Double-stroller Recommendation and Other Recs to Help Juggle Newborn & Toddler!?

Mine were also 26 months apart. Definitely accept help when it is offered. I actually don't use my double stroller often, but it is a necessity when I do venture out to malls and parks. I did a lot of research and ended up with the Graco Duo Glider LX. I just didn't think my two year old would do well on a Sit and Stand. They are typically recommended when the older sib is 3 and up. Some people do fine with them at a younger age, but if your son is as wild as mine, you'll want him in a more traditional stroller. My sling is probably my #1 necessary accessory. I had a wrap when my daughter was first born, which was great for a newborn, but once she hit about 6 months I switched to my regular sling. Mine were "The Ultimate Baby Wrap" and a "Green Pea Designs" sling. I LOVE that sling! I use it to wear my daughter, now about to turn 1, while I shepherd my son in and out of MDO. That is another life saver - enroll your two year old in an MDO if you can. It gives you bonding time with the baby, and a break from crazy two-year old games and tantrums :) I also became a bit more lax about letting my son watch DVDs. I still be careful to limit them, but am not as strict as I used to be. They can be a real life saver. Other things... Get a crock pot - makes dinner so much easier! And get a Dust Buster... because you'll need to clean up after your 2 y.o. but probably won't have time to mess with a regular vacuum as much as you'd like! If you can invest in someone to come and help clean, even if it is just once a month, then that will really help. If you have any other questions for someone who has been there recently, feel free to message me. It has been a very stressful year, but I feel blessed they are close together. They're already good friends. A friend asked my son a few weeks ago of he'd like to go on a play date with her kids, and he said yes, but he wanted to bring his little sister too. It is things like that which make it all worth it.

my first two are 15 months apart- it was a crazy time when #2 was born! I have used the side to side double stroller and the front to back one. I prefered the side to side one. I don't recall the brand I had but it was the umbrella type, so it wasn't as heavy, but it was quite sturdy. The other one(front to back) was heavy and awkward and took up a lot of space in my van.
The only problem was that going through doors is a little tight with the side to side stroller, but once you got used to that, it was no big deal. When they were side by side, it was easier to take care of them, and they didn't bother each other, plus you could have one lying down while the other sat up, which is what you need for an infant and toddler.
When #2 was old enough to sit, we bought a sturdy frame baby back pack- we found one at a resale shop for about $20 and used it for all 4 kids(not at once!) It was a great way to get things done around the house when the little one was fussy- I would just put the baby in the back pack and put it on, then I could do the dishes or play with my toddler and the baby would be happy because she was being "held".
Good luck! it gets a lot easier as they grow!
~C.

When I was in your position I got some very wise advise from an older mama. My situation was when my #2 was born, my #1 was going to be 18 months old. She told me to start training #1 right away!

The first thing we trained was coming when called. We would put #1 across the room from us and call him. If he came running, we would praise-praise-praise, then send him across the room again. Let him get absorbed into a game or a toy, then call him after you've practiced. We did it all day long, every day for weeks. It became a game. If he did not come, we went to him, talked to him, crossed the room, then called. If he still did not come, we would swat his thigh, talk to him (When momma calls, you need to come!) then cross the room and call him again. Sometimes it would take 3-4 swats before he would come. Then when he did obey, we would act like he'd done it the first time--swing him high in the air, praise him like crazy and make it fun. And when we were in the act of training, we NEVER used a mad voice, just a very even, calm voice.

This type of training made me sane when #2 arrived. We had trained #1 to ALWAYS come when called. (Coming meant praise and sometimes an m&m, so it was good fun to come.) We had also trained #1 not to scream and be loud when asked to be quiet (we had loud times but he understood shhh! and we would whisper to each other and tiptoe around.) There were a few other things we worked on that were just things he did that needed to be controlled with words.

Life was MUCH easier with #2 then I thought it would be because of this training. I cannot think that momma enough! I'm still grateful when I think of her.

VickiS

The good news is having child number 2 is nothing like having child number 1. Sadly, in a good way, your body is already used to sleeping less and always sleeping with one ear listening. So...you've already mastered the hardest part. :-)

My experience was after my baby girl was born (last April) my son, then 3 needed me so much more. It felt like I was holding him and paying attention to him even more. So, the best time I had with the new baby was at night after my son was tucked into bed. I would sit and watch some TV and just hold and rock my newborn girl. That was how I found my balance. I had to find a way that didn't bring me guilt and made both my babies feel 100% loved. This is not to say I didn't hold her all day long, but rocking her in the evenings when the house was quiet and all the toys were put away brought peace to my soul and she has been a dream baby.

As far as recommendations: the ultimate baby wrap was a GREAT investment. It literally holds the baby to you so you have BOTH hands free. You can even bend over and unload the dishwasher without having to support baby. It also holds their head to your chest or shoulder when they are still too little to have head control.

For strollers: I got the Graco Quattro Duo Stroller. I loved this stroller and it was great and very comfy for both my kids. We spend a lot of time at the malls b/c it gets us out of the house, stuff for me to look at, and there are play places for my son to let off some steam. It has lots of helpful features like cupholders and storage, etc. The only con I have is it is very heavy to lift in and out of the car. I decided it was worth it b/c it was so handy in every other way. But if somebody had a C section - it would not be good to lift this stroller.

I think every new mom gets a little terrified/excited when it starts getting close to the arrival of baby #2. But, honestly, nothing is harder than being a 1st time parent. Once you can master that - the second baby just kinda fits right in and you become a pro. :-)

I highly recommend the Joovy tandem stroller (like the sit-n-stand). My boys are 23 months apart, and by the time #2 came along, #1 was not too interested in sitting in a stroller. However, he loved being able to stand in the back and watch his new baby brother (who was facing backward) and still had the option to sit when he was tired. The Joovy comes with a universal car seat attachment, so you can use it with whatever brand infant car seat you already have. Then remove the attachment when baby is ready to ride sitting up. It's lighter than a traditional double stroller and very easy to handle. The only down side is there's very little storage space (a little comparatment underneath that doesn't hold much) and the front seat reclines a little bit, but doesn't lie flat.

Whatever brand and type of wrap/carrier you use is good as long as baby likes it and it doesn't break your back! It definitely gives you more freedom and ability to chase down your toddler =)

I have #3 on the way in a few months, so I will be using my Joovy and Snugglie again!

*HIGHLY* recommend the "ergobaby carrier" -- it can carry a newborn infant (with a little blanket or infant insert) all the way up to my 3 yr old if need be.
at first i was a little skeptical about baby not being able to face "out," but my then 2-yr old (while i was preggo) didn't seem to mind at all & he was already used to his outward-facing baby bjorn. the design is really best for young children's bodies (it alieves that hanging-by-their-crotch compression on their little spines) & it felt muuuch better on my back and shoulders than the baby bjorn.
very handy (& a great value) to have a carrier both kids can fit in and at any stage in baby-/toddler-hood. it's also really easy to nurse my baby in it and no one even knows (one man even came right up to me in a store and made a comment about babies' ability to sleep anywhere - he didn't have a clue she was nursing!) it makes trips to the bookstore, grocery store, playground for the older child, etc. easier b/c they don't have to be scheduled so carefully around eating/sleeping times for the baby. it's also great for those outings that might involve airports, walking on rough terrain, escalators, non-automatic doorways, public bathrooms, etc.
i got mine online from "along for the ride" and you can also find deals on them from ebay or craigslist if you're lucky. if you're going to cloth diaper, you can use the carrier purchase from a lot of retailers to get your order up to the 'free shipping' level too, just something to think about (because if you buy it new, the carrier almost always ships free no matter where you purchase it).

and on a side note, you sound just like me when i was pregnant with our 2nd -- excited, curious, and a little terrified, looking forward to the adventure of having 2 in 2. let me assure you it *is* an adventure, it is a joy, and it is actually much easier than i thought it would be. savor every second of 1-on-1 time with your boy (and couple time w/ your husband when you can!!!!!), and when your baby's born take a deep breath & dive in -- the water's great!!

I had a 20 month old and newborn at the same time. Here's what I can tell you worked for us. 1. Get a double stroller that you can put the infant seat in and that fits in your car. At the time I thought our trunk was big, but some of those strollers are really big, especailly when folded, and HEAVY! I finally found a Graco one at Burlington Coat factory that folded small and was lightweight. It was only $100 and it lasted through my kids and then on to my sis in law. 2. Keep a pack and play in the room you are in the most. For us, that was the den. I could easilly set the baby in the pack in play if he feel asleep, play with the toddler, or just know that if I put the baby down, the toddler couldn't get to him while he was in the pack and play (if I put him on the floor, she had a tendancy to want to pick him up). 3. Just know that this is a season. It was tough for the first 3 months b/c the baby wasn't sleeping well, which meant mommy wasn't sleeping well, and all that advice of "sleep when the baby sleeps" only works when you only have the baby at home!!! So, nap when and if you can, but just know that after 3 months when the baby is setteling down into a routine it will start to get easier. By the time the little on was 3, you'll be amazed how easy it is!!!

Final word of advice, get yourself into a routine and stick to it. Don't take both kids out when it's nap time, let them have their naps so they are happier. Try to get them on the same nap schedule if you can (sometimes this takes longer). Even if your older one doesn't "nap" anymore, we had rest time up until my kids were about 4-5 where after lunch they had to go to their rooms and sit in their bed. They could look at books, or play with dolls/toys in bed, but they had to stay quite and in bed. Sometimes they slept, sometimes they didn't, but I got some much needed alone time in the day. If they didn't sleep, the most they would have to stay in there was 1 hour (usually more like 30 minutes) but sometimes they slept! It teaches them patience and to entertain themselves. Good luck! I know I was terrified with the thought of 2 under 2, but it really wasn't has bad as I had pictured it! Hang in there!

I agree the moby wrap is the best! You can get so much done with while wearing this wrap.
I bought the "baby wrap" brand and my child constantly was falling lower and lower because the fabric would slip out of the knot, so I don't recommend getting on of those.

What about one of those Snap and Go strollers? I think they make one that your oldest can stand on while you put the car seat on the other end.
I also bought http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3458507 that stroller for my cousin and her twins and she loves it. At the time she had an 18 month old and newborn twins and she was able to hold one baby, let the big boy sit and the car seat in the other spot and she could close the stroller with one hand.
Hope this helps!

Holy Cow you have a lot of great responses on here. I am expecting boy #2 at the end of May and my 1st son will be 18 months. Everyone has their own opinion on favorite strollers. I would suggest going to Lone Star Baby out in Frisco/Plano (they have all the brands) and test driving with your toddler. You can pick out your brand of infant carrier there and stick it in the stroller with your toddler to get an idea. I had my mind set on a Graco front and back, but after test driving, I fell in love with the Peg Perago 60-40 side by side (the new model). I never thought I would like a side by side. It's just whatever you're comfortable with. I hope this helps a little!

I love my Combi Twin Savy it is a wonderful double stroller. Mine are 16 months apart and it really was not that bad. My only suggestion is to buy your son a new toy (we bought our daughter a play kitchen) and set it up when you get home from the hospital. It really helped her to stay busy when we needed to care for the new baby.

Definitely get the Joovey sit and stand stroller!!

there is a new wrap on the market, about 1-2 years old that is awesome. It combines the best of the moby and ubwrap with a combinatin of slings, is easy to put on because it is prewrapped for you with a lumbar there are several places in the metroplex you can get it, but I am switching it to my only wrap at The Nestingplace since it is so easy and versatile. When we have moms try on both (probably 6 times per week) even at 50% off they still prefer the KTAN to the slings.
Come take a look at us.
K. @ The Nestingplace

I definitely recommend the Moby wrap. It is an absolute life saver. My kiddos are 15 months apart and I could not have survived those first few months without the wrap! Feel free to message me if you have any other questions!

Hi D., I too am expecting our 2nd this summer, my son is 3 and really not into a stroller but I know he still needs on for the zoo, mall, etc. I went with a Joovy Caboose (like a Baby Trend Sit n Stand). It's not really lightweight but it steers well and folds easily and I didn't want a side by side, too awkward for me at 5'2". I ended up finding mine on Craigslist for about 1/2 price and it's in awesome condition. Since you've got time I'd recommend going that way after you test them out in the stores. Lone Star Baby & Kids and Babies R Us are great for testing them out.

My boys are 20 months apart. Diddn't use the double stroller either (bought one) but never used it. I wore my baby and used the little umbrella stroller for my toddler or put him in the cart. Now the double stoller comes in handy for Stockshow or day outting when both boys have the option to sit. But the for longest time it was just too much for me do get, set, put up, load, all that jazz. Much easier to wrap a baby around you and hold a hand. Hope this helps.

I loved my sit and stand stroller. It allows the older child a little more freedom. It has the bonus if you ever decide to go for number 3 (I know you want to throw something at me right now) the two older can fit on the seat while the baby is safely strapped into the front.

It is a challenge, but the second child is so much easier to deal with because you are more confident about what to do. There will be hard days, but hang in there...it gets easier every day.

My favorite double stroller is the combi side by side. I used several different ones with my 3 boys (now ages 6,4,&2)even the kind with the seat/step in the back and we ended up loving only the combi. its lightweight, easy to manuver and great to travel with because it folds in have then in half and has a carry strap.

good luck
A. J

I'll be in the EXACT same boat come early fall. I am interested in hearing what moms have to say. Thanks for asking!

Take it one day at a time. Ask for help when you need it. I thought it couldn't be done when my mom left and I was alone with my son and a newborn, but it didn't take but a few months to get in a routine and things became a lot easier. Make sure your husband is "encouraged" because you will need his help. Congratulations!

sit and stand stroller-- can hold infant seat... has a seat for the toddler and allows the toddler to stand and ride... baby trend has an awesome one-- VERY sturdy not to heavy.. my older one LOVED the flexibility of standing or sitting...

Hey Mama~

I had a baby girl last July and my son was 2 1/2. I found the easiset thing to do was wear her in a carrier or sling. I waited to get a double stroller until she was big enough to sit up, but it was worth it too. I found going to the grocery store was easier to carry her and push him in the cart. Once she got older and was too heavy, like 20 lbs...one has to stay at home, or I do my shopping during the day while he is at school. It is a crazy exciting adventure, but Im sure you will handle it well. :)

http://onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=6793

I have been doing TONS of research and this is the supposed to be the best out there and Not bad on the pocket book :)

Good luck in your search:)

From a mama with a 3yr old boy and one on the way in April!

my oldest was 21 months when my youngest was born. One of the first things i noticed was there wasn't near as big of a learning curve the 2nd time around. I sorta new what i was doing the second time. Things were not so scary or stressful. It was much easier. I love my joovy tandem. My toddler loves it too! I bought it at lone star baby depot off of 820/183. they have a lot of strollers that you can go and check out. Their prices are also really good.
The other thing that has been a life saver is the kiddapotamus. It is a swaddler/wrap for the baby to sleep in. Both of my girls have slept better being swaddled up until their were 4 to 6 months old. Best thing ever!
good luck! i think having two close together is the best. (my girls are now 2 and 1/2 and 1)

I have certainly been where you are about to be. I have a 2 year old and a 7 month-old right now. You will be tired, for sure! My husband and I were so sleep deprived; even more than the first time around. However, at the same time it is easier with the newborn b/c you know exactly what to do - you were there pretty recently. It is the toddler that wears you out!! Anyway, having the right products certainly does help. We have a double stroller - Graco brand. Also, I used an infant sling to carry my newborn around while my toddler was in an umbrella stroller at first. However, I think the biggest thing was just enlinsting help! My suggestion, if you have the means. To have someone take your toddler for a weekend NOW so that you can rest up before the baby is born. The problem is when the baby is born that you don't have the amount of rest that you did the first time around b/c your toddler still needs SO much care. Plus they only take one nap a day. You will have to let some things go at first. That was the hardest part. I was so used to being able to clean-up after my toddler right away; however, it seems like it is just harder to keep the house clean now with two. However, you will be amazed how your todder helps you out! Also, I really encourage you to ask for help for your toddler's sake. I know because of lack of sleep and frustration that I found my self being less patient with my older one. Which was certainly not fair on her. So anything that you can do to relieve stress for everyone -do it. I found myself doing things that I didn't do with my first. For example, having my newborn sleep with me so I could just get some sleep. Hope this helps. Good luck!!

I have a 3month old and a 3 yr old. We have the phil and teds sport, which we LOVE!!! It is a single stroller that you can add a jump seat on the back for the toddler. When you see pics it looks like the toddler is covered up and they can't see, but they can and they love it. It cab used as a jogging stroller or a regular one. I also use the hotsling, which has been great. It's easy to put on and my baby istantly falls asleep.

Hi D.,

Congratulations on your second baby! I just had my second child 7 weeks ago, and my first son just turned two 3 weeks ago, so I completely understand where you will be in a few months.
If you want a side-by-side stroller, I highly recommend the Zooper. I thought my older son was not mature enough to handle the front-to-back stroller or sitting/standing in the sit and stand stroller, which is why I decided to get a side-by-side. I have used it several times for walks to the park and walks around the mall. It manuevers really well and has a lot of features.
I really like the sling from Simply Mom's at Baylor Hospital. I believe it is by Fairy Godmother. I also have the Metro Mamma wrap. I like it once I get my son it the wrap, but it takes a while to put on.
Good luck with everything! The first few weeks are a little crazy, but you will enjoy it!

My first two were 18 months apart and the MobyWrap was a lifesaver! They range from $40-60 depending on the color/print and you can wear a baby from birth to 35 lbs in one. They work for front carry, facing in or out, back carry, and hip carry. I would put my newborn son in the front carry and have both hands free to chase my 18 month old around the playground.

If you want to try one out, my store sells Moby Wraps as well as a lot of other baby carriers. The site is babiesbottomsandmore.com. We're in Farmers Branch, so if you'd like to stop by and try on different carriers just give me a call at ###-###-#### as we have limited hours (working around my kids' schedule as I balance work life and being a stay at home mom!)

E.

I have a Joovy Sit-n-Stand stroller. My two youngest boys are 22 months apart. I used a single stroller and snugli for the first few months. When the baby got too heavy I started using the double stroller. My 2 year old thought he was sooooo big because he wasn't sitting in a "baby" seat. You can use most infant seats with the stroller. I beleive I bought it at Babies r us. And the deciding factor to buy that one instead of a different one is because the handle is higher and the overall length is shorter. Hope his helps! Good Luck to you!

I purchased a sit n stand stroller from toys r us. You can slip the car sit in the front and your older child can sit pr stand in the back part. You can take them on walks or make things easier when you go out. It folds up with one hand and is about the size of a regular stroller. They are about 119.00 but look for coupons and you can get 20 off.

I received an Ergo (without the infant insert) when my daughter was almost 4 months old. My daughter turned 3 in November, and I still use it. It is one of the best gifts I have ever received. When she was an infant, I could place her in the Ergo and load the dishwasher, vacuum, talk on the phone hands free, etc. Now that she’s older, I keep it in the car in case her little legs get tired from running around with Mommy. http://www.ergobabycarriers.com