Stroller for 3 year old twins - please help!

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Hoping someone can share some tips here as Google isn’t helping! My twins turned 3 in January, we’re past the stage of using our lovely Bugaboo and our existing double stroller is useless - but we still need something for days out, airport travel etc. to avoid the inevitable wailing to be carried and dead arms that ensue!

I’ve been looking at the Joie Aire but the weight limit of 15kg suggests my girls are already too big for it - I would love to hear what other twin mums use (or if Joie are just being cautious with their weight limit as I’m sure I’ve seen much bigger kids using them!).

Any advice or guidance much appreciated!

We had a mountain buggy, which really came into its own in toddler years. The biggest downsides are how bulky it can be when folded (you need a big car boot), and inflated tires which make it much easier to push two growing kids, but which leaves you vulnerable to punctures. It can also be pricy, but a banged up one second hand should be reasonable- we gave ours away for free when our twins finally outgrew it as it had been used hard. Good news is you are very close to being able to get rid of buggies altogether.

scooters are also a good shout if you need something to help bridge the gap when they can walk well but endurance is questionable. Micro scooters with tow lines are helpful when you are halfway round the park and they decide they can’t walk another step.

Do you need a double buggy? They are three, so a small single buggy and a buggy board and a turn taking rota might suffice

Baby jogger gt2 double. My daughter can still sit in at age 8!

We have the baby jogger city mini gt which still holds my petite 9 year old and slim 7 year old (both with additional needs, so on long days out we need a double buggy, they are probably over the official weight but they still fit and have space). One tip I read when we were buggy shopping was to look for models that are sold in Australia as apparently they test for up to 50lb whereas in Europe or America the testing weight is a lot lower at around 35lb usually. So if a specific model is sold in Australia it will be tested to a higher weight, and the weight testing usually allows for a % higher than the accepted weight limit.

Agree with the city mini gt suggestion or an out and about nipper. My twins are 3 and I think I've used the pram once this year when they weren't well and planning to use it tomorrow funnily enough as want to walk over bedtime and will be handy to get them to sleep.

We have a donkey too and that's what we will use tomorrow for the sleep, I'd just keep that probably for how infrequently you'll use it

I realised I forgot to mention the key reason we’re looking for a new stroller rather than making do - we’re going on holiday in a few weeks and based on experience from the end of last year we absolutely want and need to be able to offer both girls a seat while we’re in the airport!

Do you think the mountain buggy is a good travel option in this respect? We also have scooters (albeit without the tow lines, totally need those as one of the girls gives up pretty sharpish when she can’t keep up with her sister!) - but feel like they won’t help with the airport aspect!

I like this idea! Perhaps not for our impending travel, but I think it this could be a good option for days out. With the all essential rota of course! Thanks for the suggestion!

Oh thank you that’s a great tip!

We use our Donkey very rarely too now (although it’s such a novelty that the girls love it!) - but it doesn’t work for travel which is what we need this for. I’ll take a look at those other suggestions, thank you!

Have you looked at how you are going to fly with a largish double stroller, and no "baby"?
I think it will need to go as oversized luggage - and might not be able to be gate checked. I'd look at the airport policy before buying something.

Last summer a stroller was allowed for children up to 12 with Ryan Air which was a pleasant surprise! But it’s a good shout and I’ll definitely check before buying as we haven’t flown with this airline before.

Not a double but we got a pushchair second hand that was made in Australia..
That thing managed the hills of Scotland!! With a 3 year old in!
And a picnic underneath!

I wouldn’t travel with the mountain buggy - would almost certainly need to be checked in. When we travellled we found two cheap singles easier, but that only works if parents stick together. We also had a very cheap collapsible double on one trip which was excellent for the airport (meant one parent could run off and do bags, get food, etc. without having to drag strollers through crowds), but was rubbish quality for days out. The other option is trunki suitcases (suitcase +seat with wheels).

My twins are almost 2 and a half and I have the baby jogger city mini. Got mine second hand on marketplace for £25, it’s not the prettiest thing but it steers well, it’s super easy to fold down and flip open which is super useful if you are travelling. It’s not heavy but is sturdy, easy enough to push on various terrains and the hoods on them are absolutely fantastic, they pull down really low, have a breathable mesh and viewing window so again this ideal if you are holidaying with it. The one downside I have found is that the storage basket is not the most accessible but it does hold a decent amount of stuff. The access may well be better though now on newer models. I would recommend it.

Have a look at the mountain buggy duo nano. It's perfect for travel. There's also a mountain buggy selling page on Facebook (for uk)

Ah thank you for this - we’ll definitely buy secondhand but wanted some guidance from those in the know before committing. Good to get a shortlist to steer the search. The first stroller we got has been useless since day one!

Ah thank you - it’s on the shortlist! I appreciate the advice!

Oh brilliant, I’ll take a look. Thanks so much!

In 38 years of childminding mountain buggy duet is the best.

We have this which we got for travel for our twins. It folds up so small and is so light it was great to carry. I use this most of the time and love it, we rarely use our bugaboo donkey now. Although I'm not sure on the weight limits. My twins are almost 2 and they are fine. But my 5 year old occasionally tries to jump in and I struggle to push it with her in the buggy. Also they are quite expensive even second hand, ours second hand cost us £100

What about the little yo-yo travel buggies? Buy two perhaps (think they go up to 22kg?) you can get connectors to make them a double or they can be two singles or because they fold small you can just use one and put the other in the basket!

I flew regularly with ds and checked in a stroller until he was past 4yo.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input - picked up a secondhand Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double at the weekend, yet to use it but I love it. It’s like a folding Bugaboo! Will be perfect for our holiday and the odd day out. Thanks again all!