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!
I am a fan of Kolcraft on Facebook as Jill Myrick.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
I am following Kolcraft via Twitter as jlsc123.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
Daily Tweet.
http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/5788884718
ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com
I like the Jeep Playard.
i love the Cuddle 'n Care™ Rocking Bassinet with Light Vibes® Mobile. it's so gorgeous!
DolphinV27@aol.com
EXTRA 1 became a follower on google
dolphinv27@aol.com
EXTRA 2 became a follower on google
dolphinv27@aol.com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5791088481
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
Hi, the one thing i like is the Jeep Trek Easy-Travel Playard. thanks! (freaaa@gmail.com
11/17 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5795764570
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/ljatwood/status/5796609747
ljatwood at gmail dot com
I'm not really sure if I entered this one yet but I just found out my other sister is pregnant.....woohoo. we were just talking and she said she now has to get a double stroller and this would be so great, anyway the other thing on kolcraft I like would be the Cuddle 'n Care™
Rocking Bassinet with Light Vibes® Mobile
Tweet! http://twitter.com/newwife777/status/5796881535
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5798557423
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
I love kolcraft's Contours® Classique™
3-in-1 Bassinet - it is so gorgeous!
I'm following your blog with Google Friend connect, 1.
I'm following your blog with Google Friend connect, 2.
I like the Baby Sit & Step® 2-in-1 Activity Center, I like that it grows with your baby for more use!
Daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/notimeMom/status/5804995932
andrea.kruse at gmail dot com
The Jeep® 2-in-1 Sport Baby Carrier looks like a comfy carrier. Perfect for hiking trips.
I like all of the extra features in the Contours® Classique™ 3-in-1 Bassinet.
leapnlissa at yahoo dot com
Following your blog entry #1
leapnlissa at yahoo dot com
Following your blog entry #2
leapnlissa at yahoo dot com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/tobinsmommy08/status/5808970125
rachel_demille@yahoo.com
I love their jeep playard.
I entered the build a bear give away
dfdf1980 at yahoo dot com
I entered the build a bear frosty the snowman giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5814795255
xpsundell at gmail dot com
I love the Sesame Street 2-in-1 Travel Playard!
The infant carseat carrier is great!
jonesabode@gmail.com
I would choose the Tour Sport Reclining Stroller.
I'm a subscriber (2)
I entered your Build a Bear giveaway.
I entered your soda maker giveaway.
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/SliverStorm/status/5821216576
j.mcdilda(@)gmail.com
The sit and step activity center looks like fun for a kid!
I like the Light Vibes®
Rocking Bassinet.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
11/18 tweet
http://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/5826537022
I like those pressure-mounted gates that you can walk through! Right now we have to step over the gates into our dining room, and that's getting old!
Jessica
jljmccarron at gmail dot com
Subscriber (1)
Jessica
jljmccarron at gmail dot com
Subscriber (2)
Jessica
jljmccarron at gmail dot com
the Tiny Steps® 2-in-1 Activity Walker
I really liked the jeep easy travel playard, i could use that immediately
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
Entered the 6-piece cookie set giveaway!
Jessica
jljmccarron at gmail dot com
Entered pearl necklace giveaway
Jessica
jljmccarron at gmail dot com
The Sesame Street Tender Vibes Bouncer is great!
I like their booster seat.I really need this for my 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 year olds!
Contourse Classic 3-1 bassinet very handy looking
Tiny Steps 2-in-1 Activity Walker
I like the Tiny Steps® 2-in-1 Activity Walker.
shawnac68@hotmail.com
I need this stroller! It is really awsome!!!
I like the Sesame Street Tender Vibes Bouncer
I blogged #1
http://almostfini.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaways-ending-1118.html
I blogged #2
http://almostfini.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaways-ending-1118.html
I blogged #3
http://almostfini.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaways-ending-1118.html
I blogged #4
http://almostfini.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaways-ending-1118.html
I blogged #5
http://almostfini.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaways-ending-1118.html
I follow on Twitter and Tweeted #1
http://twitter.com/Earth_Creature/status/5830250456
I follow on Twitter and Tweeted #2
http://twitter.com/Earth_Creature/status/5830250456
I follow Kolcraft on Twitter
Earth_Creature
Love the Light Vibes Rocking Bassinets! So pretty!
mkinney[at]pointloma[dot]edu
Love the Jeep® Trek Easy-Travel Playard. Thanks for the contest!
airalynn@gmail.com
How exciting! I found your site through google and love it! Very cool giveaway! I am now a follower and going to follow you on twitter as soon as I finish typing this! My email is
ejfout@yahoo.com.
Visited the Kolcraft website and love the activity centers that convert to walkers! So neat! Thanks for the chance!
They have some gorgeous bassinets, I love the Cuddle 'n Care™
Rocking Bassinet with Light Vibes® Mobile!
clarkmurdock@yahoo.com
I love the Sesame Street 2 in 1 playard.
I follow on twitter and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/tomandmollyk/status/5832391597
Twitter entry #2
I follow via google reader #1
I follow on google reader #2
I LIKE THE BABY CLOSET ORGANIZER
FAMILYTIESANDGROWINGPAINS@GMAIL.COM
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
follow on google connect
dreamcleavers
2
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
fan of kolakraft on facebook
lance pearson
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
email subscriber
2
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
follow kolakraft on twitter
dreamcleavers
dreamcleavers@yahoo.com
fan of moms balancing act on facebook
lance pearson
I like the Sesame Street®
Height Adjustable Swing.
cspmom at gmail dot com
I also love the Jeep® 2-in-1 Baby Carrier, thanks for the chance!
Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/ampaetka/status/5834967419
andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
i like the contour perfect fit highchair
cpsnsamples@aol.com
Jeep 2-in-1 Booster!
krkupr01@yahoo.com
Jeep 2-in-1 booster seat!
krkupr01@yahoo.com
I love the Easy Reach Rocking Bassinet with Mobile! I will have to save up to buy it for when this baby gets here!!
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Email subscriber #2!
clctaube @ yahoo.com
One thing that I could use right now is the Baby Closet Organizer.
Email subscriber #1!
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Twitter follower!
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/clctaube/status/5836477990
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Following Kolcraft on Twitter! - clctaube
clctaube @ yahoo.com
A fan of "A mom's balancing act" on Facebook - clctaube.
clctaube @ yahoo.com
A fan of Kolcraft on Facebook - clctaube
clctaube @ yahoo.com
I would like the Tiny Steps® 2-in-1 Activity Walker too.
Follower via GFC #1 - clctaube
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Follower via GFC #2 - clctaube
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Tweet! http://twitter.com/thxmailcarrier/status/5836718696
Another favorite would be the Cuddle 'n Care™
Rocking Bassinet with Light Vibes® Mobile--Hawthorne, really could use something like this when the lil comes in February!
clemensrhonda@hotmail.com
I am a follower on Twitter & I tweeted!
rhonjerm Enter for a chance to win a Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem double stroller @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/5Qi3E Ends 11/19
clemensrhonda@hotmail.com
I follow Kolcraft on Twitter...@rhonjerm
clemensrhonda@hotmail.com
I love the Contours Classique 3-in-1 Bassinet :)
I subscribed :)
I subscribed :)
Following on Twitter and Tweeted :)
http://twitter.com/chazvgo/status/5837361223
Following on Twitter and Tweeted :)
http://twitter.com/chazvgo/status/5837361223
I have entered the Mrs. Smith's Diaper Bag Giveaway.
clctaube @ yahoo.com
I entered the SodaStream Soda Maker Giveaway.
clctaube @ yahoo.com
I entered the Curious Chef: 6 Piece Cookie Gift Kit Giveaway.
clctaube @ yahoo.com
Following Kolocraft on Twitter :)
chazvgo
Daily tweet!
http://twitter.com/notimeMom/status/5837391883
andrea.kruse at gmal dot com
Following on Google Friends :)
chazvgo
I would like to have the Contours Classique
3-in-1 Bassinet! Thanks!
Subscribe via email!
Subscribe via email #2
Followed and tweeted
http://twitter.com/bucbratt/status/5838426872
Followed and tweeted
http://twitter.com/bucbratt/status/5838426872
#2
I follow Kolcraft on Twitter...bucbratt
I became your fan on facebook
I'm a fan of Kolcraft on facebook
I follow your blog on google
I like the Jeep®
Jeep® Travel Anywhere™ Sport 2-in-1 Booster Seat & Everyday Bag!!
E-mail subscriber (1)
E-mail subscriber (2)
tweeted! (1)
http://twitter.com/cincycandybar/status/5840673290
tweeted (2)
http://twitter.com/cincycandybar/status/5840673290
I follow Kolcraft on Twitter (@cincycandybar)
I'm a fan on FB of Kolcraft
I'm a fan of your blog on FB!
I follow your blog (1)
I follow your blog (2)
I entered the Curious Chef giveaway!
I like the wooden safety gate
Became a fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on FB
became a fan of Kolcraft on FB
I like the Cuddle 'n Care™
Rocking Bassinet with Light Vibes® Mobile.
tinatre@msn.com
The Sesame Street Height Adjustable Swing is great! Thank you kindly
chrissydm79@yahoo.com
Sesame Street®
Recline 'n Dine® High Chair
following you / twittered #1
http://twitter.com/rosidentevil/status/5843989867
following you / twittered # 2
http://twitter.com/rosidentevil/status/5843989867
Following Kolcraft on Twitter
I like the Jeep Liberty Sport Urban Terrain stroller. I have had it recommonded to me by friends!
myspiral@aol.com
Simply shut safety gate looks great!
csm824(at)gmail(dot)com
Facebook fan!
Jessica
jljmccarron at gmail dot com
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/coffeebreakmom/status/5845828013
pong7@comcast.net
I love the Jeep portable booster seat
I entered the curious chef giveaway!
onecheaplady@yahoo.com
I have not purchase any other Kolcraft products yet but love this stroller.
Tiny Steps®
2-in-1 Activity Walker
Subsribed #1
Subscribed #2
3 eaglesol s AT gmaildot com
Entered Holiday Extravaganza #4 : ValueRays Mouse Hand Warmer Review and Giveaway
3 eaglesol sAT gmaildot com
Entered Holiday Extravaganza #5: Pearl Paradise Freshwater Pearl Necklace Review and Giveaway
jonps at gmail dot com
I really like the Baby Closet Organizer.
jennylovesjeff (at) hotmail (dot) com
I like the Sesame Street® Tender Vibes
® Bouncer!
ag1414@hotmail.com
E-mail subscriber #1
E-mail subscriber #2
I follow and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/ag1414/status/5848768523 #1
I follow and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/ag1414/status/5848768523 #2
I follow your blog #1
Follow Kolcraft on twitter. ag1414
I'm your facebook fan angela.gaffke
Kolcraft facebook angela.gaffke
The Baby Closet Organizer looks cool.
fefebelkin[at]live[dot]com
I subscribe via email.
fefebelkin[at]live[dot]com
#1
I subscribe via email.
fefebelkin[at]live[dot]com
#2
I follow you on twitter as fefemarie09 and tweeted: http://twitter.com/fefemarie09/status/5848960057
fefebelkin[at]live[dot]com
I follow Kolcraft on twitter as fefemarie09.
fefebelkin[at]live[dot]com
I follow you via google friend connect as LadybugMama.
fefebelkin[at]live[dot]com
I follow you via google friend connect as LadybugMama.
fefebelkin[at]live[dot]com
#2
I love the Baby Closet Organizer
Follow and tweet
http://twitter.com/tornxnxfrayed/status/5849056909 1
follow and tweet
http://twitter.com/tornxnxfrayed/status/5849056909 2
I follow Kolcraft on twitter (tornxnxfrayed).
I have the Jeep Liberty stroller and LOVE it!
I like the Jeep® Trek Easy-Travel Playard
I blogged about your giveaway: http://winwithjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-kolcraft-contours-options-tandem.html
#1
I blogged about your giveaway: http://winwithjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-kolcraft-contours-options-tandem.html
#2
I blogged about your giveaway: http://winwithjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-kolcraft-contours-options-tandem.html
#3
I blogged about your giveaway: http://winwithjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-kolcraft-contours-options-tandem.html
#4
I blogged about your giveaway: http://winwithjinxy.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-kolcraft-contours-options-tandem.html
#5
tweet http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/5849698159
#1
tweet http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/5849698159
#2
I'm following Kolcraft on Twitter. (My Twitter name is @ThriftyJinxy)
I'm a Kolcraft Facebook fan.
The Baby Sit & Step 2-in-1 Activity Center is great!
strycker@slu.edu
The Baby Sit and Step 2-n-1 Activity Center.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
I love the Perfect Fit High Chair
decadent87@gmail.com
email subscriber
decadent87@gmail.com
email subscriber
decadent87@gmail.com
following you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/jsoldham/status/5851115475
Following Kolcraft on Twitter @jsoldham
Following on Friend Connect
Following on Friend Connect
This would be perfect for my twins!
I also love the Contours Perfect Fit High Chair :)
I like their sesame street high chair. SO cute!
subscribe via email no.1
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
subscribe via email no.2
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
follow you on twitter and tweeted no.1
http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/5852038667
follow you on twitter and tweeted no.2
http://twitter.com/Ardy22/status/5852038667
blogged the giveaway no.1
http://ardy22.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-kolcraft-contours-options-tandem.html
blogged the giveaway no.2
http://ardy22.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-kolcraft-contours-options-tandem.html
blogged the giveaway no.3
http://ardy22.blogspot.com/2009/11/win-kolcraft-contours-options-tandem.htm