Do I ditch the double?

[tinytotmummy]

Hi everyone, I'm new to mumsnet and would like to ask some advice. I have a 26mth old ds and a 11mth old dd. I really want to get rid of the double buggies, but don't know if ds is too young to walk everywhere. He likes to walk, but also likes to be carried. He is happy to sit in the pushchair(most of the time), but I think I put him in it because its easier than trying to control a toddler round the shops,etc. What do I do if I get rid of the double and he wants to be carried all the time?

get a buggy board ? That way you don't have to wrestle with a cumbersome double but DS can take a rest if he wants/needs to.

yeah I vote for the buggyboard too, I'm a big fan.
Mine used them from 2yrs no probs
(tho I think even I would have had a dpuble with a 15 mo gap!!)

Thanks for the replies! I do have a buggy board that I tried before he was two. He wanted to sit on it! Is this normal?

We ditched the buggy for dd2 when she was 29 months and she walked everywhere (up to two miles) - but it did mean walking at her pace rather than mine (which took a huge effort of will sometimes!!) I think a buggyboard is an excellent idea, then he can hop on and off as and when you need. I think you will just need to be firm about carrying him/behaving in the shops, he'll soon get the idea

Welcome to mumsnet, btw

You can buy sit on buggy boards too. If you are wooried abut the expense of another one, you could always sell yours on eBay, they fetch excellent prices second hand (often £20+ not inc p&p!)

I feel so awful making him walk when he looks up at me and says "carry mummy". I know I should be firm, but I end up plonking him in the pushchair cos its the easiest option. Anyone got any suggestions as to what single to buy? Needs to comfy, recline and not too bulky or heavy. Oh, and fit a buggy board!!

IIRC I used the double buggy until DS1 was about 2 and a half - sometimes it really was just easier to strap him in and go at my own pace or if we were going along way. I also have a buggy board which is very useful.

We used a doubly buggy until ds1 was about 39mths, ds2 was a year old. By that time it was such an effort to push the thing. Even though ds1 walked a fair bit, he couldn't always manage the trek to the shops and back, and like you say, it's easier to control them that way.

But, ds1 is probably of below average weight so that's why I managed to keep the buggy going for so long.

I used one of these for mine.

trying again

It's the Seat to go, about half way down the page. I have a similar gap, but Quite big by the time they were 1 and 2, and we loved this. DD1 even went to sleep on the seat once or twice!

I've seen those around, just wondered whether you have problems pushing the pushchair with it on? Does it stick out very far? Also, does seat height and foot rest height adjust? DS1 is v. small - still in 12-18m clothes

The heights are not adjustable, but I've seen very small kids on them, so I guess it'd be ok. I found it easier to push than a normal buggy board, because the foot rest is higher and your feet can fit under it when you walk - I kicked the buggy board with every step!
It does fit onto most prams and buggies, but it depends on the style as to how far it sticks out.
Hope thats some help.

Thanks Jas, the seat 2 go seems really good and the obvious alternative to the double. I think DS would love it. Thanks to all for your advice

We had a mothercare urban detour and I used to just plonk both kids on it one in front of the other. I think mine were a bit older than yours and when our oldest got tired of walking I used to sit him on the front. Im sure the manufacturer doesnt reccomend it but it worked for us