Stroller rec's - newborn twins +toddler?

[twinsplustoddler]

Hi -

My daughter will be 2yr4mo when my twins arrive in September. I'm looking for the "perfect" stroller and am willing to accept that I might need more than one (I've got 3 strollers now for my one daughter!).

1. Is there any stroller that you LOVE for transporting twins and a toddler? I do not want to get a triple stroller, but want an option other than just the ride-on-board for my daughter.

2. I also need a stroller for quick trips in and out of the car (mall, etc.). Is the Double Snap n Go my best bet and can I put a toddler board or something on there?
--If not, what do you recommend?
--If you do like the Double Snap N Go, what do you recommend for once they are out of the infant seats? I love my MacClaren - is there a way to put something for my toddler on the double MacClaren?

Thank you so much!!!

[Oak]

Check out the Valco Trimode Twin Runabout w/ the toddler seat and/or buggy board. You can also get a triple decker for when the twins are small. You can put a toddler seat in the center and transport the twins in their carseats. Later on, you can get three toddler seats, if you want. However, I would probably use this when they are small. Again, I think the best choice is the Valco, however, they are pricey. I was fortunate to find mine used and like new.

[sarahbrown29]

The only one I would NOT recommend is the Joovy Big Caboose. We received it as a gift and DH threw away the receipt before we found out it wouldn't fit in our Honda Odyssey. While it was pretty easy to manuever, it is HUGE! I just didn't go places by myself or I put one of the twins in the Moby Wrap and let the other & DD1 ride in our Maclaren double.

[hobie]

Valco! Works great :)

[gatorsmom]

I have the Adventure Buggy Company (ABC) Twin Everest with add-on toddler seat and love that for moving 3 around. It is easy to take the toddler seat off (it just slides right off) and is very sturdy. The toddler sits on top and so gets a little well-needed mommy time. It's about the same size as a Mountain Buggy Urban Double (MBUD) but the MBUD won't take a toddler seat.

The only think I don't like about the ABC stroller is how heavy it is. And how bulky it is to pick up and put in a car. Other than that, it's a very sturdy, well- built stroller with exceptional customer service.

I forgot to add that for my twins, I now use the Snap and Go double. There is just nothing easier than that stroller. I will be sad to give it up when my twins outgrow their Graco Safeseats because it just makes little trips and small errands so much easier.

[Kindra178]

Gatorsmom,

Here is the response I received from Baby Trend when I asked if the safeseats fit (can you post the link again to the one u bought?):


I do apologize but the Graco SafeSeat car seats are not compatible for our Baby Trend Strollers. The only Graco that is compatible is the Graco Snug Ride.

Baby Trend
1607 S Campus Ave
Ontario CA 91761
Customer Service Rep. Angie
Tel 800-328-7363
Fax 909-773-0108
[email protected]
www.babytrend.com

NO Refunds or Exchanges for parts purchased from Baby Trend

[gatorsmom]

Gatorsmom,

Here is the response I received from Baby Trend when I asked if the safeseats fit (can you post the link again to the one u bought?):


I do apologize but the Graco SafeSeat car seats are not compatible for our Baby Trend Strollers. The only Graco that is compatible is the Graco Snug Ride.

Baby Trend
1607 S Campus Ave
Ontario CA 91761
Customer Service Rep. Angie
Tel 800-328-7363
Fax 909-773-0108
[email protected]
www.babytrend.com

NO Refunds or Exchanges for parts purchased from Baby Trend

Kindra 178,
I just read your post and was so surprised by Baby Trend's response. I've been using the Double SNG for the past 6 months with our SafeSeats. So, I went to our garage and pulled all the numbers off the stroller I have so maybe this will help you.

Model# 1305TW
MFG Date 4-5-2007
Lot & QTYN 01240373

And here is a link to the exact stroller I'm using:
http://www.babytrend.com/products_detail.php?CategoryID=0002.0004.0000.0000&LampID=932

I have put the bars in these locations:
for the carseat closest to the parent "pusher" the bar is screwed into the "E" position. For the carseat furthest from the pusher the bar is screwed into the holes between the B and C stickers. My Safeseats click in very securely. Hope this helps!

ETA: I bought my DSNG from Target.com about 9 months ago. This looks exactly like the webpage I ordered mine from:http://www.target.com/Baby-Trend-Double-Stroller-Black/dp/B000LEI82W/sr=1-3/qid=1212695949/ref=sr_1_3/601-8823507-0165741?ie=UTF8&index=target&field-browse=1038590&rh=k%3ASnap%20N%20Go&page=1

[gatorsmom]

I wanted to add one more point I thought might be relevant in someone's search for a stroller. Lately, we've had a ton of mosquitoes and some pretty nasty rainy weather. I'm not sure about some of the other strollers that accommodate 3 children, but the ABC Twin Everest will allow you to completely enclose the babies in a bug net/ rain cover while the toddler is sitting on top. Essentially, the babies are enclosed in their own little world while the toddler is riding on top close to you. I took all 4 kids to my older son's soccer practice last night and Cha cha was tired and didn't want to walk. So, while the twins were sleeping underneath, I pushed him on top until we got to our field. I had bug spray on our toddler but didn't want to have to put it on the babies. It is a nice feature on this stroller. Not sure you can do that on the Valco.

[DeeEast]

I've got to put in my extremely high recommendation for the Valco twin with toddler seat (tri-mode). It has been invaluable. I hesitate to say it, but I think it was the single best baby product investment that we have ever made, and that's saying a lot.

Edited to add that my DD was 25 months when our twins were born and almost 3 years later we are still using the Valco constantly. It is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C. Can't say enough about it for our particular situation (which sounds a lot like yours). PM me if you want more info. We got ours from Rodney at Kiwi-kids and I haggled for a pretty good Strollerqueen discount.

[michlyn]

I was looking at the joovy big caboose but am now reconsidering due to it not fitting well in minivan :(

I have heard awesome things about valcos

[twinsplustoddler]

How long did your DC's sit in the toddler seat on the Valco?

Also, how heavy is it? I went stroller shopping yesterday and the woman at the store told me that they stopped carrying it b/c everyone complained it was too heavy. But, I'm still thinking about getting it because of all the glowing recommendations on here. The one she suggested instead would be the BOB Duelie with a Buggy Board.

[Papa Joe]

Get the Valco if it will fit in your car.