Twin Stroller advice needed (m)

[3under2]

Hi. I have a 13 month old ds and I am expecting twins in January. I will have 3 kids 18 months apart! Yikes!

I have been doing research on twin strollers and I am confused. Which strollers would twin moms most recommend? Also, since I already have a child who will presumably need to ride in stroller too, should I get a triplet stroller? Or, will I so rarely take all 3 out that I won't need 3 spaces for them to ride? I just don't know what to do. The last thing I want to do is spend $400+ on a stroller that I hate and don't end up using at all.

TIA for any advice you can give.

Caroline

[riostoker]

I don't have twins, so take my advice with a grain of salt. I'm just trying to imagine myself in your situation (yikes!)... I would think that a triplet stroller would be really big, awkward, heavy, and hard to maneuver. Never tried one, just seems like it would be. That said, I would probably get a twin stroller and just plan on using a baby bjorn for one of the babies or a backpack for the toddler when I went out. That way, everybody would have a place to sit, but you wouldn't have to deal with the giant triple.

As for what stroller to buy... somebody else will answer that. My cousin who has twins has a Maclaren and loves it, but she especially needed something that would fold up small for an apartment.

Good luck! My dad is a twin and has a brother is 18 months older. I know it was tough on my grandmother, but she survived!! :)

[hipmaman]

Congrats on your twins! I think they (and the 18 months old) would keep you busy, but no doubt they are all precious :)

I think even if you can't physically go anywhere with the children on your own for a while yet, the older one will still need a stroller seat as well as the twins. The least that you should consider is an outdoor stroller where you can take them for long walks, walking to the park, etc. I don't have 3 kids, nor are my kids that close together (well 21.5 months, lol), but I used those walks to collect my thoughts, ground myself, restore my sanity, etc. ;)

I would definitely check the multiple birth sites for advice on strollers and gear. Here are two that I know of http://www.tripletconnection.org/u_stroll.html and http://www.cgocable.net/~hparker/. These sites offer advice as well as having used strollers for sale.

High-end sbs models I have heard mentioned for 3 kids are the Inglesina Trio http://www.inglesina.us/prodotti/detail.php3?sectionid=35&sesid=&itemid=120 (2 sbs and the 3rd centre on the opposite side, the fixed wheels model was said to be better); Gordon from England (but more indoor than off-roading stroller); Baby Jogger (jogging stroller with big wheels but seats don't recline, not good for young infants). You should check the Mountain Buggy, newly imported into the US from NZ http://shopping.oraclesmallbusiness.com/app/site/site.nl?site=ACCT62935&mode=items&sc=2&category=16 (narrow width of 41.5", seats are individual reclined and a newborn can use these seats).

For tandem, there is the PP Triplets http://www.pegperego.com/2002WebPages/juvenile/Triplette.htm; and roundabout in-line jogger.

Hope these links start you going.

[DDplusTwinsMommy]

I have twins with an older child, but she was 4 when they were born so I figured she would just walk. Actually, with twins I never really ventured out by myself for the first few months - too much work! But you will WANT to get out of the house soon enough! Just take it slowly!

A stroller is an investment - for your sanity!

For the first year, a good double and a sling/hip hammock would be my suggestion. Carry one baby and the toddler can ride with the other (they like to do that). Then after that you need to think about if you will be taking 3 kids shopping together. For instance, my oldest went to a part-time preschool at 3 & 4 so I had some days that I could go with just 2 kids. I would plan around her preschool schedule! Then if I just happened to need to run in the store with 3, I always keep my hip hammock in the car and two would ride the stroller.

A triple stroller would be great for walks around the neighborhood, and I would look around for a used one. Check your local twins club - some have "garage sales" to help members get rid of their used stuff! I know I stocked up at two sales before my twins came and I'm so glad that I did! To find one in your area check out: http://www.nomotc.org/

I have a Combi Twin Savvy and it went everywhere the first year. Now I also have a Mountain Buggy that I use to walk DD to K every day. Combi is in my van. My biggest criteria was the weight of the stroller and Combi is the lightest, I think.

Good Luck with your year!
Susan