TWO PART QUESTION: have a little boy who just turned 4 with another baby on the way.
1. I was thinking of buying a sit n stand stroller, but then I came across something called the "buggy board" on Amazon.com that attaches to any stroller. Its cheaper than the sit n stands I have come across. Has anyone used this? Does it work?
2. I am limited in the funds I have to buy a double jogging stroller. Any suggestions for the best but also most affordable? (I have been looking on craigslist)
Thanks for all of the great advice and website info on yard sales. I might try the buggy board just cuz my kid can be a whiner and will say "I can't walk anymore". (Don't even get me started about the big wheel fiascos we have had at the park). And I will keep looking for a second-hand double jogging stroller that has a front wheel that swivels. (I still have lots of time before the newborn can ride in it)
We used the buggy board - we had a single umbrella stroller that we used for a nanny-share. I will preface by saying that i never really used it. My sitter used it during the day when the two kids were at my house. I didn't want to buy a double stroller just for the share.
I think it worked well - although it probably wont' be the best handling in the snow. For a 4 year old, i would think it would suffice.
I don't own a buggy board, but I have seen them, and they look like a great idea. It would probably be a great way to go for you since your son is already four. I have a sit and stand, and I like it okay, but it is hard to navigate and it is very cumbersome. It is nice when your baby is in the infant carrier, and you want to spend a lot of time at the mall.
I also have a Bob Duallie Revoluition. It is WONDERFUL. I would buy it again in a heartbeat, but I must admit I don't use it all that often. I tried using it at the mall, but it is too big to fit through aisles, and it breaks my back getting it in and out of the car. (It also takes up a lot of space in the back of my SUV.) I just keep it in the garage and use it for neighborhood walks. It's great for trips to the zoo and arboretum too. I have yet to actually go for a jog in it, because my children will not cooperate!
Keep looking on craigslist or napervilleyardsales.com. I don't see high end jogging strollers listed very often, but it happens every once in a while. You have lots of time before the weather is nice enough to take the kids jogging. If you want to put the baby carrier in a Bob stroller, the attachments cost extra. REI carries Bob strollers, and every once in a while they have 20% off coupons. They have an excellent return policy if you have a problem with the product or just don't like it.
Good luck with your decision. This stroller thing is so hard to figure out. I own so many strollers and baby carriers and use them all in different situations. I sure wish I could find an all-in-one product.
Sadly to your number two question, the bob is the way to go. I have spent more money in cheep alternatives than I would have if I just would have bought the bob! The one I currently have is a cheap alternative to bob with no swivel front tire and it makes it very difficult to push, further it's heavy! I wish I would have gotten the bob! Sorry
I bought a buggy board and hated it. It attaches to the back of the stroller right where your feet go so it's hard to walk.
I also bought the Valco Tri Mode double because it fits taller kids. It was great to use when I had a newborn and 3 year old but now that my kids are 4 and 1 they are just too heavy to push. I would not recommend buying a double stroller if your son is already 4 years old. He will grow out of it so quickly. If you are walking to the park get him a bike or big wheel. If running errands, he can walk.
