Product Advice

I just had my second a few weeks ago and my son is a very active 2.5 year old. I got the Phil and Ted Sport. It is expensive, but wonderful b/c it is light weight, the size of a regular stroller and sit either one or two children with and easy conversion. My son loves it and my newborn is very comfortable in the fully reclined seat. It holds children up to 50 lbs in the front and 35 lbs in the back so it will last long into having two toddlers! Good luck!

Hi T.~

I asked that same question a couple weeks ago. Here is a link to my question and responses, and if you read through them, another mom linked me to another post asking the same question... hope you get the info you need.

http://www.mamasource.com/request/532535078123798529

We ended up getting the BabyTrend Sit-n-Stand Plus, which includes a second seat option. It was something like $165 from strollerdepot.com with free shipping.

http://www.strollerdepot.com/items/baby-trend-sit-n-stand...

We haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, but it was easy to put together, folds up reasonably well for a double (no bigger than my Graco travel system stroller), and my 3 year old loved getting on and off himself (when we were trying it out up and down our sidewalk.)

From all the reviews I read and advice I got, it seems the concensus is that the side-by-sides are much harder to maneuver through smaller spaces. If you are looking for a nice side-by-side, I suggest the Peg Perego 60/40. Neat feature of having one seat larger than the other to accomodate the carseat, then eventually the larger child, if you are still using it by then.

Best of luck with your decision!

This is in response to your second question about the gazebo. We have one that my husband bought a Lowes 3 years ago. The frame is cracked from being pulled by the wind so much (we just had secured with lots of bungee cords). From what I've seen, none are super sturdy. Just make sure that when you get one, you anchor it VERY SECURELY. When we get a strong wind, that thing gets pulled around so much. The one time after cleaning our patio, my DH forgot to anchor it back down and we got a storm and the gazebo picked up and flew right across the whole yard. So keep that in mind. Also, make sure you take the tent part off by October or so (before the snow comes). The snow will weigh down the canvas and ruin it. My in-laws and neighbor left it up and by spring it was trash.

I saw a very pretty gazebo, that is quite sturdy, at Walmart and Sam's Club. When on sale, it can be purchased for about $299-$350. Just don't leave it up all winter. I watched my neighbor struggle to save his from heavy snow...not good.

T., We have the Baby Trend sit n stand plus. I like it. its easy to move around and teh back seat can come out so that when my older son is ready he can either sit on a bench or stand tandem. The only draw back is that the under basket is not easy to get to from the back. I have to put things under from the front. We got it on babies r us online. they do not have it in the store. Good luck

I haven't used a doulble stroller in about 3 years, but when we had one, I like the front to back one, not the side by side. I would recommend taking them for a test drive through the store to see what is easierst to drive. Also, fold them up, see how easy that is and how heavy it is to lift in/out of teh car. My oldest was 2 when my youngest was born and we used that stroller until he was 4 and they were both too heavy for it. It was great while it lasted b/c sometimes they would both fall asleep while we were out. Also, great to be able to seat belt them in while shopping so they couldn't sneak off while I was looking at something in a store.

Congrats on baby #2!

Sit and Stand 100%! Soon your 3 year old is probably going to refuse to sit in a stroller but will LOVE the sit and Stand. You can realistically use the Sit and Stand up until age 5 or 6(of course depending on how big the child is).

I've tried all styles of double strollers, and I definately recommend the sit and stand. Especially since your older son will be 3... I don't think you'd get much use out of a regular double.

My kids are only 15 months apart, and we use the sit and stand all the time! My older one just turned 4, so sometimes we just use a single stroller now, because she likes to ride her bike or whatever, but it's nice to have the sit and stand so she has the option of resting if we are going somewhere with a lot of walking.

target has them in store for $120!

Definitely the Sit N Stand. I replied in the other post referenced below as well, but we used it when my third was born and the older 2 were 5 and 3. In a pinch I could put all three on it and still maneuver it. My favorite stroller I've had.