I never thought I could a hate any stroller more than I hated my Cosco Two-Way Double stroller, but this mini model sure runs a close second. In fact on Christmas morning I inspected the box it came in with a magnifying glass just to be sure Cosco actually didn't make this one or act as a consultant in the development process. If they did, I couldn’t find their name anywhere, but I'm still not convinced they weren't involved.

The Bitty Twins Stroller was brand new this year. It came out in about September and seemed to be a must have item if you ordered the dolls - mainly because you needed some way to transport two dolls at one time.

I offered up the simple solution to Claire, she could push one doll in her old Bitty Baby Stroller and carry the other one in the front pack carrier or the backpack carrier. She didn't agree, and anyways how could she use that old stroller when there was a new one in the catalog well actually not a new stroller, just a new pattern. When I pointed out it was only a change in fabric Claire winced at me and said, "New fabric makes it better!"

At that moment I realized where very grown woman's obsession with finding the perfect stroller begins - when your five and you realize new fabric equals a better stroller - that last year's model becomes old and tired the minute the new fabrics are brought out.

As a mom or dad you could have tried to convince your daughter that any double doll stroller would suffice in moving the Bitty girl and boy from point A to B, but any child brainwashed by American Girl (AG) knows they need every overpriced accessory and outfit, anything but the brand name is not acceptable.

I'll also point out, that in comparison to other twin doll strollers out there, this one is not that expensive. I saw ones ranging in price from about 40 bucks to almost $180.00 (yes folks $180.00, for a doll stroller - none of my real strollers cost me that much).

The stroller is cleverly color coordinated to match two out of the three Bitty Twins outfits so what little girl wouldn't think they must have the matching stroller? In fact I pulled up pictures of other double doll strollers and showed Claire the options out there - she wouldn't have it, if she got the twins, she needed the stroller - and honestly since she made this her top priority gift, dropping her desire for Baby Born, I thought I'd better get it -I'd rather have the twins and stroller than a doll that eat, drinks and poops.

Waiting for the recall

I truly find it hard to believe that a doll stroller can be as problematic as a real stroller, but this does come close.

To be honest I never even opened the box when I got it. I ordered the Bitty Twin Playtime Set which meant for $145.00 I got the dolls, play outfits and the stroller - which was a small savings in price. The dolls and outfits come in one box, and the stroller shipped separately. When it arrived I didn't even take off the protective blue plastic wrapping - I just wrapped it up and hid it.

Had I removed the blue wrapping I more than likely would have opened the box and been prepared for what we got - and even perhaps would have shipped it back. I thought the stroller was made by AG, as was out old single stroller, that was an incorrect assumption on my part.

The stroller is in fact made by Lissi Dolls for AG - not quite the way it's advertised in the catalog or web page. Being that I have a 14 yo daughter as well, I am familiar with the Lissi brand and their sketchy "quality". When my oldest was young I bought her some Lissi dolls and accessories - they were very pretty dolls but not always the quality I'd expect for the price I paid. So much so, that I stopped buying the Lissi brand year ago and said I never would again - unless it was an accident.

After all the gifts were unwrapped and things settled down, I went to work assembling her stroller. My stomach sank when I took of the blue wrapping and saw Lissi stamped on the box. I went out and got the toolbox thinking this would be a project. Luckily it wasn’t – my 7 yo son almost assembled this himself.

The stroller comes on one piece – seat attached, canopy on, all you need to do is attach the wheels (three to be exact). My son looked at the instructions, looked at the pieces, lined them all up and put it together – he just needed mom for some strength pushing the parts together. Basically you just put the wheels on the rod – and slip on the end caps.

The stroller is designed sort of like a jogging stroller – one wheel in front, two in the back. It has stadium seats, a big basket and one large canopy. The stroller folds flat for easy storage, and can be opened and set up in under one minute – it’s stylish and trendy. It uses a baby blue and baby aqua color scheme that goes with the buntings and play time outfits. The seat covers are attached and can be cleaned with a damp sponge. The foot rests are attached and the seats don’t recline – so no napping for the twins. The large canopy has clear peepholes on the side and folds back so you can see both babies. The stroller comes equipped with a large padded handle. It has a large basket that runs the length of the stroller. It is the prefect height for girls age 5 and above (at 5 ½ my daughter is in the 30% percentile for height and has no trouble pushing it). In fact I don’t even have to stoop to push it and I’m 5'6".

Now, for the problems – your child may need help opening and closing the stroller and I did pinch my fingers a few times. It has side latches that need to be lifted and closed to get it to open and close. If you drop one side too quickly you have to try again. It could be confusing for a small child. You also need to make sure the plastic device the side bar fits into doesn’t rotate or you won’t get a fit.

Next problem and the first one I couldn’t help but notice – the wheels. The are to put it nicely cheap, hollow pieces of cr@p. They aren’t even rubber, just thin plastic. I looked at the description in the catalog and online, and don’t see where it says for indoor use only. I can’t imagine these wheels holding up to sidewalks and streets – but since we’ve been having snow and rain we haven’t been outside to test it. I think after a few walks they will look worn or will crack, they are that cheap. I called the day after we opened it to complain about the lack of quality and ask how long we had to return the stroller or get new wheels. I have never seen such poor quality on an AG product and I let then know just how I felt.

Next, that junky basket – reminds me of my 1st double stroller. I told Claire it’s cheap and don’t put anything in it, but the young mother just wouldn’t listen. Two days after getting it I hear a blood-curdling scream followed by sobs. I run to see her sitting next to the stroller sobbing, “Mommy I’m sorry, I broke the basket – can you please make it better.” That’ll tear your heart out and make you angry when you recall how much you paid for that stroller. All she had in the basket was some baby care items and her Bitty Baby diaper bag with the extra outfits in it. There was no weight to it and the front basket holder just let go. I put a few stitches in it and it’s fine, but again for that price, I shouldn’t have to.

Lastly, this is a bear to steer. The wheels are on a fixed axis so all you strolling had better be in a straight line. It’s very hard to turn and you need a large area to turn it in. Claire has already knocked over loads of stuff attempting to turn it. She now finds dragging it backwards works much better. She can push it straight no problem, but any other type of strolling requires help.

Overall I’d have to say I’m very disappointed. We’ve been an AG family for 9 years and have watched the quality dip. There’s no reason the stroller should be this bad, in fact it should be a lot better. It’s almost as if they never even let a child test drive it, they just designed it and put it out there.

Only you can decide to buy this or not. It makes my daughter happy, which makes me happy, but it makes me angry thinking how much this stroller cost me compared to the quality. It’s hard to balance that and say it’s good or bad. I’d say think carefully before purchasing it.


Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 48.00
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 6 to 8 Years