Double Stroller

There have traditionally been two types of double strollers (Side to Side & Front to Back) and both have significant drawbacks. Front to back strollers are narrow, but can be difficult to steer and are impossible to lift up onto a curb. They are also heavy and clunky. Side to side strollers are easier to use and maneuver, but can be hard to get in and out of doorways or navigate through narrow aisles in a store or restaurant. You will always feel in the way. The third option, which Phil and Teds invented is called “in-line” and gives you the best of both worlds.

Recommended

Phil & Ted's Explorer Buggy

Pros

Back seat can be adjusted based on age of younger child
Folds very compactly

Cons

Attachments and accessories are sold a la carte and can be quite pricey

The Phil & Teds Explorer Buggy replaced the renowned Sport Buggy in 2010. The redesigned Explorer, available in four colors, sets the standard for double strollers and in my opinion is the best all-purpose double stroller on the market. It has a brilliant design that overcomes most of the shortcomings of both traditional types of double strollers. The 7-in-1 adaptability is designed for a newborn in a variety of positions, a toddler, a newborn and toddler together or two toddlers. The Explorer is no bigger than a regular jogging stroller and uses an “in-line” approach to carrying two kids, putting one child above and slightly in front of the other. The oversized tires make it great for walking, light jogging or as a neighborhood stroller. It also fits into the trunk of car easily and fairly compactly and is portable enough to travel with or take on vacation. One big improve over the Phil and Teds Sport Buggy model is the upgraded sun hood that can be adjusted based on the sun position and provides more overall coverage for your baby or toddler. Another major improve on the Explorer is the resigned foot brake engagement system that allows you to operate the system with just the flick of your foot.

The Phil and Teds Explorer is actually a single stroller, but becomes a double when combined with the innovative toddler seat attachment called The Doubles Kit. As seen in the pictures below, where the toddler seat attaches (front or back), depends on the age of the younger child. The toddler seat also reclines giving you the ability to have both kids nap on the go.

Highlighted Features

One Hand Fast Fold
Large Adjustable Sun Hood
Takes the Doubles Kit & Car Seat at Once
One Handed Seat Recline
Easy On/Off Brake Pedal
Removable Seat Liner

See Below for How the Phil and Ted's Sport Buggy Works with 1 or 2 Kids

How It Works

With a newborn and a toddler, there are two options. One child rides normally in the stroller and then you can unzip the main seat allowing it to fall flat into a quasi bassinet and then attach the Doubles Kit (sold separately) for your toddler to sit on top. Our son used to pass out every time we put him in there as a baby because it's essentially a rocking bassinet that sways back and forth. Another option is to have your toddler sit in the back and have your newborn ride in carseat mode. Unfortunately, the peanut bassinet mode is only available if you are using the stroller as a single. Once your baby is old enough to sit up, the same seat attaches to the back of the stroller as a caboose (lower right) and then the older child sits in the regular seat up-front again. A lot of people ask me if the toddler will be okay sitting in the back because they can’t see directly forward. It’s really not as bad as it looks because they can see out of both sides. Both of my kids are happy in either position or even fight over the back, so it's never been an issue at all and they both tend to be claustrophobic in general.

Because the Explorer has jogging stroller qualities including large inflatable wheels, it's great for all seasons and is very easy to maneuver both outdoors and in a store. It also folds relatively compactly to fit in your trunk or take on vacation, although for the later I would recommend the custom travel bag to protect it. The bottom line is that everyone I know who has purchased this Phil and Ted's stroller has loved it. It's not the cheapest stroller on the market, but it works so well in so many areas, that it’s absolutely worth the money. It’s also seriously worth considering as a single stroller, especially if you think baby #2 won’t be too far down the line. Without the doubles kit, it looks and functions just like a regular stroller.

You may get a better price on the Explorer from online merchants (especially with free shipping and no tax) as the Phil and Ted's Strollers are usually only carried by local baby boutiques.

Also, check out the all new Phil and Ted’s Vibe and Dash Stroller reviews.

Devil's Advocate:

Part of what makes the Phil and Ted's Explorer great is the many attachments and accessories that are available. However they are mostly a la carte and don’t come cheap. You could easily double the price of the stroller with the accessories, so make sure you choose wisely. Another thing to note is that when the toddler seat is in the back and reclined, if your child is tall, you may find that their head may bump against the support bar across the top of the seat.

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