Stroller... Tandem or side-by-side?

erina320

erina320

Registered User
We're looking to purchase a two seater stroller and are debating the function-ability of a tandem stroller or side-by-side.

Tandem will fit through doors easier, but side-by-side offers more storage (I'll need it for shopping trips and diaper bags). We'll use it primarily in areas like Tung Chung and DB, but buses and the MTR are a factor.

Thanks.
 
I can't imagine being able to handle a side by side one in HK. With escalators and buses etc. How old are your children? If its not for twins, rather for a toddler and a baby, then we liked the Phil and Teds double one. Still very difficult to get on and off buses by yourself (and the newborn part at the back is not the secure for lifting up stairs etc). Also note that the buses in DB are about to crack down on unfolded strollers and the Phil and Teds needs to be partially dismantled before you can fold it up. Not easy to do on your own with 2 kids.
 
I know a side-by-side is going to be difficult, but this is the one we were thinking about getting.

http://www.babyjogger.com/city_mini_dbl_dtl.aspx

It folds SUPER easy, is light weight and maneuvers easily. I'm just afraid, like you said, we'll spend the money and find it unusable in Hong Kong because it won't fit through doors or on the MTR.
 
I had the Maclaren side by side which fitted on escalators, through all doors etc. We used it in Shanghai (which is much less stroller friendly than HK, other than that there are no hills there!) and we brought it to HK when we came on holiday here where we had no problems at all. Had a look at the details of the baby jogger you are looking at and it seems similar in size etc., so I imagine you would have no problems at all. It says it fits though standard doors. I had friends who bought the Phil and Ted or similar tandem ones which they had to take apart to get into a car boot or whatever. Some hated them and some loved them. I liked my side by side. It also is good for taking on flights, as you can usually take it to the gate and get it back when you get off the plane.
 
My sister in law has the twin city mini (not in HK though) and I have used it a few times in Australia and it is a great pram. I think around DB and Tung Chung would be ok.
It would fit through doors ok, but I wouldn't think on escalators and I can't say for sure whether it would fit on the MTR or not.

Is it for twins, or a toddler and a baby? If for a toddler and a baby I personally would go a single pram with a buggy board, or one in a pram and the other in a carrier, or something that is a bit smaller as the twin city mini is a bit of a pain with one in and one walking as it is a little tricky with one hand.
On the positives, folding is a dream and it is great that they recline and have sun covers that work individually.
 
It's for my three year old and my 6 mos old. Thanks for the input! It will help with the decision.
 
Hi Erina,

I assume you've seen the one for sale in the classifieds, in case that helps your decision...?!
 
my sis had a side by side (she bought in australia - can't remember brand though). and when she got to HK she quickly "retired" it because apart from strolling it during her runs / walks, it was very inconvenient to store and to use in the city. she ended up using 2 singles instead and convincing her kids to walk more...her kids are 15mths apart - kid of like "twins" in a sense.
 
We were considering the Bugaboo Donkey side by side but felt that it might be a bit too snug for our toddler, and probably too wide for most footpaths on Hong Kong Island (meaning no one else can walk in the other direction when you are there), so bought a boogie board and attached it to our bugaboo bee and it has been fabulous. Our toddler loves the boogie board and although it isn't recommended, when she is tired, she sits on the boogie board and this works well also.

The combination is great for walking around but you can not fold the stroller with the boogie board attached which is inconvenient. It does however go through the MTR and up narrow escalators (but only just). For a few stairs, I'm able to carry the stroller up with my toddler climbing the steps herself. I hope this helps.....
 
I have the babyjogger city mini double and it s the best pushchair I ve ever had.An I had A LOT. It does fit on the escalator in the ferry etc. it s brilliant for twins.
 
As a mother of twins (and an older child), I've seen my share of single and double strollers. I had a Mountain Buggy Urban Double with board for my oldest which was great in the US (where they were born) but I couldn't get rid of it fast enough when we got here. I also brought my MacLaren double which was fine (not great) but it fits through doors, folds easily, good for travelling, etc. but again, HK is not great for double (side by side) strollers. We soon started using 2 singles for travelling and going somewhere and we just had them walk from early on. My oldest was able to walk everywhere from age 3 without a problem (and I used the board in the US for standing). Since you already have a 3yo I am seriously wondering why you would even get a large, bulky double stroller ... Have you thought about a buggy/kiddy board behind a stroller. When my twins were still have little and my oldest would get tired (while travelling, so we only had the MacLaren), I would put the lightest twin in a hip carrier, and have her sit down. So considering their age, I think you may have a few other options, without having to invest in a double stroller. If you really want a double stroller, I would advice Phil & Teds at this age. Your youngest could probably ride the bottom until 18 month (I think), by that time your oldest will definitely be fine walking. My personal experience (partly of having no choice and refusing triple strollers) is the more chances you give them to sit down, the more they will. The more they walk, the sooner they'll see it as their only option and they'll quickly get better at it. Sure, you have to make a stop here and there, but with kids you need to anyway. Hong Kong is not side by side double stroller friendly is MY experience, regardless whether it fits through doors (because almost all do).

Hope this helps?!
 
I have one that I was thinking about selling. I bought it in the states 6 months ago and have just moved to Sai Kung where I can't see when I'd use it. Please let me know if you are interested.
 
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