The system comes with an infant carrier, stroller and carrier base (which is installed into the car). This is Graco’s lightweight stroller travel system, they have a heavier system called the Quattro, but it is too heavy and clumsy compared to the Metrolite.
The carrier base uses the LATCH hooks that are available in nearly every car made in the last decade and is easy to install. If you are sharing drop-off and pick-up with a spouse, additional carrier bases can be purchased. The infant carrier snaps into the stroller frame so transfering between car and stroller can be done without waking up a sleeping baby.
The stroller is light weight but full featured. It has ample storage in the underneath basket. It folds up easily to put into the trunk or back of the van/SUV. Since this is the lightweight version, it is easy to lift.
There are drink holders for both the adult and the child, along with a snack tray for the child. The stroller reclines all the way to the flat position to allow a baby to sleep without using the carrier. As the baby becomes old enough to support their own head, they can be put in the sitting position of the stroller. The stroller uses a 5 point harness to keep the child safe and secure.
This stroller can be used until the child has reached a height of about 36 inches, at which point their head will no longer be well supported by the backing of the stroller.
Having this stroller travel system has greatly reduced the number of strollers we have needed over the first few years of our child’s life.
Double strollers have two seats and come with several seating arrangements. A traditional tandem stroller will seat the first child with a good view but the child behind can see very little. Tandem seating is like stadium seating where the rear seat is raised above the one in front and there is also face to face seating seating or a side by side twin stroller.
Running (or jogging strollers) allow you to bring your child or children along on a run. Jogging strollers have a triangular wheel base with two large wheels in the rear and one wheel in the front. An added safety feature is a wrist strap on the handle bar to prevent the stroller rolling away when you stop if you don’t get the brake on fast enough.
Triple strollers are unsurprisingly for three children. Seating arrangements can be side by side but most will have tandem or stadium seating.
Umbrella strollers are relatively inexpensive, lightweight and generally easier to fold and unfold and store in a car. They are terrific for short trips to the Mall or short walks but do not work well on all terrains. Umbrella strollers do have a tendency to tip back if anything is hung on the handles.
So called lightweight strollers also come with multiple seating but are slightly heavier than an umbrella stroller but slightly less than a standard stroller. Typically they fold in a single hand motion and look similar to a standard stroller.
Phil & Teds Vibe with Dbls kit
A convertible stroller is changeable from a lie-flat bed suitable for newborns to a sit-up stroller with a lie-back facility for naps.
A stroller travel system is also convertible and suitable for very young or newborns. Unlike the convertible stroller, it also comes with a car seat.
Bike strollers or trailers can also be found as two seated models and have 5-point harnesses to secure the child. They are attached to the rear wheel of the bike and easily converted from a trailer to a stroller.
If you have a very young baby and a toddler, you’ll need the type of stroller that will allow you to take them both out together in safety. Some of the twin side-by-side strollers or a double stroller travel system will do this. Not cheap, but you may be able to find one second-hand. We like the new Bugaboo Donkey, however, it can be difficult to get as it’s new. In the meantime, Phil and Teds Vibe with a doubles kit is pretty good. You can see that by clicking on the picture on the left.
Often parents do not learn they are having more than one baby till later in their pregnancy, 15 weeks or beyond. Considering this, there is often a concern of having ample time to find the right twin strollers for the new arrivals in the family, or, if expecting triplets perhaps a triple stroller!
The good news is that many of your big box retail stores as well as specialty stores sell twin strollers (if you are looking for a double jogging stroller or a tandem stroller they will have those as well). As well as your traditional retail stores parents may want to look into the possibility of specialist designed twin strollers. These can be found from websites like Berg Designs or Runabout strollers.
Do not rule out Craigs list or even Ebay for a wide selection of twin strollers as well. Runabout strollers have been around for some time and have gained a reputation of being one of the best multiple strollers on the market, the best thing about them is that they are made to order. However, this could be a draw back in that you cannot purchase them from your major retailers. For the price conscious parents a better option would be to shop at Babies R Us, Target, Wal-Mart or even Sears. Each of these will provide you with a large selection of twin strollers and stroller travel systems that would meet all your needs.
Regardless of what brand of stroller you select for your twin stroller, you are sure to find a wide variety to select from. The best advice you can follow is to do your homework, research the brands, see what the parents are saying about the products and compare price.
