What is the best stroller for Europe?

[mommyoffive]

Help me out there if you have been there with littles.  My youngest are 1 and 4, so I think a double would be useful?  Or not?  I will have a baby carrier, but I don't know if a single and carrier would be enough.  

 

Thoughts? 

 

 

If I go the double route, what double to you think would be best. 

 

I have this

http://joovy.com/caboose-graphite/

Heavy

Not so great for naps, or really if 2 are tired at the same time.  Back seat is not very restful

 

or this

 

http://www.target.com/p/britax-2017-b-agile-double-stroller-black/-/A-52302108?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9018768&gclid=CJ6zkaGJhtMCFRC4wAodT18Aiw&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

Nice for naps.

Wide

 

 

 

 

Do you think either of these would be better?

 

http://www.albeebaby.com/phil-and-teds-sport-double-stroller-black.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shoppingdotcom&gdffi=80e541f9cb5a4a2498688d7faa07017a&gdfms=C109456891B94D89A013E02551E164E3&gclid=CJ7G1tWJhtMCFRmewAodQrkL6g

 

I have never had an under one.  Bad for anyone to really sit in?  

I think 2 could nap at the same time?  Don't really know if my 4 year old would. 

 

http://www.albeebaby.com/summer-infant-3dtwo-double-stroller-black-gray.html

 

http://www.albeebaby.com/kinderwagon-hop-tandem-double-umbrella-stroller-black.html

 

Both of these are so compact.  Maybe light? 

Not great for naps. 

[Twolittleboys]

Could you tell us a bit more about what you need? Are you living in Europe/moving there or is this for a trip/vacation? If the later, where are you going/what are you planning to do? If it is a trip, will you be using public transportation or a car? How many grown-ups/how many kids in total?

 

When my kids were smaller I had a stroller for one with a board at the back for the older to stand on. It worked great but wouldn't have been ideal for sight-seeing etc. as it was pretty heavy/hard to fold etc.

[mommyoffive]

Oh sorry. 

 

Yes a vacation.   Still trying to figure out where we are going, but most likely all over Europe.  

Public Transit all the time

 

5 kids total 2 adults.

[HomeAgain]

Seriously? None. 

 

Many buildings are not handicap accessible.  Many streets are cobblestone and walkways are narrow.  Taking a stroller around with you is a headache.  We bought our stroller with the purpose of being able to take it around Europe: one hand quick fold, lightweight, handle for carrying, able to recline completely, and brakes to lock the wheels when on public transportation.

 

We used it less than 3 times.  It just wasn't worth it except in airports and Disney.

[mommyoffive]

Seriously? None. 

 

Many buildings are not handicap accessible.  Many streets are cobblestone and walkways are narrow.  Taking a stroller around with you is a headache.  We bought our stroller with the purpose of being able to take it around Europe: one hand quick fold, lightweight, handle for carrying, able to recline completely, and brakes to lock the wheels when on public transportation.

 

We used it less than 3 times.  It just wasn't worth it except in airports and Disney.

 

Thank you for this info.

 

How old were your kids?  How many did you have? 

 

Did you do naps on the go? 

[Twolittleboys]

Yes, with public transportation a stroller will be difficult. I would get a sturdy single stroller that isn't heavy and folds easily (my kids are bigger so not sure about brands/models). I would mostly carry the one year old in a carrier - much more convenient. Then you can use the stroller either if the four year old gets tired or if you get exhausted from carrying the baby. Depending on what you are doing/where you are going I would take the stroller along or not. So if you are staying in a large city and will only be out for a couple of hours I would probably let the four year old walk and use the carrier (especially if you have someone who can carry the 4 year old if necessary). If you are out all day I would take the stroller.

 

How helpful a stroller will be really depends on the exact location. I live in Europe and did use a stroller to go shopping etc. But in some cities it will be difficult, especially if using public transportation. We visited Rome and London a couple of years ago and I was very glad not to have to bother with a stroller any more.

[gardenmom5]

when dudeling was an infant. the most popular of the european strollers was maclaren.  easy for folding/unfolding, lightweight, and compact.

[My4arrows]

We are going this summer and I've been researching this same thing. What I've found as other posters mentioned is that none is better. Many places don't allow strollers or it's very difficult to use them. We are opting for a carrier instead, but I only have one that would need it.

[mommyoffive]

when dudeling was an infant. the most popular of the european strollers was maclaren.  easy for folding/unfolding, lightweight, and compact.

 

I have a few singles, Maclaren being one.  I don't like it much.   I would go with a single Britax instead.  Much better. 

[Bootsie]

Are your children used to being in a stroller?  Are they used to walking?  Do you have a wanderer you feel needs to be contained?  Are the older children big enough to help with a stroller?  

 

We took a larger side-by-side stroller to Europe when our kids were just a bit younger than your two.  It had a large basked underneath that helped with carrying items.  It could be difficult to get on and off some busses.  Some subway stations require the use of stairs.  

 

The next year we took one "good" stroller that reclined, had sun protection, a basket, etc. and an umbrella stroller.  That way if two needed to be pushed, we could do it.  If one needed to sleep, or we needed to stash things, we could.  If you will have two adults and older kids that can help out, this is the option that I would choose.  

 

Remember that in Europe you will be pushing over cobblestones in places.  We wore out the wheels on several stroller when our kids were little.

[HomeAgain]

Thank you for this info.

 

How old were your kids?  How many did you have? 

 

Did you do naps on the go? 

 

We lived there from the time the youngest was 3mo up to 3.5yo.  We wore him constantly, alternating between a sling, carrier, and woven wrap.  Naps were done wherever/whenever when we were sightseeing.  We honestly could not have accessed most major historical sites with a stroller.  Venice would have been a total wash, Dubrovnik hit or miss, Greece- impossible, Rome - doable for about half the sites, Florence - limited access, Paris - decent.  Salzburg and other cities in Austria - limited. Germany-limited but okay in bigger cities on the streets.  Think of it this way: if it took heavy bombing during WWII, you have a better chance of seeing more modern amenities.  It's morbid, but that's the way it is.

 

We really had to learn how to accommodate a baby in a non-friendly world.  The wrap doubled as a tie-chair until we used the BubbleBum as a booster in restaurants.  His portacrib had to go on our backpack because it was impossible to know whether a hotel would have accommodations for him.  Most of our baby stuff did double and triple duty.  We even brought our own silverware because there was this thing with giant spoons and forks at restaurants.  Silverware and a roll up tablemat to work as a plate for him.

And it wasn't just baby stuff.  When you're traveling you really are squeezed for space.  I've shown people pictures before of what my oldest was expected to take camping with him as a scout there, and what he was expected to take here.  The sheer volume of STUFF was shocking.  All his gear fit into the bottom half of a foot locker that was expected to be filled before adding a cot, sleeping bag, and various extras.  ALL his gear.  Including his sleeping bag, cot, and tent.  Everything fit in the bottom.  He was expected to carry his gear all over in Europe, while here his troop kept buying bigger trailers and adding more trucks to carry it all.  Our travel towels are very thin, our clothes were bought to be quick wash/wear.  We made good use of stuff bags and vacuum seal bags (the kind where you can squeeze the air out).  You don't have the room to take everything and the luxury of being able to count on wheels to get it from place to place.

[gardenmom5]

I have a few singles, Maclaren being one.  I don't like it much.   I would go with a single Britax instead.  Much better. 

 

I had a britax - maybe they've come out with lightweight ones.  it was big.  I liked it, but it wasn't lightweight making travel easy by any means.

[lailasmum]

Side by side doubles are a bit of a nightmare in small shops. I nearly always used a sling but mine have a slightly larger age gap. A lightweight umbrella stroller and a sling might be your best option. An alternative is something more substantial like the Phil and teds or Jane pushchairs that have a small footprint but you can put two seats on. They could be difficult on public transport though but on the cusp of ok. I see a lot of Phil and Ted's buggies about where I am because they're good on rough ground. Alternatively If there are two adults could you take two umbrella strollers? I had a Quinny stroller for a while which was great for travel but they're poor on rough ground.

Edited April 2, 2017 by lailasmum

[HomeAgain]

I know I sounded a little harsh when I was like NO strollers!  But I found our old video. At about 43 seconds in you can see a parking lot with two handicap spaces.  There is no way for a wheelchair to go over that 6 inch curb right in front of the spaces.  (and then it leads down a path, down stairs into a cave) It's that mentality all over the place.

 

 

 

[Farrar]

We took our kids to Paris when they were not quite 5. We live in a city and we had ditched the stroller ages before. I always made them walk - even to the subway and around the city. I had several people tell me that I inspired them to ditch theirs because we were so hardcore about it.

 

So... surprise! I regret not taking a lightweight umbrella stroller to Paris.

 

I know it would have been a huge hassle in another way... but so was the amount of carrying of my kids that I ended up doing. Yes, European cities are really not handicapped accessible, but we tend to walk a LOT when we do city travel. If I'd had a stroller, it would have been better for all.

 

That said, I would not bring a double stroller under any circumstances. I have twins and I still think one would have been "enough" to get by. In your situation, one stroller for sure. And if you're not going to be walking a ton anyway, don't even do it. Just do the carrier for the baby if that's the case.

 

ETA: Part of the reason I say umbrella stroller is that you can more easily carry it up and down the stairs (people will help if it's crowded). And also that you can kick the kid out and make him walk up the stairs if you need to and just fold it up really quick. If you decide to bring one, you want it to be the most compact, easy to carry (because you'll carry it a good bit) stroller you can find.

Edited April 2, 2017 by Farrar

[Xahm]

ditto on the umbrella stroller. We were in France four months without a car, walking at least ten hours a week with a child who turned 2 while we were there and a young three year old. We had a cheap umbrella stroller from babies r us. I had a little string backpack I'd hang on the back to hold kids' jackets, pamphlets, etc. That thing went over cobblestones, carried heavy grocery bags on the handles, and still is going strong. When we got to stairs it was quick to pick up and carry with our 25 lb son in it, or quick to fold up after kicking the child out. Generally the 1 yr old rode until the three year old was exhausted, then we'd carry the little guy and let the three year old ride. Both learned to take naps in unusual positions/places. My favorite was resting their head on dh's head while riding on his shoulders.

[domestic_engineer]

If your spouse is willing to carry, what do you think of just taking 2 carriers?  1 every-day carrier and 1 packable carrier.  Use the every-day carrier (I'm assuming waist belt) for the 1 year old .... until the 4 year old gets tired.  Once the 4 year old gets tired then switch it so that the 1 year old is in the packable carrier and the 4 year old is in the usual carrier.  That's the set-up that we used ... a Boba and a Boba Air.  The challenge with this plan, though, is what to do with your diaper bag when both adults are carrying kids (we either got a cross body diaper bag or moved the diaper backpack to a front carry).  I liked this setup for using public transportation as the adults could move quickly, if need be, with little worries about your youngest travelers.  

 

I vote for no strollers at all, but you know your 4 year old best and how much walking and/or containment he can tolerate.

[Monica_in_Switzerland]

Live in Europe, have no car.

 

4yo in a compact is he 3 wheel air filled tire style stroller. Baby in an ergo. That's how we do it. Air filled tires are so much more pleasant on cobblestone, and can be bumped up and down stairs easily single handedly.

 

Once a week right now, I (alone) take my four kids on a metro, two trains, a tram,and a walk at both ends of the trip to get my 5yo to a specialist doctor halfway across the country. Easy, Peary. :-). 5yo rides in the stroller because her legs are in casts, 2 yo rides in backpack, big kids stick close by.

[Mabelen]

I have traveled to Europe by myself with young kids and spent time there visiting family. With two adults and two kids that my need to use a stroller, I would have a stroller and a baby carrier. If the older kid does not need the stroller, the baby can use it; otherwise, the older kid can have the stroller and the baby can go in the carrier. It would be best to pick a light weight easy to fold stroller. If you are using public transport you need to fold up quickly to get on/off, navigate stairs etc. Another thing that I found important was to be able to lock the swivel wheels when going on rougher surfaces. I have never tried the jogging type stroller so I can't comment. If they are easily folded, then that sounds like a good option.

[Laura Corin]

I agree that I would use a sling/carrier.  To be honest, my four year old mostly walked when we were in Europe.  I had an umbrella stroller for jetlag days though.  A double is really unwieldy for travelling.

 

If a sling isn't possible, maybe an umbrella stroller with a standing board on the back?  But only if it was easy to fold it all up and carry it.

[Caroline]

When my sister lived in London, she had one that the one year old sat in and the 3 year old stood on the back of. She had a 5 year old, too, who walked by herself. The stroller folded up very easily. She could take it on the tube very easily. It was very lightweight.

 

When they traveled, there were some cities where the stroller stayed in the hotel and was just used for airports. I believe Venice was one of those places.

 

When my other sister lived in Germany, she used that same stroller for her kids. I used it when my little two were little, but that was in Atlanta.

 

I think it was a Peg Perego. However, the one year old from London is graduating high school this year, so the model would be different now.

Edited April 2, 2017 by Caroline

[lovinmyboys]

We have been in Europe for about 2 months (5 countries) and I would try to not to have a stroller, but one is a hard age to not. My 4yr old has walked everywhere and we have done a ton of walking. Most days my Apple Watch tells me between 20,000-25,000 steps. DS4 has been such a trooper (but he no longer naps). He did say today that he is ready to go back home and I asked him why and he said he misses having a car 😀. He has never complained about the walking, but I guess it does bother him some.

 

I just know that as we have been touring I have been very glad my kids are past the stroller stage.

[mommyoffive]

Any other thoughts?

 

I know I am for sure bringing one.   We decided on just Copenhagen and Rome area.  We may do some trips around the Rome area.  

[Sarah CB]

when dudeling was an infant. the most popular of the european strollers was maclaren.  easy for folding/unfolding, lightweight, and compact.

 

When I lived in England I had a Maclaren umbrella stroller. It needs to be light enough for you to carry up and down stairs with a child in it - at least, for me it did. I think the combo of a carrier and a very small stroller would probably work well. 

I would *not* want to be carting around a double stroller. Or even a full size stroller. 

 

I wonder if you could get by without a stroller at all? I think that's what I'd be tempted to do if I were you. Just make sure your baby carrier is something that you could comfortably wear all day while walking. 

[Stuart]

I personally would do one small stroller and a carrier. But to each his own. If you go the double route. I have a maclaren twin triumph umbrella style I like. Though still a bit heavy. I keep looking at these since they are very light.

http://www.zoestrollers.com

[Paige]

A double stroller sounds like hell for a multi-city trip to Europe. A single stroller would be bad enough. If you must use a stroller, I'd get the smallest single I could and make the 4 yr old walk when I tired of wearing the little one. 

[mommyoffive]

I personally would do one small stroller and a carrier. But to each his own. If you go the double route. I have a maclaren twin triumph umbrella style I like. Though still a bit heavy. I keep looking at these since they are very light.

http://www.zoestrollers.com

 

Oh never heard of that brand.  I like it.  

Does it steer well?

I sold my Maclaren.  Never liked it much. 

 

I also just sold My Joovy Double Caboose

 

I got this instead.

 

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/gb-qbit-lte-stroller-in-charcoal/3311564?skuId=60207586&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_baby_&adpos=1o2&creative=43742622949&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&product_id=60207586&gclid=CLCDmoPk0dMCFYW4wAod60kErg

 

 

But I don't like it much either.   Doesn't steer well.

 

 

 

I have this

 

http://www.albeebaby.com/britax-b-agile-double-stroller-black.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=shoppingdotcom&gdffi=80e541f9cb5a4a2498688d7faa07017a&gdfms=6A823E241B914FEB90DA753FF4D19DB6&gclid=CIaxz7Tk0dMCFZQAaQodWjAHpA

 

 

 

A single Bob

 

 

 

 

I was thinking either my Double Britax or a Phil and Teds with the 2 seats.

 

 

 

My 4 year old isn't much of a walker on a long day.   I don't think I am going to be wearing the baby much as I hurt my knee.  

Edited May 2, 2017 by mommyoffive

[Laura Corin]

You say that you want to use public transport.  Maybe think through how it would work getting on and off trains and buses: how you would fold the double stroller whilst keeping the 1yo upright and making sure the 4yo doesn't wander off?  How would you hold children's hands while boarding and still stow the pushchair?  How would you get it up and downstairs in stations with two children in it?  I don't know Copenhagen, but I seem to remember taking stairs down into the train stations in Rome.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187791-i22-k9513443-Is_Rome_Stroller_friendly-Rome_Lazio.html

[prairiewindmomma]

You can rent a stroller in Kobenhavn: http://www.rentapram.dk  Denmark is stroller friendly, for the most part. Danish napping practices (stick a baby outside in their pram, in almost any weather, during nap time) have helped shape access.

 

I can't imagine a stroller in Rome, though.  It is the city of a million two-thousand year old stairs, iykwim.  And pedestrians share the stairs with impatient Italians on Vespas.

[Janeway]

I bought a Combi when compact and lightweight were very important to me.

[Janeway]

Since it is a vacation, you could take two singles, no double. We have never taken a double on vacation, just two singles.

[Janeway]

This is one of the Combi ones I am referring to https://www.softcradle.com/products/combi-cosmo-e-stroller-black-gray

[mommyoffive]

You can rent a stroller in Kobenhavn: http://www.rentapram.dk  Denmark is stroller friendly, for the most part. Danish napping practices (stick a baby outside in their pram, in almost any weather, during nap time) have helped shape access.

 

I can't imagine a stroller in Rome, though.  It is the city of a million two-thousand year old stairs, iykwim.  And pedestrians share the stairs with impatient Italians on Vespas.

 

 

Oh wow, thanks for the rental idea!

 

Yeah Rome is worrisome to me.   

[matrips]

My sister lives overseas and they have travelled Europe a lot. She bought a super fancy stroller when her dd was born and also took our Maclaren umbrella stroller. So many photos of them traveling. None with her stroller, only the old Maclaren. She said it was just easier. When her ds came along, they stuck to the single and a baby carrier.

[Deb in NZ]

How about a baby backpack?  I haven't been to Europe, but when we lived in Fiji I used public transport all the time.  When we moved there dd was 2 & ds#1 was a newborn.  We were there for almost 4 years.  If I did take a stroller, I only took our Maclaren umbrella stroller.  Dd would walk, but if she got too tired I would have her sit on the edge of the seat, moving ds#1's feet to the side.  When ds#1 turned one we got a baby backpack & that made things so-o-o much easier to get on & off buses, etc.  The baby backpack was easier for me to carry ds#1 as most of the weight was carried on my hips, not my shoulders.  It had a small bags attached that I used for nappies, etc.  IF it was raining, an umbrella covered us both.  Also, he didn't get too hot as he did when I used our front pack carrier.  JMHO,