Now that twins are coming I realize that some of the baby products we have may to give way for new ones that accommodate two babies instead of one. Particularly our stroller.
We made do with a Baby Trend jogger gotten almost brand new off of Craig's List for $50. I coveted the Phil & Ted double strollers that everyone else in the neighborhood seemed to own, but it didn't make sense to shell out $500+ for a a fancy double stroller when we only had one child.
But now that there will be two boys who will need to get around the city for a few years (and a five year old who will undoubtedly want a ride too) I've begun the double stroller research again.
And you know what I've discovered? I still want a fancy schmancy one.
But which one?
Not that I want what everyone else has, but around here on Capitol Hill I've been noticing the Baby Jogger City Select tandem stroller. And I like what I see.
The downside is that, like the Phil & Ted, it too has a fancy schmancy price tag. Sigh.
Of course I've been making a list of reasons why we need to spend so much on a good stroller:
*as city dwellers we rely on walking a LOT. On the sidewalks, the Metro, museums, zoo... a stroller is like a second vehicle, except much cheaper
*because of small city spaces (Metro elevators and the like) it is necessary to have a tandem stroller (versus a side-by-side) and there are fewer options in that category that are well-designed and well-made and affordable at the same time
*with a good, sturdy stroller we would rely less on our car, thus saving money and the planet at the same time!
* it has gotten incredible reviews
*you get what you pay for, right?
What do you think? Be honest. Am I crazy and/or greedy? Or is this really a good investment?
Well, one good thing is that they hold their value well! After you use it for a few years, you can probably still sell it and recoup some of your $$$.
ReplyDeleteA DC mom of irish twins once raved to me that she loved her mountain buggy urban double because it was a breeze to could push her two kids over Hill sidewalks with one hand on the handlebar and the other holding her latte. I filed that in my head and purchased a single a few years later. True to her word, I can hold a preschooler's hand and push the stroller with ease. It looks like they make three doubles now. Her's was a side by side, but I don't know which one of the current models it would be closest too.
ReplyDeleteWhen Phinny was born I got a high end p&t, and frankly haven't loved it. I know lots of people swear by them, so I think mine is a lemon :-( in Denver I use a maclaren techno twin and LOVE it. It was $100 on craigslist in practically new condition - maybe you can find a deal, too? I leave it in the car all the time - it's compact enough that there's still plenty of room for groceries, etc., and easy to pull out for walks around the neighborhood. That said, I don't know that it's sturdy enough to fill the "second car" role that strollers play on the Hill. I suggest you test drive as many different models as you can, and then splurge for what you love. You'll certainly put some miles on it! Xo
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to get a double BOB (side by side seats)because I have loved my single one, want to jog and am not as pressed for space as you. I totally think a good stroller is a good investment and the good ones have good resale value, so you can still make a few hundred bucks back. Even better, get a used one. But just get a good one. Two kids and all their stuff will take too much effort to push with a crappy stroller. You want something that is as smooth and effortless as possible. It is worth the money.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with MamaM.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are on the hill, you need a good stroller. I lucked out by being the first to grab a used P&T's off of MOTH but the tires go flat a lot. But it is so versatile. Oh I'm so excited for you!
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