Stroller Evaluations

This section contains feedback that I've received from parents of multiples about the stroller(s) they use. It is not intended to guarantee the positive or negative performance of any of the strollers mentioned. No formal, consumer-style evaluation has been done to compare the performance of these strollers. It is merely a compilation of the opinions, experiences, and advice expressed by some of the twins list members and visitors to this page.

When referring to the information presented below, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

• Because this FAQ is based on feedback from other parents of multiples, your individual opinions and experiences with a particular stroller may vary from what you read here. Different families have different needs and what constitutes "durable" or "expensive" for one family may not be "durable" or "expensive" for another.
• When reading the evaluations on individual strollers, keep in mind that the evaluations are not intended to be weighted equally. For instance, only one person might have reported on stroller "X," while many might have reported on stroller "Y."
• Several of the strollers listed below may have been purchased second-hand and so a comparative retail price on that stroller new could not be given. Many of these same models are older models that might not be available in retail stores now.

For general reference,

• "rough terrain" means gravel or dirt roads, slushy areas, or grassy, uneven areas, etc., as opposed to relatively smooth sidewalks and indoor surfaces.
• "Expensive" generally means over $250 and "inexpensive" less than $250.

Inline Strollers

All My Kids

Aprica

Baby Trend Snap and Go (Stroller frame for car seats)

Combi Twin Spin

Cosco Two Ways

(Limo style)

Praises	Complaints
Newborns can lay side by side in back seat Both seats recline (front seat only reclines partially) Maneuvers easily Nice basket for storage Sturdy frame and wheels; rugged Washable seat pads easy to remove Inexpensive Easy to reverse front seat	Difficult to wash fabric on sides Only back seat reclines fully, (can't lay both seats flat to make a "bed") Heavy/bulky Seat covers are thin

Comments

"When the girls face each other all feet dangle in the basket which limits the space and makes it difficult to get in and out of."

"This stroller does have the reversing front seat which we really loved when they were small. Now they are older, if it is used facing each other, there is a battle for legroom...... so we use it the other way, they take turns in each seat."

" The back seat is the only one that reclines fully, the front seat only reclines halfway. I did make a bed by pulling up the foot rest but they were little enough to lay on only the bottom half of the front seat and still lay flat"

Emmaljunga Baby Bus

(Limousine style)

Praises	Complaints
Durable	Expensive Long Heavy Must be disassembled for storage

Graco DuoGlider

Comments

One parent suggested buying the Duo Glider that comes with a car seat and then buying the second car seat, rather than buying the Duo Glider and 2 car seats separately.

Graco Duo & Graco Duo LTD (late 1990s models)

Comments

"I think it’s really for an infant and a toddler, not twins."

"The back seat is beginning to sag, but I understand that if it actually collapses, Graco is pretty good about replacing the stroller."

Inglesina Biposto

(Limousine style)

This stroller is a limosine style stroller with optional accessories that can be purchased to make it a side by side, as well as accessories to transform it into a triple or quadruple stroller.

Click here for the evaluation of this stroller in the side by side position. (Note: Most of the praises and complaints have been duplicated from this table.)

Click here for the evaluation of this stroller as a triple stroller.

Praises

Complaints

Lightweight Folds without disassembly Easy to remove/switch carriages Can order with 10" spoke wheels or smaller wheels which rotate Accessories available to convert to triple/quad stroller Can be used as a bassinet Seats recline fully Cleans easily Adapter available to convert to side by side double Flexible: Seats can face all directions (both forward, both backward, one forward/one backward) Sturdy More space between seats than in a regular tandem (also allows child in back better view)

Large Requires ample storage space Basket underneath isn’t that big Heavy Doesn't collapse small Hard to fold down Expensive

Editor's note: I realize that one lightweight is in the praise column, and heavy is in the complaint column, but I've been told both by different people. Sorry for the ambiguity.

J. Mason

Jeep Umbrella Stroller

Jolly Jumper

Kolcraft

Comments

Peg Perego Duette

Comments

"Even though it was an expensive item we are very glad that we have it. We have used it often and it’s nice to know that the babies are comfortable."

"We have taken a lot of summer trips to Disneyland and the zoo. It is great for day trips like that."

"I use this one for two things: frequent fast-paced walks around the neighborhood for exercise AND we use it in the house to lay the twins in (rock it back and forth to soothe them) to get them from room to room without making two trips, and they often nap in it. But, I hated this stroller for running errands, shopping, etc."

"I would highly recommend it if one can afford to make the investment. Buying it 2nd hand worked for us. "

Peg Perego Tender Twin

Comments

"It was wonderful... until the back seat rider noticed that his/her view was obstructed! Now whenever I use it, my daughter ends up quickly being moved to the front carrier (she's lighter), while my son rides in front. I am now looking to buy a second hand side-by-side stroller."

"I also had the Perego Tender Twin. ... Boy I loved that stroller. It still looked brand new after more than 2.5 years of almost daily use."

Spectrum Double Delight

(Limousine Style)

Praises	Complaints
Handles very well Turns tight corners well, considering its size Fits down narrow aisles Handles rough terrain well Great for infants since both seats can lie flat Folds in one piece and stores well Very sturdy Lots of padding	Difficult to locate suppliers Expensive Very heavy Complicated to open/close Difficult to set up; parts get stuck or padding gets caught (especially when trying to reverse the front seat so that kids face each other.) Not a lot of space for front child Older toddlers fight for leg room when facing each other

Side By Side Strollers

Be sure to check out tips when using a side/by/side.

Apollo

(Manufacturer: Daust?)

Praises	Complaints
Reclines Separate sunshades Quilted Seats	Inconvenient to fold/unfold Doesn’t fit through most doors Wheels got stuck a lot

Combi Twin Savvy

Cosco

Comments

"I must say that this is the nicest twin stroller that I have seen for under $700. I believe that the retail price is around $250-$300…"

Emmaljunga Double D'Lite

Comments

"Rides like a dream."

The stroller itself is every Dad's dream, rolling on buggy sized wheels and *very* sturdy.

*We had a small seam tear after only a few months of use, the company sent us a complete replacement for the cover... As if that was not enough, after using it for 4 years (and with large kids!), one of the shock absorbers broke a clip. On a whim I called Emmaljunga to see if I could buy a replacement part, again they sent me (at no charge) two full assemblies.

These (strollers)do sell at a premium, but I expect this stroller to see many sets of twins into the future.

Emmaljunga Monaco Duet

Graco Duo Circus Stroller

Comments

"The only problem I have found with this, and other front to back strollers, is that if you have infants who can't sit up on their own, you have to prop them up in them. And if you use the different settings to lay them back, the one infants face it the only thing that shows. It will be perfect when the twins sit up on their own, but until then, it seems they slide down, and have to be propped up."

Graco Duo Rider

The Duo Rider comes in two versions. The more expensive one has extra padding, a padded crotch strap with double side buckles and front arm bars.

Praises

Complaints

Very lightweight Easy to fold Easy to maneuver single handedly Comfortable handle for pushing; raised in middle so that it’s easy for people of different heights Seats recline independently Canopy has transparent window to view both children 2 large baskets underneath Inexpensive Fits through most doors easily Removable cloth pads Cleans easily Children are comfortable; have lots of space Great turning radius

Small wheels make it difficult to maneuver on rough terrain Baskets are rated for only up to 5 lbs. each Seats have 2 positions only Front wheels may fall off easily; weak front wheel assembly design Folding design makes it less compact than other S/B/S models Folding design leaves fabric side exposed (can get dirty easier) May have to use wheelchair accessible lanes in grocery stores Wheels are plastic, less durable, (yet replaceable) No snack trays for food/toys, etc.

Comments

Another list member, who used an inline stroller for almost a year and a half felt that this stroller was "too wide for most store aisles without bumping into something, and is difficult to maneuver in tight spaces."

In comparison to a Peg Perego side by side, one member wrote, " The Graco does have much more storage capacity (and about half the price), so I might be inclined to go that way if I had to do it all again."

 " I just bought a Graco side-by-side and I love it. So do the babies!"

Inglesina BiPosto

This stroller is a limosine style stroller with optional accessories that can be purchased to make it a side by side, as well as accessories to transform it into a triple or quadruple stroller.

Click here for the evaluation of this stroller in the inline position. (Note: Most of the praises and complaints have been duplicated in this table.)

Click here for the evaluation of this stroller as a triple stroller.

Praises

Complaints

Lightweight Folds without disassembly Easy to remove/switch carriages Can order with 10" spoke wheels or smaller wheels which rotate Accessories available to convert to triple/quad stroller Can be used as a bassinet Seats recline fully Cleans easily Adapter available to convert to side by side double Flexible: Seats can face all directions (both forward, both backward, one forward/one backward) Sturdy

Large Requires ample storage space Basket underneath isn’t that big Heavy Doesn't collapse small Expensive Adaptor to switch from inline to S/B/S makes everything high Unless the seats are fully reclined in the S/B/S position, the base sticks out in front, creating a hazard

Editor's note: I realize that one lightweight is in the praise column, and heavy is in the complaint column, but I've been told both by different people. Sorry for the ambiguity.

Comments

"The only time we really used it this way was on a flight where we were totally bogged down with luggage.... The girls were facing me, at the very front. In back, we piled their car seats. The diaper bags were in the basket. Wow, was that a big load.... "

Inglesina Twin Jet

Comments

I also love that it does not have the umbrella like handle that the peg perego has--I really prefer the bar.

This one is very light and was really middle price point rather than high. So far, I am convinced it is the ideal stroller for me--and I use it a lot already.

JMason

(Umbrella)

Praises	Complaints
Inexpensive Easy to fold Takes up little space	No storage space for bags Seats do not recline Tires come off the wheels Hard to push and maneuver Doesn't turn well

Commnents

"It was perfect for us for airport & plane trips"

"We mostly use ours for trips, or as a backup stoller for the grandparents to have."

"I ordered [this] double umbrella stroller from the JC Penney catalog and it is TERRIBLE!"

Jolly Jumper

Kolcraft

Comments

"For as long as we used it, it worked great…"

**"I had both my Kolcraft strollers break within two weeks (the boys were about 10 months old). When I called Kolcraft, they sent me a letter with replacement instructions. All I had to do was bring the letter to the store that I had gotten the stroller from and give them the letter saying that Kolcraft will reimburse them for the stroller. I think we might've had to turn the stroller into the store also, but I can't quite remember. I didn't have to pay or return anything and I got two new strollers! About 7 months later the buckle on one broke and when I called they sent me a whole new seat cover free!"

**Note: The editor is not sure if the above quote refers to the Kolcraft inline or Kolcraft side by side.

MacLaren Twin Techno

Praises	Complaints
goes flat for newborns has boots, headhuggers and footrests turns on a dime	not an offroad stroller

MacLaren (models from the late 1990s)

MacLaren side by side strollers come in different models. The more expensive model has 3 positions seats that recline fully, where as the less expensive model seats have only two positions: upright and partially reclining.

Praises

Complaints

Very sturdy; may last through multiple sets of twins Lightweight Folds up like a single stroller Convenient to use Easy to handle/maneuver; even single handed Good rain hood Many accessories available Very narrow Stays balanced with children of unequal weights/sizes (i.e. siblings of 2 different ages)

5 point restraint proves extra security; more difficult to "escape" from Turns well in tight spaces Easy to lift up & off curbs, stairs, etc. Small wheels not good on rough terrain Older version doesn’t recline fully Older version doesn’t have weather protection No storage space (many members have found the handles to be sturdy enough to hold diaper bags and other items; however, this is not recommended usage for the handles) Expensive (although many members felt it was well worth the money) Some members expressed dissatisfaction with the portable canopy.

Comments

"I had a friend with one who backed her car over it with no ill effects."

"It was an absolute blessing on all of our airline travel and also served well as a feeding station when we were without highchairs on trips."

"The MacLaren did not recline, but it was winter when the girls were twinfants and we bundled them with blankets and strapped them in upright. They seemed to enjoy the propped-up view anyway!"

"I’m told there is a fairly good re-sale market for used MacLarens in our area, so we hope to sell it in a few years."

"I have no regrets about buying the MacLaren and would recommend it highly."

"One final note about the MacLaren's durability: At a community festival last fall, we met a family pushing a MacLaren whose twins were almost 5 years old. Their twins mostly walked but still used the MacLaren when they were tired. We commented on how well their stroller had held up after so many years, and the father told us it had survived falling off the top of their minivan and being run over in traffic!"

" Although this stroller is pretty expensive, I would highly recommend it. "

"…we added a net on the back of each seat for carry tons of 'crap.'"

Peg Perego Micro Twin

Comments

"I bought the under baskets made for the Maclaren (@$10) and put them on the Peg Perego - works fine."

"So far, we haven't had any problems with it but if I had to do it again, I probably would have spent a little more money and bought the top-of-the-line Maclaren side-by side. The Peg has is no basket to store things so it's difficult to do any major shopping since you have to carry the packages and push the stroller at the same time. I an so ENVIOUS of people who have stollers with big storage baskets... Other than the lack of a basket, I'm pretty happy with the Peg Perego."

Spectrum

Comments

"We loved it for about 2 weeks then traded it in for another thinking ours was defective. The next stroller did the same things…" (refer to Complaints for some of the specific complaints of this list member).

Triple & Quad Strollers

Baby Trend's Sit 'N Stand LX V

This model is considered a "triple" stroller because it seats 2 infants and allows one older toddler to stand or sit in back as well.

This stroller is no longer manufactured by Baby Trend. It is my understanding that due to its length and weight, parents found it hard to push and control.

Inglesina

(Simultaneously Inline & SBS)

Inglesina sells an adaptor to their Biposto double model which converts it into a triple or quad stroller.

Click here to go to review of Inglesina BiPosto

Click here for the evaluation of this stroller in the side by side position.

Praises

Complaints

The wheels (10" spoke) are wonderful. It is so easy to turn around and to push. Adaptability: Stroller can be used as a single, double, triple or quad; inline (double) or side by side (double) Breaks down easily. Safety features: harnesses and brake bar Lots of space for the children. Right now I have all three seats facing me. The leg room for the SBS seats in the back have plenty of room. The front bar can be removed easily. This is nice for my older daughter because she can climb in on her own. It handles great on roads and in the mall. Even with children of different weights. I have not noticed any toppling or rocking because of weight differences. Nor any difficulty pushing the stroller. Resale value: When searching for used ones I saw that they have a good resale value. seats snap into place so no tools are required I am not sure how heavy this stroller is but I can lift it easy enough. I should note that I am not a strong person and only weigh 105 pounds myself.

When it is converted into a triplet, it is wide. Size: if storing and transporting space is an issue than this stroller might not be for you. It is big. a weight limit of 45 pounds per seat. Also I bought the hoods and boots. I bought the boots for my twins because I was told it would make the seats like a carriage. This was not the case. The boots come up very high on the stroller. So if you have a newborn you might not be able to see the baby with the boot blocking your view.

Comments

Dimensions

• "The Trio is basically an Inglesina Biposto frame that includes an adapter bar. The adapter bar allows you to place two seats SBS. These are the combinations: no adapter bars = one or two seats tandem; one adapter bar = two seats SBS, three seats total (two seats SBS and a seat in the front); two adapter bars = four seats (two pairs of SBS that are tandem).

  "The width of the adapter bar is the same as the width of the trio stroller, 820 mm or ~32.3 inches. The length of the trio depends on if the seats are upright or reclined. The length of the trio was measured from the handle to a reclined seat and is ~ 60 inches. For an upright seat the length was ~50 inches. The length varies depending on how you arrange the seats. These measurements will give you a good idea."

"I got the Inglesina Trio and I LOVE it! I didn't realize that it was so big."

"They also recommend getting the spoke wheels if transporting more than two children."

"I love having the choice of whether I want a double or triple. I love choosing whether to put the seats inline or SBS when using it as a double."

"At first I was upset about tearing it down and putting it together. But after playing around with the seats the first day, I got to were I can do it fast and with my eyes closed."

"I also noticed that this stroller seats seems to sit up higher than others. This may be due to the spoke wheels we got instead of the swivel. This can be a pro or a con. My 6'1" husband doesn't need to lean over to push it. I don't have any problems either and I am 5'3". Some people may feel uncomfortable because their children are sitting up higher."

"Everyone I have met says that they liked it. They were even amazed at how well it handled."

"I am so relieved that this stroller has fulfilled my needs and wishes. It is so scary spending over $600.00 on a stroller that you have only seen in a catalogue. None of the stores would stock it because of it's size and the consumer demand is not as high as for single and double strollers. After I ordered it, I saw a few used ones on different web sites. It would have been worth looking into a used one if it was near my city because of shipping costs. I think that this stroller was well worth every penny."

"We have a minivan and this stroller takes up all of the space behind the rear bench seat. We don't have to take the wheels off and on to get it to fit though, only the rear two seats and the adapter bar."

J Mason Triple

(inline)

Praises	Complaints
Folds up like a double stroller Can easily be stored in car trunk Seats do not remove All 3 seats recline All 3 seats have hoods Less expensive than other triple strollers (around $200US) Great for infants	Not high quality Not enough leg room in the second and third seats for older kids Fabric tore easily

J Mason Quad

(Seats 2 in front, 2 in back)

Praises

Complaints

Padded seat cushions Individually, partly reclining seats Padded seat belts with two locking clips Sun canopy with windows Folds up easily Fits through most doorways Steers remarkably well, even when fully loaded Brake design is easy and effective Back seats are slightly elevated for better view 2 huge baskets underneath Does well on flat surfaces inexpensive compaired to other quad strollers Doesn't weigh a lot for it's size (about 40-45 pounds) Front padded bar rotates toward or away from babies; also snaps off easily) Unique design Seats recline, but do not lay flat

Doesn't fold up easily with only one hand (as advertised) padded handle damages from everyday use (foam is soft and tears/rips easily) Handle is set in too close, so you have to lean forward to push it Center wheels get kicked sometimes Snaps on front covers of storage baskets get kicked loose by the kids No convenience trays/no easy way to attach cup holders harder to go through crowded aisles in some mall-type stores doesn't fold very compactly awkward to unfold because it folds up accordian-style and the front bar gets scratched on the ground No good place to grip it on either end for leverage not high quality materials (typical of JMason brand) Seats recline, but do not lay flat (would be nice if the back ones laid flat) not good for babies who can't sit up without a lot of propping needs an extendable handlebar

Peg Perego Triplette

(Inline)

The Triplette is very similar to the Perego Duette stroller with its frame and seats. All three seats can face forward or backwards. Additionally, the front seat could be turned backwards so that the child faces the child in the middle seat. One parent monted that they would raise the legs to make a large "bed" out of the front two seats when her triplets were infants and keep the back seat open.

Click here for the evaluation of the Duette.

Runabout

(Inline)

Runabout sells their strollers in a double, triple or quad model. The double can have the seats positioned forward facing, rear facing or facing each other. The triple and quad strollers must face forward only.

Praises

Complaints

Children can see well from each seat (each seat is elevated a little higher than the one in front of it) Bicycle type tires are good for all weather & terrain Easily maneuvered Can be used as a jogging stroller Accessories available, including canopy, side sun shields, rain cover, basket Safety strap around waist, and also from crotch to shoulder Seats remove easily Very durable Lightweight Stroller can literally be hosed down outside Lifetime guarantee on all parts Handle bar that adjusts to 5’ in height is available Good resale market/Used ones hold their value Easy to assemble 5 piont harness Turns in a small radius Narrow enough to fit through clothing aisles in the mall storage basket is big Seats are plastic with liners

Seats do not recline fully (however, babies can be comfortable in partially reclined position) The only drawback to the runabout is that it has a long frame which means you have to partially disassemble to transport in van or car. However, it is a breeze to do so. It will tip if you do not unload from front to back (take bags off first)

Description of stroller:

"The seats are construted of material similar to infant bike carriers and recline somewhat. They have a thin foam pad. Each seat has a front bar, foot rests, and multi-point harness system (lap belt with shoulder belts. There is a very water repellent sun canopy that can be used and a small (paper grocery bag size) basket that can be attached to the back. The runabout has two big wheels on the back and a smaller wheel up front."

"I purchased my runabout used. A family in England who had also purchased it used, sold it to me. ... It was difficult finding a used runabout because the market for used ones is incredible."

"The manueverability of this stroller cannot be adequately described. I had 2 eleven month olds and a petite five year old in mine and was flying down the road (It makes very sharp turns). It is a treat to use it in the mall."

"I guess the best test of all is that the kids absolutely love it!"

"The cost of the runabouts increases as you get more seats. The quad is the biggest they sell."

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