Before Baby A arrived I daydreamed about owning the New Zealand-made Phil and Teds Sport Buggy. Unlike most double strollers, this one is a single stroller that can be adapted to fit two children. You've probably seen it around town in this arrangement--the set-up for two kids over the age of 6 months.
It looks pretty cool and it's got an amazingly small footprint for a double stroller--really no bigger than any single jogging stroller I've seen. But since Baby A still lacks the head control necessary for an upright position, we're using the Phil and Teds set-up for a toddler and a newborn, which has the added benefit of keeping the newborn completely hidden away underneath the toddler's seat. She's away from the sun, wind and curious kids at the park.
Baby A seems really comfy and cozy down below, and I frequently glance down to see her looking straight up at me from her gently swinging bassinet. I've also taken her for strolls without Z's toddler seat on, and while the sunshade doesn't provide a ton of protection, with the addition of a blanket we're set for our long morning walks.
So what do I love about my $400+ purchase?
- Steers like a dream (allowing for one-handed pushing while holding a cup of coffee or a cell phone)
- Handles curbs, bumpy sidewalks, gravel and grass with aplomb
- Folds down small without requiring one to remove the extra seat
- Comes in fetching, eye-catching colors
- Comfortable for the parent as well as small children
- Handlebar is adjustable for adults of different heights
- The brake is difficult to set and almost impossible to release using just your foot
- Placing your infant under the toddler seat and strapping her in feels awkward at first
- The stroller does not come with a parent organizer, cup holders or a snack tray. I purchased this handlebar organizer from carryyou.com.
- The stowage basket is difficult to reach with the seat completely reclined, as it must be for a newborn
- Because it doesn't accommodate a car seat adapter, we've opted to use a hand-me-down Graco DuoGlider for car trips to the library or museum. Pushing it is a chore, but even new it is a decent stroller for the price
Update 9/28/08: My frustration with this stroller has been mounting since May. The top (main) seat has folded in on itself so that instead of a flat sitting area, it looks more like an open book. I called the distributor in June, but because my one year warranty had passed, they would only offer to sell me a new seat for $90.
7 comments:
Ha ha! How funny. Guess what I decided to blog about today too. :) I'm really glad you like it. I think it is some of the best baby money we've ever spent.
do you still recommend this stroller?
Was it worth the money ? I'm still not sure to get one or not.
Undecided Mom,
Good question. I would say that if your children are close in age (but not twins) and having a narrow, all-terrain stroller is important to you, it is probably a good investment. However, given its shortcomings (the hardiness of the seats, difficulty collapsing, limited space for younger child, no cup holder/organizer for parent), it probably isn't worth its retail cost.
If you will be taking it in and out of a car a lot, I would say absolutely do not buy it!
How were you able to reach anyone for a replacement part? We have this stroller and liked it very much until the front wheel broke. We have been trying to speak to a live person about getting a new wheel but the support number from the website goes directly to voicemail and although the calls were returned it was days later at strange times when I was away from the phone. At this point I would not recommend buying one becuase there does not seem to be a way to order a part online and customer support is nonexistent.
I have this stroller as well and am expecting #2 this spring, (they'll be ~18 months apart)... so I hope the double works, as this was one of the main reasons we bought it!
I agree about the brake, I find it so frustrating! I also don't like how the sunshade doesn't come down low enough at all!!!
On the other hand, I like how compact and maneoverable it is. I found it pretty easy to fold up into our hatchback trunk. We bought it 2nd hand so the price wasn't as intimidating. I think I would still recommend it (with the above precautions), but my opinion may change once I attempt to use the double with a newborn, we'll see! I think the double Bob would be a potential option but they're SO expensive and only come sidebyside...
The front wheel is very frustrating to switch from trail to the more maneouverable function for streets and stores. It locks when you don't want it to and swivels when you don't want it to on the trail. The instuction booklet mentions very little about it. The instruction booklet had my husband tearing his hair out because the pictures were so small and vague-looked like instructions from the dollar store.
I have used my Phil & Ted Sport Double for over a year and overall I am quite disappointed. Main complaints: 1. Foot brake is nearly impossible to disengage ESPECIALLY if you have the jumpseat on the back or are wearing non sturdy shoes. I basically just don't use the brake, so it is a safety hazard! 2. Front wheel locking mechanism to allow it to rotate or lock in place has never worked correctly despite multiple attempts to contact a very difficult to reach customer service and multiple incorrect replacement parts. My husband finally just modified it to stay rotating, but that's not what I paid for. 3. My husband refuses to push the kids in this stroller because his shins hit the back seat when striding normally (he is 6'4"). 4. It is ridiculously hard to fold down--ie taking off wheels etc. 5. The sunshade is near useless (too small: may work for 15 minutes at midday). 6. It is very topheavy and threatens to tip over with the infant laying down in back and toddler up front position.
7. The backseat child's feet sit in the only available storage and there is no other access to the area, so you can't reach your diaper bag without moving your child once it is stowed. Your belongings will also be stepped on by toddler feet and whatever is on them :).
Good things, unfortunately a short list!
1. comfortable handle adjusts up and down to various positions although not a lot of "length" is added with these adjustments.
2. Harnesses are very user friendly and easy to find and buckle compared to other strollers.
3. In line, slim and small--I never have had either child complain about being in the back seat.
Despite these I would never choose to purchase this stroller again.
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