We are having our 2nd child (within a week of our son's 3rd birthday). I am torn on all the research I have done on a sit n stand (Joovy Ultralight $235 is my favorite so far) and a real double stroller (new Chicco Cortina Double $300 is my favorite by far).
Just can't decide between the two???
Sit n Stand:
pros - will last for years, can even have a 6 yr old ride.
cons - my 3yr old won't be able to relax and take naps and may get jealous of the 'stroller seat'. We still use our Chicco stroller often and he loves it.
Double Stroller:
pros - comfortable, easy for naps for both kids,
cons - won't last as long with my 3yr old fitting into it or wanted to be strapped in??
So torn... please all advice is appreciated.
Thanks.
Sit and stand, I suggest buying from One Step ahead, stroller is only %150 bucks and its very sturdy. The seats recline back and have sippy cup holders and table. I have one and love it. I can fit 3 kids on it actually. The wheels are great I can mow over grass and gravel with ease.
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
I have the sit and stand (the more expensive one at $179 from Babies R Us) and love it. My daughter turned 3 just 3 weeks after my son was born so similar situation. I love it because I removed the back seat so that if my daughter wants to stand or sit facing me then I can put the infant carrier in the front. If she decides she was to ride in the front then I just move his infant carrier to the back. It is more difficult to steer than a single, but I expected that and wouldn't say that it is difficult, just a longer load (and heavier with two kids). If both kids want the stroller part then you just put the back seat in and both can ride. It folds down just like a regular Gracco and fits right in my trunk. I highly recommend it. There isn't a ton of storage in the bottom so I have a mommy clip to hold my diaper bag and there are cup holders for the kids and for me as well as some compartments where I keep my cell and keys for easy access.
We were in the exact same boat with 2 boys 3 years apart and birthdays 4 days apart. After suffering through approximately 8 months of carrying the infant at the end of an outing so the 3 1/2 year old could ride in the stroller I bought the Joovy Ultralight and LOVE IT!
I saw one at the zoo and was overcome with extreme stroller envy at how easy to use it seemed to be.
My 3 year old is very active and usually only pooped out at the end of a zoo outing or a very long walk and the seat on the Joovy is great for him. He can rest for a bit then get up and explore more. He is not at all jealous that his baby brother has a different type of seat. Now, we are typically not out and about with the stroller when the 3 yr old would need to nap so if that is a typical scenario for you, you may want the double stroller.
Congratulations on number 2 :-)
I have the sit and stand from one step ahead and my hubby and I hate it! I call it the Limo. It's hard to turn and the ground needs to be level so walking in the street is tough to keep it straight. It's just too long. My kids love it though. My oldest has figured out how to put his head on the strap with his jacket and fall asleep when it's been a long day.
I have seen the one you're interested in and it looks much more compact and easier to use, but just as comfy. It looks like it would be worth the investment. We kept an inexpensive umbrella stroller in the for those trips where we needed them both to be able to relax, but now that my oldest is 5 and the youngest is 3 they take turns in the front of the sit and stand so it's never an issue. Good luck;).
Joovy Rocks and folds down so it fits perfectly in a suv or car but I highly recommend. My daughter is 5, she isn't big on shopping LOL and I love it!! I recommend craigslist, got mine for $75, used but in great condition and worth the money. Why not get something good for less!! My motto, good luck!!!
I would NOT buy a sit and stand stroller. Trust me, when your son is 6, he will not want to ride a stroller anyway. I have the Phil and Ted's Dash stroller and love it! It as double seats and one of them converts into a bassinet for a newborn. Turns very well and is a decent weight, I'm able to lift it easily to put in the back of my SUV. Just a suggestion...not to make your decision harder. HA
We are looking to purchase the Joovy (check out a previous post for info on it) at first I thought about getting the new chicco double because we love our Cortina and our toddlers love it, but after trying one out in Babies R' Us, I came to the conclusion that my 3yo won't fit in much longer and the $300 would be better spent on a sit and stand.
