Double stroller - 2 part question

1) Talk to me about side-by-side vs tandem strollers. I can see pros/cons to both. For side by side, I'm concerned about narrow store aisles (DD's stroller barely makes it down the aisle at Gymboree now). For tandem, I'm thinking about how uncomfortable it will be to go out to eat. Now, we can easily push DD's stroller up to the table. A tandem would make this difficult, right?

2) Which double strollers have large baskets? The baskets on the City Mini double and the City Select double are tiny and awkward. I really don't want to give up my big basket (I have an UppaBaby now). Any recommendations?

ETA: DD will be 18 months when baby arrives. I do not like baby wearing, so we definitely need a stroller.

Message edited 2/25/2014 12:26:22 PM.

Re: Double stroller - 2 part question

ive been researching this too...and am opting for the side by side (despite the popular opinion on LIF to go tandem).

i have a few friends that purchased a tandem stroller for their kids and hated it...so much that they ended up buying a side by side instead and of course lost money when they tried to get rid of their tandems, but to them the $500 expense of a new stroller was that worth it. they all ended up with the city mini double. they love how easy it is to maneuver and fold up. they do have some issues getting down small aisles, but as you said, there are aisles now you cant get through easily with a single stroller....but doorways etc they have no problems with.
the reason they all hated the tandems was because they felt like they were "pushing a bus" (this is how 2 people described it to me).
they also said its better to have side by side when you are out bc you can sit facing both kids, put them both up to tables and things (facing animals at the zoo) etc. One twin mommy said the tandem was great when they were newborn, but as they got older (and by older I mean 1 yr)...she felt the side by side was better.

DD is going to be 15 months when my LO arrives and i am opting for the city mini double.

Re: Double stroller - 2 part question

I have twins and have used both. Their snap and go was a tandem. I loved using the snap and go for the connivence, but HATED it being like a train.

I LOVE my Bumble ride indie twin. The basket is HUGE and does not have the center bar that most of them have. It fits through any 30 in space. Yes it is huge, but I am so dependent on it.

I do all of my food shopping with it. I pack out the bottom with a few bags hanging off the side in clips. With all the groceries and 50 lb of baby I can still maneuver it with one hand easily.

Good luck

Re: Double stroller - 2 part question

The side by side are easier to manage. Most clothing stores are not meant for strollers so tandem or side by side it is not easy.
I had the indie bumble ride and loved it.

Re: Double stroller - 2 part question

when dd2 was born we bought the Britax bready which is like the uppa baby. We added the jump seat for under for dd1. It's big and the basket is great. I really like it. DD1 seat under and hops in and out nd likes sitting there.

I would get the jump seat for the uppa nd see if that works for you now. I wish I knew about the Uppa when I had dd1. Why buy another stroller?

At first I have the infant seat attachment under and dd1 in the big seat then we got the 2nd seat and did it that way

Re: Double stroller - 2 part question

my mother in law has a side by side to use with my son & nephew when she watches them. i've used it before and i HATE it! its super awkward to steer & is a pain in the butt when it comes to taking it out in public, down aisles, in stores etc

baby #2 is due in a month & i have the baby trend sit and stand stroller:



my son will be 3 1/2 when the baby is here so this is perfect for us. it is VERY lightweight & although i havent really used it yet, it is easy to maneuver as far as i can tell. the model i have also has an extra seat insert so it can turn into a true front to back double stroller, eliminating the standing part

also, the basket underneath is pretty big! i also figured that i would use this stroller even if i'm out with just the baby & i can put bags in the back too. its so lightweight i wouldnt mind using it all the time!

Message edited 2/25/2014 2:54:49 PM.

Re: Double stroller - 2 part question

I can't speak to the basket size as I have the city select, but personally have never had a problem jamming a ton of stuff in the bottom (though I could see how other baskets are more "open" or accessible).

As for side by side or tandem? I don't think I could ever use a side by side in daily life. For me it is easier to open a doorway with one hand and slide the tandem in with the other. There have also been a ton of places where the tandem (the size of a reg stroller) could barely pass through so I am not sure I could have ever jammed a side-by-side in. I think it depends on how you use your stroller... for shopping, walks on our town's narrow side walks, running errands, I'd absolutely say hands down the tandem. For places like museums, or parks, fairs, airports, the side by side we have has done just fine.

You might want to try out each in store (why yes, that WAS me pushing an empty stroller through the clothing racks of buy buy baby) to see how you feel about the configuration.

Re: Double stroller - 2 part question

Double stroller - 2 part question

I second the Bumble ride indie twin. I did a lot of research and this one had the best features IMO - two fully reclining seats with adjustable foot rests, but baskets, easy to fold, great sun canopy. My only complaint is that the tires always need air.