How Long to Use Stroller

Hi,

I don't know how good the sit n' stand strollers are for running (you'd probably prefer a jogging stroller for that), but I loved the one we had. My kids are 3 years apart as well, and it was perfect for long walks. It had a much smaller footprint and was more easy to maneuver. It was a bit bulky when getting it out of car, but overall I found it very convenent.

It wouldn't hurt to look at double strollers now and find the one you like, but wait until after the baby is born to make the purchase. My oldest was 3 when my second was born. Initially I thought it was so much easier to keep the baby in a carrier and have the oldest walk next to me or ride in a single stroller. I did end up buying a dual stroller b/c my oldest (who previously hated strollers) suddenly had no desire to walk b/c the baby wasn't walking. It has come in handy for long walks or at times when I just need to be able to have the two kids in a stroller (e.g. making a purchase at the mall). I bought the sit and stand which I do like for walking, even though it is somewhat bulky. However, I don't think it would work too well for jogging. Good luck with whatever you decide! Congrats on the upcoming addition!

My daughter was 4 when our second was born and we did not invest in a double stroller. She does really well when walking so it hasn't really been an issue. They are just so big and bulky. We looked at the sit and stands but they are very heavy too. Good luck!

It depends on the kids - mine loved sitting in the stroller with a some snacks and a drink on their lap. We used ours until they were about 8 and 5 (petite girls) whenever we went into Boston since there were long walks involved. They would start with walking but when tired had a place to sit/put coats & bags, etc. After that I would still use it for local walks for the youngest child and put groceries or her school backpack in the second seat. But most of my friends with boys said that they just did not want to be in the stroller, even when they could barely walk. We had the InStep 10K with the separate rain guard and bug net, to make a snug little nest for them in any weather. For running with 2 you would need a lighter weight unit than the InStep brand - these are more for rough terrain than true running.

Hi L.,

If you're thinking of a double running stroller, keep in mind that for the first few months, your new baby will be to young to ride in the stroller while you run (not enough head support). After that, your son might be even more reluctant to use the stroller!

As for a regular double stroller, my son was 23 months when my daughter was born. I had him in the stroller and her in a sling. Now that she is 5 months old, she more and more often rides in the stroller and my son walks. The occasions when I would really have needed a double stroller (like to restrain them both during my doctor's appointment!) have been very rare.

As my son walks more and more and enjoys it, I am not sure if I will invest in a double stroller when my daughter outgrows the slings (still several months to go). At that time, the double stroller would be convenient especially when it's my son's nap time and we're on the go or even for time-outs. So, I'm not sure it will be worth it.

It depends a lot how often and how long you walk (I walk everywhere!)

I use a sit and stand and it works great.

My youngest is now three--and she has no interest in going in a stroller anymore... the last few times we tried she would sit for a little while, and then insist on getting out... which meant you had to somehow hold her hand while pushing the stroller. Keeping her in the seat at the grocery store--also a challenge.

We did get a double stroller when my daughter was born. My son was 2.5 and I found I didn't use it as much as I thought I would. At first, it was easier to have him in the stroller and her in a sling, and then my son sort-of out grew being in the stroller. The double stroller really didn't maneuver as well as the single one, either.

If your son already likes to walk a lot, I'd skip the purchase. Try to get in a run while he's at preschool!

well for me (also an avid runner) it is/was worth it - we use it about 3 days a week (depends on your schedule - if son is in preschool, etc. and you can then use single with the baby - when she/he is big enough)i have just had to explain to my (now 3 1/2) that the the run is my time and he is "helping" by being great in the stroller - and it is at most an hour - we watch cars/count/blah blah i am sure you know the drill! but i am better mother with my running so i cannot give it up! good luck with your new baby!

I am not sure if you are looking for a regular stroller or a jogging stroller? From our experience, standard double stroller was not necessary. I have a 2.5 yo boy and 1.5 yo girls. I did buy a double stroller when my daughter was born, a graco duoglider. Never used it, sold it a couple of months ago. It was bulky and unnecessary for us, and my son also likes to walk, does not like to be in a stroller. We subsequently bought a Joovy Caboose, the sit and stand type, and love it. My son thinks it is fun to ride in the back, and can hop on and off when needed, and has the option for him to sit. It is lightweight and maneuverable. I also use the kelty kid carrier often, for my daughter, while my son walks. For running, I am currently looking for a double jogger too...
Congratulations and good luck!
best,
Kim

Your three-year-old may be more interested in the double stroller because it'll be new to him, and he'll be able to ride with the new baby.