Do I need
a double stroller for my toddler and new baby?
Probably. Most folks find that it is a handy safety measure when getting around with more than one child. This depends greatly on a few factors. If you have a lifestyle in which you are not often out with both
children you might not. Your child may have a calm temperament allowing for the child to safely stay by your side, however
if you have a “bolter” you probably will need a double to help contain them.
The age difference between your children will also be a big factor; most children stop riding between the ages of 3
and 5 though a few continue longer. If you are not sure you need a double for
long many double alternatives are available.
I loved my
travel system with my first, do they make travel system doubles?
Of course! The travel
system is a very popular item in the US. Many moms consider these a must have
alternatives to the carriage models of yesteryear. They usually come with a decent
infant bucket-style carseat and an okay stroller. Some models are “universal”, offering a stroller that works
with other brand/brands of carseats. Most travel system doubles are tandem (front to back) vs. side by side, however a few
side by side models are working on carseat compatibility.
I am not a big fan of
travel systems however for a variety of reasons. It is important you research
carseats as they can save the life of your child in an accident. They are however
meant to be very restrictive in order to protect your child; this restrictive-ness has been linked to breathing difficulties
and positional plagiocephaly among other issues when a child is in them for extended periods beyond car trips. My advice would be to pick a safe carseat that fits your vehicle and is easy enough for you to use properly
every time, then find a great double that fits your lifestyle and budget. If they work together great! If not, remind yourself
you will use that buggy much longer than the carseat feature would have lasted.
What is a
double alternative?
Double Alternatives fall
into 2 categories- singles with add on seats or singles with added platforms for a child to stand on. There are quite a few doubles that provide an add on seat (Bertini, Emmaljunga, Valco, Phil & Ted’s are a few of the most popular and readily available). These offer you a great
single that can accommodate 2 children for the period you need it, and then switch back to being a single. For many this also solves the issue of trunk space since you only carry one buggy with its accessories. You can also add a buggy or kiddy board onto your single stroller which will provide
a spot for your older child to stand. These work particularly well with children 3 or older who understand needing to stay
with an adult and do not run off typically. Peg Perego has the Pliko P3 (former versions include Pliko Matic, Pliko Trek, Pliko Sherpa) which is a full feature umbrella stroller with toddler steps on the back. When the front seat
is upright, a child can stand on these to catch a break. There is also the Sit
and Stand by BabyTrend. It is the length of a double, but is a variation on the platform idea.
Should I look
at a Tandem or Side by Side? Why would one be better than the other?
I prefer a side by side
in a true double (not including the double alternatives in this assessment). Many
moms find they are considerably easier to steer with children of varying weights sitting in them. They also offer equal seating,
better baskets, and the ability to talk with both children providing them with better attention from you and each other. Tandems have an advantage when it comes to narrowness though. They are considered
optimal by moms who are constantly steering down aisles. They also accommodate infant seats in more instances. Unfortunately
many stores are not stroller friendly to those of singles width, let alone a side by side double. If you go for a side by side, you do not want it to be wider than 32 inches, 29-30 is the optimal width.
