All posts by Mike

Evenflo Symphony Review: Rear-Facing, Forward, & Boostering Safety

Evenflo first came out with the Evenflo Symphony several years agoĀ in 2008, and has continued to update it with improvements in each generation. It’s a high quality convertible car seat that offers a number of convenient features that make it worth considering for parents on the lookout for a new, safe convertible car seat that’s cheaper than the Britax, Diono, and Clek seats on the market. I picked up the Evenflo Symphony Convertible Car SeatĀ (formerly known as the LX, DLX, and Elite) from Amazon this past weekend and spent a good amount of time figuring them out to bring you this review. The good news is that both are pretty awesome seats. Let’s dive into why together!

Evenflo Symphony ā€“ Quick Review

Before going symphonyany further, it’s a good idea to clarify that you can actually buy two different versions of the Evenflo Symphony: the Symphony LX, and the Symphony DLX, which is also confusingly named the Symphony Elite. What’s the difference between the two? The Symphony LX is the base model; the head wings are shaped a bit differently and you get standard LATCH connectors that you have to push in to connect to the LATCH anchors in your vehicle’s seat. Ā Its main advantage is that it’s a more budget-friendly seat. The Symphony Elite, or DLX, includes SureLATCH connectors, which are designed to ratchet and tighten themselves; it’s a convenient feature that we’ll look at in a minute.

Whichever version of the Symphony you pick up, you’re getting a quality all-in-oneĀ seat, which is a seat that’s designed to work rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster seat. In that respect, it’s like seats like the Diono Rainier or Pacifica. This review focuses on the Symphony Elite, or DLX, version, but the vast majority of it will also apply to the base Symphony LX, so it’ll be just as useful to you if you’re considering the cheaper version of the seat. Okay, let’s get into the technical details.

Buy theĀ Evenflo Symphony on Sale with Free Shipping at Amazon here.

Evenflo Symphony Weight and Height Limits

Rear-facing:Ā 5 to 40 pounds. Your child must be between 19″ and 37″ tall and his or her head must not extend past 1″ below the highest part of the head rest when the head rest is placed in its lowest positions.

Forward-facing:Ā 22 to 65 pounds. Your child must be at least 1 year old and cannot be taller than 50.” At the same time, your child’s shoulders need to either be at or below the highest harness position while the tops of your child’s ears need to be below the head rest top.

While Evenflo states you can forward-face from 1, this is too early to safely forward-face in my books. I suggest holding off as long as possible, and ideally until 4 if you can. This is standard in Sweden, and as a result, they have the lowest rates of child deaths in car accidents on Earth. Let’s learn from them!

Booster seat:Ā 40 to 110 pounds. Your child must be at least 4 years old and between 43.3 and 57″ in height. Again, the tops of your child’s ears must be below the top of the head rest. I recommend using the booster mode until your child passes the 5 step test for seat belt readiness.

Dimensions of theĀ Evenflo Symphony

The Evenflo Symphony weighs just under 20 pounds and is 20″ wide, which means it’ll be tougher than the average seat to fit in small vehicles when it comes to 3 across installations. The harness height ranges from 7.5″ to 17.5″ while the seated height is 23.” The maximum booster height when the shoulder belt height is extended to the highest position of the head rest is 19.”

Using theĀ Evenflo Symphony

Installation, rear-and forward-facing

First impressions of the Evenflo Symphony Elite are positive; it’s a big, beefy seat and has a plush, comfortable feel. I tried it out in a number of vehicles as part of my 3 across installation testing and I didn’t have any problems in any of the cars, SUVs, or minivans I tried, whether I worked on forward-facing or rear-facing installations.

The SureLATCH connectors worked well and helped me get to the safe level of tightness required for a good installation, of under 1″ of side-to-side and front-to-back movement when I pushed the seat at the base. However, if you have trouble achieving a secure installation, just switch to the seat belt system; it works just as well and doesn’t have pesky weight limits to deal with.

The LATCH limits when rear-facing or forward-facing are 40 pounds. To continue forward-facing after 40 pounds, you’ll need to switch to using the seat belt in addition to a forward-facing tether and leave LATCH behind. Evenflo suggests a forward-facing tether be used whenever you’re forward-facing, whether you’re using LATCH or the seat belt, and I completely agree that it’s important to use a forward-facing tether for safety. The tether should not be used when rear-facing.

When using a seat belt installation, things go pretty much as expected. However, make sure you have a locking seat belt in your car (which is the case in every vehicle made after 1996), as the Symphony does not include a built-in lockoff device.

Harness, Fit, Safety

A no-rethread harness (called an infinite slide harness) is included, which is great, as it allows you to easily set your harness height and adjust it without issues whenever your child begins to grow a bit. You can tighten and loosen the harness straps without work due to a front adjuster. Keep in mind that the straps will be tightened and loosened at the hips instead of at the shoulders, which is more common in other car seats.

There are 3 available recline positions in the base of the Symphony. The first recline position (#1) is a fully reclined one, and you need to use that position when you’re rear-facing. A leveling arrow on the side of the seat base underneath the rear-facing / forward-facing sticker helps you tell how level the seat is. Pool noodles or towels can be used to help you get the recline you need if you have trouble getting a good angle. You simply place the towel or noodle beneath the back of the base as close as possible to the LATCH anchors or seat belt path.

When forward-facing, as long as your child weighs between 22 and 40 pounds, you can use recline position #2, which is semi-reclined, or recline position #3, which will be fully upright. Once your child reaches 40 pounds, you’ll need to use recline position #3 and also switch to a seat belt installation if you haven’t already, and use a top tether if you aren’t already doing so.

When using the seat as a booster, you’ll need to use recline position #3. You can use the LATCH anchors to keep the seat attached to the vehicle when not in use, keeping in mind that you’ll always need to use the seat belt to secure your child to the seat.

When it comes to fitting children, the Evenflo Symphony does well with regular or large newborns, although you might want a rolled up wash cloth for the space between the crotch strap and your child’s baby, as you can only choose a single buckle slot position, and you ideally want the crotch strap snug against your child.

When it comes to fitting preschoolers, elementary-school-aged children, and middle-schoolers, the Evenflo Symphony shows its limitations. The rear-facing height limit of 37″ means you’re simply not going to get as much time rear-facing as you would in a number of other seats like the NextFit, Radian RXT, or Advocate ClickTight, for example. That said, you’re going to get past 2, and are likely to make it to 3 or even a little beyond if your child is on the shorter end. When it comes to booster fit, it also isn’t the tallest seat out there, although it does position the children it fits well.

Buy theĀ Evenflo Symphony on Sale with Free Shipping at Amazon here.

Why Buy the Evenflo Symphony?

Car seats come in all kinds of sizes, flavors, weights, and colors, but the central task of each is to keep our children safe. For me, that means rear-facing as long as possible, then forward-facing as long as possible, and then boostering as long as possible. A seat that allows you to rear-face, forward-face, and booster in one package is a good one in my books, especially if it’s one that’s easy to install and use correctly, since most parents don’t correctly install or use their car seats. The biggest strikes against the Evenflo Symphony Elite are the facts that it simply won’t let you rear-face as long as some seats out there like theĀ Fllo, Foonf, Rainier, or Pacifica, which let you rear-face until 50 pounds. That said, it’ll still allow you to rear-face until almost 3, and that’s a whole lot better than only rear-facing until 1.

Besides the usability of the seat for rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster fitting, I like that the Evenflo Symphony EliteĀ is certified for airplane use by the FAA and that the seat comes with an 8 year lifespan before it needs to be replaced. Remember that car seatsĀ doĀ expire. You’ll need to replace it if it is ever involved in a crash, and you cannot install it with an inflatable seat belt. I also like the fact that the seat is made locally in the United States.

In conclusion, I’m a fan of the Evenflo Symphony Elite as a safe and secure all-in-one car seat for parents interested in a modern seat with convenient features that’s easy to install. Other seats like the Diono Rainier, Diono Pacifica, and Diono Radian RXT are likely stronger contenders from the all-in-one perspective, but the Symphony Elite is still a solid seat in my books. You can buy it here in Ocala, Porter, and various other colors. Canadians can buy it here.

If you find my information on best practices in car and car seat safety helpful, you can do your shopping through this Amazon link. Canadians can shop here for Canadian purchases. Have a question or want to discuss best practices? Join us in the forums!

Top 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Double Stroller

indietwin3 (1)As the parents of several kids, my husband and I have had the opportunity to choose among a wide array of double strollers in order to get the kids safely and sanely from point A to point B, and maybe to points C, D, Y, and Z along the way. As a result, itā€™s been impossible not to learn a few things along the way. Double strollers are a bit more complicated than single strollers since they tend to be heavier and have more moving parts, so it’s important to think a bit more about what you want from one before you spend the money on one. This guide is designed to make that process as easy as possible. If you’re short on time, our favorite double stroller is the Bumbleride Indie Twin, while our favorite single stroller is the Bumbleride Indie. However, if you’re like us, you’re going to want more details on what to know when looking for a good double stroller. If that sounds like you and you’ve got more time, read on!

Here are the top 5Ā questions to ask when youā€™re choosing a double stroller.
1. Do IĀ want a side by side or tandem stroller?

This question is a good one to start with, as it literally determines what your stroller will look like and what you will be able to do with it. Side by side strollers are the more common design and offer the advantage of providing more space for each child, better visibility for each child, and a design that provides more storage room and significantly more stability when on the move. Overall, they are the preferred design for the majority of parents, and this has mirrored our experience with our kids. An example of a great side by side all-terrain stroller is the Indie Twin. An excellent side b y side walking stroller is the City Mini GT Double, and a great side by side jogging stroller is the Revolution SE Duallie.

However, they do take up significantly more space than tandem strollers, which means that if youā€™re shopping in smaller venues, such as in consignment shops or tiny stores with narrow doorways, you might have a more difficult time getting around successfully with a side by side stroller. On the other hand, if youā€™re planning on using them for mall shopping and general transportation, the side by side design is going to be more comfortable for most children and parents. An example of a great tandem stroller is the City Select.

2. How tall, heavy, and old are myĀ children?

The development of your children makes a big difference when choosing a double stroller, and youā€™ll want to be aware of the maximum weight and minimum age recommendations of any stroller youā€™re interested in purchasing. This is particularly key when shopping for strollers designed to carry newborns, as not all double strollers are newborn friendly, which came as a shock to us. Some strollers will tell you that 5 pounds is the minimum weight recommendation, but others might not be safe until your child weighs 15 pounds or more.

Similarly, at the other end, youā€™ll want to make sure the maximum weight limits of the stroller are large enough to accommodate both of your children for a significant amount of time. In addition, youā€™ll also want to think about leg room and head room, as your children will continue to grow throughout the amount of time they use the stroller, and youā€™ll want to make sure thereā€™s enough room for them. On the other hand, strollers with more room tend to be longer and more bulky, so there are tradeoffs youā€™ll need to consider when buying a double stroller.

3. How easily does the stroller move?

This question is one that not enough parents ask, but itā€™s so important to consider. To put it simply, if the stroller isnā€™t easy to move, turn, and shift around, you arenā€™t going to want to use it, which is just as bad as not having a stroller to begin with. Youā€™ll want a stroller that turns easily and consistently, and that rolls in a straight direction without needing too much correction on one side or the other. The Mountain Buggy Duet is one of the best examples of a stroller that practically moves itself.The wheels should be sturdy and designed to last for a long time.

My husbandĀ and I prefer air-filled wheels, but itā€™s possible to get away without them if you arenā€™t looking for a jogging stroller (see below). However, other factors to consider include a suspension system, the turning radius, and the ease with which the stroller is pushed. That last point is important and worth repeating: how easy is it to push your double stroller? You donā€™t want to need to start lifting weights in order to be able to push your children to the park!

4. How comfortable and adjustable are the seats?

Itā€™s important to read up on the comfort of seats in double strollers before buying one, since itā€™s your children who will be sitting in them! Additionally, not all double strollers are created equally in the seating department. Do the seats feelĀ good to the touch? And besides that, whatā€™s the recline like? Infants will need much more of a recline to sit safely in a double stroller than will toddlers or preschoolers, and the greater the recline ability, the better.

That said, your children are different, and just because theyā€™re in the same stroller doesnā€™t mean they will have the same needs. Can you adjust one seatā€™s recline individually of the other seatā€™s? This way, a child can sit up much more while another might lie down. Is there a good amount of head and neck support? And are there ways to provide children with additional shade or privacy? These are important factors to keep in mind.

5. Should IĀ get an all-terrain stroller?

This is another question worth considering if youā€™re looking for the best double stroller for the family. We personally love all-terrainĀ double strollers and often prefer them to walking strollers, except in the case of theĀ City Mini GT Double. However, it took us a while to figure out that these were the kinds of strollers that worked best for us.

We donā€™t always jog, so please donā€™t think that this is the only reason to get one; they come in handy the majority of the time simply when weā€™re walking along the sidewalk or through uneven terrain. Theyā€™re also great when weā€™re exploring parks and trails.However, if youā€™re an active parent, youā€™ll want to consider a jogging stroller over a walking stroller, as they come with features such as air-filled tires and suspension that you arenā€™t always going to get in regular strollers.

Similarly, because the wheels are larger, itā€™s also much easier to get around uneven ground. And from the childā€™s perspective, a more comfortable ride is a more enjoyable one, while from the adultā€™s perspective, a more comfortable child is a child whoā€™s more likely to fall asleep, or at least have a good time during the outing. When youā€™ve got multiple children or infants, this becomes very, very important.

In our opinion, the best double all-terrain strollers currently on the market is the Bumbleride Indie Twin, followed by the Mountain Buggy Duet. It’s really hard to go wrong with either, but if we had to choose, and we often do, we’d take our Indie Twin every time. It’s just that good.

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If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

Britax B-Agile Double Stroller Review

The Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is probably the most popular double stroller among our circle of parents with multiple parents, and for good reason. To be honest, it offers most of the features present in our Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double, except it costs significantly less. WeĀ have had the opportunity to borrow one from the neighbors several times while our strollers were being borrowed, and I’ve gotten to know the stroller very well as a result. In short: it’s worth picking up if you’re interested in a high quality double stroller for walking that won’t break the bank.

Without further ado, here is what I believe to be the most comprehensive review of the Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ on the Internet.

britax-b-agile-double-111-3fb-l (1)Weight and Dimensions of theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller

How much does theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller weigh?

The Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is the lightest double stroller I’ve weighed so far, coming in at 28 pounds, which perfectly matches Britax’s measurements. MikeĀ likes it because it’s easier for himĀ to lift in and out of our car trunks without straining anything.

Buy the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller on Sale at Amazon.

What’s the narrowest door you can fit aĀ Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ through?

You can fit a Britax B-Agile Double Stroller through a door at least 30.5 inches wide, which is slightly smaller than a standard door. It’s right in line with comparable side by side walking strollers like the City Mini GT Double in this respect. We tried and tried throughout a local mall and couldn’t find any doors it wouldn’t fit in. The trying was fun for me, while the mall shopping was fun for Mike (really!).

What are the length, width, and height of theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

The Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is 40 inches long, 30.5 inches wide, and 41.4 inches tall when it is unfolded and ready for use. When it’s packed up for storage and transportation, the width remains the same, but the length shrinks to 30.5″ and the height drops dramatically to 13.”

Where can I find the user manual for theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

You can download the user manual at Britax’s website for the stroller here. As is commonly done with the major stroller manufacturers, it’s available in English, French, and Spanish.

Using theĀ Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ with Children

Can you use two infant seat adapters with theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

Unfortunately not. You can only fit one infant car seat in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller at a time. Britax specifically states that the infant car seat receivers need to be set up in the right seat, and not in the left.

Depending on your car seat, you may or may not need to purchase an additional adapter. Some Britax infant car seats (e.g., the Britax Chaperone and B-Safe lines) work out of the box with the Britax adapter. However, other seats will require

What’s the tallest child you can fit in theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

The tallest child Britax recommends placing in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is 44″ tall. However, if you’re willing to bend the rules a bit (and we’ve done so with every double stroller we’ve ever bought without ill effects), you can fit children at least 46″ tall in the stroller; it really depends on whether the child is long in the legs or in the torso.

For the record, we know a friend who regularly takes her 8-year-old daughter in the stroller simply because it’s so fun to push and apparently so comfortable to sit in. We don’t judge.

What’s the recommended age range for theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

Britax states the seat is appropriate from birth and does not provide an upper age limit for the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller. However, practically speaking, you’ll probably top out at around 5 years of age, given the dimensions of the stroller.

Britax additionally states that it’s best to use an infant car seat to transport infants in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller until they have head and neck control.

How much can children weigh while using theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

Two children can have a combined weight of up to 100 pounds in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller. However, the individual weight of each child should not exceed 50 pounds. This is another one of those rules that we break all the time when using double strollers, but it’s worth being aware of what Britax says about it.

Is a child tray included with theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

Unfortunately, you’ll have to purchase a tray separately for children when buying the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller. Also note that you’ll need trays that were specifically designed for the double stroller; the B-Agile single stroller trays won’t work, as they’re too wide.

71Jkue4CE1L._SL1467_Seating in theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller

What are the seats made of in theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

The seats in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller are made of a soft cloth fabric that’s easy to wash; more information about that is below.

What is seat support like in theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

Seat support in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is rather good, at least as judged by our kids. If you feel along the back of the seat, there is a ridge from the mechanism that lets you adjust the strap height, and there is a small plastic plate located just behind the head area. However, none of our kids have ever complained about either of these, and they’re the ones the seats are designed for, so I wouldn’t worry about this at all.

Can you recline the seats in theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

Yes, the seats recline significantly in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller. They aren’t completely flat, but they recline enough to easily use with infants from birth, and not nearly every double stroller can say that.

What is leg room like in theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

The leg room is decent in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller; a front leg rest is included and our kids didn’t have any problems falling asleep while riding, which is always a good sign for head to toe comfort.

What are the sun canopies like in theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

The sun canopies on the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller are huge. They’re the same ones as found on the Britax B-Agile Single strollers, and they do a great job of keeping our little ones out of the sun.

As is typical with high end double strollers, the canopies are independently adjustable, which is convenient when you’ve got two children installed who want or need different levels of visibility and shade. There are also peek-a-boo flaps so you can check in on your little ones or allow greater amounts of airflow into the stroller.

One annoyance here is that if you’ve got the Britax B-Safe infant seat set up, you aren’t going to be able to drop the canopy on the right down unless you work the canopy around the right side of the car seat. However, this makes sense when you consider the fact that the seats are narrower than they are in the single stroller, but the car seat, of course, remains the same size.

What is the rain canopy for theĀ Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ like?

The rain canopy for the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is a separate and well-worth it purchase, in my opinion. It does a good job of keeping the kids dry during wet weather and also of shielding them from wind on cooler days.

Buy the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller on Sale at Amazon.

 

Pushing and Moving theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller

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What is it like to push theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

It’s hard to complain about the ride on the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller. When we take it indoors on hard surfaces, such as at the mall or in an all-in-one or department store, we love it. Taking it to Whole Foods is a marvelous experience.

However, a jogging stroller this is not; if we push it outdoors in grass, it gets tricky, though it’s definitely doable. A good way to put it is that you can feel the texture of a road when using it outdoors, and both Mike and I agree that our City Mini GT Double offers a slightly smoother ride when the conditions are less than ideal. Neither can compete with our BOB Revolution on off-road conditions, but neither is a jogging stroller.

Turning the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is very easy; the turn radius is tight and the stroller doesn’t feel sluggish, so you can successfully turn it with one hand.

Is the handlebar on theĀ Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ adjustable?

Yes! The Britax B-Agile Double Stroller handle is adjustable. This is a big plus, as it’s not always a given on double strollers, even on the expensive ones. Because it’s adjustable, our friends who are 6’4″ and 5’9″ can both comfortably use the stroller when transporting their 3 and 1-year olds.

How is theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller’sĀ suspension?

The suspension is pretty good; you’ll notice a few pumps when going over uneven sidewalks or cracks in even ones, but aside from that, as long as you’re keeping it on paved surfaces, you’ll have few complaints. Steering is also quite good. You can turn it nicely; the turning radius is about the same length as the stroller, which makes it very maneuverable. Oh, and the suspension is on all wheels.

What are the brakes like on theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

There is a linked parking brake on the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller that you can use to lock both wheels in the back. You don’t get fancy features like a handlebar-activated brake here, but if you’re willing to spend more, there are definitely strollers that’ll give you such features.

What are the wheels and tires like on theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

The wheels aren’t the best part of the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller; they have a bit of a cheaper feel to them. That’s not because they’re made of plastic, but because they get scuffed pretty easily after you start using them. However, they’re plenty durable and you simply need to look past the aesthetics to appreciate how good of a job they do.

Are the wheels on theĀ Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ removable?

Yes! I have no idea how manufacturers still make strollers without removable wheels, but the wheels in the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller are definitely removable. They’re also lockable so you can use the stroller with a bit more stability.

How do I fix a flat tire on theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

There aren’t any flat tires with the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller because the wheels are made of plastic! Despite my preference for air-filled wheels when going off-road with a double stroller, I have to admit that when it comes down to it, plastic wheels are more durable, simply because they either shatter completely or keep working until the job is done. Can you tell I don’t like dealing with flat tires on double strollers?

Storing and Transporting theĀ Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ Ā 

How do you pack up theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

Folding the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller couldn’t be easier. There’s a “1 touch” button that you press to fold things up, and there is an automatic lock that keeps the stroller from flying open when you’re storing or transporting it.

How do you open up theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

It’s as easy to open up the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller as it is to close it; it only takes a couple of seconds to do.

How do you assemble theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

The assembly process for the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is rather simple; you essentially take it out of the box, put the wheels on, set up the canopies, and past yourself on the back for putting it together before your spouse was home. I’d say it’s a 10 minute job if you haven’t put a stroller together before.

Cargo and Storage of theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller

What’s storage like for theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?
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There are three storage compartments available for the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller; two are behind the seats while the main one is beneath them. This is the standard configuration for side by side double strollers, and Britax didn’t try to change it. However, they did add a unique touch to the bottom compartment…

Something that’s really nice and relatively unique about the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller is that you can access the bottom storage compartment from the front beneath the foot rest through a zipper. It doesn’t sound like something that would be that much of a benefit, but it strangely is!

What are the weight limits of theĀ Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ storage compartments?Ā 

The limit for the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller basket is 10 pounds while the maximum weight limits for the storage pockets is 1 pound. You get more pounds for the rear pockets in certain other double strollers, but it’s a small compromise again for significant savings.

Is a parent console available for theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?

Unfortunately not; you’ll need to purchase that on your own. Britax calls it a stroller organizer, and it’s pretty awesome. I’d definitely recommend picking it up and making use of the drink holders; there are days when you’ll really need one after dealing with two kids…or three, or four, in our case. Of course, I’m referring to a drink of your favorite non-alcoholic beverage. I like Snapple, personally, and order crates of it each month.

Maintenance and Cleaning of theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller
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How do you clean theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?Ā 

To clean the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller, you basically need mild soap and a damp cloth for the frame, and a dry cloth or towel for drying and wiping away excess soap and water. If you’re cleaning the fabric and harness, you’ll want to keep in mind that the cover shouldn’t be washed or dried by machines; instead, you’re supposed to hand wash using cold water, mild soap, and air drying. If you’re dealing with plastic, you’ll again want your mild soap and damp cloth. No solvents should be used anywhere, as you can corrode metal and weaken plastic.

What is the warranty coverage like on theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller?
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There is a limited 2 year warranty for the Britax B-Agile Double Stroller that requires a proof of purchase, and it doesn’t include damage that arises from any kind of misuse or salt corrosion. The warranty isn’t as strong as that offered by Baby Jogger and BOB, but it’s still much better than nothing. With a stroller of this quality, you aren’t likely to need it anyway.

Concluding thoughts on theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller

Is theĀ Britax B-Agile Double StrollerĀ worth it?

In my opinion, yes! It’s a high quality side by side double walking stroller that features most of the things we love about our City Mini GT Double while costing a lot less. It also features a few different things that aren’t present in one or more high-end double strollers we’re familiar with, such as the ability to load the bottom compartment from beneath our kids’ feet. Besides that, it’s relatively light, easy to push, and fits in pretty much any normal door.If we weren’t already happy with our Indie TwinĀ and had a smaller budget, this could easily serve as our first and only double stroller.

You can buy theĀ Britax B-Agile Double Stroller in black, red, and sandstone here.

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If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

Mountain Buggy Duet Double Buggy Stroller Review

mountainbuggyThe Mountain Buggy Duet Double Buggy Stroller is one of those strollers that turns our heads whenever we see it, simply because it stands out among a sea of BOBs, Britaxes, and Baby Joggers. Don’t get me wrong; all of those brands are wonderful at what they do. However, there are just some things we can’t do with our double strollers that are possible with the Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller, and they’re worth exploring in case you’re interested in picking up what’s a rather unique stroller. I mean, it’s from New Zealand! How often do you get a stroller from the other side of the world?

With that in mind, I finally borrowed one from one of my friends and set to learn everything possible about it. Without further ado, here is what I believe to be the most comprehensive review of the Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller on the Internet.

Weight and Dimensions of theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double

How much does theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet DoubleĀ weigh?

The Mountain Buggy Duet Double weighs 34 pounds according to my digital scale, which puts it right around the average weight for most of the double strollers I’ve used in this price range.

mb2-239x300What’s the narrowest door you can fit aĀ Mountain Buggy Duet DoubleĀ through?

The Mountain Buggy is capable of fitting through doors as narrow as 25 inches, which makes it by far the narrowest side by side double stroller on the market today. It’s almost a transcendental experience using it the first time you realize that you just made it through a door that would have stopped any other side by side stroller in its tracks.

What are the length, width, and height of theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet DoubleĀ ?

The Duet is 40 inches long, 25 inches wide, and between 31 and 42 inches high, depending on the height you set the adjustable handlebar to.

Where can I find the user manual for theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet DoubleĀ ?

You can find the user manual online at Mountain Buggy’s site here.

Buy the Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Using theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double with Children

mountainbuggy3Can you use two infant seat adapters with theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet DoubleĀ ?

Yes! This is the second biggest selling point for the Mountain Buggy besides its amazingly narrow width. You can use either two travel systems or a pair of carrycots by Mountain Buggy.

What’s the tallest child you can fit in theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

The Mountain Buggy Duet can accommodate children up to 44″ in height.

What’s the recommended age range for theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

The recommended age for the Mountain Buggy Duet ranges from birth to age 5, which is in line with most other double strollers. Technically, the age 5 limit is actually higher than that of most double strollers on the market. However, the amount of time you’ll get out of the stroller will naturally depend on the height and weight of your children.

How much can children weigh while using theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

Children can individually weigh up to 39.5 pounds, or a combined weight of 80 pounds. This weight limit is significantly less than that found in most high-end side by side strollers, which tend to top out at 100 pounds. However, such is the price of the size flexibility of the Duet.

Is a child tray included with theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

A child tray is not included with the Double, unfortunately. But seeing as it would have to be shipped from New Zealand, this is forgivable.



Seating in the Mountain Buggy Duet Double


mountainbuggyWhat are the seats made of in the Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

The seats are made of a polyester fabric cover that’s comfortable and, just as importantly, easy to clean. They aren’t the widest seats, but they’ll let you fit the stroller (and your kids) just about anywhere.

What is seat support like in the Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

Seat support is pretty good in the Duet Double; it’s not a Lexus, but it’s comfortable enough to pass the sleeping child test, which, in our opinion, is easily the best indicator of stroller comfort. A 5-point harness that’s adjustable with a single hand is included with both seats.

Can you recline the seats in theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

Yes! This is another part of the Duet Double that we absolutely love. You can recline the seats to a completely flat position, which is simply wonderful for newborns and young infants. Mountain Buggy describes the recline as infinite, which means you can choose any position between the fully raised upright angle and fully lowered lie-flat angle.

What is leg room like in theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

The leg room seems quite good; our kids don’t complain or look cramped when we use it. However, do keep in mind that the seats are going to be narrower than those in most side by side strollers simply because the stroller itself is narrower. Such is the price of mobility!

mb4-200x300What are the sun canopies like in theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

The sun canopies are independent and good-sized. However, the coverage isn’t the massive kind you’d see in something like a City Mini, but it’s still good enough to keep the kids out of the sun.

What is the rain canopy for theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet DoubleĀ like?

The Mountain Buggy rain shield is solid and does a good job of keeping little ones dry. It also does a surprisingly good job of staying warm on cooler days, and it’s always nice to be able to see the kids well while they’re in there.

Pushing and Moving theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double

What is it like to push theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?Ā 

It’s a smooth, fun experience pushing the Mountain Buggy Duet Double. Being a walking stroller, it’s not designed for off-roading use, but it’s definitely possible to do some light trail work with it. And yes, you can lock the front wheels and take it for a run. The Duet is extraordinarily stable, which is a very good thing for safety-conscious and responsible parents. It’s not the best thing for–ahem–more adventurous parents, as it might, um, encourage them to use the stroller as a jogging stroller all the time. For testing purposes.More importantly, when using it as intended, it takes very little effort to turn; we find it much, much easier to turn it with one hand than our City Mini GT Double, which is already a great stroller.

Is the handlebar on theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet DoubleĀ adjustable?

Yes! You can adjust it down to 31″ and up to 42″, which means that pretty much any adult will be able to find a comfortable height for pushing.

How is theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double’sĀ suspension?

The Duet Double has rear wheel suspension, and it does a decent job of keeping the bumps to a minimum when you’re on the move. Again, it’s important to note that this isn’t a jogging stroller, so you’re not going to get nearly as smooth of a ride if you try it in heavy trails.

What are the brakes like on theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

There is a pedal foot brake on the Duet Double that does a good job of helping keep the speed down when on the move. Per Mountain Buggy it is certified for safety.

mountainbuggyWhat are the wheels and tires like on theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

The tires on the Duet Double are 10″ in diameter and made of rubber. They’re inflatable, which isn’t a feature you always find on non-jogging strollers, so we were quite happy to discover this; it’s probably a big part of what makes the ride so smooth. The longevity of the tires isn’t the best, however; you’ll probably want to plan on replacing them after a couple of years. That said, they make it easy to get around on uneven surfaces.

Are the wheels on theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet DoubleĀ removable?

Yes! You can remove the tires on the Duet Double, even though you almost certainly won’t need to do so.

How do I fix a flat tire on theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

Just pump! You actually have a built in pump with the Duet Double, which is extremely awesome. I’d recommend buying a cheap patch kit to go along with it so you can go anywhere, at any time, without fearing a flat.

Storing and Transporting theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double

mb5-300x199How do you pack up theĀ Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

Folding the Duet Double up just takes a press of a latch. However, it can still be a bit awkward to do, even though the procedure itself isn’t that complicated. The nice thing about it is that it folds down to a very small size, which means it’s a piece of cake to store it in just about any vehicle or space you can think of. I also like that you don’t need to remove any parts of it when you’re folding it up.That said, if you need a bit more space, you can simply take off the wheels, and you don’t need tools to do so. Score!

Cargo and Storage of the Mountain Buggy Duet Double


What’s storage like for the Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

There’s what Mountain Buggy calls a gear tray beneath the Duet Double that lets you store a surprisingly large amount of parent and child stuff. Of course, if you only have one child traveling, you can also use the other seat for storage…or shopping.

What are the weight limits of the Mountain Buggy Duet Double compartments?

The weight limit for the lower gear tray in the Duet Double is 11 pounds.

Is a parent console available for the Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

Yes, a parent console is definitely available for the Duet Double, although it would have been really nice if it had been included by default. Hey, you can’t have everything for free, right? You do get a bottle holder and grab bar, at least.

Buy the Mountain Buggy Duet Double Stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Maintenance and Cleaning of the Mountain Buggy Duet Double

How do you clean the Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

To clean the Duet Double, you simply wipe it with a damp cloth. The fabric is designed to wipe clean easily and dry quickly. It does the job. The fabric coverings are 100% polyester, which is common in this price range due to its durability and easy cleaning capabilities.

How long is the warranty for the Mountain Buggy Duet Double?

A 1 year warranty comes with the Mountain Buggy Duet Double. I’d have preferred a longer one, but judging from the way this one is holding up 2 years later, it doesn’t look like it will be necessary.

Concluding thoughts on the Mountain Buggy Duet Double

Is the Mountain Buggy Duet Double worth it?

In my opinion, the Mountain Buggy Duet Double stroller is absolutely worth it if you’re looking for a side by side double stroller that can go anywhere a single stroller can without skipping a beat. It’s a surreal experience using it and approaching any door, any time with an “I got this” feeling. For me, that alone makes it worth it. The fact that you can recline both seats completely flat too isn’t bad either. Yes, it’s pricey, but if you can afford it, you can’t afford not to.You can buy the Mountain Buggy Duet Double Buggy Stroller here.

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If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

3 Across Installations: Which Car Seats Will Fit a Chevrolet Equinox?

The “Chevy” Chevrolet Equinox is one of the best-selling mid-sized SUVs in the United States, competing with SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. With 5 seats, a choice between a 4-liter and 6-liter engine, and an impressive array of safety scores, it’s frequently chosen by parents interested in safe transportation and hatchback utility. But how does it do when it comes to fitting car seats in 3 across installations? I borrowed a few this weekend to try try my hand installing 3 car seats in a Chevy Equinox.

Before we talk about what what works, it’s a good idea to review some principles of best practices for car seat use. I recommend keeping children in rear-facing infant or convertible seats as long as possible (ideally until 4!), then keeping them harnessed in forward-facing seats for several years moreĀ (ideally until 8!), and then only switching them out of booster seats when they pass the 5 step testĀ (which typically happens between 10 and 12). These suggestions help keep children as safely restrained as possible until they’re physically and emotionally ready to sit without car seats.

After several hours of testing with all of the car seats I had on hand, I have what I believe to be the most detailed 3 across guide for the Chevy Equinox on the Internet, covering every model year of the SUV so far. If you find the list helpful when shopping for car seats, you can shop through my Amazon link below. I’ll add more seats as I test them over time.

You can accessĀ the complete 3 across guide for every vehicle hereĀ andĀ the complete list of recommended seats here. The Canadian car seat guide is here.Ā 3 across car seat images are courtesy of Wikipedia.

equinox-2010-publicdomain2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 ChevroletĀ Equinox

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

ClekĀ FlloĀ (x3).

Clek FoonfĀ (x3).

GracoĀ Size4Me 65Ā (x3).

Britax Frontier G1.1 / 90, Graco Snugride 30, Graco Size4Me 65Ā /Ā Contender.

GracoĀ ContenderĀ (x3).

CombiĀ CoccoroĀ (x3).

DionoĀ RadianĀ /Ā RXTĀ (x3).

Chicco KeyFit 30, DionoĀ RadianĀ /Ā RXT, Chicco KeyFit 30.

Tips and Tricks:

This generation of theĀ Chevrolet EquinoxĀ is 188 inches long and 72 inches wide, which means you’ll have a comparable amount of space for 3 across installations as what you’d find in the average mid-sized SUV or car. As usual, to maximize the available amount of space for your installations, you’ll want to make use of seat belts instead of the LATCH anchors.

The way the seat hinge is oriented in the back seat, you might have trouble installing multiple Radians rear-facing. I was able to do it, but some folks have had trouble with it. The center Radian can definitely be installed rear-facing, but you might need to install the outboard seats in forward-facing configurations.

In the Frontier / Snugride / Size4Me installation, I had the outboard seats forward-facing and all three seats were seat belted, of course. It’s possible that I’d have been able to get all three rear-facing, but I didn’t have time to try that setup. The Snugride was particularly difficult to click in each time.

equinox - older - publicdomain2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 ChevroletĀ Equinox

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

ClekĀ FlloĀ (x3).

Clek FoonfĀ (x3).

CombiĀ CoccoroĀ (x3).

Graco Size4Me 65 (x3).

GracoĀ ContenderĀ (x3).

DionoĀ RadianĀ /Ā RXTĀ (x3).

GracoĀ ContenderĀ / Size4Me 65, GracoĀ My Ride 65, GracoĀ ContenderĀ / Size4Me 65.

DionoĀ RadianĀ /Ā RXT, Chicco KeyFit 30,Ā DionoĀ RadianĀ /Ā RXT.

Harmony Defender, GracoĀ ContenderĀ / Size4Me 65,Ā GracoĀ ContenderĀ / Size4Me 65.

Tips and Tricks:

This initial generation of theĀ Chevrolet EquinoxĀ is 189 inches long and 71 inches wide, which means you’ll have slightly less left-to-rightĀ space for 3 across installations than what you’d find in the average mid-sized SUV or car. That said, you can still fit a number of seats into it, especially with seat belt installations across all seats.

If you’re installing multiple Graco convertibles next to each other, you might need to alternate RF / FF to ensure that the cup holders don’t bump into each other.

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If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.