Third baby in less than two years. Think it's time for a double stroller? Anytime is time for a stroller in this house. The way some people go through carseats is the way I seem to accumulate strollers. Only in the past year has it been the double variety.

The Graco Duo Glider is essentially the stroller you're purchasing when investing in this system. System meaning you're also receiving Graco's infant carseat/carrier and the ability to click it into place in the rear seat of the Duo Glider. It's probably important to note that this is the only feature that makes this one a system as opposed to a plain ol' Duo Glider.

Investing in a Graco Duo Glider? Here's what you'll get that's worth noting:

~ Two forward facing seats each with their own canopy. Remove the front canopy if you'd like--it's an easy process.

~ The front seat reclines about 3/4 of the way, the rear seat will recline all the way to a lying flat position.

~ Large basket will please any parent having to trudge through a mall and store coats, diaper bag, packages. This is a very large basket. Plus if you have an infant in back the space between the two seats is very wide and another great place to store things.

~ Each seat has it's own molded plastic foot rest.

~ Nice harness that comes up between the legs and buckles at each side. Keeps our 35 pound two year old in place and fits our infant snuggly.

~ Dual wheels in the front

~ Folding is relatively easy. A lift up on the handle bar will begin the accordion-style folding. One latch clicks shut on the side and you're done.

Here's what you'll receive that you may wish wasn't the case:

~ Dual wheels in the front. Oh I mentioned this? Well, my point is, they're in the front only. It's much easier to maneuver and steer a stroller that has a set of dual wheels in front and back.

~ No cup holder on this one (unless of course they've recently updated?). This is a pro for some, con for others. I've never been too concerned with cup holders until I began enjoying a ritual latte at the mall. I now covet cup holders.

~ Heavy! This is not for those lacking muscle tone. When folded the stroller remains very "thick" and it's definitely a bulky thing to take in and out of the mini van. Granted, to get a truly stable and nice-riding double I can't imagine doing it too lightly.

~ It's a matter of physics, but I will say that since you'll probably be taking your infant around in the rear seat, you'll probably have a heavier toddler in the front. This means turning corners will be most difficult. When the weight is in the rear seat and the lightweight rider is in the front you're steering easily. However, the stroller was not designed to be utilized this way.

Okay, on to the System:

The infant seat feature of the Travel System is a handy feature for the mom who either has a toddler not quite ready to walk alone when taking infant along. In that case, you want to be able to push both your infant carrier and toddler and the Duo Glider Travel System will allow you to do just that.

Lock the infant carrier info place, facing the stroller pusher and you're all set. The rear canopy will also move forward completely shielding your little one from overhead lights or outdoor elements.

In one respect it actually helps. You add some weight to the rear, thereby balancing the weight of a toddler in the front seat. Who knew you could utilize physics so much when stroller shopping?

My Decision

The Graco Duo Glider Travel System went back to the store, replaced by the plain Duo Glider. I already owned an infant carrier that was safe and in good shape. To pay for a new one just to be able to click it into place wasn't worth the cost to me. Beyond that feature, both strollers were the same.

However, if I had thought far in advance when we had our second child (and when I had bought a new infant seat) perhaps I would have purchased the Duo Glider Travel System knowing it would get more infant use.

In the end, you're really rating the stroller and I do like this double stroller. There are far more expensive models on the market, and some are lighter. Yet in terms of durability and features, this mid cost model should serve most families well. Whether you want the infant seat is a matter of economics and future use.

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Note: Graco wouldn't appreciate me doing this, I'm sure, but I should add that an infant seat will fit in the rear seat of the regular Duo Glider if placed sideways. It fits securely without teetering about but, no, it does not click into place.

Recommended: Yes