So, with two kids, I always figured I'd buy a BOB dualie. With two kids under 2 years old, I NEED a double stroller -- for walks, for trips to the mall, the zoo, etc -- and my thinking was that if I need a double stroller anyway, I may as well make it a double running stroller. Did I do any research on this in the past 9 months?
Nah.
I just figured I'd go and buy the BOB dualie, buy the car seat adapter to accomodate Caleb, and...viola! Easy-peasy.
Turns out, not so easy-peasy.
The BOB dualie does have a car seat adapter, but not for the brand of car seat that we have for Caleb (the Chicco Key Fit). BOB has an adapter for this kind of car seat for the single stroller, but just not the dualie. The dualie is expensive enough as it is; plus, we already have this car seat (leftover from Norah's infant days), so I can't justify buying a whole new car seat just to fit the dualie. Additionally, Jerry's argument is that Norah will probably only tolerate a stroller for, maybe, another full year. So, is the dualie worth it in the end anyway?
If we don't buy a BOB dualie, we'll probably just a buy a regular ol' double stroller that's about $400 cheaper (which is certainly an advantage) that can be used for the basic above listed needs for a double stroller. I'm just out a double running stroller. Which means no running with two kids. Maybe that's a good thing, not running and pushing two kids in a stroller? But, it would mean no convienent running times -- like running very early in the morning or late in the evening.
So, as I was sitting at the computer, browsing every stroller combination online and growing increasingly frustrated that I couldn't make my ideal work, Jerry suggested I blog about it and see if any of you have ideas, suggestions, or experiences that might help me make the best decision here.
Keep in mind, I want to make the best fiscal decision, but we also have very limited storage, so I can't buy both a regular double stroller and 6 months down the road (when Caleb would, conceivably, be big enough to go in the dualie without a car seat) a BOB dualie. Suggestions?
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27 comments:
If you could find a used one (garage sales, craigs list) maybe you could justify the cost of a new carseat?
Otherwise you're in my boat (running at the ass crack of dawn before hubs leaves for work)...
What about the babyjogger? They have a carseat adapter for the Chico carseat that works on the double stroller. I know when you originally got the BOB you went with it because it was a little shorter, but when I tested out both current models in the store before buying our jogger, they only seemed to be about an inch difference in the handlebar height. A friend of mine from HS has a specialty stroller for 4 kids (ages 5 mos to 4 yrs) that she jogs with! So maybe two kids wouldn't be so bad?
craigslist?
We got a jogging stroller off of Craigslist when my daughter was a few months old. However, after only about 3 months, she refused to sit in it for runs anymore. Both the husband and I are runners, so we had to just work around our schedules and fit it in with those early morning or nightitme runs. Hard, yes, but necessary. I'm due with baby #2 in two weeks and we will just be sticking with the single jogger since our daughter won't sit in one. Maybe baby #2 will. So I would hate to see you shell out all the money and Caleb refuses to even sit in the stroller and it's a waste for you. Running at night isn't so bad!
I have a double Baby Jogger City mini and it has a chicco adaptor. HOWEVER, I'm not really sure how well it would really "jog", so I'd stick with Bob. If I were you I would just make do with what you have now and get a double when Caleb is old enough to not be in the bucket seat and need the attachment.
and, Hi! I'm just a random reader who has been attempting to "run while pregnant" and I happened to stumble across you.
I have nothing that is useful, probably, but I would try to get a cheap compatible carseat....
I say go for the BOB and see if you can get a used carseat that will fit just for using the BOB. I used a double stroller until my oldest was 5.5. There are just times when it's easier to have a place for them to rest if you are out for a long day and it's super helpful if you walk to groceries or around a theme park, etc. And the duallie will have great resale value when you are done if you take good care of it. (Or try to buy a used one - I've had a double Mountain Buggy and now a single Mountain Buggy and I got them both used and they still had resale value after I was done.)
I have a BOB dualie, and while I love, love, love it, it's a total beast. We store it on hooks in the garage, and I make my husband haul it up and down. Not that you have time to read blogs, but my latest post gives you an idea of the scale. I'm 5'8".
With that being said, I don't have the outgrowing problem like you. I spent the money because I know I'll use it for a number of years. Would I have spent the money for a year? Maybe not. You do have 365 of runable weather, so your "one year" is about two of my "years".
I will say that the dualies have excellent resale value. You'll get some decent money at the end. GOod luck with your decision. The stroller sitch was one of my post stressful!
I've never posted a comment before... follow your blog after you were profiled on Run Like a Mother. I have a 8-month-old and 2.5-year-old. Almost bought a double BOB but balked at the price at the last minute, even on craigslist. Glad I didn't buy it because the baby screams and screams in the stroller, despite trying and trying. The older one just wants to walk. I use the ergo front carrier for the baby, and toddler walks or rides in the cart (or sometimes I carry him too). None of this is good for running, but I just find it easier and way less stressful to fit running in without kids than to try to keep two kids happy in the stroller when neither really wants to be there.
Good luck. I still only have one, so you're forging the way. If it's any help, my girl could handle the BOB at 4 months without the car seat... so, you don't necessarily have to wait 6 months to use a double BOB.
Unfortunatly, sooner or later Norah is not going to want to go running in the BOB with you. Caleb might not even dig it that much. Keep your single one for awhile and see how it goes. $400 is a lot of jack to spend on something that you may not need. Granted it would be nice for places like busch gardens etc, but Norah's getting to the age where she is probably going to want to walk all the time anyway.
The non-runner in me but practical fiscal spender (yeah right) thinks you should wait it out. You mentioned running used to be the time where you could relax, clear your head, decompress, etc. After Norah started talking and being more active, you mentioned the runs weren't giving you the same satisfaction as your solo days (they gave you new things to look forward to with Norah though). I have a feeling after a long day of Mommying or working, you are going to want to hand the kids off to Jerry and go for a solo run. I also know that Norah is about to end her days of liking a stroller in general and want to walk more. A regular stroller that can handle two kids would probably be more practical for outtings and walks. Just my two cents.
Every kid is different. Brooke wants to walk all the time, but she'll still ride in the stroller, especially if its "fun". I've also heard most kids get over the whole "I want to walk" thing and want back in the stroller again - at about age 3.
As for the stroller. I have a BabyJogger - the carseat adapters are pretty strange. I wouldnt feel comfy running with it. Its just not as stable as the BOB.
I have a friend who was in your situation. She bought a carseat just for the stroller. She got the cheapest carseat she could find.
You have done so great running with Norah and have intended on running with 2. Dont give up the dream. You can see from my sporatic posting that running WITHOUT the kids when you have 2 is really hard. You are tired. The schedules dont sync. At the end of the day you are not going to want to run. I think you gotta make it happen. Get yourself the double jogger one way or another!
If you're convinced you want to run with 2 kids, buy a cheap used car seat that's compatible, to use exclusively in the BOB. Get it off Craigslist or from a friend, or from a consignment store -- I bet it won't cost more than $50, tops. However, I think what Erin and others are saying is worth considering. If you don't need to be able to run with it, I suggest looking at a sit and stand stroller. We used one when baby #2 came, which was great for the active toddler who didn't want to sit for very long on outings. Also just carried the baby in the Ergo and walked the big boy a lot.
I totally know the dilema you are dealing with! I made the decision that I knew I wouldn't be running with both kiddies in tow so I ended up buying a used Phil & Teds Sport stroller on Ebay and LOVE IT. It is perfect for rugged walks on gravel paths (light running too, I just think it still doesn't hold a candle to the Bob in this department)and it is a double stroller when you need it to be and a single stroller when you are out with only 1 on them!
I was concerned that Eli might not want to be in the lower seat because the view is limited and he thinks it is just so cozy in there! So it was a great happy medium for me, I live where there are a TON of hills running with 2 kids in tow wasn't going to happen. I love the Phil & Teds stroller for this reason, I can still get a great workout in and it is SUPER compact. Much smaller than the Bob when folded up to be honest because the doubles seat attachment comes off. I also like it becuase it is a tandum model design, I don't have to push a huge double side by side stroller. I spent $265 on a used Sport model on Ebay, they did away with the Sport name on the new model but you will find that they retail for much more than that - upwards of $650 with all the things you need so definitely look on craigslist or Ebay if you did decide to look into a high end stroller like that.
Every kid is different and so is every parent. So parent-runners will do whatever it takes to get those runs in; schedule super early mornings or late nights, split miles, take turns with spouses, beg borrow plead with friends or just going running down the road with a bawling child belted in the stroller.
My oldest was in a (terrible non-running) stroller until he was at least 5. (Not a typo) Middle daughter (11 year age gap) didn't last as long probably more because I didn't have the energy to fight her fits.
If you are looking at money, consider scheduling your runs so that they are "your time" again, if possible.
But I will say if you don't start a stroller habit now, you will have a MUCH harder time getting them to do it later. If it is just part of their normal somewhat daily routine, they will know that it's time to "go joggy" as LBM puts it.
Good Luck!
put one in a back pack? ok. I got nufin ;-)
yeah... I know a whole lotta nuthin about strollers BUT are there used ones you can buy? You may be able to buy 1 now used, sell it down the road and buy another one that you want and the cost may not be so bad. Good luck!
Oh no, sorry to hear that the stroller situation is proving more complicated. No advice here but good luck - hope you can figure out something to suit your situation.
We bought a double jogging stroller to use with our two (well soon to be two) an my plan is to just run with one at a time until the infant is big enough to sit up in the double for a run. My hubby and I hope to plan our runs so that we can take both out (our 2 year old in the double strapped in the middle - the newborn in the car seat baby jogger stroller) and each take one to start. Then when we need to push both around somewhere take the double as a normal stroller. I got mine used off kijiji so I figure if I decide I don't like it I'll sell it for what I paid for it, and get a different one.
We got a double babyjogger off ebay. My 6 year old still likes to ride in a stroller, so maybe Norah won't out grow it as soon as you think?
I would say look on craigs or for a deal on the dualie? With Nick at 28 months, I rarely put him in a stroller at all unless I'm running or in a rush. Sometmies I think one of the sit and stand ones would be best, but honestly the amt of time I'd use it - hardly at all. It's nice to have the jogger however I've used it about 5 times total for jogging!
P.S. As soon as Kara could hold up her head she was in it w/o the carseat.
I don't know if this helps at all but here goes....due to large growth our son was born with on his chest, he didn't fit into a car seat. I couldn't use the car seat attachment with our BOB since the car seat was not an option.
I chose to put him in the BOB (Ironman) at 4 weeks (2 weeks earlier than suggested) in the fully reclined position and he did great. I couldn't start running until 7 weeks and I felt like he was snug and safe and he has been loving it ever since. I know a lot of people judged telling me that a baby that small shouldn't be in a stroller and I just ignored it. I had others push the stroller and I watched him and found that he was being rocked to sleep not getting shaken baby syndrome. Of course we were on sidewalks and roads not trails ;)
He did fit in the stroller and I adjusted the straps to make him secure. I added the car seat strap covers so that the straps wouldn't scratch him and added some rolled up receiving blankets on either side of him.
As long as he is reclined and strapped in he should be safe. I think you can recline one side of the dualie and not the other but am not sure.
Do you know anyone w/ a duallie w/ an adapter so you could test the carseat? I don't think my carseat technically was supposed to work on my duallie adapter, but it did. As long as it locks in...it should be safe.
The ideas of borrowing or getting a used seat to only use w/ the duallie aren't bad.
I got my Revolution Duallie on craigslist for $400 (took me a few months of haunting CL to find one first) when I had my 2nd daughter and I have loved it (now 3 daughters). At the time almost all my running was with the jogger. I had to view stroller runs as different--they wouldn't be as fast, we'd have to make stops, let walking kids out for a few min at the halfway mark perhaps, but my kids all loved going on runs with me.
In fact my youngest, who is now 2 will choose going in the jogger for a run over almost anything else. She says "fast mommy?" And she gets mad when I go for solo runs!
Good luck figuring it all out!
mama to twins here: i do have a double-jogger (first i had a $$$$ expensive one that was made in new zealand, which i HATED; then i moved to a cheap-a$$ double-jogger from target, which i have LOVED...), but now that my kids are pushing 25 lbs each, for a grand total of 50 lbs plus the weight of the stroller, i don't run with them. my runs are now my time to zone out and be by myself; to get a break from being a mama to two and remember the rest of who i am.
so that's my input - it just might not be worth it to have a double-jogger with a heavier toddler and an infant. keep your single jogger and give the kids turns going for a run with you. or fly solo.
Hey Jess, I didn't read all the comments so just ignore this if it isn't applicable anymore. I scoured craigslist for a Bob and they were selling for pretty good prices, so you could probably buy a dualie (off Craigslist or brand new) then sell it when Norah no longer wants to ride, and not be out the entire price.
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