16 Mo Boy Getting a Little Brother - Do I Need a Double Stroller?

My kids are 15 months apart, and it's hard to imagine them farther apart now (they are 3 1/2 and 2 1/3). Anyway, after much research, I couldn't find the perfect double stroller. So I opted to use carriers (a wrap and a Bjorn) because the options for double strollers with which you could use an infant car seat were very limited. When my 2nd was about 6-7 months I bought a new stroller on ebay (it was the previous year's model) for about $100-150 less than the stores. It is an Inglesina Twin Swift, and for me it's been a good all around stroller (mall, walks with light offroad capabilities). Besides asking strangers with double strollers, I also found http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/reviews.html to be very helpful. I often see strollers for sale in my local mom's club as well as at periodic sales from other mom's clubs.
Good luck!
C.

I've been reading the other responses and just had to add a comment about side-by-side strollers (vs. the front/back type). My Maclaren was easy to maneuver, narrow enough to fit through single doors (except the narrowest dressing room doors), and small enough folded to fit in the car trunk. And it was so sweet to see my son reach over to hold his baby sister's hand or adjust her blankie. They loved sitting next to each other, and I loved the stroller. Be sure you try both types at the store before discounting one type over the other.
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My children are 21 months apart, and the double stroller was indispensible for us! I imagine it would be even more needed if they were closer together. The sit n'stand would not have worked at all for us since the older one slept often in stroller, so I needed one with a seat for him that would recline. We used our double stroller for everything--grocery shopping, trips to the mall, visiting the zoo, walking around the park or neighborhood.... It was stressful getting used to having two needy children, but it sure helped me to not go stir crazy cooped up at home all the time.

I spent a lot of time in various baby stores trying out the different double strollers, pushing them around the store, folding them up, etc. After sampling them all, I decided to pick a side-by-side because I'd rather push a wide load than a bus. But if you choose carefully, you can get a side-by-side that's narrow enough to fit through doors and shopping aisles. We chose a Maclaren and loved it! My friend had a Combi Twin Savvy and loved hers too. Both of them had fully reclining seats for newborns, so we didn't worry about snapping in the carseats.

Yes, the good twin strollers are expensive, but they are so worth it! After using mine I realized that I would have been miserable with a cheaper, but wider, stroller. And the clips joining two single strollers would have been even worse. To fit through most doors, your stroller needs to be less than 30 inches wide. You are wise to want to pick the right one the first time.

To help with the expense, figure out which stroller you want, and then watch craiglist and ebay for a deal. Also, remember that if you get a good stroller and take care of it, the resale value will be very good. You can resell it when you're done and make up much of the cost.
Best wishes and congratulations on the coming baby!

I suggest you go to Babie's R Us & try them out. Also, go to their web site & read the parent reviews of double strollers. See how easy they are to open close, & try to do that one handed as that may happen once the little ones comes along. Our boys are far enough apart that we never needed a double stroller but my girlfriend had a Graco (front/back style) for her 2 oldest & I found that easy to push & manuver. Another girlfriend had a Peg Perago Aria twin that was even easier to push. The stroller itself was pretty light yet sturdy & a side-by-side but not as wide as some of them. It is a bit on the pricey side so try EBay or Craig's list. My sister had one of those joiner things & I think they're only designed for umbrella-style strollers which a newborn can't ride in til almost 6 months. A couple of other moms recommended Combi strollers & I have to say, I had the worst luck w/mine. Granted I did get it in 2001 but w/in 6 months, the frame got bent somehow & Combi wouldn't replace it & would only fix it for a fee. It was still under it's 1 yr warranty & Combi didn't honor their policy. They do not stand behind their products so I suggest you avoid them all together. I've known other people who have had the same experience w/them. Sure, the strollers are light weight but they're almost too light. My son was not a huge baby but once he hit about 20 lbs or so, I stopped using it cuz he outweighed the stroller & it tipped over once. Maybe a friend has a double you can try out. Any good used baby stores near you? Or try garage sales that are selling baby stuff. You might come across some good finds at either of those 2 places. Good luck!

S. -
My son was 17 months when our daughter came. I invested in the Phil & Ted's sport package. The seats are almost one on top of the other. It can be used as a single stroller as well. When the baby comes, he/she can lie on the bottom. As she gets older, the attachment can turn into another seat. Check it out. I love it. It's saved my back!
D.

Hi S.,

I have a 3 year old and a 10 month old and I use my stroller ALL the time. We bought a tandem stroller instead of the side by side and we love it. We can fit just about anywhere and we can carry plenty of stuff in the basket underneath. I would strongly support you in getting one stroller for the kids. I also shop with both kids, my older one sits in the basket and arranges the groceries and the other one sits in the front looking cute. Either way it's not my favorite way to buy food but it's what I've got.
Anyway, I researched a lot of strollers and I bought the graco tandem stroller on craigslist used and it was 100.00 instead of 250.00.

Good Luck,
N.

I got a deluxe sit and stand. They're about $160 from target but I see them all the time on Craigslist, too. It has two seats like a regular double but the back seat comes off and then you use it like a regular sit and stand. My kids are three and three months and I love it. Also you can a baby carrier like a Snugli and a reg stroller for awhile and this also works in a grocery cart. I always put my littlest in a snugli and the other one in the grocery cart. Good luck!

I didn't have time to read all the responses, but I could not have survived without my double stroller. We ended up buying a Phil & Ted's, expensive, but worth every penny. It can be a single or a double, and easily converts in seconds. It has several different configurations depending on the age of the infant, and I can't tell you how much use ours has gotten. The other thing I bought was a monkey backpack harness, for those times when my toddler insisted on walking. He was a runner, so if he was on foot, it was an absolute necessity that I be able to keep a hold of him. I could wrap the harness around my hand/arm and not worry about losing my grip on him while struggling with an infant carrier at the same time. My youngest in now two, and she now wears the monkey when she's not in the stroller. Some people think a harness is cruel, but I would rather my kids be safe. It took only one time of my son running out into a parking lot for me to get on board with the harness. (By the way, my kids are two and four) and I still use the double stroller for trips to the mall and outlets etc.

I would seriously suggest getting some sort of carrier (a cloth sling would likely be the least costly) to make EVERYTHING easier if you don't have one already. It is such a great way to carry your child so you can have your arms free to deal with older children, to grocery shop, get chores around the house done, etc. Another thing I would suggest: Freecycle. Google search for a Freecycle in your area...it is an online community of people who exchange things they no longer use(everything is free, so if somebody has something you need you don't have to worry about paying for it). You could ask if anybody has a double stroller available.
Make sure to invest in a carrier though, so that if you can't get a double stroller yet.

I'm wondering the same thing my self but my guy will be 4 when our 2nd arrives. It depends on your life style. How much time are you out and about now that you count on having your 16mo old in the stroller? You may think of getting a Joovey or a Sit and Stand in the future. I think 16 months might be kinda young for it. Take a look at Craig's List for a nice used double or a Joovey. He can grow into the joovey and mean time they can share a single, while the new baby is still young you can keep him or her in the bjorn. Just remember don't rush your decision, you don't want to waste money on a purchase you won't be happy with.

Now, my kids were farther apart, but the Sit 'n' stand was fantastic! The front part can be used with the Sit 'n' Stand carseat and when the baby is older, the front part can then be used as a regular stroller. Now, for you 16 month old. He can sit on the bench behind and there is a strap that will fit between his legs and over his lap if you want him to stay put. And it's great for once he gets a little older, when he may want to stand up or even be free to get down and walk with you at times. Trust me...it's hard to imagine having him free, but at some point it will make sense and it will also be nice to have a place for him to catch a break and get a faster ride.

It was one of my favorite baby gear purchases because it was so great for us!

Good luck! And congrats on the new babe!

I absolutely LOVE my Sit n Stand stroller. My kids are now 4 and 6, and I am still able to use it. It looks like One Step Ahead now has a Sit and Stand that converts from a tandem stroller to a Sit and Stand when your toddler is ready for it. You can also use a baby carrier with it. I would HIGHLY recommend a Sit n Stand. (mine didn't convert from a tandem...but I've still used it for 4 years and counting!)
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...

For us a double stroller is STILL a great thing. We bought after much research and trying in stores, a Peg Aria Twin. Very light weight. Now almost 4 and 2 my kids still LOVE it! And as for grocery shopping, I learned a great tip from a friend. Put your oldest in the seat of the grocery cart with the buckle and the with the newborn in the infant seat, straddle it across the end of the shopping cart. Try it and make sure you feel comfortable with the type of infant seat you have. It should not slide as the bottom of the seat sits low enough in the cart and you still have room to put groceries under the seat. It worked for us!

My first two are 19 months apart, and I was so glad I got a double stroller! I got a Graco one that the infant seat could snap into, which was really handy. It was great for the mall, and taking them on walks was great exercise! By the way, grocery shopping with two kids is possible--with the infant seat in the large basket and the toddler in the seat--and it's a lot easier than grocery shopping with three kids! Having a second baby is overwhelming at first, but you can do it, and it gets easier as they get older!
Since money is tight, try yard sales or consignment stores like Once Upon a Child, or try to borrow a stroller from a friend or relative.

My boys are 20 months apart and I can't imagine life without our double stroller! I have a side-by-side, but if I had to do it over again I'd probably get the Phil and Ted's front-to-back double jogger. It's a little pricey, but it's compact and decreases the fighting that happens in the side-by-side. In my opinion, well worth the money.

Hi S.--

Reading your post, I was thinking that you might want to consider getting a good baby carrier for your newborn. We have the Ergo and love being hands-free. I'm sure your toddler will appreciate the freedom that will provide you in being able to take good care of him. Ultimately, being hands-free may also diminish some of your anxiety about caring for two under two! With a carrier you can still go grocery shopping, etc. and can have a single stroller for those crowded sidewalks and stores. The Ergo isn't the best carrier for a babe just out of the womb, although it can be done with the "infant insert" the company sells. But in the long run the Ergo is the most comfortable.

I'm sure someone will be able to instruct you on a double stroller, but I thought I'd give you an option you may not have immediately considered. The best part about baby carriers is that following the acclimation period, babies love them! It is terrific for bonding and for napping in the early days when it's so hard to get 'em to go to sleep without you. And finally, it provides GREAT freedom for mom. In the SF Bay Area you can usually find all kinds of used carriers on Berkeley Parents Network's Marketplace and the Nurture Center has a class (and website) about baby carriers, as well as a video called Tummy to Tummy which explains different carriers and ways to hold your newbie. The Ergo is expensive but worth every penny. Don't get the Bjorn. It is popular and sold at Target, but it is bad for your back and for your baby's, as well and impossible once babies are bigger. The pouches are good at first although some babies don't like to be cradled and prefer being tummy to tummy. The Moby Wrap (also sold used on Berkeley Parents Network) is often really good with newborns as you can have different kinds of positions, etc. The learning curve is a little steep, though, cuz it's one long piece of fabric. But it's not too bad...Hope I didn't overwhelm you. I just can't say enough about how liberating and snuggly baby carriers are. They just bring on mommy-baby bliss no matter how bad the day...and if you're tired, holding a baby in your arms can just get downright difficult.
Good luck!

If it is easier for you buy the double stroller but I myself do not like them. I liked my daughter to walk beside her baby brother they were 20 months apart and I never had any problem....But every child is different...if you go alot of places with the two children and keeping them in the stroller is easier for YOU then do it....Oh and look at the Babies R Us website they have lots of strollers and if you get a chance go to one of the stores and try them....and IF I was going to get a double one I would get one that has one child in the back of the other and not side by side they seem so cumbersome.....But you try the one thats best for you....Hey you will be fine and you don't worry about anything you have a nice healthy baby and you will survive believe me!! you sound like you are doing great so far....HOWEVER do take some time for yourself whether its a nice long bath or a walk in the park or reading a book....Remember YOU need care too!! Thats something I didn't do and I wish I had....You will be fine....Best of luck .....GG

I definitely would get a double stroller just for convienence at the mall, grocery shopping, trips to the zoo (example), or any other need. With a 16 month old, they don't seem to stay by your side, so I would lock him/her in. Just find a used one at a garage sale...some are still nice and have alot of use left. As for the sit and stand, I never used that, but haven't heard the greatest things about them....toddlers always jumping off...

As for shopping, I had mine in the double stroller and still grocery shopped...things that could fit under the basket and light stuff on the baby...like bread. You wouldn't believe what you can get in the basket at the bottom of your stroller. Also if I went to Costco, I would put them in one basket and pull one basket behind me....just some tips.

Hope that helps....I have three boys, so know what it can be like to go out with little ones...

I have two girls that are 24 months apart and I really like my sit and stand style stroller. I waited a little while to buy it and I am much happier now that I have it. It was difficult at first. I also use my baby bjorn a lot - especially for grocery shopping. You can find used baby bjorns for pretty cheap and you could probably just put the baby in the bjorn and have the toddler sit in the stroller. But, you still might need a double stroller when the baby outgrows the baby bjorn. I have the Joovy Cabbose and really like it.

My girls are 18 months apart (now 4 and 5)and we had a Combi Twin Savvy. It was much better than the front/back style in my opinion, as it was a lot easier to push and manuever. It fit easily through most doors and store aisles. However, when my kids reached ages 2 and 3 or so, I wished I had a sit n stand instead(I think the Joovy Caboose would have been the best- it's vert light and compact compared to some cheaper versions). My oldest wanted to walk more, and honestly, when she was older the weight differnce between her and the baby was a bit harder to manager in the side by side Combi. The best advice I can give you as a follow Mom who looked and yearned for the perfect stroller, is to try them out (with kids if possible), and ask questions of the other Moms you meet with strollers what they like and dilike about their stroller. Also, you probably can afford to wait a bit until after the new baby arrives, before you make a purchase. That way you would be able to get a better feel for what will actual work for you and your little guys. I'd love to know what you end up with. Good luck.

A double stroller does make things easier. You could try getting one from Freecycle or Craig's List to save money. I found mine at a yard sale.

I've found that I probably could have gotten along without it, but it depends a lot on how well-trained your older child is, if he will stand near you when you go places instead of running off, or if you do a lot of errands or running around that you'll have to bring both kids with you to do. I stay at home most of the time, and when I do go out, I try to plan it so I can leave one or both of the boys with my husband. I've also found that, having two kids, I have a lot less desire to go out and do things away from home- though, maybe it's not so much desire, as less time! By the time I get everyone up, dressed, and fed, it's time for the baby's first nap, then when he gets up, it's almost time for my older son to have lunch and his nap, then when he wakes up, it's almost time for my husband to come home.

If you do get a double stroller, I would recommend getting the kind that has the seats one behind the other, rather than beside each other- they're the same width as a single stroller, so you don't have the problem of not being able to fit through doors.

Mine boys are 17m apart.
we had a graco duoglider which was way too heavy which we borrowed from a friend.
It worked well for a while and lighter ones are probably available now.
We also had a Phil N Ted E2 - with one behind the other. We didn't get it until the 2nd was over 6m old (production delays). It was heaven - the 2+ year old would go in back and could get in and out if on a long walk. Heavier one was supposed to be in front but so long as one was in the front first we were OK. Was great for malls, Target. And was useful til the younger one was 3 as easier to push around as a single than anything else so went to parks with back seat filled with supplies. There are similiar models around these days-we got ours at the old price so very worth it. Had friend who did well to a point with a McClaren? twin.
So would say you will definitely be needing to borrow something or 2 - or buy used. It took a little while for us to get rid of ours but they were definitely taking up too much space in the garage.

You definitely need to get a double stroller. A sit n stand will not work for your 16 month old because it's definitely more for kids that are 4-5 years old. I have girls that are 19 months apart and we bought a double stroller so that we could take them on trips to the park or for walks. It was also very useful on travelling trips. You will have your hands full with 2 kids so close together in age....I certainly found out the hard way :-)

Get a double stroller - not the side by side though - they are too hard to navigate through the doors and aisles alone - I had a lot of trouble with mine because you had to open two doors to get into most stores with it, but I used it for 3 years - and my kids were 23 months apart. I just gave it to another family I saw walking down the street with the older child sitting in the basket of their stroller.

Don't be so scared - enjoy it - I have a sister 16 months older and another 12 months younger - we were so close it was well worth my mom's hard work... My kids except the two are all 5 years apart and they are close, but not in the same way my sisters and I were....

My two sons are 22 months apart and I use a double stroller when we go to parks and places like the mall. I would try to get a used one with a swivle wheel. They are so easy to turn. I have a double bob and love it.

Please try not to get too nervous about the new one on the way. It will get stressful at times, but it will all work out. I took my two boys shopping early on and found it helpful to put the newborn in a carrier (the Peanut Shell), and the older one in the cart. My newborn lived in the peanut shell for the first 6 months. He slept in it or just looked around while my oldest was playing at the park or while we were shopping.

Just take each day at a time!! Good luck!

Hi S.,
Congrats on the new one on the way! My girls are 13 months apart. My best friend gave me her old double stroller and we have used it only twice (my youngest is now 8 mo). We are looking into a sit n stand right now because the oldest wants to walk everywhere but gets tired. We go out all the time and I carry my youngest in a BabyHawk carrier while the oldest is in the stroller or shopping cart seat. We go grocery shopping at Safeway and use their "car" carts, the oldest loves driving around the store.
Good luck with the kids, it does get easier as they get older!
J.

My kids are 23 months apart and a double stroller is great. We have the Phil and Ted, they sit one in front of the other and can be used for newborn is a flat position as well. Sold at Lullaby Lane. My kids are almost 1 and almost 3 now and we still use it around the neighborhood all the time. I don't take it to the mall, etc much because the almost 3 year old prefers to walk most of the time now. But I also have an Ergo carrier which I can use for either of them. When the baby is in the stroller and the older one wants me to carry her I can put her in the Ergo on my back and she is happy. Or if she is in the stroller and I need to carry him I can put him in the Ergo on my front or back or side. So I highly recommend the Ergo carrier. I think your 16 month old is too young for a sit and stand.

Know what? When my youngest came, we just put him in the baby bjorn and let the older use the stroller... by the time the little one was big enough for the stroller, the older was at the point where she wouldn't tolerate staying in it anymore. anyways... and when we finally needed it, last year (at 4 & 2), we bought a plastic radio flyer with a detachable sunshade top for when we went to shows, etc. and it's a dream. If you have a stroller and a bjorn, I suggest you go that way for at least a trial before you buy, both my kids loved the bjorn and it leaves your hands free to push a stroller, shopping cart, etc. If you really feel the need for a double, (and friends of twins who have them say they're a pain to navigate, but with twins, a necessity), try to find one at a yard sale first so you're not paying full price. It might not have all the latest features, but as long as it's in good condition, you'll save a BUNDLE!!!

A close friend of mine who just had her second takes them shopping and puts the little baby in the bjorn and the bigger one in the cart/stroller. That would work for a while and for certain activities.

I wouldn't go with the stroller connectors unless they have greatly improved them in the last five years. When I used them they made the strollers wider than the standard, wheel-chair accessible door. I remember one nightmare day at the airport when I was by myself trying to manage two little ones while I kept having to unhook and re-attach the strollers multiple times to get through various doorways. Shopping wasn't much easier as most aisles are too wide. Hope you find a good solution!

Hi S.,

I have an almost 3 yr old and a 3 month old. Prior to my baby being born, I went out and bought a double stroller. So far it has been a complete waste of money and awkward to boot. I hope both of those change. It is heavy and very difficult for me to get in and out of the car, set up and break down. My son, the oldest, has pretty much always been fine in a stroller, but my daughter, cannot stand being in one. She prefers the front pack and I find myself packing her when my son either rides his bike, or is in the stroller. You may want to wait and see just how your new born will be before purchasing one. The only time I have really needed it was when I went shopping (and I won't do that again with both kids, regardless) and to the park.

Things may change as they get older, but since it is such an investment, you may want to wait until you have both in hand.

I had twins and used a double stroller. I had another 16 months later (oops!) and went everywhere. I thought about getting a triple stroller, but they were so gigantic that I opted not to. We were also tight on money, so I kept the baby in a Baby Bjorn as long as I could. I hardly used my car at all. I walked everywhere, because as long as the twins had snacks and were contained, life was good. I have seldomly gone to the grocery store alone in the last 6 years. If you need to drive to the grocery store, try to do it when your baby is awake, so you don't have to disturb them from the car seat to a pack. Also, NEVER go shopping if everyone isn't fed and napped. Timing is everything. Good luck.

I'd get the double stroller! We have a 5-year old and a 15 month old that both get tired and don't want to walk. Plus when baby comes you'll be surprised at how often your older one gets "spaghetti legs". Try www.craigslist.org to find a deal on double strollers. Just check it out before you agree to buy it. They are usually cheaper and may need some minor cleaning, but we sold ours for $75. It's hard to find even a single stroller new for that price!

Congrats and the upcoming arrival! You'll do fine Mama! I was pretty freaked out myself thinking about two little girls to care for but women are incredible beings and we just DO IT! My daughters are now 26 months and 7 months and I am going to reiterate a lot of what some of the moms already said in previous replies.
I love my Sit and Stand tandem stroller! I too was (and still am) tight on money but I couldn't imagine trying to carry the little one all the time and knew that one day my older daughter wouldn't want to it in a stroller on outings. Don't get me wrong - I have a carrier (I use a HotSling) and it helps during grocery store runs ... but when going on walks or to the park, it has been a *SAVIOR* ... And after coming back from the store, Dad is not always home from work yet, it has a great basket underneath that will help accommodate some of the groceries you've purchased and you can bring them all into the house. I live in an apartment with an elevator/stairs so it would be nearly impossible if I didn't have it!
Craigslist.com -- Gotta Love It!! You can luck out and find a richy-rich mom that got two of everything at her baby shower or had a stroller that she used only a couple times and will give you a deal. I'll send **GOOD LUCK VIBES*** your way so you do find one at an affordable price!
Hope my two cents helped ... and best wishes on your new and upcoming "rollercoaster ride" -- It's a Blast!

Practality aside, there is the issue of sibling jealousy. If the new baby (the one who is taking "ALL" of mommie's attention away from him) now gets to be the only one to ride in the stroller, there may be many tantrums ahead. (Not to mention that they can BOTH be asleep in a double stroller!

Check Craigs List, but also check freecycle. There are many people there who just want to get rid of things and not bother selling them. They just want their things to be reused.

I would highly suggest getting a double stroller or even a double jogger if you go out on walks too. I would not do the sit and stand at such a young age you'll be chasing him and if he gets tired he has no where to sit and fall asleep or worst chase you'll be holding him and pushing the stroller. My 1st 2 kids are 22 months apart and it just makes life a lot easier. And as for grocery shopping you'll have to use a baby bijorn for a while so you can have one in the cart and one on you or make it even easier and just order groceries on-line. Best of luck!!!

a double stroller is definatly a necessity. I like the front and back seated style. If they fall asleep, they both recline and they both have shaded covering. I have also taken both of them into the grocery store when they were both young. One sat in the basket and stayed seated and the younger in the front. I tried to avoid it whenever possible though. My girls are now 6 and 4 and we still use the stroller. Not for grocery store, especially since the stores have those little car styled carts and we don't use it for the mall anymore, we let them walk for exercise. we use the stroller for places like Great America or Disneyland.

Hi S.,
You've had a lot of advice so far, but if I were in your shoes, I would spend my money on a comfortable carrier for the infant and keep using the stroller you have for your 16 month old. I used a carrier almost exclusively for my daughter (now 18 months) until she was about 10 months old. It made grocery shopping easy too.
I prefer the Ergo carrier. It's comfy and versatile. It's also pricey, but it's worth the money.
Good luck!
A.

I was in the same boat about 10 years ago. I received a double stroller from my mother-in-law and I loved it. If your 16 month doesn't want to sit you can use the other seat for "stuff". Good Luck. I survived and so will you.

congrats on the little ones i am in about the same boat as you are my son is going to be 18m when his little sister will be here i have been planing on getting a double stroller for the fact of going out and neededing to have them both buckled in and not rinning around a store but should it not work out i have been teaching my son that he needs to hold our hands a lot when we are out but that doesnt always stop him from running off after a toy so it is truely how you feel there is always the cheap strollers you can get later the new baby will be easy to carey around till he is old enough to be in a cheap one and those tend to come with a clip that is to keep it folded but can be used to atach anotherone to it another thing you might wan to think about is how often will you be out and it is just you and the 2 kids good luck sorry i could not tell you a better yes or no

Hi there! Good thing your sense of humor is still intact...we lose lots of things (like our minds, sometimes) but you have some great things going for you! Personally, I think you should skip all the apparatus, as you will at some times be having to push 2 strollers, chase a boy who got tired of being in a stroller, and hold a baby who won't stay in the stroller until she falls asleep in in your arms....what an ugly picture. Plus, it would be such a short time that you use all that together. I would get a "leash" for the 16 month old, and train him to walk with his hand on baby's stroller, or something else that works for you. I also want to say, that when you graduate this stage, you will get the next uniform! (jeans and old t-shirt with spit-up stains...) Count your blessings! J.

S.,
I have two girls 20 months apart. My youngest is now 3 months, and I've had no trouble shopping with them (grocery, clothes, etc) by using a Moby wrap (www.mobywrap.com) or a sling you can purchase just about anywhere. Baby Moon, a local shop, also sells Moby's and slings. My almost 2 yr old sits in the shopping cart and I carry, very comfortably, my little one. In fact, she loves it! Within about 5 seconds of putting her snuggly in it she falls asleep. Hands free and wonderful! We only use the double stroller for walks/jogs or longer outings with my husband. And for that you could purchase a fairly inexpensive umbrella type or shop craig's list in our area. People are always selling them! Hope this helps. have a great day!

I can relate! My second and third are 17 months apart (and I have one that was 4 1/2 when the third was born, too.) Anyway, your 16 month old will still need a stroller for awhile and there is no way to carry the carseat and push a stroller. (Although you could use a front carrier for the baby and push/hold hands with your oldest.) I bought a double stroller that would hold the infant car seat on one side at first and then would hold the two of them. I also made sure that the stroller had a tray so that my bigger baby could snack while out and about. I never let them know that there was another option-through the parking lot at the park, in the airport, or on a walk. We had a sit and stand b/c we thought it would be good when I had my second and we barely used it. Yes, your 16 month old will be way too young for it and it weighs a ton and is very cumbersome. I found the Combi double stroller on eBay and we used it every day until my oldest turned four and the youngest was two and a half---it was worth the money to me to get that much use out of it. Everyone thought I was pushing around twins! Good luck to you...it is wonderful now as they are 4 and 2 1/2 and BEST friends and totally entertain each other. All of the hard work pays off!

i can sell you my double stroller. it has a little wobbly wheel but good enough for your strolls around the park, etc. it was 300 but i can sell it to you for 100. i never use it and its being lonely in my babysitter's garage.

my boys are 26 mos apart and a double stroller was a must. I had a graco duo glider but there are a lot of choices. You can find a used one too if money is tight.

Hi S.! I also have 2 'lil ones (17 mos. apart) and I thought that I would never ever leave our house with our 2 kids by myself....but thanks to our double stroller I was able to take them for walks! Money is also tight in our household (since I only work once a week now after having 2 kids), so we were able to purchased our double stroller (side by side) at a swap meet market. They tend to sell less expensive ones and you can also bargain with them!
You can also try garage sales or thrift shops just make sure those brands are not recalled for safety issues. Goodluck and Congratulations also!

D.

S.,

Hold tight, you can do this! I am a stay at home mam to 4 boys aged 9,6, and twins that are now 4! God will and has given you every bit of ability you'll need for two needy babies! I would not have made it with out a double stroller! I still use it! YOu want to get some thing that's convertible. Something you can use the infant carrier with, and then for when the baby is older. I reccomend going to Babies R Us, they're really helpful, and you may be able to buy the floor model for a discounted price! Good luck!

A little about me:

I am a stay at home home schooling mama! I am happily married to my husband, who happens to be my best friend! I love to sing, cook, hike, camp, and spend time with my family and friends!

No you don't need a double stroller. When I had my 2nd I used a single stroller for my 18 month old son and the Ergo Baby carrier for my daughter. It worked out great for me. The ergo carrier is so comfortable. I was able to breastfeed with her in it as well. And when she got bigger and wanted to ride in the stroller my son wanted to ride in the carrier. I would sometimes put him on my back. (the carrier can be forward or on your back and can carrier up to 40 lbs)

I later got a double stroller and I only use it on all day trips like going to Six flags Marine world or long walks to the park.

Hope this helps you.
M.

My boys are real close in age. I had my sons in double strollers when I travelled by bus, or out in public. Put the oldest one in front, the baby goes in back so he can lay down. Any stroller will work, anything not so heavy to carry around. Later I had my 3rd so I bought a back carrier and pushed the stroller. Carriers come in handy too. Front and back depending the age of the baby.

Hi S.,

A friend of mine who has a 3 year old and a 1 year old has the Graco "Quattro Tour Duo" and loves it. The back seat is perfect for an infant, while the front is great for a toddler. Its also a tandem (vs. a side-by-side) so its pretty easy to maneuver in stores and through doorways.

Best wishes!

I second the comment about using a carrier for the baby (I prefer the Ergo personally--much more comfy and a longer life span than the bjorn for my family) and the stroller for the older one for the time being. BUT if you really feel you WANT and NEED a double stroller, there is a sale coming up for the Contra Costa Parents of Multiples which they put on annually in Concord on 6/14 from 7:30 to 12:30 (although I've heard that people line up for this one, so I wouldn't go late for best selection). It is at the St Francis of Assisi Church. Here is the website info:

http://etcsale.homestead.com/

Good luck!

Double strollers are sure nice. I had a stoller that had a seat on the back. They didn't have double stollers when mine were young. I took both shopping. I had one in the cart seat and the other in the car seat in the cart. We moms find a way. I am sure you will do just great. Our worries sooth over as we think of new things and ways of doing things.

My youngest are 16 months apart and I would not have ever went out if it werent for my double stroller. If you have any energy, take your toddler with you, let him get in the strollers and stick something in the back like the baby weight and try pushing them around. Some are easier to push than others. I really shopped around and ended up getting one at a second hand store. We ran it the rest of the way into the ground and then of course wanted one simular and found one on the internet new. I got my money's worth out of both. One other tip: make sure you can lift the stroller high enough to get it in and out of your car. Some were super heavy. My youngest are now almost 8 (boy)& 6.5 (girl). They still have their fighting moments but they are also really, really great together at least 50% of the time.

I've never used one, but my thought it is might be extremeley difficult to navigate two strollers strapped together. If I were you I would start looking at the thrift stores for a doulbe stroller. Not the kind where the kids sit side-by-side because i understand those are bulky and hard to control. What I would suggest is the type where the children sit one in front of the other. I found one for my daughter at a thrift store and only paid $20! They're out there - you just need to start looking. Also, you can ask the salespeople if they will call you if they get one in.