We've been busy checking off our "to do list" these past few weeks, making sure everything is ready for our little one's arrival in just 4 1/2 weeks! At first we thought that we had everything we would need having had one baby already...however, after we got thinking about it, we realized that there was one big item we were still missing....a double stroller!!
I am the type of person who researches baby gear, like strollers, a lot! I want to make sure that whatever it is we get will suit our needs. The question I kept coming back to when it came to a double stroller was whether we'd want a side by side stroller, or a front to back one. I think there are benefits to both...but in the long run figured we'd probably get more use out of a back to front one as I think they are easier to maneuver...especially in stores or tight spaces!
Since I kept coming back to the front to back strollers, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review a Kolcraft stroller. Kolcraft sent us their Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller for our kids. Having looked at many other double strollers over the past few months, I can tell you that the moment we took it out of the box...I was very impressed. The quality of this stroller is amazing. It's heavy duty and well made...something I feel is important in a stroller that will be used a lot.
The thing that impressed me most about the Contours Options Tandem Stroller was all of the options! There are 6 options to this stroller...so everyone's needs are sure to be met. The seats can be set so they're both facing forward....an option I foresee us using when the baby is a little older and out of the carrier. Kaelyn just loves the front seat!
You can set the seats so they are back to back. This is where my favorite option comes in...because not every double stroller allows you to use a carrier on it. Using the easy infant car seat attachment that comes with the stroller, one can place most carriers so they face you while pushing the stroller. I love this feature and know it will be used a lot in those first few months! Our carrier fits perfectly.
Another option is to have the seats face each other. I definitely think this is a unique option and one we would use in many different settings. It's a great way for the kids to interact with one another.
An option I don't know that we'd use very often, but is still nice to have, is to have both seats facing the parents. I think this option would come in handy if you had two children who were napping or younger children that you wanted to keep a better eye on.
The final option, which gives you a LARGE amount of storage is one that would be great for one child if you were shopping in the mall, out for a day at the park, and many other situations! I have found it to be quite handy already.
Now, your first thought might be that having all of these options must be pretty complicated as far as usability goes. I have to admit, at first I was concerned about this too. It wasn't until we had it put together and tried out each of the options that I realized how EASY it really was! They have these easy to use little red buttons on each side which allows for the seat to simply pop out so you can place it in the position you would like. It literally takes second!
So what if you have more than two children? Well...they won't be left out either! This stroller has two handy loops on each side of the push bar so that older children can hold it while you walk. What a fantastic idea!
Not only did I find all of the great options to be fantastic, but I also appreciated all of the storage it has. One could easily take this on a day trip to the Zoo or amusement park with plenty of space for diaper bags, shopping bags, etc.
The stroller folds up easily as well. To fold it up, one or both of the seats must come off. I wish that both could be left on, but it's such an easy thing to do with those little red buttons that I really don't find it to be a nuisance at all. We typically keep our stroller in the car anyways, so it will be no problem to keep the extra seat on top of the folded stroller.
In the times we've been able to use this already with just Kaelyn, I can tell that it handles very well for a double stroller with its two 8" front single swivel & 10" rear never flat wheels. The reclining seats seem very comfortable and I love the infant head rest for additional support and protection of a newborn's head. The canopies are also large and allow for great protection from the sun when necessary.
Overall, I am very impressed with the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller and would definitely recommend it to other parents who are looking for a double stroller. After all the research we've done, and all the double strollers we've seen, I feel this one offers a lot! I have not found any other stroller which has all the options that this one does. It is a bit on the larger side, but still handles well and is more narrow than a side by side stroller.
Buy It: The Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller can be purchased for $249.99. An additional Infant Car Seat Attachment can be purchased for $29.99 if you have twins.
How To Enter To Win: Kolcraft has generously offered to give one of my readers a Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem double stroller of their own!! To enter, visit Kolcraft and leave me a comment letting me know another product they carry that you like.
How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)
1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.
2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Kolcraft) and leave me FIVE separate comments with the URL to that post.
3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
4. Post my Holiday Extravaganza blog button to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)
5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Enter for a chance to win a Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem double stroller @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/5Qi3E Ends 11/19 (It appears Twitter is no longer letting you do duplicate tweets, so you may have to change slightly if tweeting every day)
6. Follow Kolcraft on Twitter
7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook
8. Become a Fan of Kolcraft on Facebook
9. For TWO extra entries, Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect
10. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!
This giveaway will end November 19th and is open to the US Only!
follow kolcraft on facebook clallen at ntin dot net
1 follow w/ google connect clallen at ntin dot net
2 follow w/ google connect clallen at ntin dot net
entered shrinky dink giveaway clallen at ntin dot net
entered ski banz giveaway clallen at ntin dot net
entered pink together giveaway clallen at ntin dot net
entered sprout baby giveaway clallen at ntin dot net
We need a simply shut wooden safety gate at our house
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
I follow on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/kmayans/status/5269600890
#1
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
I follow on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/kmayans/status/5269600890
#2
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
I follow kolcraft on twitter as kmayans
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
I follow your blog
#1
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
I follow your blog
#2
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
I entered the creativity for kids shrinky dink giveaway.
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5269818955
xpsundell at gmail dot com
tweeted
http://twitter.com/coffeebreakmom/status/5271243730
pong7@comcast.net
I also like the Controus Classique bassinet
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com
im a Kolcraft of them on Facebook
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5278662095
rachel_demille@yahoo.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5278685213
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/5278908315
bwneyes100 AT hotmail dot com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5281919778
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5287630771
xpsundell at gmail dot com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5295301179
rachel_demille@yahoo.com
10/30 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5295386217
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/coffeebreakmom/status/5298076866
pong7@comcast.net
Tweet http://twitter.com/JacobsenFamily/status/5300150183
I like Jeep® Trek Easy-Travel Playard
The Tiny Steps® 2-in-1 Activity Walker is sweet!
I follow on google
Besides the double stroller I love their lightweight 3 wheeler stroller
I added you on Twitter
@MomMeBrand
nolamama@gmail.com
I tweeted about your giveaway
@MomMeBrand
nolamama@gmail.com
I have you on my RSS
nolamama@gmail.com
I like the Jeep Trek Easy-Travel Playard
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5309393208
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5314135826
xpsundell at gmail dot com
They also have the Sipmle Shut Wooden Safety Gate... I am going to need anpther gate for the next baby. Thanks for the chance to win this stroller! bekki1820cb@gmail.com
email subscriber~1
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
email subscriber~2
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
follow u on twitter and tweeted
bekki1820cb
http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/5319848449
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
following kolcraft on twitter
bekki1820cb
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
I am a follower via gfc
entry1
bekki1820cb@gmail.com (rebecca orr)
I am a follower via gfc
entry2
bekki1820cb@gmail.com (rebecca orr)
facebook fan of kolcraft
bekki orr
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
facebook fan of AMBA!
bekki orr
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
entered the sproutbaby giveaway
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
tweet
http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/5323399852
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com
1- http://todisneywego.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/great-giveaways/
lukeandbryn AT gmail DOT com
2- http://todisneywego.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/great-giveaways/
lukeandbryn AT gmail DOT com
3- http://todisneywego.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/great-giveaways/
lukeandbryn AT gmail DOT com
4- http://todisneywego.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/great-giveaways/
lukeandbryn AT gmail DOT com
5- http://todisneywego.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/great-giveaways/
lukeandbryn AT gmail DOT com
I like the Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity WAlker.
megnmathews@yahoo.com
I like the Perfect Fit™High Chair.
brewerchickey78@yahoo.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5338184592
xpsundell at gmail dot com
I like their baby closet organizer!
andrea.kruse at gmail dot com
I follow on twitter (NotimeMom) & tweeted
http://twitter.com/notimeMom/status/5338227954
andrea.kruse at gmail dot com
11/1 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5340478032
tweet
http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/5340719067
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/5342278957
ljatwood at gmail dot com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5346146274
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5347997347
rachel_demille@yahoo.com
I like the Cuddle 'n Care™
Rocking Bassinet with Light Vibes® Mobile
aahaft at gmail dot com
follower 1
aahaft at gmail dot com
follower 2
aahaft at gmail dot com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5355870399
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5359424371
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
11/2 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5364126132
The Sesame Street Bouncer looks warm and cozy!!
rbjj32825[at]lycos[dot]com
I would love to win this and on my birthday no less!
tweet: http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/5371169001
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5372339493
rachel_demille@yahoo.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5374938805
xpsundell at gmail dot com
I entered your Hasbro giveaway.
xpsundell at gmail dot com
Tweet http://twitter.com/JacobsenFamily/status/5375994172
http://twitter.com/mrjcandg/status/5378541059
I like their booster seat! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
DesMoinesDealin
scg00387 at yahoo dot com
Following you on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/5379205885
Tweet! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/5382843994
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT Com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5382981480
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
I would love to have their Sesame Street®
2-in-1 Travel Playard! Thanks!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I subscribe! Entry #1
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I subscribe! Entry #2
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I blogged about your giveaway!
Entry #1
http://mom2anutball2.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-giveaway_02.html
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I blogged about your giveaway!
Entry #2
http://mom2anutball2.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-giveaway_02.html
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I blogged about your giveaway!
Entry #3
http://mom2anutball2.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-giveaway_02.html
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I blogged about your giveaway!
Entry #4
http://mom2anutball2.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-giveaway_02.html
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I blogged about your giveaway!
Entry #5
http://mom2anutball2.blogspot.com/2009/11/kolcraft-giveaway_02.html
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I follow you on twitter, and I tweeted! Entry #1
http://twitter.com/mom2anutball/status/5383884008
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I follow you on twitter, and I tweeted! Entry #2
http://twitter.com/mom2anutball/status/5383884008
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I'm a fan of yours on facebook! Sheila H.
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I'm a fan of theirs on facebook! Sheila H.
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I follow your blog! mom2anutball
Entry #1
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I follow your blog! mom2anutball
Entry #2
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I entered the hasbro giveaway!
hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com
I like the Contours® Perfect Fit™High Chair.
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I subscribe to you via email. Entry #1
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I subscribe to you via email. Entry #2
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I follow you on Twitter and Tweeted. http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/5386905727
Entry #1
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I follow you on Twitter and Tweeted. http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/5386905727
Entry #2
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5386924673
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
I'm Following Kolcraft on Twitter (ShawnaMichelle2)
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I am a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook.
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I am a Fan of Kolcraft on Facebook.
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect as ShawnaMichelle. Entry #1
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect as ShawnaMichelle. Entry #2
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I entered your Holiday Extravaganza #1: Hasbro Toys Giveaway.
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
Daily Tweet!
http://twitter.com/notimeMom/status/5387024451
andrea.kruse at gmail dot com
The Simple Shut safety gate would be welcome in our house.
11/3 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5397367016
I have also entered the Natural Bath and body giveaway
dfdf1980(at)yahoo (dot) com
i like the sit and stand walker activity center.
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
subscribe #1
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
subscribe #2
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
I have your regular button
www.suburbansavingmama.com
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
I have your holiday button
www.suburbansavingmama.com
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
I follow you on twitter and tweeted
https://twitter.com/suburbansaving/status/5399510786
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
twitter #2
https://twitter.com/suburbansaving/status/5399510786
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
I follow Kolcraft on twitter
@suburbansaving
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
Facebook fan
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
blog follower #1
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
Entered the pink together giveaway.
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
entered the sprout baby giveaway
jamie @ suburban saving mama.com
tweet: http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/5401022699
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
Entered ski banz giveaway!
Entered ski banz giveaway!
Entered hasbro giveaway!
Would love the stroller AND the Sesame Street playard!
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5403917475
rachel_demille@yahoo.com
Tweet http://twitter.com/JacobsenFamily/status/5404197387
This looks like an awesome stroller!! I also really like both the Jeep® Trek Easy-Travel Playard and Baby Sit & Step®
2-in-1 Activity Center!!
froggy_luver at hotmail dot com
i like theirBaby Sit & Step 2-in-1 Activity Center.
e-mail subscriber
e-mail subscriber 2
i entered your sprout baby giveaway
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5410535249
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5410829979
xpsundell at gmail dot com
I entered your Natural Bath and Body Shop giveaway.
xpsundell at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/5410896603
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/coffeebreakmom/status/5411199592
pong7@comcast.net
Entered Holiday Extravaganza #2: Natural Bath and Body Shop $20 Gift Certificate Ends 11/17
Love their playards!!
joelster87 at hotmail dot com
I would also like a tiny steps 2 in 1 activity walker.
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
1. I subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
1. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted about this giveaway: http://twitter.com/annazxcv/status/5414557583
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
2. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted about this giveaway: http://twitter.com/annazxcv/status/5414557583
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
I am a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook (Anna Hammond)
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
1. I follow your blog publicly
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
2. I follow your blog publicly
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
I follow Kolcraft on Twitter (annazxcv)
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
I am a fan of Kolcraft on facebook (Anna Hammond)
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
I entered Sproutbaby giveaway
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
I entered Natural Bath and Body Shop giveaway
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
I entered Hasbro Toys giveaway
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5415784597
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
11/04 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5422686709
I like the Kolcraft baby closet organizer.
lkziegler[at]gmail[dot]com
Daily Tweet
http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/5422922838
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I like the Secure Entry™ Alarm Pressure Fit Gate.
Melendrez@mail.com
I subscribed to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail.
Melendrez@mail.com
subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail. Entry #2
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I follow you on Twitter and Tweeted about this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/BustedupDaddy/status/5423441140
Melendrez@mail.com
I follow you on Twitter and Tweeted about this giveaway http://twitter.com/BustedupDaddy/status/5423441140 Entry #2
Melendrez@mail.com
I Follow Kolcraft on Twitter. (BustedupDaddy)
Melendrez@mail.com
I Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook.
Melendrez@mail.com
I Become a Fan of Kolcraft on Facebook.
Melendrez@mail.com
I Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect. (Melendrez) Entry #1
Melendrez@mail.com
I Follow your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect. (Melendrez) Entry #2
Melendrez@mail.com
I entered the Holiday Extravaganza #1: Hasbro Toys Giveaway.
Melendrez@mail.com
Daily Tweet!
http://twitter.com/notimeMom/status/5424043846
andrea.kruse at gmail dot com
I entered the Holiday Extravaganza #2: Natural Bath and Body Shop Review and Giveaway.
Melendrez@mail.com
Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/annazxcv/status/5426394527
anna.courtney(at)virgin(dot)net
I entered the SproutBaby: Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set Giveaway.
Melendrez@mail.com
I love their counturs 3 in 1 bassinet and plan on getting this for my newest baby that I am expecting.
chrissymae AT GMAIL.COM
I subscribed to momsbalancingact!
chrissymae AT gmail.com
Following Kolkraft on Twitter
chrissymae AT gmail.com
became a facebook fan!!
chrissymae AT gmail.com
because a kolkraft fan on facebook
chrissymae AT gmail.com
I am following your blog publicly
chrissymae AT gmail.com
I am following your blog publicly
chrissymae AT gmail.com
I liek the Contours Classique bassinet
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm a fan of Kolcraft on FB
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com
I entered the SproutBaby: Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set Giveaway.
shawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I entered the Holiday Extravaganza #2: Natural Bath and Body Shop $20 Gift Certificate giveaway.
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I entered the Holiday Extravaganza #3: Inexpensive Watches Giveaway.
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
tweet: http://twitter.com/bekki1820cb/status/5435201967
bekki1820cb@gmail.com
I entered the Pink Together Inspiring Hope Gift Basket Giveaway.
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5436719812
rachel_demille@yahoo.com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/coffeebreakmom/status/5438782875
I entered your Inexpensive Watches giveaway.
xpsundell at gmail dot com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5440203387
xpsundell at gmail dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/5440941682
bwneyes100 AT hotmail DOT com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5441633670
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
Tweet http://twitter.com/JacobsenFamily/status/5442686971
I love the jogging stroller too!
Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
autumnnbrian@sbcglobal.net
I am a fan of MBA on facebook
autumnnbrian@sbcglobal.net
I am a fan of kolcraft on facebook
Autumn Cofer
autumnnbrian@sbcglobal.net