When our first daughter was born, I went for the “basics”. And by “basics”, I mean basically everything. I registered for my Graco stroller, grabbed a $10 umbrella stroller, a pricey second-hand breast pump on ebay (bad idea. it broke- and yes, i sterilized it before I used it. Who do you think I am??). My favorite things were all from Pottery Barn Kids. Pricey- yes, Durable and adorable, yes. Worth it? Yes. But was everything I bought worth it? Not at all. This time around, I’m doing more research. 

We have a second baby on the way, and we just learned that she is a perfectly formed, precious, busy, little girl. Thank you, Lord! With hyperemesis, I’ve been on so much medicine, I was afraid she might come out with two heads and one leg. You all know by now that I would deliver her and nurse both her little heads and tickle her one little foot. But that is not necessary, since we got the good news that she is absolutely perfect in every fetal way.

This all means that we have to buy a stroller that can accomodate two children of different ages. Prices for new strollers range from $80 to well over $1000. We are not rich, but I don’t want anything flimsy or complicated for my girls, and the Graco was ok, but not the best thing ever. This leaves me with some research to do. Being an HG mom, my IV pump and I have ample bedrest time to devote to online reviews and shopping. For those of you who are expecting your first, or like us, your second, here is what I have come up with.

 Best Stroller Research Sites:

1. http://strollers.baby-gaga.com-  reviews, data-sortable grids for both singles and doubles (price, weight, dimensions, ratings) brand comparison page, and lowest price links.

2. http://consumersearch.com/strollers- this site’s strength is the in-depth reviews offered by parents, as well as links to great sales. Also highlights things to look for while shopping- the kinda tips we might not think about. Click here for their detailed, full reporting.

3. http://strollersandprams.com- exhaustive brand listing, photos of actual strollers in action, and a great article by a mom on strollers for multiples. 

4. If you decide on a certain stroller, I highly recommend visiting the manufacturer’s site before buying. They usually have all the information you need along with images and videos. Once you are satisfied, go on back to that discount shop and cough up the benjamins.

Best Stroller Prices:

1. http://albeebaby.com- free shipping, overstock items, and open-box discounts as well as great regular inventory at awesome prices. 

1. http://www.stroller.com - free shipping, good discounts

2. http://www.babyearth.com – free shipping, open box, scratch and dent, and closeouts as well as full regular line at competitive prices.

So with all the hubbub, what are we going to buy? I picked the Zooper Tango. Its a double stroller for two differently sized children (either side can recline independently), it is reasonably priced (around $400), easy to fold, and most importantly, it comes with a double rain screen, a double UV screen, and a double foot and leg bunting. It also fits my Graco Snugride car seat from my fist child without the purchase of an extra adapter, although you may purchase one. $400 sounded a bit much to me at first, until I figured in all the extras that are included. Screens, rainshields and buntings for doubles cost around $50 to $80 each. With the Tango, they are all included.

Check it out at Zooper.com. On sale for only $300 (instead of $450) at Albee’s Stroller Sale.

Sold!