I am currently in the process of picking a new double stroller. You may wonder why I would be interested in a double stroller having a 4 year old and a 2 year old. Allow me to explain. Or enumerate.
1. I use my car typically once every week to week and a half. Sometimes I go long enough between car uses that I have a hard time opening the doors. Like the car is offended and has sealed itself against me. Yeah, that's right! We spend so much time on Hyde Park streets that I sometimes feel like I'm on Sesame Street. I can tell you the people in my neighborhood because they're "the people that you met when you're walking down the street". Each day I run into at least one person that I know. At least. We walk to the market, we walk to the park, we walk to church.
2. Hyde Park sidewalks have a lot of character. Bumps, twists, turns, uneven surfaces...awful.
3. Sometimes, given our urban environment, I really need a place for Jacob to go. Like in a stroller. Jacob has lately become an excellent walk alongside me kind of guy. That being said, places like crosswalks (people here don't really care to yield much) and the train platform are places where I want him stowed away. Plus, he's still very willing to sit in the stroller. Especially when there are snacks involved.
4. My back is killing me! I have a Graco stroller that is killing me softly. It has lots of storage (which I'll miss) and a cup holder (which I'll miss more) but aside from that it's trouble for my back.
So, Matt and I have narrowed our research down to two types of stroller. The Phil & Teds Classic or the City Mini. I CAN'T MAKE UP MY MIND!!!! Anyone who spends time with me is likely rolling their eyes at this post. This has been an obsession of mine for easily 2 months--try 6. But, as you can see, given the price tag I'm afraid of getting the wrong one. I am not an expensive baby gadget purchaser...so again the help would be appreciated. My uncertainty rivals the great winter coat debate of '08. (Remember those days Mardee and LuAnn? They were awesome, right?)
Without further ado (to the two people who actually stuck through all of that rambling) here's a link to a comparison of the two strollers. You can read the comparisons and then click on the pics for more details.
Please save me from my indecision (misery). Help.
Take the survey or leave a comment...or both!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
17 comments:
could not sleep... good reading... am now more than ready to go back to bed. Observation after reading comments by users. Check the weight allowed per child. Is Jacob to close to being to large for the units? I liked the jogging one best. But what does a old guy like me know about "today's" modern stuff. Good Luck and this is a whole new process of consumer information on the internet.... may be to much information... Dad
The City Mini worries me when it says it isn't ideal for off-road conditions. I mean, Chicago sidewalks can be pretty rough, especially with snow.
However, the Phil & Ted's I think isn't as fun for older kids because it isn't side by side. The child in the back seems to have their view significantly blocked, which might annoy an older child.
I think you should borrow Liesl Shurtliff's or Lisa Allen's Phil & Ted's and see if you like it.
If you had a newborn, I would definitely say Phil & Teds. A toddler and a sunbeam? Hmmm....not so sure.
The big draw of the City Mini is that it's 29 inches wide...and can fit through standard doors! Such a bonus! But I wonder at that too.
That was Robyn.
I thought I was the only one who obsessed about things like this!
Hey Robyn - I am so sorry that your Graco isn't doing the job. Make NO excuses for Jacob riding in the stroller. I don't for Olivia (going on age SIX!). Good luck with this decision. I obviously don't know much about side by sides.
ok after reading reviews...seriously i always read reviews...i say city mini. i think it'd be more boring for a 2 year old riding down low. also the city mini had more reviews period which i think means more people buy it and like it. the p&t didn't have a review (that i saw) with the kid down low being older than a little baby. and the side by side still fits through doors. thats my opinion. but they both look cool and you'd look like a totally cool big city mom pushing either of them. cld the bundle thing that you use in the winter work on the p&t bottom seat? sorry too long.
You know I'm a bit bias for the Phil and Teds. But I'll throw some comments in.
Most kids love the bottom seat. It's really doesn't bug them. They can see just fine out of the sides.
The wheels are bigger, which make it easier in snow and going over bumps and side walks. I bang that thing around like crazy and it holds up.
Since your getting it for your back, which one would be best for that? Which would push easier?
I have a lot to say about this. I really don't think the City Mini will do in the snow. When I read reviews I read that the Phil and Ted isn't great for tall kids...regarding the main seat...not to mention the bottom. Jacob might not be very comfortable. Sorry that isn't helpful since you have worked so hard to narrow it down to 2. If you can hold out until Labor Day you can get the Bob Revolution Duallie for close to the same price as these with a 20% off coupon. It is wider, but can fit through anything a wheelchair can...not sure about grocery aisles, but just go to the end aisle. It will master the snow and bumps and be easy on your back and you will be able to pass it on to your grandchildren. You can buy the Bob or P&T at REI and they have 100% guarantee...try it for a week and you can take it back no questions asked. That said...I think both the P&T and the City Mini are great strollers. Every stroller has drawbacks. I obsessed over this purchase as well. Read back on my blog to a few months before Jack 3 or 4/08. I'll be there in a 10 days...let's knit and chat it over.
PHIL & TEDS ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!
My sister bought one last year and it is WONDERFUL, the best ever!!! I used it a bunch last summer and love it too!! I highly recommend it! The whole thing about the kid in the bottom is rubbish-they are totally fine and can see out. I'm sure its a tiny bit different if they have been in it since they were a baby but I'm sure the kids would adjust just fine and love it still. Also, its so nice that it is SLIM-huge advantage! Double wides are TOO wide! And you have to just have ONE WHEEL! I'm worried that the city mini could act like your Graco-those double wheels are horrible!
I'll expalin why I have any comment on this stuff: besides babysitting my nephews a ton last summer and using my sisters different strollers, I also have been going jogging/walking w/ a bunch of different girls/neighbors/friends and have actually pushed a few of thier strollers. Get rid of the Graco quick! Get a single/jogging wheel for sure-it makes life a whole heck easier and easier on your arms and hands!!!!! Also another note on side by sides-yeah its kinda of "fun" i guess to have them sit by each other but no matter how well behaved or wonderful the kids they get ansy and start getting in each other's space...which can lead to a lot of whining, complaing, crying, hitting, fighing, etc!!! Sorry to say but sometimes it does seem to happen, especially on long outings. Well it does to these kids :]
So that's my experience. I've tried "both" sort of and highly recommend P&T's-you and the kids will love it! Again you really, really do want something slimmer adn w/ a single wheel-it is a whole ton easier on your body physically and on your mind too when you are trying to pass people on sidewalks or get thru doors or anywhere. I hope all of this babbling will help. Besides you'll get tons of comments on a P&T's-people love them and think they are awesome. Yeah you don't really see them a lot but I sure have started to see them more and more too. Oh and if you do use it for a baby and toddler-it is awesome too! I think they baby is extra comfortable and has lots more room. They are just neat! So best of luck! Try looking on Craigslist or KSL or such for new/used, that's how my sister got hers adn got a better deal for almost a brand new one! They are some stroller nuts out there that keep buying and buying strollers and selling them :] Good luck and let us know what you decide!!!
love, chelsea
You know I have seen the Phil one on the street. It looks okay but I really like the fact that the other reclines. I am assuming both strollers get through doorways. I too like the fact that the boys will see at the same time the people you meet in your neighborhood. And the cost! Neither was on top of the chart! You'll make the right decision or make the wrong decision be the right stroller for you three and the extra! Love, Grandma Jan
I was talking to my friend today who has a P&T and we started to think that maybe it would be a good way to go since it can become a single and Jacob will be in preschool so you'll just have Nico a lot. While both seats are a bit smaller it's not like they are going to be riding for hours in it or napping for that matter. I also don't think the under seat is an issue...I think kids like it just fine. That said...I really think the City Mini or another side by side jogger will be easier on your back. I've pushed a P&T and it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I think the wider weight distribution on jogging wheels is easier...but I haven't compared side by side. Funny how many different comments you are getting. Hope it's still helpful. :)
oooohhh, I read the reviews and had my comment all planned out and then read LuAnn's. You know, maybe she's right? I was going to say that I think it comes down to this:
Will your kids mind the top/bottom positions vs. do you really want a side by side, even if it's small?
I honestly like the city mini idea, I'll be honest. I read it and sort of wanted it. Oh, huge con, though. Eventually you'll want to use it with Nico and another baby, I hope, and no car seats.
As for Phil and Teds, I've never met a person who owned one who didn't worship it. I had a friend in CA whose kids were older and she said they loved it. I doubted her. I just can't believe it.
Anyway, I haven't read the reviews about the BOB one that LuAnn rec'd, but I trust her. Let's look into that one. Also the REI deal (guarantee) sounds awesome. Maybe you should by the p and t and try it out for a week?
Oh, maybe I should have written a blog about your strollers!
Robyn, I've never commented on your blog, but I too have mulling over strollers for about a year now. I really liked the P&T and too doubted about the comfort of the seats for older kids. I used to have a double jogging stroller and they say they fit thru doors, but that is if someone is holding it open for you and you're lined up just right. I sort-of gave up when we went to China and resorted to leashes. I know that sounds horrible! I always said I would never do that do my child but I found these cute ones that are like backpacks and the kids would wear them. I also don't like the side-by-side b/c my kids end up getting on each other's nerves and it always ends in a fight. When I lived in Europe I always saw these great strollers where the older child could stand between the handle and the seat. The closest thing I've found in the states is the Baby Trend Sit and Stand. Not sure if you looked at these, but they're pretty interesting. You have the option of having a seat on the back or just the platform. When I tried them out they were really light. All strollers seem light until you put your kids in them.
Good luck with your stroller debate. I have yet to get what I really want and I've been going thru this for over a year now and now we have 3 kids. Can't wait to see what you decide.
You get no help from me on this one Robyn. :) The stroller we had for you and Jana was second hand, and every time we went up on or off a curb a wheel would fall off. We also had to walk 14 miles to school - all uphill. :D
Love ya, but I have no idea!
you've probably already decided, but i had to throw my 2 cents in since I'm a stroller geek. and currently own 3 1/2 strollers: a double jogger, my trusty single Combi that does so so much, a Sit n Stand that works great for all day outings and airport taxi duty. and the 1/2 is a single jogger that needs some TLC to be put back to use.
I ended up buying a 29in double jogger from a now defunct company, but it was the right price and size and features 3 years ago. The thing about a double jogger: it's big. it's heavy. you have to push that AND the kids. and it's wide. yes, it will fit through most doors, but there's also the occasional door that it won't do.
Since it sounds like Jacob is an in-n-out stroller rider anyway, I'd go for the Phil and Ted's.
Narrow is better!! They do grow so fast and pretty soon you'll have two kids in school (sniff sniff) and be cursing the money you put on that clunker of a double jogger.
but since it would be a nicer double jogger you could hopefully get some good resale down the road.
I'm guessing a Sit n Stand wouldn't fit your criteria for all-day pushing comfort. I really like it though because it is lighter than a typical duo-glider but still has a huge basket underneath to haul stuff. the squirmy one gets the front harness and snack tray and the independent big kid gets to hop on and off or be contained as need be. but it definitely isn't as rugged as a P&T or bigger wheeled jogger would be.
The perfect stroller for the toddler and big pre-schooler would be a jogging stroller version of the Sit n Stand. Bigger wheels, better balance, maneuvering. sigh.
so, what did you decide?? : )
Post a Comment