Reflections of a STAY-AT-HOME Catholic, sports fanatic, pro-life activist, intermittently-avid fitness buff, political junkie, MOM...and then some. None of which I stay home for.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Stroller advice?
I'm driving myself bananas researching strollers. I was ignorantly blissful when I had Jack. Someone told me I needed this great thing called a "travel system" so I told my mom that was the thing to get us! No research...just got one. Well, now that I'm a little more seasoned, I want something a little nicer that runs more smoothly than my old Graco travel system. I want to keep the carrier/carseat, though, so I want a stroller that can universally adapt to any infant car seat. I want a sleeker, more modern design, without the European price point! Also looking for minor things like adjustable handlebar, large storage basket, ideally a cupholder or snack tray. I'm researching, and am leaning towards a couple, although nothing has everything that I ideally want in a stroller. Anyone have any of these and can tell me what you think of them? Or do you have anything different that I absolutely must have?
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I have the Peg-Perego Vela stroller. I only bought the stroller, but I know it has a car seat/carrier. It was a bit pricey (about 200) but I LOVE it. It does not have a great adult cup holder, but it does have a good basket, and a good snack tray. It also has an awesome canopy. It's a very smooth ride. We got it from Babies R Us.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your quest!
I neVer use my stroller.....I don't even have it in the trunk. ;)
ReplyDeletecupholder. For your starbucks.
ReplyDeleteGeez, Sew! How do you get around with your child?!? I. WOULD. DIE. without a stroller.
ReplyDeleteI never had a Bugaboo but I was jealous of everyone who had one. They loved their stroller.
ReplyDeleteWe're doing similar research, as we still have the stroller from Elanor's old Graco travel system but can't use the infant seat anymore (it's now expired). So we want to buy a new carseat that will click into our stroller. My husband did some research and apparently even newer Graco seats will still click into old strollers, so I think you should be okay putting an older seat into a newer stroller, but maybe call Graco and ask for sure?
ReplyDeleteI use the stroller occasionally, but I use my sling a lot too, especially for Mass when I don't want to haul the carseat inside.
Oh sorry that was a Bugaboo lookalike.
ReplyDeleteYes, BNA, I'm all about knock-offs! :) Can't afford the Bugaboo, but that's exactly what I'd be getting if they weren't so expensive!
ReplyDeleteJoAnna, I agree. I'm planning to use my Moby a lot more this time around. That said, I used my stroller a TON with Jack and don't expect that to change much!
ReplyDeleteInteresting reading this!!! I rarely use my stroller either ($10 craigs list piece of junk) but wear her most of the time if I'm out. But I'm always looking for good advice!!!
ReplyDeleteI carrier her. It's so much easier. :)
ReplyDeletesew
i mean "wear" her. :)
ReplyDeleteI was just cursing my stroller yesterday! I hate certain parts of it, and other parts of it I LOVE! I agree that I don't know what I'd do without a stroller. Here are my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a short time that they're in those carriers that I wish we had gotten the stroller frame that holds any car seat. Know what I mean? It's just a frame with a basket that you put the carrier on. They're inexpensive and are only used to hold the carseat. That way you can pick out whatever stroller you like and don't have to buy the only one that goes with the carseat. Unless you find a travel system that you really like. I had no idea what I was doing and we bought ours based solely on safety ratings. My carseat weighs a TON and is a total pain the rump. The stroller that goes with it is an equal pain, although it turns very smoothly and had a great ride. Nice basket size, good cup holder action. But pricey. We have the Chicco KeyFit 30 carseat and the matching stroller. Truth be told, I just bought a $20 umbrella stroller at Toys r us and love it! You can get a pretty nice one with a basket and canopy and everything for like $60. No cupholders though, I don't think. I don't know. I wouldn't even know what to do if I could start all over again! Now, I need a double!!! Ahhhh!!!!
SC, yes, I know what you mean by the carrier frame! In fact, I was actually thinking of going that route, but ultimately decided that I want something that grows with the baby...something that can carry the infant seat, then evolve into a toddler/little kid stroller. What can I say, I'm a stroller girl! I can't believe what a huge decision this is! Ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteWe actually have a great lightweight stroller. It was a bit pricey (though I bought it used), but it has gotten us through a LOT of traveling on airplanes, buses, public transit, and walking through many cities for long periods of time! I know a $20 umbrella never would have lasted this long. If you're in the market, it's this one: http://www.stroller.com/stroller-rock-star-baby-candy-red-new.html. Again, we bought it used and paid about $80 for it, but it's been worth every penny if you need a sturdier lightweight.
I picked up two of these over the years. They change the style a little, but they are basically a high end umbrella stroller. They are very durable and only weigh 8.8 lbs, all nylon and easy to clean.
ReplyDeleteI like the Bugaboo too, but I never bought one.
What I have found is travel systems are HUGE and BULKY. Yes, they "grow" with your kid, but they are giant, and cumbersome. Stuffing them in your trunk, with a full load of groceries is just... well, forget it.
ReplyDeleteJust had #3 a few months ago and I have the frame that any seat drops into. LOVE it. I can leave him sleeping from the car to the stroller. My kids always HATED the wraps and snuglis, so that was never an option. (jealous of you, Sew)
Once they are about 6 months - I cannot recommend a MacClaren enough. {Forget about the finger-chopping brou-ha-ha of two years ago - those moms folded the stroller with their kids hand in the mechanism. And only 11 kids worldwide (out of millions and millions) had that happen over 10 years.}Yes, they will run you about $120, but they are lightweight, fold up in one motion - using only one hand, the wheels turn on a dime - you can navigate with one hand (Notice my one-hand theme here?) I have 2 macclaren strollers that have lasted 7 and 4 years, respectively. Took them to Disney and they were invaluable both at the airport and in the park! So quick, easy and compact! With a strap to carry it over your shoulder. I would be their spokesperson if I could.
There is a big munchkin brand carabiner-type hook you can buy at Babies r us that hooks your purse and shopping bags to your stroller. Love that too.
But I am the type of mom that does not like toting junk everywhere I go. I never got used to the giant diaper bag and all that. I like to maneuver easily. I keep extra clothes, snacks and stuff like that in my van instead.
So excited for you - I love the "planning" stage!
L.
Let me know what you find in all your research - I've been doing the same thing lately!!! The one I've been leaning toward is a Graco Metrolite...but now that I've seen your post I think I need to keep looking. haha :)
ReplyDelete@L - Totally agree with all you say! Hate the travel systems...that's why I'm looking for something a little sleeker. I also thought about the infant seat frame, too. But then I'd be stuck with my travel system stroller when the baby grew. So hard to decide! Btw - thanks for commenting! :)
ReplyDelete@Mary - the Metrolite is what I currentl have! It has done me well, but I just need something a little more versatile. I'll keep you posted! :)