Monday, May 10, 2010

The Great Stroller Debate

I'm starting to realize that each week brings a new item of stress; last week it was weight, this week its baby gear. I never thought I could be so stressed over trying to decide what kind of stroller or car seat to get.
For starters, I am totally jealous that they do not make twin travel systems. That would just be so much easier! Instead, I have to buy it all separately, except I am leaning more towards a side-by-side stroller, and I have yet to find one that I like that holds two infant car seats. I have found a tandem stroller that I like and that will take two infant car seats, but I feel bad because I know once they are older, I will want them side by side. If anyone has ANY advice or input in this area, please let me know, because I am about beside myself trying to decide.

And don't even get me started on the whole Infant Car Seat vs. Convertible Car Seat debate... because I can't seem to stay on one side for very long.

So, here are some of the strollers I like so far:

Chicco Trevi Twin
Right now this stroller is in the lead. I've heard some great things about it from a twin mom friend of mine, who had used it since birth, and the brand has great ratings.
Pros: Lightweight, easy to maneuver, side-by-side design, reclines for infant use
Cons: Does not take infant car seats, Seems to be sold out everywhere
Cost: ~ $175

Chicco Contina Together
This is the new tandem stroller from Chicco. I also really like this, but it just came out last month, so while all the reviews are great right now, I don't know if there would be any long term issues
Pros: Accepts two infant car seats, but also reclines for use with infants
Cons: Front-to-Back design (which could limit what one child sees once older), new item with very few reviews, Seems to be sold out everywhere
Cost: ~$300

Bumbleride Indie Twin
When I first started looking at strollers, I must admit, I went straight for the Bumbleride... but the more I looked into it, the more I realized the reviews for this stroller was right down the middle. People either loved it or hated it. I rarely saw the happy medium.
Pros: Nice looking, positive reviews are raving, reclines for infants
Cons: Only takes one infant car seat, Negative reviews are very strong, VERY costly
Cost: ~$660

Snap and Go
This seems like a staple for most moms when baby is first born, and use for the first 6-12 months.
Pros: Lightweight, Accepts most infant car seats, relatively inexpensive
Cons: Once babies outgrow infant car seats it is useless, sold out in most places
Cost: ~$100

I looked at the Graco Quattro Double, but decided that if I was going with a tandem, it would be the Chicco Together. Also eliminated were BOB and Peg Perego, not because I didn't like them, but because they basically had the same issues as the Bumbleride, and were just as expensive so I categorized them together.

So what are your thoughts? Any feedback on the strollers and/or brands I have listed or do you have any new suggestions? I feel like a fish out of water right now!

5 comments:

  1. check out the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem, it allows you to use two infant carries (the 2nd attachment is sold seperately though).

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  2. I can't say that I have any good twin baby stroller experience. All I know is that the Graco travel system experience is all too easy. I don't know if these items provide a similar experience, but I would definitely miss being able to take them from the car seat to the stroller without having to wake them up this time around.

    Keep us posted on what you decide. I may need to sign up for a twin stroller soon enough. :)

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  3. I LOVE my double Snap N Go double stroller- I will be glad to hook you up with it as I am about to be unable to use it any more and since we don't plan on having any more kids let alone twins, I will be glad to help you out! I love the storage compartment underneath it holds a TON of stuff. I fit my diaper bag and pump underneath plus extra blankets and stuff! I makes me sad to be unable to use it soon. **tears**

    My "new" stroller is the Combi side by side. I LOVE it too. Light weight, folds up easily and fits through dors, that seems to be a problem with side by sides. Make sure whatever one you decide on- it will fit through a single doorframe. http://www.combi-intl.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=46

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  4. Courtney, you are a Godsend! Thanks so much for the offer. A friend of mine suggested looking into used snap and go's, since most people are only able to use it for 6-12 months. You are just wonderful! Do you want to shoot me an email sometime to talk about it? My email is lturpin4vt@yahoo.com, and thanks again SO MUCH for the offer!

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