Product Spotlight: Strollers

KristoKekerooni

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... Strollers! 

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed. 

For S+TMs: 

• Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice:
• Favorite [stroller]:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• What you like about it:
• What you don't like about it, if anything:
• Is there a [stroller] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
• Is there a [stroller] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
• Additional thoughts on [stroller]?:

For FTMs

• [Stroller] you're interested in:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past product spotlights, add suggestions for future spotlights see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lTxG3PinopZDo2nd13oufAzhnRlO2bwIDC4KGrGzbtM/edit?usp=sharing  

(Also just a reminder that if anyone wants to revive old threads to ask questions as we get further along and it becomes more likely everyone is doing further research, please feel free!)

becks_726

FTM here. 
We are heavily leaning towards a BOB revolution SE or flex, potentially used. 
We live in the country and DH is a runner so I think that would be perfect for us.

But here's my question:
Has anyone found themselves wanting or needing a second more compact/lightweight stroller for going into town, shopping, crowds, etc? And if so, what would make for a good complimentary stroller? Tia! 

ruby696

@becks_726 We had a jogger and a City Mini GT for running around town. I LOVE that stroller. It is so light weight and easy to maneuver, plus the seat back goes all the way down so they can sleep, which is great for long days or time in the airport, etc. I loved it so much that when we had our second, we bought the City Select with a second seat, which is an in-line double. Also awesome because you can configure the two seats (or bassinet or car seat) into many different positions and you don't have a wide double.

kayjay44

We have 4 strollers: Britax B-Ready (double inline), BOB (single, the nicer style), a cheap umbrella stroller, and a City Mini GT Double. 

• Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice: We're pretty active, so we needed a stroller that can go everywhere, is fairly compact (we drive a forrester and a prius), easy to travel with, and is easy to fold and use.
• Favorite [stroller]: City Mini GT double HANDS DOWN
• Link/picture: https://www.babyjogger.com/en-US/city-mini®-gt-double
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): SPENDY. But worth every penny.
• What you like about it: So easy to use, fairly light, turns on a dime, fold easily, is narrow enough to go through normal doors, kids don't fight over who sits on top and on bottom (like in the inline)
• What you don't like about it, if anything: Probably just the cost - I got a deal on mine at Target, so it is possible to get it for cheaper.
• Is there a [stroller] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope - the city mini gt double was my dream stroller.
• Is there a [stroller] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Not really - I do a lot of research.
• Additional thoughts on [stroller]?: Actually go test the stroller out. See how easy it folds and sets up, how heavy it is, how it steers, etc.

kdrn913

We have a single baby jogger city mini gt and I love it! I think I want to get a double even though DD will be almost 3 when baby is here! We bought ours used on a Facebook page and it was in great condition and well worth the saved money. We also had a car seat caddy for quick trips when she was still in the infant carrier which was great! We also have a summer infant 3d lite umbrella stroller which has been great for traveling! 

kayjay44

nursemom913 said:

We have a single baby jogger city mini gt and I love it! I think I want to get a double even though DD will be almost 3 when baby is here! We bought ours used on a Facebook page and it was in great condition and well worth the saved money. We also had a car seat caddy for quick trips when she was still in the infant carrier which was great! We also have a summer infant 3d lite umbrella stroller which has been great for traveling! 

My daughter is 4 and still rides in the stroller. Especially for our Disneyland trip coming up this fall, it will be so nice. Both kids are able to nap on the go.

Erinm278

I don't even need/use a stroller...am I alone?
Baby #3 and it's not something I'm getting.

kayjay44

Erinm278 said:

I don't even need/use a stroller...am I alone?
Baby #3 and it's not something I'm getting.

We could have gotten away with not having one until DD was 10 months or so (because we babywear a lot), but it's nice for travel and as they get older IMO. 

becks_726

@Erinm278 if you don't mind me asking, what do ypu think it is about your lifestyle that makes a stroller unnecessary? And what do you do where others might use a stroller? Just curious and trying to make informed decisions!

Erinm278

Yep definitely @becks_726
First I’ll say that neither of my other children liked the stroller and as soon as they were even slightly mobile they wouldn’t have anything to do with it. 
Second, we live in the country. We don’t go on long walks around the neighborhood because we’ve got acres of land we play on. 
Third, I baby wear because it’s whats easiest/most comfortable for us. 
I will get a cheaper umbrella stroller or just get a hand-me-down from a friend but an expensive stroller with all the bells and whistles isn’t necessary for our lifestyle. Is that helpful?

Erinm278

@kayjay44 yes they definitely have their benefits! When we travel in the airport we actually have this car seat dolly that we use and wheel them around the airport in that which is both hilarious and functional!

kayjay44

@Erinm278 - We have Trunki's for the kids (we want to get energy out of them before the plane) and we usually use the stroller as a luggage cart until we get to the gate

denma2015

We live in Denver, so cold weather, and actually own 3 strollers.  
1.  UppaBaby Vista.  Hands down the best stroller.  Our son slept in the bassinet It came with for the first four months of his life. It is certified safe for sleep.  Awesome in a cold climate.  We get out and walk everyday in winter.  Converts to a double for baby #2.  Got the chicco infant seat because I thought the UppaBaby one was way too expensive and wasn’t very comfortable.  Pushes like a dream.  I call it my grocery getter because I can carry a weeks worth of groceries home in the basket.  Not great to take in and out of cars or on airplanes.  We live in a very walkable area so I hardly drive making this my daily commuter.  

2.  Inglesina iTrip for travel which has been great for planes, back of the car, quick trip to the mall

3.  Picked up a 2007 Vintage BOB at a second hand kids store for $70 when my son was 1 and it has also been great for just about everything.  Took it to Hawaii which was great because we plopped the convertible car seat in it and pushed the kiddo through the airport.  You can’t break these things.  The older models have way less plastic which has been great.  They are everywhere used.  Don’t recommend for an infant.  

Thats my two cents.  Probably will get a double bob at some point used 

becks_726

Thanks, @Erinm278! That's super helpful. 

okayestmom12

I have bought & sold more strollers in my last 6 years of momming than is normal. I've owned...
Britax B-Agile
Britax B-Ready
Uppababy G-Luxe
Baby Trend Sit & Stand Ultra Tandem 
Baby Jogger City Elite
Baby Jogger City Mini (currently own/ use)

• Favorite [stroller]: My favorite for ease of use is the City Mini.  Lightweight, great, easy fold, attached a Graco SnugRide to it to make it a travel system. 
• Link/picture: https://https//www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-2016-Single-Stroller/dp/B019W8W6DY/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1530005952&sr=8-3&keywords=city%2Bmini&th=1//
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Around $250-$300 depending on trim.
• What you like about it: Lightweight. One handed fold.  
• What you don't like about it, if anything: Storage basket is tough to reach and small.
• Is there a [stroller] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Yup - going to snag a Baby Jogger City Lux this time.  Last baby for us but my middle will be almost 4 and I'll still need a place to strap him down/ offer a seat when needed.  The Lux has an add-on bench seat that accommodates kids up to 65 lbs so this seems like a great fit for us (then both my soon to be 4 year old and 6 year old can ride as needed). I will keep our City Mini to use as a travel/ airport stroller though. The CM is a great workhorse of a stroller! 
• Is there a [stroller] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: We really disliked the Sit N Stand.  I think I sold it on Craigslist after 1 use. It was bulky, difficult to turn, and felt cheaply made. 

cmjenkies

@Erinm278 we’re definitely in the same boat. Both of my kids have not particularly been stroller fans. I own a nice umbrella stroller that my infant seat can click into (Chicco Liteway Plus) and a BOB Revolution jogger that I got on super super clearance at my local Target so I went ahead and bought it (like $80 for a $300-400 stroller) but I’ve only used it on long walks a handful of times. We’re also a babywearing family. It works much better for us and keeps me hands free to keep up with my oldest. Now that we’ll have 3, I’m not sure how everything is going to go, but I don’t plan on buying a double or anything at this time. 

Omie_Wise

I have a Babyzen yoyo. I love it. Before that we just used our Doona. 

Erinm278

@cmjenkies yep exactly us!  but BONUS!  I just found a sit n' stand stroller in the barn that I totally forgot about!  On the rare occasion I actually use a stroller I'll just dust that bad boy off.

susykat77

Looove my Bob stroller. We use it in every setting. I will be getting a double Bob for sure. I had a cheap bassinet stroller that we used for the first 3 months and while I love the bassinet this second one will be in the Bob. 

runnermom9

I currently have one daughter and have a BOB Revolution SE and the Britax B-Agile.

• 
  
•  I got a BOB because I'm a runner. I really like it, but I honestly don't run with it that often. I work full time and if I run in the evenings it is after my daughter goes to bed. I love it though for going on walks or for going to the park. It's great that it can easily go on rougher terrain and over curbs. It's a beast though and takes up most of my trunk which is why I got the Britax. I prefer it if I'm going shopping or need to easily get a stroller in and out of the car. @becks_726 I love the BOB, but personally needed a second stroller.

• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I got a great deal on Amazon on the BOB ($295) and the Britax B-Agile was part of a travel system. I bought it on sale through Kohl's and it was $100 more than just buying the carseat and base.

• What you don't like about it, if anything: My daughter doesn't love either of our stroller's in a crowd. She sits fairly low and reclined in both. I've wondered if she would like a stroller that that would allow her to sit higher. 

• Is there a [stroller] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Planning to get the City Mini Double GT. I honestly don't think I'll run with two, so no need for a double BOB. I enjoy my time running by myself . @kayjay44 glad to hear that you love it!

• Additional thoughts on [stroller]?: FTMs, definitely think hard about your lifestyle! I've found that my friends who are stay-at-home moms get much more use out of their strollers than I do and therefore might need different features. Think about how often you walk places, what's your climate like (will you even use it half the year?), etc. Consider buying used too as you are figuring out what you really need!

corgicreator

Have any of you 3rd time mommas have any experience with this stroller? I run...ALOT. and want something lightweight (we run up a lot of hills) and easy to put in vehicles. And can have carseat attached. I'm afraid that it doesnt have any cup holders, and my dd whose 3 may buck at being on the bottom. I'm scared to bite the bullet!

adough27

So for DD we lived in the city and used the UppaBaby Cruz and the Summer Umbrella stroller, we now have the Joovy jogging stroller now that we have space and live in the burbs. So 3 strollers in total.

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice: Uppababy Cruz was perfect for the city and traveling because it worked with a ton of carseats, its toddler seat could be used with infants (i.e. you have to buy the separate infant insert) and although it is not the Vista, which comes with a bassinet and option to make a double/triple stroller (with kick board) you have the option of adding on the kick board and can spend half the prize compared to the Vista. Also, my husband is very tall and I am average height, so the fact that the handlebar adjusts is a plus.  Lastly, we plan on having a big family and really wanted to invest in a quality stroller that would stand the wear and tear of multiple children using it. 

Favorite [stroller]: Uppababy when out and about especially when baby is small and have doctor's appt., shopping, etc. Joovy when walking/running around neighborhood. Summer is great when you have a toddler, and need something in your car just in case. I love them all for their different utilities.

Link/picture: 
https://www.amazon.com/UPPAbaby-CRUZ-Stroller-Gregory-Melange/dp/B01MT11067/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1530189944&sr=8-3&keywords=uppababy+cruz

https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Lite-Convenience-Stroller/dp/B00O20OCVC/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1530189976&sr=1-1&keywords=summer+infant+3d+lite+convenience+stroller

https://www.amazon.com/Joovy-Ultralight-Jogging-Stroller-Black/dp/B015ZL8IWK/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1530190002&sr=1-4&keywords=joovCost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): UppaBaby Cruz: 549.99 Summer: 80.00 Joovy: 250.

I am considering buying the joovy umbrella double stroller. Considering the limited times I now use a full frame stroller for DD when out and about, I think something to throw in my car that can support 2 would be great, just to have the option. I couldn't allow myself to spend another 600 - 800 dollars on a full frame double stroller. 

I am also considering getting the kickboard for the Uppababy we currently have. Therefore, if I am out when future LO is tiny and DD is with me too, she can just stand on the back of the stroller for a simple 100 dollar upgrade.

Let me know if anyone needs more details, the stroller and the carseat were the things I really researched when having DD.

kayjay44

@corgicreator - my daughter refuses to sit on the bottom FWIW. 

PizzaMonster3

We’re a walking Baby Jogger commercial, and we only have one kid (currently). We started with the City mini GT and it’s awesome. Didn’t really think we needed another but I found the City Select Lux for 60% off so figured I’d buy it if we ever had a 2nd kiddo. It’s a tank but handles well and I love the options for two kids. It’s collecting dust for now. 
Then we got the City Tour Lux at the BRU closeout for 50% off. That’s has replaced the mini as our daily because it’s so compact and doesn’t take up as much space in the trunk of the car. I prefer the mini when we go to the park or a long walk, but the tour is pretty great so far and honestly it could be your only stroller forever. 

We were torn between the original city tour that fits as carryon on flights and the lux that can have the glider board, car seat, and reclines nearly all the way and finally decided the extras were worth the airport hassles. 

smm1118

We have the City Mini GT and absolutely love it.  I've come close to buying a second stroller - something smaller and more lightweight - a few times, but always just stick with the same one and am happy.  We've had it through city living (commuting on a bus to daycare), to living in the suburbs, and don't feel like we need anything else.  We had an attachment that allowed us to put the infant car seat on it, so we've used it from the beginning.  We also bought some other accessories (like the snack tray and cup holder).  I feel like it is very versatile and lightweight enough to take where ever it is needed.  I'm not sure what we will get once this little one comes along.  DS is 2.5, will be over 3 by the time this baby gets here, but he still enjoys going for a ride and taking naps in the stroller, so I think we may have to go with a double of some sort.

kayjay44

smm1118 said:

We have the City Mini GT and absolutely love it.  I've come close to buying a second stroller - something smaller and more lightweight - a few times, but always just stick with the same one and am happy.  We've had it through city living (commuting on a bus to daycare), to living in the suburbs, and don't feel like we need anything else.  We had an attachment that allowed us to put the infant car seat on it, so we've used it from the beginning.  We also bought some other accessories (like the snack tray and cup holder).  I feel like it is very versatile and lightweight enough to take where ever it is needed.  I'm not sure what we will get once this little one comes along.  DS is 2.5, will be over 3 by the time this baby gets here, but he still enjoys going for a ride and taking naps in the stroller, so I think we may have to go with a double of some sort.

The City Mini GT double is the shit.

bleucheeznwine

Probably a dumb question. I'm going to have an almost 4 year old and a newborn. Do I need a double? Am I naive to think my 4 year old will walk nicely in a crowd sans stroller space for her? Should I get a Keenz stroller wagon, like such? I'm confused.

kayjay44

@bleucheeznwine - My four year old still loves the stroller. We do have a wagon we use, but I wouldn't drop money on a Keenz, personally.

okayestmom12

@bleucheeznwine - I love the idea of the Keenz and that it does have a 5 pt harness. I might spring for one after this kid is a little older and can control their body vs being a wet noodle. 

kmonroe2

I had the BOB with my first two and loved it. But it is bulky and heavy. Hard to navigate in stores and restaurants. Am leaving towards the City Mini GT this time around. 

cas060

For the baby jogger city mini, why do i see some with 1 front wheel and some with a double front wheel... what's the difference, pros cons of one over the other?  TIA

etnyah

@cass06_07 I was wondering the same, there's basically two versions: The double front wheel is the Mini, and the single front wheel is called the Mini GT. The regular Mini seems to be more lightweight, while the GT is more robust. I found this video helpful! I'm going for the GT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtcmvQZvafs

cas060

perfect thanks @grebretso

okayestmom12

Love our regular CM. I’ve had it for over 3 years and it’s still in like new condition. Worked beautifully fromminfancy to now - my son is a beast at 3.5 and still uses at theme parks/ the mall/ etc. 

kayjay44

Get the GT - I tested both before BRU closed. It handles much better and is still more light weight than comparable strollers!

BourbonBiscuits

Is there anywhere we can test the City Minis? With BRU closed I can't find anywhere else in my area. We don't have a Buy Buy Baby and none of the Targets near us have them in stores.

allthingsgo

kayjay44 said:

Get the GT - I tested both before BRU closed. It handles much better and is still more light weight than comparable strollers!

Agreed! I also tested both at BuyBuy Baby and it was way smoother and easier to use. 

kayjay44

@BourbonBiscuits - Maybe a local shop? I know our local baby shop carries them.

etnyah

Oh also: the green and red GT’s are $100 cheaper than the rest of them, pretty much across the board. No idea why, maybe people don’t want bright colors? I’m getting the green one!

kayjay44

@grebretso - We got a grey one because I found it on clearance at Target - I would have preferred black, but it's fine and it was actually easier to find on vacation because it's less common!

etnyah

@kayjay44 Yeah, I think most people prefer black, maybe it’s easier to keep clean and new looking? Either way I don’t care, and I like colors. Having it stand out is a good thing for sure.