How many strollers is too many? A few weeks ago, we became the owners of a 5th stroller. I ended up selling one soon after, so now we only have 4. Mr. Handsome says it’s excessive, but each one has a very specific use, and I use all of them frequently. I might buy one or two more, but I’ll explain that later. Hear me out, and then let me know your thoughts.
When Little Buddy was born, we received a brand new travel system as a gift. It came with an infant car seat and a stroller that the car seat can click into. It’s a great stroller because it reclines all the way back for a baby but can hold an older child up to 50 pounds. That is the stroller I keep in my car for Littlest Buddy.
When Little Buddy was a newborn, I scored a gently used jogging stroller for $40 that would have cost me $170 new. The owners were moving and just wanted it gone, so they gave me an incredible deal. It’s made of metal and very solid, and it also fits my infant car seat. It has an adjustable five-point harness and reclines, so it can fit a small baby or a larger toddler. I have used that thing regularly for walks ever since Little Buddy was tiny. And I still use it all the time.
A few years ago, I received a free compact stroller (a $70 value) that was brand new. It’s barely bigger than an umbrella stroller when it’s folded, but it’s so much more versatile because it has a full harness and can recline back (although not as much as my other strollers, so it can’t be used for a tiny infant). It can accommodate a four-month-old baby through about 40 pounds. Little Buddy has almost outgrown it, but it was our primary car stroller for a couple years.
Before Littlest Buddy was born, I realized I needed to have a double stroller on hand, but I wasn’t in the mood to spend time shopping. I also didn’t want to pay full price because I knew it wouldn’t be long before Little Buddy would outgrow it and it would become useless to us. So I went to a used children’s store and bought the first smaller double stroller I saw. I needed something fairly compact because I knew I would have numerous postpartum doctor’s appointments to lug both kids to. It cost $70, which I didn’t love. But it was $180 new, so I suppose it was still a decent deal. It was great for the first three months of Littlest Buddy’s life, but the one feature I didn’t love was that it didn’t fit the car seat easily. It also barely fit Little Buddy.
I sold that stroller for $60 the other day because a friend graciously gave us their double stroller. It is still small as far as double strollers go, but it fits Little Buddy well, and it holds the car seat better. It was $180 new. I tried to pay her for it, but she said it was a gift that they no longer needed because their kids are older, so she didn’t want any money for it.
So now we have four strollers. I have entertained the idea of a double jogger, if I can find one for a decent price that will fit Little Buddy, as he is quite tall. I don’t want to spend more than $80 for it, so I’m waiting around for a good deal. I know it sounds crazy to buy one, but I think it would help me be more active, which is always a win.
I also might grab a $40 umbrella stroller. That way, when we so somewhere that we can’t take the double but need both kids to be in strollers, we will have two compact ones.
So that’s my story. Even when we owned all 5 strollers, they were worth about $800 new, and I had only paid $130. And now that I sold the 5th, we are down to 4 strollers for $50. Not too bad. Go ahead and share your thoughts on strollers.
Jude
Wow that’s a lot. We have one stroller that has lasted since my oldest (now 5) was born. Folds up well and has a decent storage basket. We just bought a skateboard attachment for the oldest one to use when the little one arrived, we’ve never used a double.
Melissa
I work as a tourist guide and one of the worst things to see is a big child, around 2 or 3 years old who can walk, being driven around in a stroller. Do not use them so much!
Anonymous
If you work as a guide you probably have seen how easy it is for a 2 or 3 year old to take off running in public. Do guides want to spend their working hours looking for lost children instead of guiding? Or worse, do you want to hear about children being snatched in public? It’s much safer for a child to be strapped in a stroller under parental control. Really, I’m surprised guides don’t complain more about loose children running around touching things they shouldn’t or going behind barriers where they’re not supposed to go. That’s mostly what I see in public when children aren’t in strollers.
Anonymous
When there’s a lot of walking 2 and 3 year old children will get cranky and cry because their little legs are so tired, so a stroller is a must.
Mary T.
Parents use strollers in public places for children of all ages. It is safer for the child, and even a child who looks big, still will get tired very easily when required to walk for long periods of time.
Anonymous
Unless you plan on leaving the kids at home all the time, no amount of strollers is too many. It’s like having too many shoes. You go places. You need stuff. No further discussion necessary.
Anonymous
Not bad! I have one 800 dollar (with all pieces like extra seat, bassinet, toddler stand, attachments, …) stroller that fits all needs.
Marnie
We had quite the number of strollers as well and I wouldn’t have believed it before having kids. When our oldest wasn’t yet born, I decided I didn’t want a heavy stroller to lift in and out of the trunk so I got a lightweight frame that could have my car seat hooked into it. I t was super light to lift out of the trunk vs the usual Graco etc systems. Once he got a bit bigger, you don’t want to keep them in the car seat all the time so I got a lightweight Maclaren stroller. It was great and got much use. I also had a jogging stroller which I then did not keep in the trunk but kept in the garage so we could go for walks, playground etc. It was nice for terrain such as grass or hiking trails. It worked well till we had our second. I used the jogging stroller at the beginning as it had a little seat to hook on the front I think for the toddler. It was okay but made it front heavy. we did use it for the playground etc. Later we gave that to relatives for their first baby. I got a double side by side stroller at first for the two but I didn’t realize it would be hard to get thru doors and narrow store aisles but I didn’t think my oldest who was a little monkey would be safe enough in just a back seat of a stroller. Also, I discovered oldest who was just under two when the baby came would take baby’s pacifier as they were side by side. After a while of this we got a Joovy Caboose strooler but the toddler sitting on the back seat. It was quite great. Now they weren’t as close together to bother one another and it was easier to get in and out of places. Our other stroller went to another family. (it had been recommended by my cousin who had twins and it would be better for two at the same age). We got good use out that Joovy Caboose and after we had a third, I bought a used one of the same brand from a friend and it was great for #2 and #3 to ride in (she was 3 so it was a good option). We also ended up purchasing a double bike type of stroller. we never did use all the attachments but I used that instead of a jogging stroller. It was handy for times at park when oldest child had soccer and younger two at to wait. If it was raining, I could zip them in. I also could walk and fill the back with groceries. We also got some cheap umbrella ones (once for a trip to Maui)with an attachment that could hook up both together or keep them separate. we had grandparents along and I thought it would be an option if we wanted to push the kids separately, also easier if one is coming with you and the other stays back to nap with grandparents. Once we went on a trip to my hubby’s conference and forgot the stroller so we also just got a cheap one from Walmart. The good bike one we gave to the relatives as their family expanded.
OhioMama
If I were you I’d get the double jogging stroller and sell the single one since I wouldn’t be using it any more and I also would get the second umbrella stroller for the reasons you said. As long as all of them will be used and you have the space for it I think it would be worth it. When my youngest was born I really want a sit and stand stroller but I couldn’t find one at a good price.
JenniferH
I totally get this! and strollers aren’t cheap for sure! We bought a stroller that the car seat fits into until they outgrow which in the long run got used less and less especially once I had my second boy so out it went.
When my first was about 4 months old we made the huge investment of an umbrella stroller from Walmart 🤣 it cost maybe $20 and was used WAAAY more than the original stroller ever was. In fact, I walked every single day from the time he was 5 months old in it, lost the rest of my baby weight thanks to it, and it was therapy through my PPD. To this day I still use it on #5 although I could probably use a new one 😬 we did buy one while traveling with our second but that barely got used after the trip and then when we welcomed our 3rd boy I bought a double- but a side by side double one cuz that’s what I like (I wish I could send a picture or link) more than the other doubles cuz they were always kinda bulky to me. This one resembles an umbrella stroller with both babies side by side and you can easily put a 3 or 4 y o in it with the baby next to them. It was on amazon for around $80. This was 4 years ago-ish, the price has gone up since. So yeah, just as every pregnancy and child birth has its own story, so does every stroller 🤣😃
J
You can have as many strollers as you like but it’s not really the life of a minimalist.
Regina
I rode the bus often when my daughters were little so when I had my first two being close in age I definitely needed a double stroller. The double stroller was nice but carrying it on the bus was problematic even though there was a place on the bus to place the stroller so I ended up buying two umbrella strollers and some dohickey to attach between the strollers to make it a umbrella double stroller. When our next one was born we got the kind that like yours had the car seat attached to it. I miss the stroller days sometimes.
Anonymous
I would think four strollers is a bit excessive, but that’s what you’re known for.
Anonymous
What is that even supposed to mean? Nothing friendly to say? Don’t say it!!
Anonymous
I don’t understand this. Isn’t Ellie known for the opposite?(examples include frugality, minimalism appreciation, DIY)
Anonymous
We have 3 kids 3 and under and currently own 2 strollers, one single and one single that can be converted into a double stroller. Both have adapters to fit our infant carseat. I’d love to get the bench seat addition for our double stroller to fit all three kids but it’s quite pricey, definitely keeping my eyes open for a good deal. Right now I can fit the infant carseat and a seat, or two seats on the double stroller which works ok when there’s two adults around but for just one parent with all three kids it’s definately a challenge when out and about.
Marilyn
Wishing you happiness and blessings throughout your birthday year.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Ellie
Thank you!
Tiffany
What kind of double stroller do you have Ellie ? Looking for one for my twins who are coming soon.
Ellie
Hi Tiffany! Mine is the Graco Duoglider. I got it from a friend and it works great for the few times we need it, but it’s not something I would choose for twins unfortunately. Little Buddy is almost too big for strollers, so he rarely rides in one. You said a while ago that you are due in October right? How is everything going?
Tiffany
I had them early at 30 weeks and they are in the nicu . They are a good size for 10 weeks early . They are on the lowest Oxygen as well . All they told us is they might be in the nicu till their due date or a few weeks before
Ellie
Congratulations! So hard to have them in the NICU I’m sure! But I’m so glad they are doing well. Praying they will grow strong and able to go home soon. How are you feeling?
Tiffany
Thank you for the prayers ! I am doing ok . It is definitely hard balancing everything and pumping as well . And I know it’s hard on my kids right now . It’s the first time they have to wait to meet their sibling . I was expecting the twins to not come this early and for them to wait the normal few days to meet them . They have been in the hospital for 2 weeks now and have maybe a month or so to go .
Ellie
I can imagine that must be very tough on them! Do you have family and friends to help you care for the kids so you can spend time at the hospital?
Tiffany
We have some family, but most are pretty busy . We have had the kids spend the night with a friend who also has kids and they really enjoyed it . It’s been 6 weeks so far with them in the hospital and I think they have 2-3 week left , but we could be wrong . I am trying to work on nursing the twins . They are still working on their latch and I also pump every 3 hours . The babies are off of cpap , but one is on low flow . He got off of high flow a few days ago . So far so good …
Hope you have a good week !
Ellie
Thank you so much for the update, Tiffany. I’m glad to hear they are progressing. Be sure to let me know when they get to go home. I will rejoice with you. 🙂
Rachel
Your post is making me laugh Ellie because my husband and I had many “discussions” about my stroller collection when our kids were younger. I think I also had a total of 4 at one point. But we had 4 kids and they were all born within 5 years. As most mothers know, you need different strollers for different outings and different things! All my husband saw was all the space in his garage they were taking up😜 But, just like you, I did use them all and I got them all used (either purchased secondhand or given to me). And now my baby is 7 and my oldest is 12 and I have gotten rid of all of the strollers now. But this post brought back memories! And don’t blink, because soon your garage will be empty of strollers (but probably filled with bikes and scooters for more “husband discussions”!) 😆
Anna
Why would you not donate a stroller to poor mother?
Anonymous
Because she doesn’t know any poor mothers?
Anonymous
Wow, that does seem excessive although we would probably have just as many if there were free or so inexpensive as well! I have 4 kids and we have 2 strollers, 1 double jogger and 1 single jogger. I LOVE them and we use them all the time. We keep a baby carrier in the car for when we need to carry our youngest as the jogging strollers can be cumbersome to load and unload in the car. Nice job spending so little on such an impressive collection!
MarriedUK
It all sounds legit to me… it would be totally unfeasible for me to do that. Despite living in a house that cost more than £2m (and being about to move to one for £3m) I have NOWHERE I could keep such an army of buggies! No garage, no store room. My corridors are narrow and our house is terraced.
I guess that’s London vs Nashville!!!
Anonymous
You’re asking the wrong person. I went from 5 cars to 4 and it was tough to get rid of that 5th.
Anonymous
How in the world did us boomers survive with just 1 stroller? LOL
Anonymous
LOL 11:02 Our parents had to contend with those huge 4-wheeled “carriage” type strollers (prams) that didn’t fit in any car, then when we became parents, we got to deal with the new lightweight “umbrella” strollers that would collapse when they weren’t supposed to and pinch little fingers. The good old days!
Anonymous
Baby no.6 is due any day now and I only have one stroller. A single that can fit the car seat, but to be honest I rarely use that option. (We got it as a gift at the baby shower before my oldest was born). I mostly use the stroller for the toddler and wear the baby in my ergo carrier. Most of my newborns have hated their car seat and would rather be worn. But each family is so different/unique and they figure out what works well for them. 🙂 I do have a double wagon with seats/buckles/ cup holders and I use that more often than my stroller. It fits easily in the back of our minivan.
Ellie
Double wagons are so functional. Praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby!
Anonymous
I had two strollers. One I kept in our garage, which I used for walking around the neighborhood. The other was an umbrella stroller, which I kept in the car for errands and shopping trips. My kids were four years apart in age so I never had a need for a double stroller.
Elizabeth
We have 3 strollers.
With our first we bought a used stroller that can have a second seat attach but also works with the car seat we bought new
Then we added a jogger that can be a single or a double
And then an umbrella stroller that can fit a 4 year old. We leave the jogger at the grandparents.
We are big fans of strollers that are inline and can convert from single to double depending on if i have one or two kids with me.
Ashley
I have 4 kids in 5 years. I had a single jogger to begin with, but then got a double jogger. That thing was my lifeline and the best gift I was given!
As a side note, you can use bike tires to replace the stroller tires. It’s much cheaper and easier. I went through at least 5 sets of tires before all the kids outgrew they stroller.
Stephanie
I have three strollers! I have a Chicco Bravo single stroller that was a travel system with an infant car seat that I bought new when my oldest was born. When my middle was born, we received the UppaBaby Vista double stroller, which is hands down the best stroller I’ve ever used. I was taking a flight with my two oldest kids and wanted an umbrella stroller to gate check at the airport because the UppaBaby is super heavy and too expensive to risk getting damaged. We have the UppaBaby G-Link umbrella double stroller, which is great! Didn’t need another stroller when my third was born, as all three are still in excellent condition!
Mariana
I never used a stroller. My child was in a carrier that I wore and then walked, even if it took longer. What’s the rush?! I place a high value on fitness and personally believe the use of strollers and motorized toys (instead of walking or bicycling) for children that can walk leads to obesity. I realize my choice is in the minority but also being a normal weight is in the minority nowadays. Use your strollers, Ellie, no problem, but let the boys run and walk and play and don’t worry about how much time it takes to get somewhere.
Anonymous
I somewhat agree with you, Mariana. Once our kids were around three years old, we did not use a stroller. They just walked alongside us. I also did not buy them motorized riding toys. I wanted them to pedal their bikes.
Lyn
I usually don’t comment and perhaps I’ve missed something, but why does Ellie have to justify why she has several strollers.
I’m sure when she does not need one, two or all of them, she will either sell or donate to someone who needs them.
Come on now, let’s not put everything she does/buys/spends under a microscope.
So many of these comments make me sad.
Diana
I was just going to say the same thing! Thank you for your post!
Respect and politeness are still a thing! If you can’t say something nice…
Laura
I had a big smile on my face reading this… I have 6 kids (oldest is 8) and the one of the best things I ever bought was a brand new Baby Jogger City Select stroller (can be single or double). I love that thing, and feel it is worth every penny (although I got it half price 8 years ago shopping Black Friday and Boxing Day sales). I would love to get a City Mini and/or a double City Mini, but it’s not in the budget and my husband doesn’t want more stuff in our garage 🙃 So I totally agree with the different stroller for different uses. I would probably have more than 5 if I had the money and the space!
Ellie, you mentioned wanting a double jogger, but there are also double chariots (hook onto a bike or can be pushed) which look neat!