Three strollers, a potty chair, and a roll of paper towels.

Sometimes when I open the tailgate to my car in a busy parking lot people who are passing by seem shocked about what is in there.  I have a pretty big car with a lot of cargo space and they’re probably wondering why the space is so full.  Well, the simple answer is that I’m a mom and moms never know what they are going to need when they’re on the road with their kids.

The items that occupy the cargo space of my mommy mobile on a pretty regular basis are three strollers, a potty chair, and a roll of paper towels.  Yes, I said three strollers.  You might be thinking, “Why three?  You only have two kids and there is only one of you.  How could you possibly need three strollers?”  Well, obviously I am not using them all at the same time.  But which one I use depends on where I am and who is with me.

First, there’s the big honking double stroller.  (It’s the Graco Quattro Tour Duo if you’re wondering.)  This stroller is great when I have both kids with me and we’re going to be out for a while, like trips to the mall.  It has lots of storage space and the back seat reclines flat.  It has all the bells and whistles one could want in a double stroller.  The thing is a beast though and it’s impossible to steer one handed.  Then there’s the single stroller with all the features (Graco Quattro Tour).  This stroller is great.  It reclines fully to accommodate sleeping children or to provide a place to change a diaper when you’re skeeved out by the public changing stations like I am.  It steers awesome and I have no problem pushing it one handed.  Brinley still loves riding in this stroller.  Lastly is the light, compact umbrella type stroller (Chicco C6).  I rarely used this with Brinley.  I always opted for the Graco with her.  Now having two kids, this stroller has been a life saver.  You can grab it really fast and throw a kid in there for quick trips into stores.  Both Brinley and Nora will ride in it when necessary.  It’s easy to steer one handed but I often kick the wheels when I walk if I’m in a hurry and the hook that you use to lock it shut to store it is a PITA to operate.

You want to know what is really funny though?  Nora hates riding in strollers.  She would much rather be carried.  And Brinley?  Well, she’s almost three and a half and probably looks a little silly riding in the stroller.  Oh and she’s totally capable of walking.  In all honesty, I could probably take all three of the strollers out of my car and gain TONS of cargo space.  But, I’m just not ready to make that step yet.