Conference moira::parenting

    I have a Gerry Backpack it hold up to 40 lbs.  I really enjoy using it.
    I find it alot easier than using a carriage. I am usually outside with
    my son 9months and daughter 4 1/2 for the whole morning.  I like my
    backpack because he is out of the way from the other kids, the carriage
    the little kids are always touching his face and toys.  I can do alot
    more with the backpack.  We always take walks at the Wachusett
    Reservoir. My son is 25lbs.  I get a get workout carring him in the
    pack.  I started using mine when he was 4months old, for about 10-15 mins
    at a time just to get use to wearing the pack.  My husband loves the
    pack.  We use it shopping alot it is alot easier and trying to get a 
    carriage thru the clothes racks.   I recieved my babypack as a gift
    from neighborhood friends.  

         Hi,

         I have been looking around at strollers/carriages and did find the
         Viking stroller from Emmaljunga to be quite different from any other
         model sold here in the US. I have not seen it discussed in any of the
         previous notes, and would like this opportunity to ask you Parenting
         Noters about your experience/thoughts. As a new mom-to-be (end of
         June - its only 2 months!) with rather limited experience of baby
         products it is sometimes hard to anticipate pros and cons.

         The Viking model from Emmaljunga comes in three parts, one frame with
         wheels, one  bassinet that fits on the frame to be used for a small
         infant and one seat that fits on the frame for when the baby is ready
         to sit up. The back of the seat folds down, so it allows for the child
         to lay down for a nap.

         The frame is all metal, with large 10" wheels, can be folded, and the
         wheels are removable to make it even smaller. It has a storage basket.

         I would like to hear from you, did you look at the Emmaljunga
         strollers, did you buy one, are you happy with your decision
         (alternatively why did you decide against this type of stroller)?

         Thanks for you input

         /Malin Goodwin

         DKAS::GOODWIN

	We have had our Emmaljunga Viking for 2.5 years now and have been
	quite pleased.  We bought the model with both bassinette and stroller
	seat.  We used the bassinette for 6 months.  Both of our kids napped
	really well in it.  It's nice to be able to wheel the baby from room
	to room or lift the bassinette off the wheels and carry baby.

	When our second child arrived we bought the Emmaljunga baby bus.  It
	has a frame with 6 wheels and a separate seat for each child.  It can
	be cumbersome to use in really crowded places but we have been happy
	with it as well.

	The drawbacks to the Emmaljunga are weight and cost.  If you just
	want something to push around the mall I would say don't bother.
	But if you are planning on using it outdoors it's worth it.  It
	rolls right over loose gravel, grass and uneven surfaces.

	One feature that we've gotten several comments on is the safety
	harness.  It goes over the childs shoulders and around the waist.
	It then fastens to the carriage frame.  It gives the child a little
	bit of mobility but keeps them in the carriage.  We never really
	needed it for our son but our daughter is a climber so we've 
	used it a lot for her.

Elizabeth

    	I am in need of 2 double umbrella strollers.  I was wondering
    	if anyone could tell me what company's make them or what 
    	stores may carry them.  I already have a heavy triplet
    	stroller for the triplets, I just need something that is
    	easy to fold, so I can take it in the car.  I don't want
    	to spend alot of money for the double umbrella strollers.
    
    	Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    
    	Dawn

Next month the whole family (two women, one 5 year old, one 6 month old) will be
flying to Washington, DC.  As it turns out, both of our strollers are 
broken, and we need to get a new one.  So far, we haven't found one which 
meets our needs.  Can anyone recommend a stroller which meets most or all
of these needs?

	Needs to fit easily into an airplane overhead compartment.

	Needs to hold a 40 pound child, and have enough head room for him.

	Sturdy; good wheels; easily pushed and maneuvered.

	*Preferably* will have a basket underneath.

	Preferably will also have cover around the head from mist/rain/etc.

Any suggestions?  :-)  Any ideas what else to look for, like in the area
of "what makes a sturdy stroller"?

      Carol

    A few months ago, we purchased the Aprica CitiMini and we both
    absolutely love it.  It would fit all your requirements except I am not
    sure about the maximum weight it would hold.
    
    It folds up like an umbrella stroller, but is is very sturdy like a
    "regular" stroller and it also has the safety bar in front.  It only
    weighs 7 pounds!!!   All my friends who see it and try it also love it.
    
    The problem is the expense, it is quite expensive.  I was lucky enough
    to find a floor model that was marked down.    We definately think it
    was worth the investment.  
    
    Stephanie

I saw an Aprica in a catalog recently that was $200.00.  Is that what you
mean by "very expensive"?  I wondered if it might be considerably cheaper 
at a store.

       Carol

    Yes, I also saw it in the "RIGHT START" catalog for $200.  When I was
    looking for one (New England area), the prices in stores were
    about $200-$220.   New Hampshire Buyers Service catalog was approx $180. 
    
    Call around - I happened to luck out at one store, they had one left
    and had marked it down to around $100
    
    It does cost more than other strollers, but I was planning on using it
    heavily and had heard stories of strollers falling apart after a
    short time.   This should last thru a couple kids...
    
    Stephanie
 

    I have a Perego, and I absolutely love it.  Wheels always turn right,
    and I can stear with one hand.  I would definitely recommend it.  It
    also has all the goodies and covers for when it gets cold.  They came
    in handy when we took a Fall stroll on a boardwalk along the ocean.  
    
    Sue

    Charlotte got to try out our new umbrella stroller the other
    day - she seems to enjoy it a whole lot more than our perego.
    I thought it a little strange, but she wags her feet to and 
    fro and really seems to sit still whereas the stroller makes 
    her feel "strapped in" and she is always straining to wiggle 
    out of the seat belt.
    My one disappointment with it is, in fact, the seat belt.
    I seems to be a little high (so that when Charlotte slips it
    keeps her from straightening out and she's stuck in her 
    slouch) and is only a two point belt (which is why she slips!)
    
    Other than that, its a wonderfully engineered piece of baby
    hardware.
    
    (Well, if our daughter prefers the $25 item over the $200 item,
    I guess I cannot complain, and will probably appreciate it later
    in life!)
    
    Monica

    In search of the "800" number for Graco...can anybody help me?!?

    Call 800-555-1212 thats directory assistance for any company with an
    800 number.
    
    Jt

    Hi,
    
        I am looking for a sturdy double umbrella stroller.  I have a 3
    year old and a 7 month old.  It needs to have seats that recline
    seperately, storage, sun shades and good wheels.  I currently have
    a single umbrella stroller from Chicco that we have been very happy
    with.  I called NH Buyers service and they said it no longer comes
    in a double.  They reccomended a Mclaren (sp?).  Does anyone have any
    advice in this area.?  What did you like/not like about your double
    (I assume these are all side by side) umbrella strollers?
    
    
    				Thanks,
    
    				Mary Russo
    

    
    
    I am very active with our dogs and thought a back pack would do the 
    trick.  but, there are so many brands and a varid prices.
    
    Anyone have any preferences?
    
    Donna

    I have a quick question for any experienced strollers.  I am interested
    in the Aprica CitiMini, which meets my requirements for a lightweight,
    but still reasonably sturdy, stroller.  The only problem is that it
    doesn't really recline, and doesn't seem to offer a lot of support for
    young (under 6 months) babies.  I get differing opinions on whether or
    not it is safe for little ones. Does anyone have any experience with
    either this model, or a similar type of stroller?
    
    Many thanks from a sonn-to-be first-time mother!
    

    It's not a matter of safety so much as it is comfort...
    
    No specific experience with this model, but just in general, we liked
    the fact that our Graco could recline. The kids would sleep about 50%
    of the time they'd be in the stroller; being able to recline made their
    naps much more comfortable...without it, they'd likely crumple like a
    rag doll.
    
    Ask yourself this...would you be more comfortable napping in a Lazyboy
    recliner or in a wing-back chair?
    
    FWIW...

    I won't say I'm too experienced, but I recently bought a stroller
    (Graco - I don't remember the model).  I am very glad it reclines.
    My baby (even if she has just had a nap!) will fall asleep while I am
    walking her.  (She is 7 months old).
    The other suggestion I have is that you buy one with a big basket.  The
    model I bought has a tiny basket (I didn't notice the size when I
    bought it, but after a couple of walks I really miss a place to put a
    sweater etc).
    I'm not familiar with the Aprica.
    Nancy  

    We have the CitiMini, and I highly recommend it, it is very durable and
    worth the extra expense, however, I would not use it for under 6 mos. 
    It doesn't recline much at all.  The only drawback we found is that the
    handles are too low for my husband (6'3")
    Stephanie

I highly recommend the Graco reclining stroller.  It's light weight, reclines
and has a very large basket.  Toys r' us just sent out coupons that included
$10 off the stroller.  If you're interested (they sent me three coupon books),
let me know.  I don't think I've thrown them away yet.

Laura

    
    Is there such a thing as an umbrella stroller that reclines a bit??
    I have a regular carriage/stroller, but am in the market for an
    umbrella stroller and would love one that has 2 positions: upright
    and reclined say at 45 degrees.
    
    Patty

    Yup, they exist.  We have a Carlson (shower gift) that has multiple
    recline positions.  I also like that the back and seat have splines for
    support, ie not just fabric stretched between the frame.
    
    I don't think they are easy to find; I think ours was purchased at
    Boston Baby.

    I have a chicco umbrella stroller the reclines in five postions. 
    I absolutely love it and would not have bought the carriage type 
    if I know about it earlier.  It is not quite as ligh as most 
    umbrellas but van be carried with one arm/hand.  It also has very
    sturdy double wheels.  I got it a "what's best for baby" in Manchester
    NH.  
    
    
    				Mary

    Just curious, why are they called umbrella strollers, many don't have
    umbrellas, nor are they shaped like umbrellas?
    
    nmp

    Ahhh, but they fold up like umbrellas.
    
    Pam

    Re:  .24 Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
    
    ;^)

    
    	Last summer we went to a lot of cookouts/parties with the kids
    	and the stroller was invaluable for bringing along Andrew (then
    	3 months).  We even brought it to the beach, where Andrew would
    	sleep for 2-3 hours at a time while Mommy sunbathed.  With that
    	in mind, I would call a reclining stroller an absolute *must*.
    	If I had fall or winter babies, I might not care.  My Combi
    	doesn't recline fully (about a 20 degree lift), so I used my
    	double stroller (Andrew liked to nap on his belly).
    
    	Karen

We have a 21 month old daughter, and an Emmaljunga stroller which we LOVE, and
use all of the time.  We walk almost every day, even in bad/cold weather, a
couple of miles.   With the large tires of this stroller, it rolls right over
gravel, snow clumps, sand, grassy terrain, etc. 

We're expecting our second in July.   All the stores we've talked to
recommended either going to the Emmaljunga baby-bus that seats two, or the
Perego Duetta.   Both seat two in two separate seats, whcih can face front or
back independently.   It appears these two are our only options for large
wheels, which we've found to be indispenseable.  The pairs of little wheels
that spin just don't seem to be able to handle walking except on great
pavement/sidewalks. 

In my opinion, the Duetta is expensive and ugly, but functional.  The Baby Bus
is more expensive, and I have not located one in a store to look at. 


Question 1 - do any of you have either of these strollers, and if so, what do
you think? 

Question 2 - how long will our older child be using the stroller?    I realize
this varies child to child.  Remember that it's about 2 miles a night, and
this is after a full day of day care and they usually walk 1-1.5 miles each
morning, and probably this summer she will be old enough to start walking it
(instead of being in a stroller).   So I dont' know how much she'd be up for
another, longer walk in the evening.     

We will definitely get a double, but we're wondering how long we'll use it, 
and that will have some impact on how much we choose to spend.   

She'll be 24 months in July when the baby is born and the two seater stroller
gets put into use. 

thanks 

    Being a backpacker and walking my kids as far as they will go, maybe I
    can offer some advice, but mine are pretty spaced out compared to
    yours.  
    
    By the time Carrie was three we could count on her walking about 2 1/2
    miles if we walked at her pace.  (deadly slow)  One of us usually
    carried a babypack with us so we could pack her once she got tired, or
    distracted to the point we made no progress.  By the time she was 5 she
    could make 5 miles with a light pack.  
    
    Frank walks Atlehi around the block and places now weather permitting,
    I took her out for a good walk this weekend (before the snow) and
    wound up carrying her the last 1/2 mile.  (uneven ground, unfamiliar
    territory and lots of things to look at and play with in the gravel.) 
    Atlehi is 23 months now.
    
    Remember too, that your older child will probably regress some with the
    new little.  This is one of those facts of life, and she will want to
    ride even if she isn't tired, just because the baby does.  You will
    probably find yourself getting more use of the double stroller for a
    longer time than you might otherwise think.
    
    meg

	
	I've got a fairly inexpensive Graco double stroller, so
	I cannot comment on the two you have mentioned.  We haven't
	used it much for walks, as we often walk together, so both
	my husband and I push a stroller to balance the weight ;-)

	Our double gets the most use in malls, which brings me to
	the point of my reply.  You might want to investigate the
	turning capability of the brands you are researching.  My
	Graco does fine with "just" Andrew, but with both Andrew
	and Emily, we're nearing 60 pounds, and it can be nearly
	impossible to turn the stroller in a store.  It's almost
	enough of a bother to make me want to consider a backpack
	again ;-).  Emily could walk, but then the trip wouldn't
	be a shopping trip, but a search and rescue mission!

	Karen

Neither of these are "mall strollers", or capable of being taken to a mall.  
Nor is the current Emmaljunga we have. 

That's ok, we have an umbrella we use for that now, and post-birth will
probaly use a backpack/snugli with the baby and the umbrella for our older
child in a store. 

These strollers, and my questions, were really for outdoor walking only.  
These walks are a major source of exercise, family talking, and general 
getting-in-touch, so they are important to us. 

    I have a 10-month old and a nearly 5 year old.  We use the double
    stroller a lot.   My 5 year old doesn't walk at a pace to suit me
    for exercise.  She gets out and walks slow and checks things out.
    This is great as a family experience or a nature walk, but many
    times, I just want to push them along so I can burn off some
    calories while pushing over 50 pounds...
    
    At 2, my daughter was content to use the stroller.  Many kids rebell
    and don't use it then and never go back.  In that case, you might 
    regret getting the double stroller.  I never have, but I picked it 
    up secondhand and spent almost nothing for it.  (Thanks to 
    Wendy Thomas...)
    
    So, you may use the double stroller for 3 years, which would be more
    than worth it, in my opinion.  You could certainly sell that stroller
    and get some of it back.
    
    judy

    My now four-year-old went on lots of walks in the double jogging
    stroller with his baby brother last year. Having him walk alongside was
    never made an option, as there are no sidewalks. He rarely complained,
    except when his brother "squished" him.  
    
    It sounds like a good double stroller is a wise investment for you and
    you'll get lots of use out of it for a couple of years.

    I saw an Emmaljunga double stroller at the baby fair in Boston over the
    weekend.  Unlike most double strollers I've seen, this one seats the
    children side by side vs. one in front of the other.  
    
    We love our Emmaljunga and use it almost daily for outdoor walking 
    with the baby. If/when we have another I know I would want a double 
    stroller and so I was quite interested in seeing this one.  My first 
    impression was that it was just like ours, but double the width.  I do a 
    lot of sidewalk walking with Katerina and this beast would leave no room 
    for anyone to pass and remain on the sidewalk.  If width isn't a big
    issue for the type of walking you do, then it looks great and very
    comfortable/safe for the kids.  It is also about double the price of the 
    single. I think the one I saw was $400+ Ouch!
    
    Kristen

>     I saw an Emmaljunga double stroller at the baby fair in Boston over the
>     weekend.  Unlike most double strollers I've seen, this one seats the
>     children side by side vs. one in front of the other.  

This is the Emma-lite double.  This is not the one I am talking about. 
 
The one I am talking about is the Emmaljunga Baby Bus, it has three axles,
thus 6 wheels, and seats the children in front/behind, except that each has
their own seat that can turn front or back. 

We saw the side-by-side in the store, but they said it is basically for twins,
not for kids with 2 years between them.  If you notice, there is only one 
double wide seat back, so you can't have one side fully reclined for a baby
while the older one is able to sit up and look around. 

    We have new twins (1 week old today!) and our friends gave us the
    Emmalite double stroller.  The backs do incline separately, but there
    isn't a divider between the two seats, so an older child might bug the
    younger one.  I think it is about 31 or 32 inches wide.  I have heard
    there is a narrower stroller that doesn't have the separate back
    reclines.
    
    Beryl

    We used the Emmaljunga double stroller for our kids (13 months apart).
  For us it was a "must have".  I can't honestly remember when we stopped
  using it.  I loved it for its adaptability.  The frame holds 2 "seats".
  A seat can be a bassinette or a stroller seat.
    I have never seen one in an American store.  I saw one in Sweden while
  vacationing there.  I brought a brochure back and our local store was 
  able to order one for us.

  Elizabeth

    I know this might be a little late but they sell the Emmaljunga bus at
    Baby Specialties and The Baby Place both in Natick, Ma.  We got the
    single Emmaljunga when my daughter was born anticipating buying the bus
    when we have a second child.  We used the bassinette part on the wheels
    downstairs when she was first born for her to sleep in downstairs. 
    That way we could wheel her from room to room without disturbing her.
    
    I don't find the Emmaljunga to be too wide in stores either.  We use it
    both indoors and outdoors and also took my now 4 month old on the Walk
    for Hunger - it was indiscpensible (we walked 13 of the 20 miles) for
    everything we had to bring.
    
    If you decide on the bus please post your opinions - I would like to
    see what other people think about it.
    
    Holly

    Hi. My name is Janet and I'm almost 5 months pregnant. This is my first
    child.
    
    I am becoming baffled about strollers. My biggest question is about the
    Century 4-in-1 stroller.  People are swearing by this thing, but I have
    a problem with it.  I checked it out a couple of times, and the infant
    car seat seems wobbly in the stroller.
    
    Does anyone out there have experience with this stroller? Is it really
    this wobbly, or did I install it wrong? I asked a salesperson for help,
    and he said he thought it was this wobbly when installed correctly.
    
    It's hard for me to believe this would not be a problem.
    
    Has anyone out there had experience with this stroller? Would you mind
    sharing your opinions of it?
    
    Also, I keep hearing that I need one of these fancy Peg Perego or Combi
    or Aprico or Emmaljunga strollers.  Everyone I know has always been
    content with Fisher Price and Graco and the like.
    
    Reading these notes has given me more reason to think I need one of the
    fancier ones.
    
    Even the book "Baby Bargains" of all things tells me I need a $229
    Combi stroller!
    
    Is the Century 4-in-1 enough? Or the Century TravelLite, which we saw
    yesterdat at Toys R Us and liked a lot.
    
    I got the impression from your previous messages that this has a lot to
    do with how much outdoors walking you'll be doing. Does that sound
    right? I'm not quite sure, since I'm pretty sedate, but my husband is
    very active, but knowing that would help us make a decision together.
    
    I appreciate any help anyone can give me. (I never knew picking out a
    stroller would be this hard!)
    
    Janet
    

    Hi Janet,
    
    I swear by the Century 4 in 1.  Mine wasn't wobbly at all.  Perhaps the 
    salesperson didn't know how to put it together.  I thought it was
    great.  Many a time my baby would fall asleep on the way to do errands -
    I would just pop out the carseat and put it on the stroller and she
    wouldn't even wake up!!
    
    You are welcome to come to HLO to look at mine even if you don't want
    to buy it.  ;^)
    (I have an ad in the for sale note section).
    
    Nancy
     
         

    Hi Janet,
    
    With three kids, I have gotten by with nothing fancier than a cheap
    umbrella stroller for sidewalk and mall-type outings, and a front and
    backpack for anything off the beaten path.  YMMV.  I have friends who
    swear by the large tire strollers for their lifestyles, but the trails
    I like to hike on would probably have me swearing at, rather than by a
    stroller.  If you have a friend with one of the more upscale strollers,
    give it a try and see how you like it.  
    
    meg
    
    meg

    Janet,
    
    I agree with Nancy.  We have the 4 in 1 and it was great!  I would
    often go shopping with my girlfriend and her infant son.  I would pop
    Katie's seat out and into the stroller, throw her diaper bag in the
    storage bin and be ready to go.  Five minutes later my girlfriend will
    have taken her son out of his carseat (only to have him wake up),
    unfolded her bulky carriage, and would finally be ready to go.
    
    I always got comments on it in the malls.  Pregnant women were always
    approaching me and asking me how I liked it.  I found it very stable
    and did some outdoor walking with it when Katie was an infant.  It is
    also much more portable and compact than other strollers and I could
    wheel her into all kinds of narrow passages...like between the racks at
    Rachelles.  
    
    Katie was good in the infant seat until about 7 months.  Now she is in
    a regular carseat.  
    
    Kristen
     

    Depending on your lifestyle, a stroller may not be needed in the first
    few months. My daughter is 4 months old, and she's been in her stroller
    once. When I go for a walk I prefer to put her in the snuggly. We've
    yet to go to a mall (don't see it happening anytime soon) all other 
    trips when she was smaller I carried the car seat on my arm. 
    
    What I did notice with my stroller is that the handles are to short and
    I can't take a full stride walking behind it, things you don't notice
    until you own it...
    
    Gail 

I just don't get the appeal of the 4-1.    For less money, you can buy the
century infant seat for the car, and get a much sturdier "umbrella", like the
Graco Umbroller which folds the same as any other umbrella, but has a hard
back instead of the sling back seat and is more durable than many others. 
That's what we have and still use the stroller for the pack 'n go situations. 

The really positive comments I hear are from friends who shop a lot.   
Personally, I just put the carseat in the cart for grocery or Calvert's or the 
like.  We don't go to malls generally and for the fewer than 5 times we did 
when she was in that car seat, we either carried or used the snugli.   Now we 
use the umbroller.   

We do have the Emmaljunga (Jupiter model) and love it, but that's for outside 
walking, which we do miles and miles of.   I'd never bring it to a store, 
however I advocate it strongly for this kind of use.  We walk on streets/
sidewalks, so we don't have the "trail" issues of a pervious noter.  

    Thanks to all of you for your replies. I'm getting a much better idea
    of what I really need. I'll have to ask my husband if he plans to do a
    lot of heavy outdoor walking with the baby (I probably won't). If not,
    I'm getting the feeling the 4-in-1 probably is a good choice for what I
    need.
    

    To add another comment - I took Alyssa for a walk (still do) almost
    every day and the 4 in 1 did quite well for walks that would last from
    30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.  Most of our walking was on the road 
    or roadside - BTW.
    
    Nancy

	I got a combi stroller as a shower gift.  It's nice, but now
	that I've got a Graco duo that cost less than half as much
	as a combi, I think I'd be just as happy with a less expensive
	stroller.

	I like the looks of the 4 in one strollers, and will probably
	look into getting one when I have more kids.  The Right Start
	sells the stroller portion separately, so I'd probably go that
	route (we already have an infant car seat).

	I didn't often bother to take my sleeping kid out of the car
	seat and into a stroller, but I did tend to carry the car seat
	around a lot.  My son was a very big baby, and I ended up with
	some severe back/neck pain trying to carry him too much.

	We also relied on the snuggli when he was small (for about 2 weeks ;-))
	and a back pack, but not for short trips in and out of stores.

	Karen

    To Nancy, Thanks for your second note. That was my only concern left. I
    thought I might go for the better stroller if I thought I'd be walking,
    but I'm glad to hear you liked the 4-in-1 for walking.
    

    I had a Graco Premier with my 1st child, then I went to the
    umbrrella-type stroller and loved it.  With this child I bought the
    4-in-1 and don't know how I survived without it the 1st time around. 
    Go for it!

    My son was miserable in the infant carseat, the minute you put him in
    it he starts crying, and once he was able to he would stiffen up like a
    board to make it even more of a guilt trip to put him in the car seat. 
    I think he would have hated the 4 in 1 stroller.  On the other hand he
    no problem with the Century stroller we bought.  I would recline it all
    the way when he was tiny, now that he has control over he head and neck
    he loves to ride in it upright and watch the world go by.  Aaron also
    likes facing forward in the baby carrier that I have but hated facing
    me!  He's really interested in the world around him.
    
    I think I may be in trouble once he becomes really mobile!
    
    sandy

    I am looking for the phone number for Peg Perego stroller Co.  It
    doesn't seem to exist.  I know the stroller is made in Italy... but 
    there must be a US number also.
    
    I purchased the stroller at Tiny Tot Land in Manchester NH  they are of
    no help so far.....  I'd like to get my stroller repair/replaced/
    
    thanks Lisa

    I think I have that number at home...Do they have strollers that turn
    into layettes, and other positions?? Very sturdy, old fashioned
    carriages?? I think they had a display at the Baby Fair in Boston, I
    will check when I get home.              Mary

    
    I have a Peg-Perego brochure that says:
    
    Call us:
    
    U.S.A  (219)484-3093
    Canada (905)839-3371
    
    Peg Perego U.S.A. Inc.
    3625 Independence Dr.
    Fort Wayne, IN  46808
    
    Peg Perego Canada Inc.
    585 Granite Court-
    Pickering, Ont
    Canada L 1W3K1
    
    Carol

    I need some help.  My husband is getting sent to England for 4 weeks
    and I am planning on joining him for the last 2 weeks.  My problem is
    handling luggage and 15-month old Connor at the airport and through
    customs by myself .  I was thinking of getting a backpack (we have been
    thinking about getting one anyway so we could go hiking).  My question
    is how hard is a backpack to get on/off if there is no one to help you? 
    I have a front carrier that I could do by myself but I haven't looked
    at a backpack closely enough to see how it works.
    
    I had also thought of getting a harness for Connor but I'm afraid he'll
    want to go the opposite direction of me and will cause even more
    problems.
    
    Thanks,
    Karen

    karen,
    
    It depends on the backpack so shop around.  Most are set up so you can
    set them on a counter with kid inside and slide yourself into it.  I
    have a very old gerry that I can get in and out of with some effort,
    but my friends' newer models and different brands are a dream.  
    
    I don't know how big your little one is or how mobile but that also
    affects which pack to buy, as well as a harness.
    
    I am a firm believer in harnesses when traveling.  It has kept my kids
    reasonably safe and allowed them some freedom of movement.  (Important
    to my kids, they like to move around and kids can disappear in a flash
    in crowded areas)  
    
    One other hint, take advantage of the people with small children
    assistance from the airlines.  Some are better than others, but it
    makes a difference, according to Tamara whose baby has racked up more
    frequent flier miles than most adults.  
    
    meg

    For a 15-month-old, I'd recommend the Sara's Ride carrier (my younger
    son nearly lived in one for over a year :).  It's very easy to get on
    and off, and lets you position the child either in front, on your hip,
    or (theoretically, I never tried this) in back of you.  It folds up
    very small, so it can easily fit in a diaper bag pocket, etc.

    Also, at least at Heathrow, I believe they have luggage carts with
    a spot for a child to sit, right at the baggage area (and they're free,
    unlike most US airports).  I don't know whether there would be any carts
    right where you get off the plane, though, and if you've got a car seat
    plus diaper bag plus another small bag, getting to the baggage area
    without a cart may be awkward.  Are you planning to take a car seat
    into the cabin?  Without that, the trek to the baggage area shouldn't
    be too bad, though you should probably count on being exhausted at
    that point, which is also a factor!
    
				cheryl

    I'll be flying standby so I don't know what help will be available --
    my husband works for a Delta commuter so we fly cheap but don't know if
    we have a seat until minutes before takeoff.
    
    I don't plan on taking the car seat.  Last time Connor & I flew by
    ourselves, I had his infant seat and it was a pain dragging it through
    the airport.    
    
    We'll fly into Manchester not London - but I forgot about those carts. 
    I'll make sure Doug takes note of what type carts they have!
    
    Connor is a small boy - he's about 28" and 20 lbs.  He only walks when
    he's tired otherwise he's running around!  I think I'll get the harness
    so he can walk around while we're in the gate area.  
    
    I haven't heard of Sara's Ride carrier -- I'm wondering if it is like
    something I saw in a catalog.  It was like a fanny pack that the kid
    sat on and then there was a back support for the kid.
    
    Karen
    

    Karen,
    
    Are you intending to take a buggy with you? I travelled Paris-Heathrow
    with a 2 1/2 month old baby plus car seat which fits onto pram chassis.
    British Midland not only had the chassis brought up to the plane so I
    could clip the seat onto it, but when I arrived at baggage reclaim, my
    luggage was already on the caroussel - no other bags to be seen!
    
    Heathrow is infamous for the distance you have to walk from the plane
    to baggage reclaim (where you'll find a luggage trolley), so I strongly
    suggest you take a buggy. Ask the airline to ensure it's brought up to
    the plane for you. Wait until everyone else has left the plane, then
    you'll be able to put Connor into the buggy without any fuss. The
    airline staff will also be more amenable to helping you once everyone
    else has left.
    
    Good luck.
    
    Jacquie
    

    Having flown several times with my son (and twice with my daughter), I
    prefer taking a stroller to a backpack.  The first few times, I took a
    very light umbrella stoller with no storage.  Recently, I got a "Travel
    Lite" stroller which is just a little heavier than my old umbrella
    stroller, but has a storage compartment below.  Either of these can go 
    right onto the plane with you, and fit either with the hangup bags, or 
    above your seat.
    
    My "diaper bag" is a backpack.  In addition, I usually have a small
    cooler with food and drinks.  With the stroller, I can usually put a
    child in the stroller, the diaper bag on my back, and my purse and
    cooler either on my arm, or underneath the stroller.  If my child is 
    fussy, he/she can be carried, and the rest can go on the stroller.
    
    One other important comment about a stroller versus a backpack...  If
    you are doing any flight changes, or have a layover, it is MUCH easier
    to sit a child in a stroller while you visit the ladies/mens room than
    to try to do this with a child running free.
    
    The "Sara's Ride" carrier is available in many catalogs.  I picked mine
    up at Tiny Totland in Manchester, NH (at slightly lower than the
    catalog price, minus shipping cost).  During our last vacation, I
    always kept that around.  By the end of the day, Julie (10 months) was
    usually in that, resting on my hip, and Andy (3.5) was in the stroller. 
    That allowed me to start heading up to the hotel room while my husband
    parked the car (our hotel had TERRIBLE parking availability).
    
    As for car seats, after about 5 or 6 flights with at least one small
    child, I finally picked up one of those travel car seats, and I love it.  
    It's the kind that looks a little like a life preserver (good price at
    Service Merchandise).  The size makes it really portable, especially if
    you have to move it between cars frequently.
    
    Peggy

    I've used the umbrella stroller before when flying and it was great. 
    We just rolled Connor up to our seat.  I think I've decided against the
    backpack - I think it will prove to be too difficult when I am by
    myself.  However, I think the Sara's Ride might be worth looking in to. 
    We'll have a non-stop flight from Atlanta to Manchester England so
    changing planes won't be a problem but I haven't decided if I will fly
    from Macon to Atlanta or just drive there.  
    
    I've never seen a portable car seat.  How small is it when it is folded
    up?  I'm not planning on buying a ticket for Connor and really don't
    want to carry a car seat on the plane but a portable one sounds like it
    could work well!  Doug has said the Manchester flight is pretty empty
    and the Delta people have been good about putting us where there is an
    empty seat for Connor so I'm counting on that this time.  In fact, on
    one flight we had a whole section to ourselves!!!
    
    Karen

    The Travel Vest I have is made by "All Our Kids" (1-800-545-3265). 
    I'll try to describe it...  The support comes from a piece of hard,
    rectangular plastic, which is about is about 15" tall, 9" wide, and 
    maybe 2" thick.  The car/airline seatbelt attaches about halfway up 
    this unit, basically just wrapping around it and latching in front.
    
    There is then a vinyl pad (also rectangle) which cusions against the 
    plastic.  It is attached at the top, and can be lifted to connect the 
    seatbelt between it, and the hard plastic.  Around the sides come two 
    straps, which hook in front center of the child.  Over the head comes 
    another double strap, which attaches between the legs.  
    
    Total weight can't be more than a couple of pounds.  These are now
    available in most kids catalogs.  However, I found mine at Service
    Merchandise for almost $10 less than the catalog price.
    
    As for the Sara's Ride... I was talking to a woman who owns a small
    children's clothing store.  She told me she stopped carrying these
    because they weren't very good for your back.  However, I found that 
    it is EASIER than carrying my daughter WITHOUT it.  In addition, the
    problem seems to be that if you always use it on the same side, there
    is neck/shoulder strain.  I found this to be a problem when I first 
    started using it, but it isn't so bad if I occasionally switch sides.
    
    Peggy

I've read the notes on double strollers, and I'm looking for recommendations.
We've just adopted a 30+ pound almost-3-year-old and a 25+ pound 1.5-year-old.
On the one hand, since the older girl walks pretty well, I suspect we won't be
using it for more than a year or two.  On the other hand, I assume that the
better strollers are easier to maneuver, which would be important given the
weight of the children.  Any suggestions of brands, models, or stores in
the Boston area with a good selection and reasonable prices?  I'd be willing
to get a used one, but I understand that they're quickly snatched up.

    First, 
    Congratulations!  
    
    As a mother of twins (now almost 10 months old) we
    have been pretty happy with a Combi twinspin.  This stroller is front
    to back and we let our girls switch front and back seats fairly
    frequently (although I have noticed that they seem to be picking
    favorite seating locations).  
    
    We chose the twinspin because it is the lightest weight full size tandem 
    on the market.  We do not do a lot of walking on bumpy terrain -- infact 
    for us it's mostly sidewalks or malls and this stroller handles 
    it very well.  It's quite easy to manuver and in a pinch I can 
    stroll single handed while holding one child.
    
    I did look at side-by-side models and had mixed reactions --- I was told 
    that if the children are of different weights the stroller will "lean" to
    the heavier side.  I was also concerned about the width of some of the
    side-by-side models.
    
    Our twinspin cost around $325 maybe a bit more, I really can't remember
    the exact price.  We got it either at Boston Baby or Baby Specialites
    -- these two stores are around the greater Boston area along Rt 128.
    
    I have seen tandem and side-by-side strollers in the notes file and in
    the want ad.  
    
    Good luck!
    

    
    	I got a Graco Duo stroller when my youngest was 3 months old.
    	It was $96.00 at Walmart, and I love it.  I didn't want to spend
    	a lot, because I wasn't sure how long my daughter (then 2) would
    	still ride in it.  At 35 pounds and 3.5 years, she still rides
    	in it as often as Andrew, usually at the same time as him.  He's
    	27 pounds, and even with the two of them, I find it easy to 
    	push and turn.  It's an in-line stroller, not a side by side.
    
    	I feel we've gotten our money's worth in just one year, and it
    	is not showing any major signs of wear.
    
    	Karen
    

    
    I see them for sale all the time at Children's Orchard.  I had one a
    long time ago, made by Evenflo, and had a lot of trouble with the belts
    coming "unwoven" - it almost seemed like it had been eaten by moths. 
    But for the kids (1 and 4), it worked great and was always easy to push!!
    
    Congratulations!!!!!!!
    Patty

    We also have the Graco Duo stroller and paid about $100 for it at Toys
    R Us.  They also have a model for about $120 with more padding.  I
    bought it when my son was a few months old and my daughter was 3 1/2
    because I realized I couldn't go shopping alone without it.  We already
    had a fancy $200+ Combi stroller (a mistake) and an umbrella stroller
    but that didn't help me when it was just me.
    
    With two kids in it it is like pushing a bus (25 lbs and about 35 lbs).  
    Going straight is okay, turning is a little more difficult.  It is
    easier if the heaviest kid is in the back per the directions but the
    baby bed is in the back so most people put the baby in the back.  My
    daughter who is now 4 walks most of the time but we still take it alot
    because there is plenty of room for both my son, packages, all our
    coats, etc.  And if she's really tired she eventually gets in.
    
    Carol
    

    I have a 17 month old son and a 5-1/2 year old daughter.  I'm still
    using a double stroller on occasions, and the 5-1/2 year old walks just
    great!  Basically, it's a sibling rivalry issue.
    
    I have a used Graco.  It worked well for us last year when the baby was
    happy to lie/sit in the back.  Now they both want the front because the
    rear seat really doesn't have enough leg room to easily get in and out
    as often as a kid seems to want to.  I hope Graco fixed this on a later
    stroller.  (Our fix for this problem is that we recline the rear seat
    totally and my daughter sits there.  The new problem that this causes
    is that she cannot be alone in the stroller or it tips backwards.)
    
    I considered getting a side-by-side umbrella stroller, but the only
    ones I found were not recommended for over 35-pound children.
    
    I do value the stroller for the carrying capacity when we are in the
    mall or going to the beach.  Then my daughter walks and we use the rear
    seat for cargo.  It's amazing what you can pack in one of those with
    the seat reclined to a flat position.
    
    judy

    
    I second the 4 in 1 stroller, I love mine.  I use that now, its great
    for the malls or getting her to sleep while we are out visiting.  I
    just bring it into the house.  I also bought the Emmujunga Kimi model
    for outdoors.  Very happy with both carriages.
    
    

    Does anyone have or ever seen a double side by side stroller
    that the handle can go in either direction(ie; the kids facing
    out or facing in to you)?  I have seen single ones and maybe
    even front to back double ones but never a side by side that
    the handle can switch.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Deb 

    Deb,
    
    Have you looked at the Emmaljunga?  I don't think the handle switches
    but I believe the seats come off and you can turn them around on the
    base, at least that is the case with the single model.
    
    Michelle

    Hi Michelle,  (nice to hear from you again)
    
    I have never tried the Emmaljunga one but our other friend
    from HLO with the twins has it and she says they can't
    face you.  
    
    My problem when I walk with the twins outside the wind and sun is 
    in thier face.  It's so bad that sometimes I turn the stroller 
    around and pull it...but it's not the best way to walk especialy 
    for long periods.  I don't even know why they put the canope on the
    4 we have (2 double and 2 singles) they don't block the sun at all.
    
    I realy like the side by side for outside walking...I borrowed a 
    front to back one for a couple of months in the begining and it 
    was too long and clumsy to turn...I just didn't like it.
    
    I guess I should go to Baby Specialties or Tiny Tot Land and ask
    them if they make such a thing....actualy maybe I'll just call.
    
    Thanks for the info...
    
    Deb

    Don't know if the prior notes were talking about umbrella-type
    double strollers, but I'm looking for one - has anyone seen
    any? Haven't really checked yet...just trying to limit my running
    around. My new nanny is bringing her 8 month old - and I've also
    got an 8 month old daughter - so they will be like twins! I figure
    an umbrella stroller will be fine for walks around the neighborhood
    and the mall...I want it lightweight and inexpensive.  Do they
    exist?  And does Tiny Totland or Toys R Us carry them? (yeah, I could
    call I guess...). I'm picturing this as a side-by-side type...
    
    
    /Susan

Yes, there are double umbrella strollers.  A neighbor lent us theirs, but we
ended up buying a front-and-back non-umbrella stroller, which we prefer.
The double umbrella stroller was too wide for easy use, and it wasn't all
that light.  I've seen Graco double strollers, both side-by-side and 
front-and-back, advertised recently for about $90.

    
    The double umbrella was much cheaper at Toys R Us than the front to
    back.  Not sure of the model.

    
    Does anyone have experience with the 'device' that allows you to 
    attach 2 umbrella strollers together? We will be taking our 6.5
    month old twins to Ireland in April and I don't want to bring our
    'big' twin stroller. We were thinking that this option would allow
    us more flexibility both in the airport and once in Ireland.
    
    Thanks for any help.
    
    Camie