Travel system help - 2 under 3 years old

[ThelastRolo20]

Hi all - after some MN wisdom. Baby 2 due in April when DD will be 2yrs and 4 months. My thinking is given her age a double buggy probably won't be worth it so was going to wear baby in a sling on the days I have both, and put baby in the pram on the days DD is in nursery. Does this sound possible or do I need to get a double buggy for the sake of 2/3 days a week for a year or so?!

I had 2 yrs 7 months then 2yrs 2 months. I used a bugaboo donkey for them and now use it as a single with buggy board. We walk a lot though as we have a high energy dog (minimum 5 miles a day). We also have a double city mini for holidays (which was still being used at 2/4/6).

ultimately what you need depends on you and your family, how much you walk etc. in your case if it’s only 2-3 days I’d say try the sling and buggy may work, but if you ever go away it’s probably worth a lightweight cheap double for holidays.

I have a bigger gap and still opted for a double buggy. It's been invaluable for days out and holidays, especially as my eldest continued to nap, and my youngest was quite heavy so I wouldnt have walked more than a couple of miles with her in a sling once she was a few months old. Plus I had a c-section, so a sling wouldn't have been an option for the first few weeks (though I was lucky as DH had a long paternity leave for that time, but most mums would be on their own). It was under £100 on ebay so wasn't a huge expense and I got my money's worth (could probably sell it on).

I have a 21 month gap and never had a double buggy. However DD1 is a very good walker - can do a proper 2 to 3 mile walk now, at not quite 3 - and DD2 is small for her age so easy to have in a sling. I think in your position I'd wait and see if you do actually need it (unless you come across a really good deal on a second hand one!)

I had a 2 year 6 month gap (twice).

I didn't buy a double buggy. I had a very sturdy Mountain Buggy, put the carrycot back on for DC2 and bought a buggy board DC1.

DC1 also rode a very tiny balance bike from age 2 so that came in very handy, it could also by hung from the handlebar of the buggy if he was walking or riding on the buggy board (although pretty much wouldn't use the board if the bike was with us).

Then did all this again with DC2 when DC3 was born 2 years and 6 months later!

Your idea with the sling for DC2 would work as long as the buggy seat lies completely flat for when they are in it and DC1 is walking, a carrycot wouldn't.

I was relieved to avoid a double buggy although this was before the invention of the Bugaboo Donkey and other doubles which convert to singles.

I had a 2 year 1month gap. Out friends were local so walked everywhere. I had an oyster max that I bought Preloved on eBay. Baby used to go underneath in the carry cot then as he got bigger he went on top rear facing in the main seat and I put the second seat on the bottom. By them big one used to walk a bit so he'd clamber in for a brisk walk into town and then walk a bit. I used to time shopping trips with nap time so they would both fall asleep and I'd get a chance for a quiet coffee.
When he was bigger still he occasionally grabbed a lift on the rear axle bar....he was quite small though so not too heavy.
I sold it on for half what it had cost me so was good value
I really miss the shopping trolley aspect....

Thanks everyone - I do have a dog and walk to and from nursery. So quite a bit of walking. Seems like a double buggy will be the easiest option and quite frankly when it's just me I want easy!

Will look at a second hand bugaboo so I have the option of a single one too - didn't realise they existed!