What is the best double stroller out there?

What is the best double stroller out of these options::::

Phil & Teds
Baby Jogger City Select Double
Kolcraft Contours
Graco DuoGlider

Any reviews?

Answer
Most definitely the Baby Jogger City Select! I have one myself and I love it for several reasons

1. Can be used as double, or single when one gets too big for it (and then back again if you have another!
2. the option of the bassinet casing for a seat, which later converts back, also love the carseat adapters... very easy to use and remove.
3. Super easy to fold up, and fold FLAT. All in one simple motion
4. Lots of storage options. The storage area underneath expands, and the handlebars have lots of accessory options, including full size backpacks. And, they don't tip even when you have a lot of weight on the handle bars.
5. Very maneuverable. I live in Boston with legendarily uneven sidewalks. I can get around just fine, and without too much bouncing.
6. Accessories: a self leveling drink holder (you have no idea how great that is on hilly roads). Storage cover- compact enough to use as carry-on on international flights. Belly bar- instead of food tray (also available) the belly bar gives something for kids to grab onto and allows them to lean out more. This was perfect for the zoo and watching the duckies go by.
7. Adorable! It does not look like any other stroller out there, yet has a nearly old world charm in the dark colors (I got black). I get questions all the time on it.
8. great if you baby wear- I wore my infant in a wrap while pushing my twins in the stroller. The handlebar was just the right height for me not to struggle.

Downsides? Can be costly to get new accessories, not the best 'jogger' but will do ok, not usually on sale.

Any advice on taking a 7 month old camping?

Flower84

Hi, we're due to go to the french alps region camping this July for 2 weeks. Our baby will be just over 7 months old then and will be the first time we've taken him camping. My partner is really keen to ge one of the really big tents with a few bedrooms and the inside with the carpet and awning etc.. and all the extras like kitchen style camping units and we'd be on a pitch with a hook up. So it would be pretty spacious camping. I think we would maybe be better getting a static caravan or chalet this year and waiting to do the tent thing next summer when he's well over a year and a half. I'm worried it may be hard to keep baby cool in a tent if the weather is quite hot.
Does anyone have any advice or has anyone had experience of taking a young baby camping like this?
Thanks guys!

Answer
7 months is actually a great time to take a little one camping... my son did his first camping trip at 5 months and it was perfect, we set up a pack and play outside under the trees near us and he loved looking at the redwoods moving in the breeze and watching the birds, squirrels and other animals. At that age, it's not like they're climbing out of the crib, so a pack and play is a great sleeping solution too, if your baby isn't a good sleeper you may want to set up the pack and play or whatever sleeping arrangement you plan in advance. While tent camping, we packed along our jog stroller and used the infant cocoon for a bed for our daughter when she was 4 months. http://store.philandteds.com/phil-and-teds-cocoon-sport-explorer-classic-twin-hammerhead.pro
Don't forget sunblock and wide brimmed hats - start putting them on baby early because then they'll be more apt to keep them on. Dressing in layers is always key. Our little ones went everywhere in a baby backpack with a canopy to shade them, similar to http://www.kelty.com/p-281-fc-30.aspx?category=kids and my DH and I would take turns carrying the little one and carrying a backpack with supplies/our stuff on day hikes. Go on a couple hikes around home so the baby is accustomed to the carrier. If you're breastfeeding, food shouldn't be a problem and even if you're not, a kitchen will make it easier to prepare formula.

Actually, next summer will be the trying one... your little one will be toddling everywhere and not have the vocabulary/discipline to know boundaries.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What would you do differently?

baby backpack phil and teds image

rainbow

I'm going to be a first time mom and I'm doing a search about all the things that are really necessary in my baby's nursery room. If you have to do it again in what you would spend money or not at all? Besides my questions I appreciate other comments/suggestions that you can add. Thank you.
Newborn:
1. travel system stroller vs Snugrider Snap n Go or else?
2. Crib and Nice bed vs Convertible Crib?
3. Bassinet, Infant Rest or Moses Basket. How many of you put the baby to sleep with you?
4. Baby slings, carriers or else
5. Someone mention that they put a small radio, monitor and a tv. Do you think is something necessary?
6. Diaper Genie or similar vs just a regular trash can?

Answer
I would never buy a quilt set for the crib. They just don't use quilts when they're little.

I would get LARGE receiving blankets. They're great for swaddling. If you learn how to swaddle correctly (see the Happiest Baby on the block, or the associated video) you won't need a swaddling gimmick which just costs money. By about 2 months old, we stopped swaddling our little guy's feet and by about 4 months, he was out of the swaddle all together (Over time I weaned him from it).

We got just a regular crib. I figured if we have another baby, that baby will need the crib and we'll get a bed for our first born.

I didn't get a travel system. We bought a good stroller with big inflatable tires because it can go ANYWHERE (It's a BOB Revolution stroller). I was told to NOT keep your baby in the carseat when not in the car because it can affect their spine (which can ultimately affect their digestion and movement) so a travel system is pointless. We got a convertible carseat by Britax. He can stay rear facing in this seat from birth to whatever age. We're keeping him RFing until at least 2 yo.

I got a used bassinet from a garage sale for $10. It had a vibration mode which was great. It was a great purchase since I lived out on the couch for the first 3 months (that way I could watch tv while I breastfed in the middle of the night - each session was about 45 minutes long). I did bring my baby to sleep with me during the days, when my husband was at work but not when he was home since he's a very deep sleeper.

I LOVE my baby slings and wraps and backpack carrier. I made a moby-like wrap, I bought a maya wrap and I bought a Phil and Teds Metro backpack carrier used. The moby was fantastic for very early on. The maya wrap was great to use when going shopping. You can also seat them in it facing forward, which is nice once they get older. I started using the backpack when my son was 3 months and still use it now (15months). We can interact much more than if he were in a forward facing stroller, which makes both of us happier. Also, now that he's walking - he doesn't want to be in the stroller as much but he'll gladly stay in the carrier so I can get more done.

I would have been more paranoid has I had a video monitor. A friend of mine lost her son (same age as my son) from SIDS at 4.5 months. I got really crazy with checking on my son after that - it would have been way worse if I had a monitor where I could have watched him ALL the time. I do have a cd player in his room and I ALWAYS play music for him before he goes to sleep. He asks for the music now and has just started picking what cd he wants to listen to before bed. Music + crib + sleep sack = sleep time... which brings me to:

Sleep sacks. I have been putting him in them since I stopped swaddling him and so once he sees the sleep sack, he knows he gets story time, milk time and then it's down for bed. I love the sacks because then you don't have to have a blanket in the crib at all, which for us is great because my son throws it of himself right away but then would get cold (especially in the winter).

I don't have a diaper genie - just a garbage with a lid. I also mostly cloth diaper although we use disposables at night. It's a little stinky but I didn't see the point in getting one.The lid blocks the stink enough.

I suggest getting a lot of picture board books - with just one picture per page. My son loves those books and we started looking at them really early on. He started to recognize pictures of dogs and cats and babies at a very early stage and would smile. Now that he's 15 months, he 'reads' to himself a lot. He still looks at the very simple board books as well as more detailed one too (he still doesn't get to have paper paged books when 'reading' to himself yet because they would be all torn up lol). A good collection of board books and/or a library card I say, is a must.

Are you going to breastfeed? I highly recommend Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding, Revised Edition book. Also, find out where lactation consultants are located just in case you need to use one. I highly suggest at least getting a handheld pump so you can have a little time to go out and someone else can parent/babysit. I also suggest getting bamboo breastpads.... if you aren't planning on breastfeeding, just ignore ;)

I would not spend money on a wipes warmer, a bottle warmer (especially if you're breastfeeding), a fancy bassinet, an expensive pack 'n play, a fancy swing, a vibrating bouncy chair. Both the swing and the bouncy chairs are hit and miss for babies - my son didn't like either.

I would be a highchair that changed heights, a travel chair (if you visit a lot), and a baby bouncer - it'll give you some place to put junior when they're more mobile and you have to pee. I hate our exersaucer though - they're loud (thank goodness it was given to us! I would have been so upset had I spent a fortune on it lol).

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Any tips on flying with a 3 year old and 14 month from Auckland-Bangkok?

baby backpack phil and teds image

Courtenayj

Just needing some tips on flying from Auckland to Bangkok direct with a very active 3 year old and a 14 month old that has to sit on my lap and always likes to get down and move and I am flying alone HELP!!!!!!!!!Please
Also needing to know I have a Phil and teds stroller( a little bit bulky) do you know if the airlines will let me take it through the gates as I have no help with the kids and are there any people at the airport to help??????????Is there anywhere for my younger boy to sleep he is quite big and last time my younger boy was only 9 months and small and he couldn't fit in there stink bassinette

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I've flown about the same distance when mine were about the same age. I've also done it with three, the two youngest about that age.

Yes, you can take the stroller. I used to see absolute monster strollers coming to the door of the aircraft and I've never heard of anyone being forced to check them. Can you fold it up and put it on the belt? That would be their only excuse to refuse it. It will be gate-checked, meaning that you'd leave it at the door of the plane and it will be there when you arrive (strollers are handled with the wheelchairs).

Don't mention it at check-in. If they do say something, point out that you're alone with two small children and ask nicely to have a supervisor brought over. I did this once when Air France was not going to give back my stroller for a connection. Taking it to the gate was NOT in question. It was changing planes in Paris that was. I had *three* small children (4 months, 2 & 4) and I had a supervisor brought over who then let me take it.

You can call the airline but often the story over the phone is different than the one at check-in... (experience speaking!)

I actually found it easier to use a single stroller and then have the baby in a carrier. I used a sling because it carries them up to age 2-3 and was much more comfortable and useful than those front packs that hung off my shoulders (ouch!) I could get through security eaiser. Sometimes the older one would walk, then the little one could go in the stroller or the stroller was used for bags.

For getting through customs, I would fold the stroller, throw it on the luggage cart with the bags, keep the baby in the carrier and make the older two (or one, before I had the third) walk.

No, don't count on getting any help at the airport. Basically, there are so many families flying, the ground staff has to prioritize the handicapped passengers first. When I was a F/A, I'd call to ask for help for families and was refused every time. No one to spare, they'd tell me. Once in awhile, I'd get them to take a family *with* a handicapped passenger (no, they weren't travelling together) but that's all I could ever manage. So you'd have to simply be lucky...and not hurry off the flight at arrival!

At 14 months, your younger baby is probably too big for the sky cot but do check with your airline. I was able to put my year-old son in a Lufthansa bassinet but initially had been told he'd be too big. He was at the limit. These cots are not standardized at all! They vary depending on the airline and aircraft.

The only way to fly safely with a baby is to have his own seat and to bring the car seat along. Commercial air travel in general is safe so babies are allowed in laps since the statistical risk of anything going wrong is so low.

You can also ask at check-in if it's possible to get a free seat next to you. Bringing the seat kind of solidifies your arguement and if you don't manage it, the seat can be gate checked with the stroller. I can tell you that the fuss of getting the car seat to the aircraft is worth the peace it gives me onboard. My children sleep much better in their familiar seat.

You have to check with your airline if your seat is approved to use onboard. A lot of it depends on the nationality of the carrier. Call the airline and see how full the flight is.

There are a lot of gizmos to get carseats to the gate, including one that you can wear like a backpack and some where the baby can ride in the carseat like a stroller (and then you can check the big one).
http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html

Decide what works for you. Some parents are able to bungee cord their car seats on to the stroller. I use a simple metal luggage cart with an extra bungee cord. Try it at home first!

Just some other odd tips;
-Try to sit in the "bulkhead" seats, those with a wall in front, even if you can't use the bassinet.
-Bring about 1/3 more diapers than you think you'll need...at least! Put them in plastic bags, make at least two "packages" and wrap them with rubber bands to pack them more easily.
-Learn to change them standing up. Practice at home first! This will make it easier and faster, plus, you wont have to search around for baby changers. Toddlers hate to lie down in strange places and I use the handicapped lavs instead.
-Bring a change of clothes. Do the same trick with the plastic bags and rubber bands to save space in your bag.
-Bring a lot of snacks. Don't worry about security. If it's not allowed, they simply take it from you. I've never had this happen.
-Bring empty sippy cups to use onboard.
-If your younger baby still uses bottles, use the kind with disposable liners. Airplanes have bad sinks for washing bottles.
-Make sure the bottles don't have to be warmed. It's not necessary and pain to do while travelling in general.
-Consider ordering special meals. Kids usually hate the standard fare.
-Bring brand new toys to surprise them with onboard. These keep them occupied.
-If you opt to use a portable DVD player, make sure they're used to wearing the earphones, or can watch it without sound.
- Talk to your older child about security and that he has to put all his things on the belt. My kids are fine with flying but security can be intimitating for any child. This is an American site but you might still find it helpful;
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
-Please don't worry too much about ears. I rarely saw any problems when I worked and never had any with my own kids and I never did anything special.

Many flying tips say to make the child suck on something or drink during take-off and landing. This isn't accurate. ENT specialists say to have the child awake about an hour before landing (top of descent, landing or touch-down is too late). I can confirm that is when I saw problems at work. Take your children to the doctor in the last few days before you fly to make sure their ears are clear and infection-free. Heathy ears can handle pressurization changes.

If either or both of your childen fall asleep during take-off, there is no reason to wake them/him. Please don't worry!

About eight years ago I wrote an article for a local newsletter. This is entirely non-commercial information and I have both the practical and professional experience of working on board airplanes. I saw what worked and what didn't! My third child at 3 1/2 has just completed her 7ths transatlantic round trip and I've been alone with them on all of those, plus all but one of the trips with her older brother and sister.

http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

I hope you're able to get to a beach in Thailand. Sooooo beautiful! Have a great time!

what did you/do you plan to buy for second baby?

kc

My husband and I have an 18 month old right now, and are currently entertaining the idea of having a baby #2 in the near future, although we aren't 100% sure when due to our sons special needs that we want to first make sure we have addressed fully. Anyways, we were shopping off my friends registry for her shower, and we were wondering what all we would need if we were to have another child soon. We already know we need the crib, highchair, extra carseat, etc...but was there anything from your first baby that you wished you had but didn't?
We know we want one of those cradle swings that go both ways, as our first one didn't have one, and we'd want a double stroller. We have nearly all the basics, a plain play gym, bouncer, jumperoo...we went fairly minimal though.
We have our own ideas on what we'd change or get, but just for fun looking for ideas from others on what they did, plan to do differently.

I never had a glider, although I thought maybe I wish I would have, did you guys use yours or did it sit empty?
Are side by side strollers or the tandem ones easier? Side by side seem so wide, but front to back look hard to maneuver:) Having the older one walk isn't an option for us, as he he never developed the walking reflux. (dr.s say he WILL walk, but probably not til about 3-5 yrs old... but instead of just knowing how, he will have to be taught, like teaching someone to relearn kind of)

We have a 3 BR house, 2 BR upstairs, 1 Down. Do we go downstairs and have each baby with their own room (s/he'd be in our room the first 4 months probably) or have them share a room when baby slept through the night? I feel weird being on a different level!

Answer
I'm expecting baby 2 at the beginning of July. Baby 1 will be 15 months old. Here is what I am asking for:
- more cloth diapers (not for everyone, but I CD with BumGenius diapers)
- an Ergo baby carrier (I have another one- Kelty Kids-, but really want an Ergo. Think I can do two carriers - one back and one front- if I had one) (http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/ )
- a hiking backpack carrier for Baby 1 - probably from MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop)
- a second crib (convertible) and dresser
- extra caddy attachments for my stroller
- some sort of sled that I can pull both babies in next winter

I'm also going to find out the sex with this baby. Baby 1 is a girl, so if baby 2 is a boy I may need a few clothes (though not many).

As for your question about strollers, I have the Phil and Ted's Sport stroller (http://philandteds.com/products/push/sport ) with the extra seat attachment (tandem). LOVE this stroller (it is so easy to maneuver), and I have heard nothing but good things about the second seat. I've attached the second seat to try it out and it seems just as easy as with only one seat attached.

One of my favorite things from Baby 1 was my diaper bag. I had a normal diaper bag at first, but hated it. Then I bought the Skip Hop Backpack diaper bag (http://www.skiphop.com/product/21010.html ) ...I can't imagine using another. It clips to your stroller if you don't want to carry it, which I think will be convenient with 2 babes.

Another thing I had for baby 1 and LOVE is my Pea Pod (http://www.kidco.com/main.taf?p=4,5 ). It's great for when you're outdoors (eg park, beach). I might get a second one for baby 2, or put them both in the same pod.

For sleep, if both babies sleep fairly well through the night I don't see why they can't share a room. That's my plan...if I have to turn my office into a bedroom, so be it, but I really don't want to! : )

As for the glider, I didn't have one, but I've considered getting one. I found that I sat with baby 1 in a comfy chair near the window a lot, but didn't need to rock. Might be nice to have one, especially the ones with the foot rest/ottoman.

Everyone has different needs/likes though. (You can probably tell we spend a lot of time outdoors, so we need things for that.) You probably have the best idea of what you want and need based on your experience with your first child!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers