Graco Twin Stroller
The tandem stroller was actually the one that we purchased first when I had my twins. I envisioned it being sleek and streamlined, easy to push through aisles while shopping. It was here where I was wrong. Although a tandem stroller isn’t as wide as twin strollers, it was not any easier to push. In fact, due to the distribution of weight in the stroller, it would oftentimes be quite difficult. The length of the tandem stroller made it more difficult to avoid possible bumps into objects too. Another disadvantage was the complete lack of storage/basket!
In order for it to be able to fold for travel, there was virtually no storage on the tandem stroller! (Storage is a must when travelling with 2 children!) I initially thought that I would enjoy the tandem design in seating, but that proved to be another nightmare in terms of who got to sit “in front”. (The front back design also led to the child in front being poked and prodded by the child in back.) Another design flaw in my opinion was that only the back seat could fully recline.
Twin strollers turned out to be a much better option than a tandem stroller. Whereas I first thought it was going to be nearly impossible to manoeuvre, it was actually very easy to steer. Although equally as plush as the tandem stroller, twin strollers are much sleeker. They fold neatly in half (top to bottom) and have an enormous basket that ran the entire length of the 2 seats as well as under them! Both seats reclined separately so that either child could nap if tired. Since the seats were side by side, both children could see equally as well eliminating that “front seat” syndrome. (The side by side did not stop the poking and prodding, but it did give each child an equal advantage!)
My only complaint about twin strollers (my particular model anyway), is that the awning was in one piece and had to be either up or down for both children. As with everything, you have to do what you feel is right for your situation and family’s needs.
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.
