Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

my son is 3 1/2 and i'm due 2/4 with #2.

1- is it really necessary to get a double stroller? My son hasn't sat in a stroller in over a year and a half. He always just walks next to us in the store or holds our hand when we go places.
2- i don't really want to spend a lot of money on a double stroller when i don't see us using it that often. Are there are any decent priced ones?
3- how often do you use it?

Message edited 12/7/2011 8:34:16 PM.

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

The only time we used it with my son (who is 2y9m older than my daughter) was when we were traveling and doing a ton of amusement parks and attractions. We got a Sit and Stand because he would usually prefer to just stand and get a ride. However, I would not have spent the money except that I knew we were going to try for a third soon after we had #2 and would get a lot more use out of it. For the few circumstances you might need it, you could probably find someone to borrow from. So, my long winded answer would be no, don't waste the money!

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

I am due 3 days after Sasha's birthday- so mine will be exactly 3 yrs apart. She will sit in the stroller occasionally and I think she would want to sit next to the baby. I put one on my registry-- the city mini and maclaren double and I'll see if a family member or someone buys it for us. If I determine I do need it, I will buy one. Prob the city mini since I can attach the car seat to it.

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

My dd's are 3 1/2 and 3 months. I originally didn't buy one, but once #2 arrived, we found it necessary for our lifestyle. My oldest still loves going for walks around the neighborhood and loves being pushed while sitting next to her sister. This is great because it gets us out of the house every day. I also like it for when I take them both out by myself, I don't have to worry about my oldest walking away. Lastly, we have a couple of trips planned one being to disney and with all the walking involved it is necessary. If your oldest doesn't like strollers to begin with I would wait and see.

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

My girls are exactly 3 years apart. My oldest sounds like Jacen-- prefers to walk and is really good about holding hands, etc.

But I bought a Sit N Stand on the Buy/Sell thread on here for $40 and it is awesome, best $40 I've spent! We don't use it a ton, but enough to justify the cost! Long walks around the neighborhood, Bronx Zoo, carnivals etc. where there's a lot of walking...her legs just plain get tired so it's nice to have a little seat for her to plop on and relax.

I'd see if you can try to buy a Sit N Stand used on CL or on here at some point...I didn't start using mine until the baby was out of the infant seat (it was winter during the time she was in the infant seat anyway, so it worked perfectly).

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

Nope, not in my experience. Never had the need at all, and DS #1 was 3 years 4 months when DS #2 was born. We have never once said that we wished we had a double. There has only been one time where we needed 2 strollers and that was this summer at Sesame Place. We just brought the Maclaren for ds 1 and the graco bigger one for DS 2

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

...Mine are 17 mo apart..so we def got one...but my almost 3 yr old..can only walk so much and wants to sit or be held..

but if we are in the mall or going somewhere where there is a lot of walking, museums, park, mommy exercising and crossing a lot of streets, etc - my 4.5 yr old DD still sits in the stroller...

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

My children are the same age difference and we never needed a double. She walked everywhere at that age. She whined about not having a stroller maybe twice the first year but we reasoned with her about being a big girl.

If I were the avid sport walker/jogger type, I can see needing a double but as far as just going to the mall, park, etc, the double would be more of a pain than it's worth.

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

if i was you, i might consider a joovy caboose for outtings (i.e. when we went to the bronx zoo or national zoo we definitely needed a double), but only maybe. if he doesn't sit now, it probably won't change. if you said he sits sometimes now, i'd be more inclined to say to get one. you can always pick one up later if you see the need.

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

You already have one, walk across the street and borrow the "community" double, LOL! We've only used it a handful of times, and Gavin is usually out of it within minutes. Last time we took a walk both kids were out before we were halfway done and we pushed the empty stroller home In Disney 2 singles was way easier.

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

My cousin ended up giving me one of her doubles (why she had more than one is a mystery).
Anyway, I NEVER use it. He's much happier walking now and he's pretty good about staying close and holding hands.

I think if you can get a hand-me-down or purchase one on craigs list then yeah get it. Otherwise I bet you could borrow one for vacations or a day out where you think he might need to be pushed around.

Eta: 2 singles are much easier!!

Message edited 12/8/2011 10:13:06 AM.

Re: Stroller question- 3 1/2 yr old and baby- is it necessary to have a double?

My kids are 22 months apart and I have used my double only a handful of times. My DS was done with the stroller by 2 years he wanted no part of it. We only got one for Disney and than we used it for the Bronx Zoo and couple of other outings.