Hi mamas! I think my head might explode if I google search another stroller/travel system review :P Experienced mamas, what stroller system did you love? I have a few questions too: How useful or unnecessary did you find a snack tray for baby? Also, I want a stroller that will be compatible with the bucket style car seat and one that is also able to convert to a regular stroller. I can't seem to find a stroller that holds a car seat and also has the snack tray for once baby gets bigger. Any suggestions on what worked best for you? I don't think I'm ready for a convertible stroller (one that works for more than 1 baby) yet, but I may be wrong, considering I haven't researched those strollers at all. Help please & thank you in advance! :]
Re: FTM seeking stroller advice from experienced mamas!
I have both an UppaBaby Vista and a BOB. Both have a simple piece to convert to hold the infant carrier and then a regular seat.
I haven't researched well yet but I believe the uppababy vista also will convert to hold an infant seat and a toddler seat.
I have a snack tray on both and they are necessary because I do an hour mommy and me stroller class where DD is in the stroller for 45 minutes.
In this class I mostly see the Baby Jogger City Mini and the Baby Trend (Jogger, don't know the name). They appear to do everything you ask too.
Another option instead of snack tray, you don't need it until baby eats puffs or Cheerios or finger foods. You can also use those lidded snack cups and use a "Dropper Stopper" (avail on Amazon) to hold a cup and/or paci and/or snack cup.
Good luck I remember those awful research days!!!!
I always had the graco snap and go at first which was just the base I could put the car seat in (so great!) Then I had a peg perego Vella stroller that was small and lightweight (great in the mall and on sidewalks, but stinks in grass). When I had two I had the graco duoglider which I like (heavy, but great!!). Now I have a sit and stand that my oldest is 4 so she can stand up too (hard to steer, but still like it).
None of those are jogging strollers though or would be good for that. I'm more of a walk around the neighborhood and mall stroller user. I've been overall, pleased with them all! I'm trying to figure out what to do with 3 under 5 now...
I would go for something with a tray and cup holder if you can. Makes life do much easier and the kids love having their little snacks and drink especially around the mall.
But once I got the BOB and realized how much lighter it was I loved it, but more because I'm a runner. I trained for a half marathon with my BOB but if you don't need it for fitness you really don't need it and it's basket is tight. I also always get the feeling DD is a little slouched, sometimes I roll a blanket behind her back. Very easy to maneuver though and great all terrain.
I originally went in thinking about Chicco Ketfit and Britax. However I ended up deciding on Baby Trend. One I love the car seat handle. I put my purse in the seat and had the car seat resting in my forearm. It felt the most comfortable. One thing about Baby Trend car seats is the seat release from the base is in the front so you'll be reaching down in between the car seat and the back seat. This may be an issue for some. Then I looked at their strollers. I decided on a jogger. I feel that non-jogger stroller wheels are flimsy. I will be walking with the baby, but I'm not a runner. Someone mentioned that the tires on the joggers are bulky. With the Baby Trend Velocity Jogger, I know the color Bumble Bee does at least, the wheels can come off.
In the end we're going with the Baby Trend Inertia car seat and Velocity jogging stroller in Bumble Bee. Don't know if we're having a boy or girl yet, but it's gender neutral. Also helps that it's kinda Steelers colors.