Monday, May 21, 2007

Stroller Query

Huge weekend report coming: Paul's surprise 30th birthday party. Adelaide's baptism. Family visiting. A controversy and town hall meeting at church. But for now -

Here's what I want in a stroller:
  • Will sit my two girls side-by-side. They want to play together and they both want to see out/interact with the world around them so this is critical.
  • Cup holders for the girls are a must-have.
  • A snack tray would be great too (good for keeping Cheerios or small toys)
  • A parent cup holder - or two - is very important.
  • Also nice: tall and/or adjustable handle, multi-positional seats, and wheels in the middle as well as on the sides.

Combi Twin Savvy is the closest I can find to this, but there's no adult drink holder. And what's the difference between the EX and the LX, anyway? Anyone with any ideas? I've searched the websites of every stroller manufacturer in the world, as listed by Consumer Reports. Did I miss anything anywhere?

Seriously, how picky am I? Side-by-side and everyone gets a bottle of water. Why is that so hard?

8 comments:

Amanda said...

A woman I know has a side by side pram (stroller) over here. I'll see her tomorrow morning and see if it has cupholders all around and what the manufacturer is.

Rob Monroe said...

I saw a stroller-attachment cup holder at BabiesRUs last weekend.... I don't see it online, but I would be willing to pick one or two up for you and send them your way if you decide you like the one without.

Camera Obscura said...

Adult cup holders should be your last worry, I think. I shouldn't be surprised if you can't get them at places like Tar-shay, even.

After watching all the grief people went through trying to get double-wides through doors, I opted for a front-and-back. I even used it for Daughter after both of her brothers were too big for it, simply for the extra carrying capacity. And I mourned, mourned, mourned the first holiday-shopping-season after she was too big for it...

Sarahlynn said...

Thanks, all.

I've seen the cup holder attachments. Remember when cars didn't come with cup holders and you had to clip one onto your open window? No?

Anyway, I'd prefer a factory installed cup holder, but as that's impossible, I'll accept factory installed cup holders for the girls - who would surely knock a velcro or clamped on holder akimbo - and get an attachment for me.

Camera, the new side-by-sides are supposed to be narrower than they used to be, and more door friendly. Here's hoping! I don't stroll through too many doorways, anyway. And I'm OK with being wide at the airport, at Disney World, walking around the block, etc.

Belovedlife said...

Sara Lynn,
I can help you out here. I am the QUEEN of strollers. My husband jokes that I switched form collecting shoes to collecting strollers after having my first kid.
I have the Maclaren Twin and the COmbi Twin Saavy EX. Both are the side by side versions.
THey are good but each has its ups can downs.
The combi is good becasue:It can accomodate a car seat, it folds up compactly (as big as a golf bag, so you still have trunk space),it has a snack tray and cup holders for the kids. IT can fit thru any doorway that is wheel chair accessinbel. SO those few doors which are old will not accept your buggy. It has a double canopy so no fighting over the shade.
The downs to it are that it has essenitally this tiny bucket on the bottm to hols all your gear. THe bar to push with cannot be raised or lowered. I am 5 ft 7, I have no problem with it, although with heels it tend to get a little short, but not bad. THere is no place to hang your diaper bag. and the kids clinmb out of the straps, as there is no chest plate. You can buy one at a specialty store to add on.
THe Maclaren I love! BUt it is big when it folds, is heavy, I tend to kick the back when I walk. THe shade has broken twice, causing the factory to replace it once, the second time I did, ouch that was expensive! No cup holders and once more not too much of a bucket on the bottm for stuff.
I also have a double jogger, and a double cheapy unmbrella stroller. It all depends on what you need it for. I personally love my combi as it has suited my needs pretty well. THere is no perfect stroller.
If you are looking for traveling easily, light weight, then the combi is your best bet. If you are looking for adjustable handles, good harnesses and a sturdy frame, then the MAclaren is the way to go.
Hey, FOur kids has gotten me a degree in strollers and diapers...
HOpe thi shelps...you can always check out babygaga.com for more ratings...the best thing is to take one for a test drive at your local baby store. See how the kids sit in it, I found some of the double to be narrow , too narrow for my children to sit comfortably in them.
Good luck!

Sarahlynn said...

BelovedLife, thank you!!! Your research confirms mine. I've "test driven" the Combi and really liked it (except for the lack of snack tray and adult cup holder). Our diaper bag fit underneath, and the handle worked for both Paul (6'4") and me (5'4"). I'm glad to hear that I'm not missing some obvious perfect solution.

Leeby said...

So, I am a lurker delurking (admittedly a little late to the party), because...I am newly obssessed with Zooper strollers. So one at the mall, and now obssesively look online and try to scheme a reason to justify ANOTHER stroller. Did you check out their double?

Sarahlynn said...

Thanks, Anna. May I ask what's exciting about the Zooper?

I did check out the Tango Duo online, but eliminated it because of the lack of snack trays or cup holders for anyone. Plus, there are no wheels in the middle and there's one large basket underneath, making me concerned about stability and sagging in the middle. Also, only one sunshade brings to mind battles over up vs. down. But I'd be happy to hear positives!

I ordered the Combi; it should be here soon.