Stroller Debate

Please help, we can't decide.

I like the ease of folding of the Graco, and the additional cupholders. But I really like the idea of being able to face the seats in so many different ways in the Kolcraft. From what I can see the Kolcraft is harder to fold, but DH likes it's looks better.

I would appreciate any opinions on this, thanks!

(22w2d with momo girls).

 

We used the Graco Duo Quattro with our girls for the first 7 months before switching to a side-by-side stroller.
It was a great stroller for us & we snapped our SafeSeats into it.
It was pretty heavy and long (we called it the 'tank') but still got around great with it!

I don't know anything about the Kolcraft, so hopefully you will get some great input :good:

Good luck!

 

After narrowing my choices down to the same two you are asking about, I went to Babies R Us and tried out both of these strollers. The both drove really well, VERY easy to steer and turn, and had alot of great features, so I was torn too until I spoke with an associate. She pointed out that while the Kolcraft does have alot of good seating options, the stroller will not fold down well without removing the seats. The seats are intended to come off before folding leaving you 3 seperate pieces. You can leave one seat attached, but it doesn't fold down as compactly. Also, there are no snack trays/drink holders for the kiddos. That is a definite con in my opinion, my son always loved to stroll around the mall and have some cheerios! I asked her if there were any attachments you could buy for this and she said no. After checking them out it was clear to me that I am going with the Graco Duo. The only thing that people complain about on that one is that the front seat does not recline to fully flat position. It does recline quite a bit though, so I don't see this being an issue. A little one could definitely still snooze in it. Plus, the handle bars are vertical instead of horizontal, allowing you to hang bags, etc if your basket gets full. Hope this helps!

 

We have the Kolcraft and love the seat options. To be honest we haven't used it yet with the winter but I'm very excited for warmer weather to take that out for walks. We ended up getting the Double Snap N Go for the winter shopping / Dr trips we have to take. It's lighter and quick.

 

Thanks for sharing! We did actually test drive both of them on Friday, and we did see that the seats on the Kolcraft had to be taken off to fold it properly. I don't know why these decisions are so hard sometimes

 

QUOTE(sandycane @ Jan 5 2009, 01:46 PM) [snapback]1133889[/snapback]
Thanks for sharing! We did actually test drive both of them on Friday, and we did see that the seats on the Kolcraft had to be taken off to fold it properly. I don't know why these decisions are so hard sometimes


I didn't know that about the Kolcraft seats. That would totally make it a deal breaker for me.

 

I am 7 months 1 week pregnant now, and we had the same dilemma and went with the Kolcraft. The extensive reviews suggested that the kolcraft drove a bit better over rougher terrain. When you fold it up, it stands as opposed to having to lean over and pick it up off the ground. I worried with the Graco that the seats seemed smushed, the baby in front has all the perks, the baby in the back seems like there just isn't alot of room and will be staring at the back of the front seat. I struggled with having to take the seats out, but frankly at the beginning I don't think you'd really have them in since you are snapping the carseats on all the time. Once you are done with the carseats, you have a front and back stroller where you have to take out 1 seat to fold. It didn't seem like that big of a deal to me.

 

One thing to think about it with my son he HATED his carseat from day 1. He was screaming down the halls of the hospital til the car started moving and screamed everytime it started. So if he was asleep in the car I would take his carseat and snap it in the stroller and when he woke up and started crying I would take him out of his carseat and lay him in the stroller (he was happy then) and then stash his carseat somewhere (I don't remember how I did it but I put it under the stroller somehow) And with having to remove your seats you don't have this option. Not even having you DH run it out to the car if they don't like their seat.

 

we looked at the contours and decided against it because it was soooooo heavy. went with the snap n go - loved it - so sad to see it go now that our kiddos are outgrowing their infant carriers. just got the combi sport double - so excited to try it out.

 

Thanks for starting this topic...I had some of these same questions also! Does anyone know if all the babiesrus have the strollers in the stores? I have been looking online and it seems a lot of things say online only??

 

i have the gracco quatro and it has its pro's and cons! i love the big basket! great for pilling things in esp a diaper bag!
CON-omg its sooo heavy! i have to lift it up the stairs on to my bus and with 2 babies that sucker is heavy :lol: but sturdy-the only thing is the front seat will not recline back for one child to sleep when you move to no carseat-the back seat is great and often move them around for a sleepier one when out and about-
the coffe cup holders are great! the sippy cup holders-are not-the big sippy cups WILL not fit-nubby/avent-
its great for 2 carseats but the shields close them up from the wind
I dont know about the kolcraft so i cant compare but i do have a peg preggo and its super lightwight but no basket and no cup holders-so best for just strolling not shopping.

 

I'm pretty sure my hubby and I are going to go with the Kolocraft one. We really like the options of the seats and with small car, we can stick the stroller in the trunk and the seats on the floor board of the back seat if need be.

 

I got the Kolcraft, and the reasons I went with it are... I really liked the ability to have them facing me or each other. It folds more compactly than the Graco. (For me this is worth having to take out one seat, it's super easy to do) My DH really likes it (apparently it's more manly than the Graco ) And I like the way both seats recline, it seems like it would be comfy for both babies; since we're not using carrier car seats, this will be important. Of course I haven't used it yet, but I put my 2 month nephew in it, and he loved it. He seemed mesmerized by the buckle. It is VERY heavy though. I'd have to say this is it's biggest draw back.

 

I am getting one(kolcraft) I an 24 wks w/moni-di girls I have shopped around and it although big its a smooth ride turns easy and has everything I want in a stroller. Walmart online has a blue version and it cost less than the red from babiesR us its $198 you have to order it but the shipping is free and it is the upgraded it comes w/ 2 bars for the infant seats and a place to plug in an ipod (dont care much about that feature but its there)

 

I really appreciate all the info!

FYI for others still trying to decide, I've heard some people say the Graco is heavy - and apparently the Kolcraft weighs about 5 pounds more.

I don't know what about the Kolcraft makes it more appealing to men, it's funny isn't it I do really like the versatility of the seats, that's the number one attraction for me for sure.

Melle - so when you're using the carseats they snap onto the frame, not the seats? That's interesting to know.

For now I'm leaning towards the Kolcraft, but tht may change tomorrow. I guess I need to see if any infant seats that I like are compatible with it.

Thanks everyone!

 

Yes, the carseats fit onto the frame of the stroller, so the seats are out. With the Graco I believe they snap onto the seats that stay there.
I hadn't thought of the possibility of the babies not liking the carseats, but we spent alot of time snapping things in and out and ultimately decided to go with it. Frankly there is something a bit more manly, as my DH also liked it better
I am told that most first time moms regret their stroller choice in one way or another, so I am preparing myself!

 

After a ton of research, my husband and I have decided to go with the BabyTrend snap and go stroller while the babies are in their carriers then switch over to the combi side-by-side. The cost for the 2 strollers is the same as if we were to just purchase the one larger stroller.

Because these twins are our 2nd & 3rd child, we didn't want to have to go out and buy everything "matching". When we had Zachary we went overboard and bought top of the line everything. Since that time I have lost my job and am now a stay at home (which I love), but with twins on the way money is tight.

We are going to borrow a second carrier from a friend and the BabyTrend will allow for 2 carriers of various models. Also, it's just a base which makes it very light.

The combi is what I would consider to be similar to a umbrella stroller. Might not be the MOST durable but it's easy to drive. I couldn't figure out what I would use the big stroller for...especially since I switch over to the umbrella pretty quickly with the first child.

Let's face it, with 3 children under 3....how often am I really going to be able to leave the house anyway?!

 

QUOTE(soon2Bmom3 @ Jan 12 2009, 07:43 PM) [snapback]1144138[/snapback]
After a ton of research, my husband and I have decided to go with the BabyTrend snap and go stroller while the babies are in their carriers then switch over to the combi side-by-side. The cost for the 2 strollers is the same as if we were to just purchase the one larger stroller.

Because these twins are our 2nd & 3rd child, we didn't want to have to go out and buy everything "matching". When we had Zachary we went overboard and bought top of the line everything. Since that time I have lost my job and am now a stay at home (which I love), but with twins on the way money is tight.

We are going to borrow a second carrier from a friend and the BabyTrend will allow for 2 carriers of various models. Also, it's just a base which makes it very light.

The combi is what I would consider to be similar to a umbrella stroller. Might not be the MOST durable but it's easy to drive. I couldn't figure out what I would use the big stroller for...especially since I switch over to the umbrella pretty quickly with the first child.

Let's face it, with 3 children under 3....how often am I really going to be able to leave the house anyway?!



You sound just like me, except this is baby #3 and #4 for us. :lol:

We too are going with a double snap-n-go (look into a used one off craigslist, I just picked one up this weekend for $50, half the price of a new one and its' barely used!!), and then a combi side by side when they get tired of their infant seats (around 6 monthsprobably). The couple we got this used one from actually did the EXACT same thing we are planning.

They said they have the graco quattro one also and it's just too big and heavy, not worth it. The snap n go folds up compactly, has a basket and cupholders for mom and dad. And the combi is SUPER lightweight, it's a trifold so it folds up fairly compactly, seats recline, 5 point harness, baskets are a little small but otherwise it's perfect...oh it drives nice too we tried one out at babiesrus.

I'm going to have a 7 yr old and 2.5 yr old when the babies come so I needed something quick and easy to use that didn't require a lot of "set up" when we go out and about!

 

These are our first (and probably only) children. We were torn between the snap-n-go and the kolcraft. Really, I think I would prefer to purchase one stroller than to have to go through all the research again. The Kolcraft can be used after the babies outgrow their infant carriers. It seems more economical to me to put the money into one good stroller. None of them seem to be perfect and everything I've read indicates that most double strollers will be heavy. There's just that much more material involved in making them.

Thanks for posting this forum! It's been really helpful