strollers: maclaren, city mini, phil & ted

Continued from yesterday . . .

After my RightStart visit this weekend, I learned a little more about strollers, but mainly I just got to run them through the store. In yesterday's post, I talked about the Joovy Caboose and BabyTrend Sit N' Stand, but I also wanted to find out the difference in the two twin Maclaren strollers: The Triumph and the Techno.

When I wandered over to the Maclaren area, the saleslady wanted to point out that these strollers were really more for twins than kids close in age. I both agree and disagree. I discovered with my kids there was a window where using the side-by-side for my kids was difficult due to temperament and size differences. Temperament is temperament and you can’t do much about kids leaning to one side or conking each other on the head. Especially when they are too small to really get it. But that affects twins as well. The size difference can be a bit offsetting—literally. There was a time when the difference in weight was almost too much for me to maneuver the stroller. Anna weighed so much less than her brother that I had trouble steering my side-by-side around. So the closer in age, probably the better these strollers would work for you.

The difference between the two is simple. The Maclaren Twin Techno has a few more bells and whistles, 5 more pounds of weight and feet extensions to help make a newborn comfortable. The price difference between the Techno and the Triumph is great so I’d probably go with the cheaper one.

Now on to the fun strollers. While browsing, I brushed passed the new City Mini from Baby Jogger. I really had to catch my breath. This one was awesome! Someone had mentioned this in our previous double stroller dialogue, but it really was cool. Although the saleslady was unfamiliar with it beyond how to fold it up. It’s light and easy to maneuver. Yes, I was running it through the store. It folds like a dream. One hand and one movement. You’re done. The best part is it has one long bar on the back, with is so nice when you have a double stroller. I always hated the umbrella stroller handles and this makes it easy to drive. It would be so perfect for…well…the city, the mall, traveling and even some well-paved trails. Really loved this stroller.

Then I had to walk over and give the Phil & Ted a once over. The lady looked at me and smiled. "This is the one I try to get people to consider when they have kids close in age." I know lady, my biggest regret. The price tag at RightStart was a bit high. I have seen them as low as $350 minus the doubles kit. The newer ones boast a lighter weight (and higher price) and a second seat you don't have to take off when you pull out of the car. But the lady showed me how and it wasn't that complicated.

She tried to explain the weight distribution. I guess on the toddler seat the weight only goes up to 33 pounds, but the front is 55 pounds. So you might have to play a bit of musical stroller seats a couple of times with your kids. But overall, when I took this stroller on a test drive through the store it drove like a dream. Was that because kids weren't present and I wasn't breaking up fights or leanings? I think there may bee a reason you don't often find this stroller on Craigslist. It's in an investment people have around for a while.

Comments

[jenni]

Oh, God, I have DREAMS about that Phil and Ted. I ache for it.

[Michelle]

I am not a splurger on most items...but I own the Phil and Ted's stroller and it is the single best baby item I've ever bought and worth every single penny. I'm a baby buncher, too and I don't know how you can use any other stroller. My first two are just under 17 months apart and my middle and baby are 2 years apart, almost to the day. I rave about this stroller to everyone- but, what they don't realize is that I would have lost my mind without it!

[eBabyPlace]

I work for ebabyplace.com and phil & teds strollers are great! They sell like hotcakes.

People can find the full line of these strollers as well as other great items at great prices at http://www.ebabyplace.com/category/strollers/brand/phil_teds.html