Do I double?

[BustopherJones]

Has anyone been in a similar situation? DD is 2.3 and DS is 5wks. I have a bee and planned to keep using it for dd, and have ds in the sling, then switch to dd on a board, with the option to swap between those combinations if needed.

However, I’m finding it really hard going. DD hates lying down so we didn’t buy the buggy until she was 4mths so I’m well used to the slings but ds is a bit bigger, and I didn’t have to run about after a toddler before. It’s just been a nightmare when she’s tripped over at the park, and wants me to pick her up. And I can’t bend over to get the rain cover or anything out of the basket, have to squat down and fumble about reaching for it. I’m yet to have to carry the buggy up the steps at the tube whilst also carrying the baby so no idea how easy that is, and I often walk along very busy roads so can see the appeal of having them both safely contained.

We have wide doors and hallways and on the ground floor so could accommodate a double, and we have no car so no fitting it in a boot, but on the other hand, storage is limited and I’d like to avoid the extra cost if I can. I don’t want to buy something to just use it a few months, but will that mean I’m struggling for the best part of a year?

Can’t help too much as I had a smaller gap and a late-walking DC1, but in your shoes I’d go for a cheap and light double. A friend is in a similar situation and regretting not getting one for the same reasons you have. Have to say that even though DC1 walks most places now, when we’re in a hurry or just actually really do need to leave the park it’s a godsend.

Get a second-hand double on eBay.

Don't get a double buggy - DD won't need it soon and they're really unwieldy. Get a standing skateboard that attaches to the back of your normal buggy instead. My 2.8 year old DD loves it.

Very interested in the responses here as dd will be 18mo when ds is born- I had planned on doing what you say with the sling and then swap dd onto the buggy board when ds is too big to carry but I have started to think I will really struggle taking older ds to school everyday and just getting the three of them out the house in time! Seems easier to shove the little two into a buggy and go.. not sure what to do

Fgs get a double. It makes life so much easier. A two year old will get tired and want to sit down too. Buggy boards dont help with that.

Sorry Definitely get a double! I had a 21mo gap and haven't needed it everyday (no school run!) but my goodness do you need it when you need it! We actually have a tandem because I already had the Uppababy Vista and DD is almost 3 now so very rarely goes in it, but there are still some times when it's been invaluable. Like when DD was ill for a week! No way she could have walked or got on a buggy board.

tea thanks for the advice- experience really is invaluable! I’m used to a much larger gap so thank you I shall go and invest!!

Double all the way.

I had an age gap of 17mo between two of mine. The sling/single buggy combo got restrictive quite quickly.

Get a fully lie back double umbrella stroller for maximum convenience and economy.

I had the same age gap and did the same as you. I lasted 7 weeks before I got a double. Best thing I ever did.

Having baby in a sling and a toddler just did not work for me at all.