[kabailz13]

There is 2yrs 4mths between DD2 and our twins.

We had a double when they were born but I made sure she would fit in it. She didn't spend all that much time in it but did like to sit in it when I was feeding a baby

I think unless you do A LOT of walking, a single would be fine

There are also heaps of doubles available second hand at good prices so that might be a good option.

[ednaboo]

I needed a double with #1 and #2 (2 yr 3 month gap) as number 1 was not a fan of walking and was terribly distractible. I had a P & T Sports which I hated - it did the job but was awful to push. I sold it. I plan on getting a double BJCM second hand for #3 and #4, as #3 will not walk where I want him to go. They are easy to sell on later so it's not a waste of money imho.

This post has been edited by ednaboo: 09/02/2013, 07:58 AM

[PreachersWife]

I had 2yrs (and 4 days) between #1 and #2 and used my double for about six months, maybe a little more. It was a side by side stroller. It was necessary for me, DD1 was a runner who is also not a huge fan of walking more than about 10 metres - it's a lovely combination - and. Needed her strapped in while I dealt with the baby etc.

DS was 2.5 when DD2 w born and we haven't used the double at all, he was much more compliant and happy to walk, sit in the trolley etc, and I used the baby carrier more.

As a side note, congratulations Ednaboo! (From a fellow car seat enthusiast)

[soontobegran]

I couldn't have managed without a double. It not only provided somewhere for the older toddler to rest when they were tired but it kept them safe and out of everyone else's hair.

Some children are good and compliant walkers others aren't so I think much depends on that.
We did a lot of walking and there were times when the older child really needed a nap and I was glad I had the option.

There are several prams which give you two seats facing you now if that is your preference. DD had a BJCS and will use the second seat for her 3 year old if she knows they are going to be out for a while and in single mode when she is happy for him to walk.

This post has been edited by soontobegran: 09/02/2013, 08:23 AM

[Akeyo]

I think it really depends on the child more than the age gap. I had a 20mth gap between DS1 and DS2 and fretted over whether to invest in a double. I had a MB single which I loved and would have had to trade it in to afford the double. DS1 was also Mr. Independent and would only happily sit in the pram for about 20 mins max before he'd be screaming to get out and walk. He liked to walk everywhere but fortunately wasn't really a bolter. So in the end, I used a sling for DS2 and put DS1 in the pram if we had to walk a long way and then I could always put DS2 in the pram if need be when DS1 was walking and when DS1 got tired (rare) then I swapped them back.

This won't suit everyone of course but it worked really well for us, especially as DS2 slept better close to me than in the pram. As STBG said, it does depend on whether your older child is a good and compliant walker.

[*ShirleyTemple*]

I think it depends on the older child. We have a 2yr2mo gap and I kept my old pram and got a toddler skateboard for it. But DS hasn't been strapped into the pram since he was 12mo. We had a travel stroller until he was about 20mo and he has walked ever since. If your eldest is a good walker and not a runner and you are going to just do part day, shopping trip style activities then you could get away with not needing the double.

[No girls here]

I had a 20 month age gap and only used the double pram a few times. DS1 was very active so had the energy to walk around, but also not a runner, so I could trust him to hold onto the pram when needed and he wouldn't go running onto the road or anything.

Actually once my kids turned 2 I never used a pram or stroller for everyday stuff, it was only if I did big trips. DS3 is a bit more of a runner though, so he may be in it for a bit longer until I can trust him.

If you've got a pouch or similar, you can get away with that plus a stroller for a few months.

[Bender76]

Hiya

We have a 13mth gap and my wife insisted on getting a double before DS2 came along. We go out a lot but in 6 weeks we've only used it once. If we're going to busy places, and most of them have been, the double is just too big. We didn't buy a very big one but we're much happier with DS1 in a stroller and DS2 in our new Mini Monkey. I find it much easier to get around even if it's me hauling both boys. I'm still hoping to get some use out of the double but it just hasn't been very practical so far.

[jules77]

There is 2 years and 18 days between DS1 and DS2 and I have used our double (BJCS) almost daily from day 1.

We do a lot of walking so to get anywhere in decent time, they both need to be pushed!

Ds1 is by no means a runner and will happily walk next to the stroller if he wants to get out, but also enjoys sitting in it as we go about our day- walking, shopping etc.

I could not have done without ours and it was my lifeline and kept me sane. Getting of of the house easily with a toddler and baby happily contained within their stroller seats made the world of difference to me.

[TinyTeddys]

I think it depends on your kids!

With my first two I didn't get one...DS1 was either a lazy boy or a runner! I use to strap him into the stroller and have DS2 in the baby Bjorn.

With DS2 & DS3, I tried without but the age gap was too small (20mths) so ended up buying one on eBay. Was in excellent condition and 1/4 of the price! We still use the double occasionally when DS2 is having an off day.