Which SBS double stroller is best?

[magge]

Hello,

We have 13 month old twins (a boy and a girl). Until recently we've been using the double snap-n-go. We were also given a double jogging stroller (Kelty Kids), which we have just started using outdoors. However, I would imagine it will be hard to take the jogging stroller out, since it's big and heavy. I am trying to decide what side-by-side double stroller is best (trips to zoo, mall, travelling). Originally, I was considering the MBUD and Valco - but then, since we have the jogging stroller, should I just get a lightweight umbrella stroller instead of the all-purpose? If I do get a lightweight, I had heard good things about the Aria Twin, the Combi Twin Savvy, and the MacClaren Twin Traveller. Which do people suggest??

Thanks so much for your help!

[Ohio_Mom]

Out of those three light(er) weights you mentioned, the Mac Twin Traveller is the best one. The Aria Twin is horrible (do a search for it here, and you will see all the negative reviews of it), and the Combi Twin Savvy has a reputation for people kicking the back of the stroller while walking with it unless they are quite short. The Mac, on the other hand, has great reviews and would definitely be the better investment of the three.

I do think the Valco or MBUD would be redundant if you already have a jogger and are satisfied with it. Especially if the whole reason for seeking out a second stroller is to find one that's not "big and heavy" like the jogger, the Valco or MBUD both might be a disappointment because both are fairly big and heavy. However, both would be quite a step up from your Kelty jogger. If you were seeking a higher end replacement for your Kelty, then the Valco or MBUD would both be awesome. I have a Valco single and an MBUD, and they are both incredible strollers.

[MamaKath]

>If I do get a lightweight, I had heard good things about the Aria
>Twin, the Combi Twin Savvy, and the MacClaren Twin Traveller.
>Which do people suggest??

Those are certainly the top 3 choices that most people look at. :-) Have you had a chance to try any in person? It often can be a very personal taste issue of what you like and what your children like.

The Macs are well made. Many kids hate the seats in a Mac, many others love them. They push well, though the storage baskets and sunshades are seriously lacking. The Combi is very nice also, folds small, steers well, very comfy seats, decent storage, cupholder thing for mom, front grab bar for babies/kids, great sunshades. I have a friend who swears by the Combi; says it is the best indoor sbs double she has owned (and she is a junkie, lol, so that is a lot). The Aria Twin is mainly a mall stroller, and lots of people like it for that purpose. Comfy seats, bigger baskets, not great sunshades. It wouldn't be my first choice, partly due to its larger fold.

ETA: The Macs have narrow seats; Combis look narrow, but are actually pretty roomy (think it is the cushions); Aria has pretty wide/roomy seats overall.

If you are able to try them with your children, I would do that. Strollers are very personal. This is the one piece of big baby gear that you have a daily, direct usage of. You don't sleep in their crib, ride in their swing, play in their exersaucer. You will do an awful lot of pushing of the stroller, get one YOU love!!!! :-)

Happy shopping!!! HTH~

[jwozy]

I have b/g twins and they are now 23 months. We have the Aria Twin that we use at the mall, Disneyland, and quick outings which it has worked okay but it's far from perfect - my son is over 32lbs while my daughter is about 26lbs and this makes manuevering quite a challenge at times. My kids sit great in this stroller though, and they both like having the snack tray. This is a very lightweight stroller and easy to travel with.

We were given a Mach Twin Techno and it's only been used for 10 minutes. I love the push and manuveribility of this stroller but my son does not sit well in this as he looks too big for it already. This stroller does fold up quite compactly and is very sturdy.


I also would suggest you taking the time to try the different strollers out with the kids in it.

[hardysmom]

I have 2 yr old g/g twins. I don't think a MB is all that redundant with a jogger. I've used one from birth for everything-- malls, travel, grocery shopping, etc... Both kids love it.

Of the lighter weights-- I had an Aria for a week and sold it. The weight was nice and I actually liked the fold, but it was one of the hardest strollers I have ever tried to maneuver.

The Combi, like the Aria, is mostly an indoor only stroller. That said, I think it is better than the Aria.

As mentioned, the Macs and the Inglesina Twin Swift are more flexible. While an MB is better outside, these won't drive you nuts if you are walking on not so great sidewalks, etc... I like the Swift because it has 3 handles which makes it easier to steer and easier to hang things from the handles.

Personally, one handed steering is a big deal for me which is one of the reasons I have never minded the weight of the MB. Loading and unloading it a chore, but it is just such a fantastic stroller to use. Plus, and this is a "twin thing," I long ago gave up on the idea that my twin life was going to be easy. Having a stroller which can take on anything gives me a certain amount of confidence. In the MB, I KNOW I can traverse whatever might come in my path.

Usually, for quick errands with my friends with 2 differently aged siblings, the older child walks for short in/out stuff. With twins, you are going to be using the stroller, at least for containment, much longer. Get what you want.

Stephanie