One of the great things about having children close in age is the multitude of options available for dual kiddie transportation. Double strollers, sit and stands, pods, tandem strollers – even the dreaded leash! Yep, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the kids contained as Mommy does a little wine shopping.
Until recently, we had our boys in their beloved Britax B-Ready. For a long time, both Reid and Ryder were perfectly comfy in the tandem configuration – Ryder took the driver’s seat while his little brother happily peeked out from down below. However, as the months passed, two things happened all at once: Ryder, whom I swear grows an inch a month, became way too tall and gangly for the front seat, and Reid began to protest about the limited view in his B-deck abode.
Hence, it was time to say buh-bye to our favourite double stroller configuration – and converted the B-READY to a single for Reid to enjoy.
For a while, we made do. Ryder is an enthusiastic walker and never seems to tire – a trait that comes in handy when visiting the zoo, but not so handy when trying to get him to sleep at night. Still, there are times when I’ve just wanted him “anchored” beside me; I can’t tell you how much I loathe chasing after toddlers, well, anywhere.
And so just as it seemed that I was doomed for another two years of cat and mouse, Britax introduced their super cool (and super ergonomic) Stroller Board!
The Britax Stroller Board easily attaches to most strollers providing travel options for additional children. Three wheels with independent suspension provide a comfortable and stable ride for children weighing up to 50 pounds, and the quick release design enables easy removal and installation of the board.
Want to see it in action? Here’s my Toddler on (Stroller) Board!
Okay, so obviously you’re looking at the above picture and thinking, what gives? It’s just a little kid with a bigger kid behind him. Truthfully, I just loved Reid’s happy face too much not to post this picture. But look closer….
Why it appears that Ryder is actually catching a free ride! No longer subjected to hours of walking (or tagging along), any time Ryder feels like taking a break, he can jump on for an easy ride.
Installation was incredibly simple after we realized that taking the splash guards off the B-READY expedited the process. After tinkering with the settings to get the right height and distance (good news: practically everything is adjustable) we were off!
Now as convenient as this stroller board is, it’s not for tall people with long strides – there simply isn’t enough clearance between your legs and the stroller with the board attached. My husband, who is 5’10”, does grumble when pushing the duo because he constantly walks into the board. But, for most women of average height, the stroller board will perform just fine!
Britax Stroller Board Product Features:
– Compatible with most strollers, including BRITAX B-READY, B-AGILE, B-SCENE, B-NIMBLE, BLINK, and CHAPERONE strollers. To tell the truth, you can pretty much use it with a plethora of strollers and stroller brands – I’ve tried it on a jogging stroller and an umbrella stroller, and both times the fit was absolutely perfect.
– Quick-release feature allows the removal of the stroller board while the mounting bracket remains installed, which is key if you’ve got a compact car or would like to alternate between using/not using the board.
– Three wheels with independent suspension provide balance and child comfort. It truly is one sweet ride! Ryder loves going for a spin and almost never complains when he’s on it, which makes me believe that he really enjoys the experience One caveat, of course, is that the rider is NOT strapped in, so the child absolutely needs to be physically and mentally ready to stand still while in motion.
The stroller board retails for $89.99. I’ve had a very tough time sourcing it at Canadian retailers… until now! You can find the Britax Stroller Board at SHOP.CA – and of course, it ships for FREE to your door! Yes!
And now, it’s time to go zip around some more!
I didn’t know that Britax made a stroller board! Thank you for the review.
They do! And it’s pretty awesome!
How easy is it to take on and off?
Hi Alexandra! It’s VERY easy to take on/off the bracket – installation of the bracket, though, takes a few minutes. I strongly recommend this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HthQBx8yUpY to help with assembly!
That stroller board is such a great idea! Your boys are so cute ~ thanks for the review! :)
You’re welcome Kat! It’s been great for those times we need a little help!
Do you like the stroller board? We bought one for our Bugaboo and HATED it. It made it so difficult to maneuver. Seriously — I couldn’t get it to turn and I felt like I was going to break the handle off. We decided on the City Select Baby Jogger because it had a higher weight capacity than the Britax b-ready. Both nice strollers, but given our kids’ age gap, the City Select was a better fit for us. Charlotte’s still using it all the time, and she could gain another 10+ pounds and use it. Pushing it,though…another story! Lol. The more weight, the harder it gets. Ugh! Frankly, I find pushing the double stroller a real workout, and if she’s in the front seat FUGGEDABOUT it.
Hi Janice! I do like it. We don’t seem to have the same problem you had with the Bugaboo and turning – I’ve had the stroller board on the B-READY and an umbrella stroller and haven’t noticed any difficulty at all. That being said, I did mention that it’s a bit awkward to walk with if you have a long stride, but sadly this is the case with every board and is not limited to Britax’s version.
I’m very jealous that Charlotte still wants to ride in a stroller! Ryder decamped last year, LOL, and it’s been *mildly* frustrating running after him ever since. That’s why the board is a good option for us – it keeps him somewhat in place!
We’ve been thinking about a board for our B-Agile. Perfectly timed review!
Splendid! Happy shopping Kendra!
I’m also interested in what you think of the stroller board. I agree with Janice, we also hated our bugaboo board and our son even fell off of it several times. At the end, we decided the bugaboo had to go and it was time for a double tandem stroller.
Oh no! I think the life of a stroller board is very short. The child has to be old enough to stand firmly without squirming, but – not so old that it’s too heavy to push or manoeuvre the stroller with the board attached.
As mentioned, I really do like the Britax stroller board and will continue to use it, especially in the mall! Great place to have Ryder right in front of me :)
Great expression on Reid! I knew Ryder was tall and figured he either had a growth spurt or that’s a low stroller. It makes sense now that he’s standing on the stroller board. Good invention on the part of Britax…they’ve done their research.
Thanks AC! Yeah, Reid rarely smiles for the camera, so I simply had to share :)
What an awesome idea, although I did wonder if you’d be walking into the board — which your husband did. I’m glad you found something that works for you — without having to resort to the leash! No offense to anyone, I just inwardly cringe every time I see a child on one.
Me too :) Even if I had the most unruly kid in the world, I’d probably keep him indoors at all times rather than endure the social stigma of putting a leash on him…
What a cutie :) They come out with great ideas these days.
They do! Ones that make life so much easier!
This is absolutely brilliant! I too am mom to a very active young boy and swear by my ride along board. Both my son and I love the hop-on hop-off capacity. It’s so much easier than seats that require fastened buckles to be safe (but aren’t big enough to do up on my guy!).
When I first got it he used to eagerly ask “Mommy, did you bring the ride along board?” like it was the biggest treat ever! Win-win!