* Of all the myriad ways there are to transport small children around, nothing beats a stroller, especially a double carrier when there are multiple youngsters to deal with. To fulfill our needs, we turned to Graco, Columbus, Ind., and Cosco, Elverson, Pa., a pair of companies that have been turning out top-notch strollers for years.
Graco's Side By Side ($130) has a pair of three-position, reclining seats that are, well, side by side. There are two folding canopies, a large storage basket, removable arm bars, a one-hand folding mechanism, and an ergonomic, foam-padded handle. The stroller weighs just 27 pounds, which accounts for its greatest attribute as well as its only drawback. The light weight makes it easy to lift when folded and a breeze to push and maneuver when open, but because it has so little bulk, it tips forward too readily when small bumps are encountered. Armed with this knowledge, though, these awkward spills are easily preventable with a firm grip.
Cosco's Cameo Tandem Stroller ($199) goes 36 pounds, and thus is a bit harder to maneuver. It, too, has an easy one-hand fold and two adjustable padded seats. The undercarriage storing baskets are quite capacious, and the dishwasher-safe front snack tray is quite convenient. The rear seat has a separate snack /toy tray. The main feature, however, is a stadium-seating setup (the back chair mounted higher than the front) that allows easy entry (and viewing) for the riders. Each seat has an individual canopy with mesh side panels for added ventilation, while the rear one has a covered window.
Obviously, if we're going around with double-strollers (and that still leaves one kid on foot), we're a household that becomes cramped for space, especially when the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins show up for Sunday dinner. With every extra inch of breathing room worth gold, we quickly fell in love with Cosco's Storable Five-piece Table and Chairs ($129.95). The full-size 35"-wide by 59"-deep by 28"-high metal table folds to just 27" x 35.5" x 15". Four matching padded chairs fold and fit inside the table to roll away for storage. Two of the four casters swivel for easy mobility.
These Cosco and Graco products can be found at department stores and mass merchandisers.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any, also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
