loose cannon, you may adore the seatbelt straps that both seats offer.

The biggest bonus feature for many moms is that the front seat is adaptable to hold at least 14 various infant car seats. While your older child cruises around on the footstool and handles, you can both keep your eyes on the newest family member securely fastened to the front of the Caboose. Now how your older child manages your second child is your own problem. I think tickling feet or tossing water bottles on the freshest babe is to be expected.

While I found the Joovy Caboose to be quite delightful and an ease to manage, there are a few drawbacks. The handle on its own is fine. However, I rely on mine quite a bit to hang my diaper bag, groceries and other items. If your first child is standing or even seated on the back, you will rarely have the opportunity to hang anything from the handles. In an effort to soothe that fear for parents, the stroller comes with a neoprene organizer that holds two drinks and a pouch for cell phones or wallets but it doesn't come close to fitting what I need for a day out on the town. The basket underneath can hold a few items (say one diaper bag) but you'll have to ask the bigger child to remove herself from the seat in order to access it.

Overall, I like the Joovy Caboose. It's practical and easy to use for a mother often on the go. The ball bearing wheels, although plastic, do offer a pretty swift and docile ride, especially for a double stroller. The ability to maneuver in and out of places with the ease of a single stroller cannot be underestimated. However, I do wonder if the double wides may not offer more ease in the overall grand scheme of things.

Children birth and up can use the front seat with an infant car seat. Otherwise, the limit is six-months-old up to 45 pounds for the front seat. To ride on the back seat or stand, children should be 2.5 years old and no more than 45 pounds.

Tell me what you think of the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller!

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Double Seaters

babysugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:11 -0700

On a personal quest, I was especially fired up to explore the world of double strollers. Thanks to Right Start, I've got a pretty good idea of what's out there and hope that I can pass on some of what I learned to you.

I found it daunting to find the perfect single stroller two years ago. Now here I am seven-months pregnant looking for one that will suit my 23-month-old and her future sibling. I've seen the beastly duos that take up the width of grocery aisles and others that seem suitable for heavyweight lifting competitions. This week I'll show you some of the best and give you my two cents on the two seaters.

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Best Stroller for Wheeling Two

LilSugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:19:26 -0800

This morning's poll showcased 2007's strollers for those wheeling around one child. But, as a mom on the constant go with two - I'll say that the latest and greatest of 2007 strollers for hauling around a lil load of precious cargo is Phil and Ted's Sports Buggy.

The genius buggy from New Zealand is a single stroller ($400) that has the option for baby to lay flat or bundled up in a cocoon ($65) and to sit upright when they get older. You can also purchase a doubles kit ($95) that can be attached to accommodate another child. And, it's sleek, single stroller design, alloy frame, and front-swivel wheel make it easy to maneuver. Not to mention that the sturdy wheels make it fit for indoor and outdoor excursions. If you need to stash a diaper bag or baby's favorite blanket, there's plenty of room in the bottom basket.

Available in a lot of bold colors, this ride is quickly becoming the one to be seen in for lil rascals. And, a lifesaver for mothers of multiples.

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Double Decker KittyWalk Pet Stroller: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:00:05 -0700

Why should the dogs have all the fun? While many kitties don't want to walk on a leash, fresh air can do them good . . . even if it's just a walk to the vet. The KittyWalk Pet Stroller - Double Decker ($249.99) is like a duplex carrier for cats featuring durable nylon netting and water resistant fabric holding two 18-pound pets on each "floor." My fave feature of this stroller is that it can be used as a separate hand-held carrier or as a wagon to tote other heavy goods like . . . hmm . . . laundry. Now, I know many of you have kitties that don't even want to get into any carrier, so I'm worried you get it home and be left using it to cart around groceries instead – what do you think?

Opinions Please! What's Your Stroller Recommendation?

LilSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:00:55 -0700

The difference between a mad woman and a happy mother? Her stroller. I'd go so far as to say it's the single most important material purchase parents make for their baby since they use it all the time. As we prep for baby number three, we'll be purchasing our fourth buggy. Clueless of what to look for, we went through two with our daughter. First, we shelled out for an elaborate system that couldn't handle the city streets and had poor shocks and squeaky wheels after our first lengthy walk. Then, we invested in a jogging stroller that was great...until we had to turn it - its front wheel was stationary.

While expecting my son, I did my research before buying (the then largely unknown) phil & teds E3 with the doubles kit. For three years, the amazing invention rolled everywhere from Lake Tahoe's nature trails to my husband taking it off-roading over rocks in Golden Gate Park. The orange fabric has endured more than a few mud and chocolate milk splashes and my lil guy eventually preferred to walk (read run) everywhere so the beloved buggy has retired to our garage. To see what I need in our next set of wheels and to offer your recommendations, read more.

My husband and I want our soon-to-be infant to have a fresh, clean carriage so we're figuring out what to get next. Our needs are a bit different than before - the stroller will be mostly for the new babe, but I want the convenience of an attachable seat in case my son hits the hay when I head out shopping or want to walk long distances to shed postpartum pounds. Living in a city full of cracked sidewalks and pot holes makes durable tires a must and I don't need a ride that accommodates an infant car seat since we'll be using our Britax Boulevard from the get go. Since I'll be juggling three kiddos in parking lots, I'll also need a buggy that is quick to collapse and easy to pop in the trunk. So far, the front-runner is the phil & teds Vibe, which comes highly recommended by BabySugar and is a brand I trust. Do you have a stroller suggestion that fits my criteria? If so, please share!