Stroller Blues

Now that the shock and stupefication have worn off with the news of the trips, I've come back to myself and have been fervently researching all the "gear" we are going to need for this trio. If you don't know me, you need to know that I am a researcher and shopper. Especially when it comes to my kids. This week has been stroller research. All my searching has left me with one burning question, "WHY can't someone design a stroller for infant triplets that is actually functional but doesn't cost $1000?" The choices for triplet infant strollers are a ridiculous two!

Let me preface the rest of this post with the disclaimer that everything said about these products is strictly my own opinion based on my personal research. No one has asked me to endorse or discount any product. If you would like me to review your product, of course, I would gladly do so (provided I get to keep it)  :))

Stroller #1: The Triple Decker Stroller. Less than half the price of the other option but at $425 new, it's still expensive. What I like is that you have two options for which carriers you use. You can either buy a Graco model or an Evenflo model. It also has interchangeable toddler seats that you can mix/match with carriers. If you have one ahead or behind the other two, it still works. That is where the pros end. The brilliant person who designed this baby neglected to think that a mother pushing three infants will need to turn corners. All the wheels are fixed! You have to turn it like a lawn mower. Additionally, once you are out of infant carriers and into toddler seats, that is an additional purchase and the seats don't recline or have canopies. Living in Texas, that is a priority.

Stroller #2: The Peg Perego Triplette SW Stroller. This is a Cadillac with a Cadillac price tag. Coming in at $1000 new, it better change diapers as well. This stroller only works with Peg Perego car seats/carriers. If you were to buy everything new, you would end up dropping about $1850. If you are like us, that much money goes a long way towards paying for other necessities like formula and diapers. There are some things that do make this worth the money. First, it's four-wheeled instead of three providing more stability. The front wheels pivot like a regular stroller and it has a steering mechanism for easier maneuverability (but another part to potentially break). It also comes with interchangeable toddler seats. Additionally, these seats fully recline (great for nappers!) and have their own canopies (Texas, see above). These are difficult to find used probably because people have invested so much into them and keep them for other local triplet mothers. I would imagine it would be difficult to ship.

So, I haven't made any stroller commitments yet and don't know when I will. Just as these three little ones are a miracle for my family, I know that God will make a way for us to have what we need. Another option may be out there that I haven't found. These are the times that I know my faith must hold and realize that I wouldn't have these guys if God didn't have a plan for them and us.

This will be an exciting week. I have my first perinatologist appointment on Wednesday and will get to see the babies again. It's comforting to know that I will see them often as they grow. Back to the OB on Thursday. Hoping that we will have a good pregnancy game plan by the end of the week.