Product Spotlight Series: Strollers

bserena

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions about, S+TMs to share their prior experience with, and everyone to share what they're eyeing in the world of maternity, baby and postpartum products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week we're discussing 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 navigate and respond to.

For S+TMs: 

• Individual (e.g., lifestyle) factors that might influence your choice:
• Favorite stroller:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• What you like and don't like about it:
• 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 strollers?:

For FTMs:

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

To view past Product Spotlights or the upcoming schedule, see

here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Aqb8MGEYn0PQtTuPg16w7-ypItLmVIMNyU5AteGqodM/edit?usp=sharing

mimser

FTM here, I'm considering the Baby Jogger City Mini GT. We live in the city and we are not fans of very big strollers that take up a lot of space. To be honest, we used to throw a lot of dirty looks to big strollers taking a lot of space... now I'm open to living the stroller life but to adapt it 😅. We do walk a lot and do most of our errands by foot although we are moving in June and that might change a little, but I'd like to maintain that lifestyle as much as possible. I kind of visualize myself preferring a baby carrier to a stroller... Also we have a Nissan Versa hatchback which doesn't have a lot of storage space, but again, I can't picture myself taking the stroller in the car with us very often...

It's priced at $550CAD (probably about $400USD), I could consider going up to $600USD as long as it includes the newborn seat I think... I'm also trying to figure if this stroller includes that or you need to buy it separately...That would add $250CAD...

Has anybody tried it and/or compared it with others?

laurenmicheley

FTM and I'm going to get the Uppababy Vista. Like @mimser I live in a city, so space is a priority. This stroller has a great reputation for ease of use and comfort for LOs. Another reason why we've decided on the Vista versus any of the smaller options is that the Vista converts to a double stroller. Our plan is not to prevent once this baby arrives, so we want to know that we will have the ability to use the stroller for two children. Also, it is very nice looking (as far as strollers go) and you get a choice of a lot of different colors. My SIL had this stroller for her twins + singleton and was able to get everybody in it (with the skateboard attachment) and will also hand-me-down all the attachments once I need them which is a huge plus. The Vista is expensive AF; I found it bundled with the bassinet attachment and the infant car seat for ~$1200. This will be a gift from the grandparents-to-be.

hedgepig

We live in a rural area, and off a dirt road, so I wasn't really sure about getting a stroller in the first place. We did wind up getting the Britax B-Agile bundled with our infant carseat, and it's a great stroller (not too expensive, easy to use, a bit bulky though), but we honestly never use it. I also got an umbrella stroller at some point thinking that having something smaller and lighter weight that I could keep in the car would increase my usage, but I was wrong. They're great for the few times when we were walking around mall or something, but I can probably count on one hand when we've used them.

So I'm here to tell you that despite what "everyone" says, you don't HAVE to get a stroller. I used baby carriers extensively and found them to be much more compact and convenient. We still take DS all over the place in the backpack, and he's 2.

karacc18

@laurenmicheley I am a 3rd time mom and I got the UB Vista for my second. I wish I had gotten it for my first. I can't say enough good things about it. I am so excited to be using it again with this LO. It is pricey, especially when you start adding in all the extras (rumble seat, infant seat adapter if you don't get the Mesa, Cup holder, snack tray, etc.) But if it's your first and you are having a shower, those are great items to put on your registry. I got so many compliments from people on mine.

One thing i will say is that when you are choosing your color, go with the black frame. I got the silver frame and with wear and tear (I am not the gentlest on equipment) you can see a lot of scuffs in the metal. The other good thing is that if you buy from an authorized retailer, UppaBaby will do free tune ups and maintenance on the product. 

lovelee3

I'm eyeing quite a few strollers because I'm overwhelmed by all the options I'm indecisive. We have to have one with the bassinet option because I like the idea of letting LO be on tummy or back and not always propped up like in a car seat. Plus, DH is adamant that a bassinet is cooler. The UppaBaby Vista 2 and the Silver Cross Coast Stroller are probably top on my list right now. They both have bassinet attachments and they can both be double strollers. Currently Silver Cross is on sale on BuyBuyBaby but when not on sale, they seem to run in the same price range. I'd say both are in the $$$ in my book. I like that @karacc18 mentioned that UppaBaby will do free tune ups and maintenance...
I'd attach pictures, but I have no clue how to do the spoiler thing. So here are links for comparison if anyone is interested: https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/uppababy-reg-vista-v2-stroller/5448329?categoryId=32575 AND https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/silver-cross-coast-stroller/5322975?categoryId=32575

Additionally, looking at a running stroller/jogger because I like to run outdoors. I don't have one picked out yet but my best friend swears she already has the best one picked out for me. Last thing, we travel a lot - we have family in Germany which means plane trips. I have seen other mom's use the Doona Infant Car seat/stroller, but I'm leaning toward the "This isn't necessary" side for this one since I can just baby wear when we travel. 

I told y'all I had a few options. This is one of the few baby items I have actually looked into already. Maybe there is a bassinet stroller that is better? Let me know...

potofgolden

We have the Chico Bravo Travel System. It come with a heavy duty /bulky stroller, car seat (up to 30 ish pounds DD is 13 months and needs to a new one) and one car seat base. We purchased an additional base for $80< so worth it! The travel system retails for about $370... I know in the past target has had it $100 off on Black Friday.
https://www.target.com/p/chicco-bravo-travel-system-indigo/-/A-50795507

A travel system is the way to go. I love this stroller, however I have not looked into a double stroller conversion. I don’t know if it’s even possible. If not, I will probably look into Chico’s version. 

I drive a small- mid size SUV, it fits comfortably in the back with room for groceries. We use the stroller to go to the mall, Festivals, walk the neighborhood, and sometimes at the grocery store. Best thing about the strollers is mom can put all shopping bags, purse, and drink in it! 

I despise the $20 umbrella stroller. I can’t fit my crap in it. It can’t off-road. The handles are very low; I’m 5’2 and it’s too short for me.  

jaclyn0405

We have the Chicco Bravo LE Trio Travel System as well.  We bought (2) extra bases, one for the grandparents and one for DH's car.  I loved the ease of just snapping the carseat right in the top and going.  We used it for a LOT when she was little.  From everywhere @potofgolden mentioned, festivals, the mall, grocery stores, even restaurants that could accommodate it as not to disrupt her. 

When she outgrew the seat, we coverted her to the Maxi Cosi Magellan car seat, I found the Chicco to be a little too bulky.  So we switched to the Maxi Cosi Lara stroller.  I cannot say enough things about Maxi Cosi and their customer service.  Our left wheel wasn't making contact on the road and they sent us a brand new stroller because safety is their top priority.  

I am having issues with the options for (2) now.  I was thinking of going with the Uppababy Vista, but I am not sure I want to spend the money to essentially start over.  I have been looking at the Veer Wagon and it is definitely high on my list right now, like 95% likelihood we will go this route.  https://www.goveer.com/cruisers/  

mimser

The one I'm considering is 30% off at a local store... should I get it now (11w1d)?!

bserena

@mimser I haven't gotten a stroller yet but I did go ahead and buy a bassinet because I got it for a great price! I don't think it's a bad idea at all

jaclyn0405

@mimser 30% off is a great deal! I have a lot of friends and family with that particular stroller and they love it.  We almost bought it before the Lara stroller because the way it folds up is SOO nice! Since we can't capitalize on Black Friday deals I would go for it.  Also is there Buy Buy Baby in Canada? If so, you can usually have them price match and they always have coupons for 20% too!

name1109

I think when it comes to strollers and car seats I love talking about them but honestly at the end of the day it comes down to your individual lifestyle. With one kid I mainly baby wore, took the train or car. We wanted to me minimal people with one. Then two came along and I got an older used uppababy vista (pre-2014 edition). We were in Japan at the time and horizontal space was a premium. I wouldn’t be able to go many places with a double wide. With three kids we got the Uppababy vista with all the things compliments of my MIL. I love that stroller. It is big and I would have felt awkward in downtown DC with it. @mimser I so would have gotten a CitiMini in DC/a busy town.  At this point I’ve had two (?) single BOBs (traded an older version for a new one), an Uppababy umbrella stroller (that thing is a BEAST).  With our first, I traveled a lot for work (baby #1 had 16+ round trip flights by 2 yrs old)...I’d baby wear her and throw her car seat in the umbrella stroller. With baby four I want to get the Baby Jogger City Tour Stroller. It’s SUPER compact and AMAZING for travel and a decent toddler stroller. 

VISTA review: I would 100% agree with @karacc18 about getting the darker stroller. The stroller to me (I’m short) is clunky to get out of the car/SUV. However, the big thing for me is I can secure the smaller kids if need be. The back seat has a weight capacity of 50 lbs and the front is 35 lbs as I recall. There have been times where I have had four kids on the stroller and it worked great. I had one in the bucket (not recommended per manufacturer), one on the step up and one in in each of the seats. To me it handles well enough. I chose the Vista over the City Jogger double because I felt it was smoother handling and I needed that.  I’m on year three of this stroller and with baby four on the way, no signs of over use. It is not a jogging stroller though I have slooooowly jogged with it at times. If you are a runner I HIGHLY recommend the BOB. That thing handles like a dream and can be used as a daily stroller too. 

At the end of the day, IMHO @l@lovelee3 (I’m failing at my @ today), if you don’t know...don’t force it. There ARE a million options and everyone will tell you why their’s is best. Your baby may HATE the stroller or the carrier. So it’s also okay to have baby and the think about it. I’m a big baby wear person....you may or may not be. So just go to the store and push the stroller and see if any make sense to you. If not...wait til it works! IMHO. 

That was long. Maybe it will help someone. 😳

name1109

UPPAbaby has been good to me. This umbrella stroller was my travel companion while DH was away. I’ve also travelled with three car seats via the train in Japan as well (no longer there)...we would fly home sans DH in the summer.  That little thing is a beast. 

magdaaaa

• Individual (e.g., lifestyle) factors that might influence your choice: we live in the country with no paved road to walk on and for a long time with DS I rarely used the stroller. Now, we use it all the time and he LOVES it (thank God) so we will continue to do so.
• Favorite stroller: we have a Bob Revolution Jogger single and that thing is a beast. It is big, yes, but the smoothest push and ride on the planet! We’ve already gone ahead and purchased a twin stroller for when LO comes, and we got it second hand but it is the Bumbleride Indie Twin. They make a single version too. Not as smooth as the BOB, but DS prefers it.
• Link/picture: https://m.albeebaby.com/bumbleride-indie-twin-double-stroller-matte-black.html
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $$
• What you like and don't like about it: I love that it’s a narrow twin stroller so it fits through doorways. I LOVE the huge basket, and I love that it has car seat adapters. I don’t love the lack of cup holder, etc but I think I can purchase this separately. Also, it is big and bulky and very heavy. I think the newer models fold down to be more compact.
• Is there a stroller you don't have but are considering? Why?: The BOB revolution double just to have as another option and for DH
• Is there a stroller you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Nope. Only tried these 2.
• Additional thoughts on strollers?: They make life easier.

jaclyn0405

Well I am just hear to say that @name1109 YOU are a beast mama! Like seriously soooo many kudos to you for traveling alone with (3) kids and making it sound like it was nothing.  I bow down to you! LOL.

potofgolden

You are my hero @name1109!

lovelee3

@name1109 thank you for the honest opinion!!! I need more of this in my life instead of people that agree to whatever I’m saying and don’t actually help. I’d like to be a baby wearer, but I’m nervous that I already get so warm natured that I’ll get even hotter/sweatier with a baby. I’ll be waiting for sure. If the stores ever open back up, I’ll go push some around and see what I like/don’t like

mimser

Ok I'm all over the place but what about the Swift from Mountain Buggy? Seems to compare a lot with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT, the price is the same. Does anybody have feedback for this one?
https://ca.mountainbuggy.com/products/swift

doublestroller

After probably 4 trips to BuyBuyBaby with my first, we had it narrowed down to City Jogger and UppaBaby Vista, with the idea and hope that if we had a second, we wouldn't have to replace it with a separate double stroller, but that it would still serve as a nice and convenient single stroller. We became good friends with the main guy who managed the stroller section, and he let us take them down and stroll them around the area and do lots of side-by-side comparisons. We ultimately chose Uppababy Vista and have absolutely loved it.

DD slept in the bassinet beside our bed for the first four months, with the overpriced stand (but still worth it). One of the best features besides the bassinet - which we didn't even think we'd use - was the very large basket on the bottom that could easily hold a diaper bag and anything else we'd need. We thought we would want a smaller umbrella stroller for trips to Disney and the like, but we ended up choosing to bring the Vista with us each time as it worked out so well. The car seat was very convenient and easy to adjust and get her in and out. We did the silver frame with the nice brown leather and the Gregory blue melange fabric and didn't have issues with wear and tear.

We did buy from BuyBuyBaby, and while the general coupons can't be applied, you can apply the store's 15% registry completion discount on UppaBaby products, so I definitely recommend that route!

name1109

@mimser I seriously considered the Mountain Buggy brand when considering a double. We were in Japan at the time and compact/light were a big deal. I recall liking the Mountain Buggy but at the time just didn’t want to feel small and compact haha (it was just my feelings at the time...).  From what I recall when I tested it out it handled very well. Also, there were two other ladies as I recall at the time who LOVED their MB stroller. 

magdaaaa

@mimser I say go mountain buggy hands down! Much better ride and push!

mimser

@name1109, @magdaaaa I think I'm convinced! For now anyway 😊

lovelee3

@mimser I’ve eyeball’d the Terrain by mountain buggy thanks to one of my best friends saying it’s the best jogging stroller. She had zero complaints about mountain buggy

potofgolden

Has anyone heard anything about the Mockingbird Stroller?

I think it’s new. It just popped up as ad on my Pinterest. 

It goes from a single to a double by buying an extra attachment. It looks really nice and it is pretty cheap when comparing with some of the other ones. I only see an option to order the single and the double add on, so I’m wondering if all the other attachments come with it.
$395 single
$120 double add on 
https://go.hellomockingbird.com/?utm_medium=paid-social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=626741934668&pp=0&epik=dj0yJnU9NF8yLVZWeGYtSE1mcHlTcW9uUjdySXJ5YTFVRXRsTHgmbj1JT1ZiSGhjSGNuczE3czA1QXgzbG5RJnQ9QUFBQUFGNjFlNWc

Edit:
I just watched a YouTube review on it and it’s very similar to the Uppababy Vista. $600 cheaper!! 

Also, it looks like there are accessories to buy, like $100 for the bassinet. 

lovelee3

@potofgolden this came up on my Facebook too! I’d never heard of it. Could it be too good to be true?! 

I really want stores to open up so I can physically try some things!!! 

potofgolden

@lovelee3 I know right. It sounds too good to be true. It does mention that it’s not sold in stores, to help make it cheaper. However, it says you can try it for free for 30 days. I think it’s going to require some more investigation.

jaclyn0405

@potofgolden that stroller looks awesome! And for the price, wow! I think I will definitely do some research on it as well as the most recent double I have looked at was around $800.

mama-buckets

This is a long shot since this thread is kinda old now. I took a trip to BuyBuyBaby yesterday and I test drove some of the strollers there. I’m short (5’1” at BEST) and my husband is a clear foot taller than me. I kinda found myself drawn to the Britax B-Free travel systems. They’re pretty light, have a one hand fold up operation that was super simple, there’s an adjustable handle height (I can make it lower for me and hubby can make it higher for him), and they handle soooo nicely. The price was on the higher end, but for stroller and car seat System I wasn’t mad at the deal. One drawback I read about that I didn’t even notice while test driving was the lack of ‘snack/drink tray’ for the little. 

I guess what I’m asking — what are yalls thoughts on the Britax brand? Would missing a snack tray be a hard pass? This is our first kid so we don’t really know what are some “can’t pass up” features. 

I threw some pics in the spoiler if you’re interested.

crizz13

@mama-buckets We LOVE Britax and have some hardcore brand loyalty to them. My girls have never needed/missed having a snack tray. If they're snacking while we're out, they usually just have a travel snack cup they hold on to, or a cup. We have a B-Ready stroller and I bought the snack cup attachments but honestly, have only used them a handful of times. If it's something you're missing, I'm pretty sure the B-Free sells some snack tray accessories. 

potofgolden

@jaclyn0405 A friend showed me her Veer Wagon this weekend. Wow, they are nice, and smooth. They also fold up easily. She has had her for about 4 years and absolutely love it. They had just came back from a trip to the beach with it and she said it rose smoothly on the sand. DH said he would be on board if we went that route, so now I’ve got another possible stroller added to the list. The only concern I had with the Veer is the comfortablilty for sleeping. My friend said that she would just put her diaper bag down between the seats to let LO sleep.

jaclyn0405

@potofgolden that is awesome to hear!! I am still leaning that way because it seems so much easier. I think our Buy Buy Baby is open again, so I am going to check out some options soon and decide which way to go.  The ease of the sand with the wagon is VERY tempting lol.

Ecat504

https://www.target.com/p/graco-fastaction-fold-sport-click-connect-travel-system-gotham/-/A-79811258?lnk=reg_items_view&regMode=REGST&registryId=44d895a06e804f3ea7350a65e1465e48&registryType=baby&itemLineNum=10&backLinkName=my%20registry&backLinkUrl=%2Fgift-registry%2Fmyitems%3FregistryId%3D44d895a06e804f3ea7350a65e1465e48%26type%3DBABY%26lnk%3Dreg_home%26lnk%3Dreg_mode_pdp&pageFrom=myitems

I think I like this Graco FastAction Fold Support Travel System, but I guess it depends on the car seat we end up going with.