Advice on a Good Stroller

We're a military family, and I have lived in England for a total of 5 years. We didn't live in London, but went there frequently on day trips. I have twin daughters, so a double stroller is a must.

I have a Graco Duo Glide, an the Jeep double stroller. The Jeep stroller is easier to move around, but is quite wide and difficult to get through doors. It also has no storage. The Duo Glide might be kind of long and heavy, but it has plenty of storage, and it'll fit through the doors in the tube. But, I'll forewarn you now. You are not going to have an easy time manuevering a stroller through the train stations in England. I cannot recall seeing a lift at all of the stations. And often changing from one line to the next requires a significant change in levels, which makes for some gigantic escalators.

As for the rain, get a rain cover here if you don't already have one. They make one for the duo glide for less than $5. You'll need it. Things are much more expensive there, so get it here if you can.

E.

Hey Brooke,

I was just thinking, maybe you should wait until you move. Maybe there will be better options suited to your new living situation. You will also have a chance to ask the moms there what they use. I have a sit and stand stroller and love it, but I can't imagine using it in a busy city, much less a subway! Good luck and have fun.

S.

Brooke,
I recommend the Sit and Stand, Since your child is 3, he or she will want to walk as well as sit down. Although the sit and stand is not that great if you are tall as you may tend to kick the back of the stroller, it is very convenient and tends to stand up to quite a bit of use. My cousin had one and loved it.

We did a ton of research when I was pregnant with our second child. Double strollers that are good are not cheap. We have a 2.5 year old and a 14 month old. We settled on the Phil and Ted's E3 Twin stroller.
It weighs about 30 pounds, but it doesn't feel like you are pushing 30 extra pounds. The tires are rubber, so they don't go bad. If you get a flat, simply fill up the tires. There is a storage area at the bottom. This doesn't hold a ton, but Phil and Ted's do sell a nice carrying case that fits nicely and fits a ton of stuff.
There are 4 wheels, but the front 2 are real close to each other, making the stroller great for those times you just have to jog a little. The front wheels also swivle, so it's very easy to get around.
The stroller looks huge. When people see me coming, they always open 2 doors for me. But it very easily fits through a standard regular door. It just looks like it won't fit.
The handle you push is adjustable, so when your 3 year old wants to push, he/she can when you position the handle correctly.
We don't have any complaints about this stroller. We bought it on ebay 1.5 years ago (about) for $500. And that included shipping. The Phil and Ted's site sells them for over $650.
The stroller is made in New Zealand, so I'm guessing that it'll fit through doorways and such in England.
You can buy a ton of assessories for it, including a bug cover, a rain cover, a sun cover, storage, drink holders, etc.
There is even a removable bar that goes across the children(s) laps. This is great because when our son was a newborn, the car seat snapped right on the bar and faced us.
Also, both seats recline up to laying completely down. So if a kid needs to sleep, it's perfect.
Hope this helps! These strollers are very expensive (to us anyhow), but worth every single penny. We walk with it every day.

You definitely want rubber tires and shocks - more like a jogger than a standard stroller. There's so much uneven pavement, cobblestones, etc. throughout Europe you'll find that regular plastic wheels and no shocks make for a VERY bumpy ride! I would look in London.

Brooke,

I have heard that the Joovy Groove makes a good double stroller. We got a Baby Jogger stroller and it is definitely the best! Well-made and does everything promised. Good luck in London!

-Jen

Good luck in London. It is a great city. We have been there various times pre-baby. But you might have a rough time getting the stroller around in the tubes. There are alot of stairs and such. Yes they have escalators but only one elevator...And some stations do not even have either one of those. It could be pretty difficult. But I would look at the british strollers. THey might have some that are more compact and easier to maneuver around town.

I would wait until you go to london to buy a new one. I can't remember the name of the stroller, but it was very european looking and beautiful (saw it all over in miami...not here!). The streets of london are not paved as well with cobblestones in many areas, so it would trash your graco.

I have "the BOB" Revolution Duallie Stroller, and it is the best! It was a little pricey, but worth every penny we spent. The BOB is very easy to push, moves around great, etc. The sun shade (or whatever it's called) folds down to cover all the way to their legs. It was great when my youngest fell asleep, it sorta created his own tent. The website is www.bobgear.com. I hope this info helps!

Wait until you are in London. Everyone there has either a MacLaren or a Bugaboo, or both.

I'm on a great website with many international moms, including those from England.

www.babygaga.com

Asking on there might be a good idea. Post late at night here, that's when a lot of them are on because it's first thing in the morning for them.

Also, fro, my experience with three years and London (unfortunately not together though) is that you may be best to find a single lightweight stroller and have your three year old walk. It may take a little longer in many place, but in the long run I think it would be easier to handle a lightweight stroller that maybe goes over your shoulder(s).

Good luck with your move...and if you stop by babygaga....look me up

L. wants a prince is my screen name