As any triplet parent will tell you, getting out of the house every so often is critical for your mental health. As any triplet parent will also tell you, having the right equipment can mean the difference between going out in the world or going completely out of your mind by staying inside all the time.
Very soon, young babies will grow in to roaming toddlers and then, exploring preschoolers that may or may not want to ride in a stroller. And even though a young child may be fully capable of walking, sometimes the parents of those young children would prefer that they are contained. If not for the child's safety ... for the parent's sanity.
This is a partial listing of some different means (with advantages / disadvantages) to accomplish the simple task of taking a walk to the mailbox with your children.
Peg Perego Triplette
Advantage: works with infant carriers, in-line, collapsible, good sun protection offered by removable canopy shades, seats fully recline.
Disadvantage: Very heavy to push as children grow older.
RunAboutAdvantage: maneuverable, in-line, heavy duty, sun protection canopy can be purchased separately.
Disadvantage: not designed to hold small infants, seats do not recline, doesn't collapse and may require tow hitch to transport.
Triple Jogger
Advantage: heavy duty stroller, good on a variety of terrains, many brands come with a sun shade.
Disadvantage: limitation on how much seats can recline, not designed to hold small infants, width may prohibit use in certain areas (i.e. stores), can be difficult to transport without disassembly.
Triple Decker
Advantage: maneuverable, in-line, moderate duty, holds infant carriers, can also hold larger seats for when children outgrow car seats.
Disadvantage: Weight restriction on larger seats(?), no sun protection if larger seats are used.
Choo-Choo Wagon
Advantage: kids LOVE it, has seat belts and cup holders for each individual compartment, comes apart easily and can fit in the back of a van.
Disadvantage: cannot be used until children are able to sit up on their own, no sun protection, may be difficult to pull as children grow older.
Safety Harness
Advantage: great way of keeping a handle on children that are able to walk. Cost is around $5.00 per harness.
Disadvantage: you may be criticized for walking your child like a dog. Also, with multiple children, chances are great they will get tangled quickly and fall down in a crying heap. But, with time and practice, they will learn to sit, stay and heel.
Walking Rope
Advantage: Each child gets to pick a favorite color, then just announce "grab your color" when it's time to go. The five-ring version fits right in your diaper bag or in the car door for easy storage. Never once do you hear "so, you're walking the dogs?" comment. Unless, of course you also happen to be walking dogs, while you are walking your children. These are relatively inexpensive at less than $20.
Disadvantage: Sometimes a lagging child will get "pulled" by the rest of the chain gang. Also, the children must be willing to hold the rings, unlike a harness, where if they won't walk - you can just drag them along.
Walkodile
Advantage: great way of keeping a handle on multiple children that are able to walk without the risk of them getting tangled up.
Disadvantage: Not yet available in the US. If it was, would you buy one??
** Now in the comment section, it would be great if you could add some experiences that you have with any of the strollers listed above >> or >> any other strollers that worked for you. I can go back and edit this post with whatever comments you have, links & pictures. I think price & age range would also be useful... feedback?? ***
