Let's talk about strollers

fyziksgirl · November 2011

What is everyone thinking wrt strollers? I have to admit, stroller/carseat has been the most overwhelming baby item I've looked at to choose! Tonight the hubby and I went to BRU to try out every one of their systems (that were under $300) and make comparisons. We were messing around for about an hour and a half. Glad we did because I learned I hate the Graco standard systems, which I'd almost just given up and registered for since it's what everyone has!

I fell absolutely in love with the Chicco Keyfit 30, and am now lusting after it even though it is really probably more than, or at least at the very top end of, what we want to spend. I put it on my baby registry and am hoping someone will buy it for us! I loved how easy it was to maneuver, even 1-handed, how easy it was to fold up, how small it got when folded, and how light it was. To be fair, we only tried the 22 pound system in store (which we didn't realize til later) but it looks like the same system for 30 pound and it was beautiful.

What are others thinking. Has anyone had a Chicco and loved it? Hated it? Other brands you loved and/or hated? What are your must-have features? What really doesn't matter to you?

Neshacouture · November 2011

I just think those systems are so heavy.. and both you and I hate Graco.. this will be my first born but my moms got a graco about 4 yrs ago and many times I had to use it in nyc.. it was just the worst when it came to traveling on the train and up and down steps.. my husband and I decided on getting a bugaboo and just buying a car seat that will just stay in the car at all times..

carolinaem · November 2011

Had one with my 1st (2008). Great for infant stage, eh for toddlers. Not great if you plan to do anything other than light walking. (But I am not a travel system girl. I prefer a snap and go and a stroller with real wheels- better for walking, jogging, trails etc.)

Amylyn1103 · November 2011

My sister has a Chicco and loves it, although many friends say that the carseat is really heavy. Personally, the travel system is too bulky for me. DH and I would rather get something that is something will serve multiple purposes, and decided on the Baby Jogger City Mini. It's more expensive than others and does not come with a carseat, but it's worth it to us since it's an everyday, long-term (in babytime) item. Plus it is easy to maneuver, fold, and folds small enough to fit in our trunks with plenty of room to spare.

Jnkpnch80 · November 2011

With my daughter I got the combi travel system. The stroller is full sized but it is very very lightweight. I could take it and throw. It over my shoulder (strap) carry a diaper bag and my daughter without difficulties. It was very handy when traveling because it folded so small and back then (6 years ago) they advertised it as the only full sized stroller allowed on flights.

For me it's about ease of use. And the combi did just that. When we went to NYC to visit friends if the crowd got heavy id just scoop up Ella and Dh would throw it over his shoulder.

The only downfall is lack of storage space below. The basket is really small. But I think the ease of use made it worth it. I don't like over packing anyway. The less I had to deal with the better.

HokieMamma1 · November 2011

I think it depends on how active you are and what you want to do with it. Most of my girlfriends have purchased versions of jogging strollers with infant attachments. They are a little bulky to put in the car, but are versitle and can last through out toddlerhood. We haven't even started looking.... wishing you luck!

lisa5ny · November 2011

IMO, Travel systems are too heavy and bulky. My advice is to get an infant carrier that works with a lightweight stroller. If there isn't any you like, then get a snap and go and just use that the first 6 months. Once the baby can sit up on it's own you can buy yourself a great lightweight stroller.

I had a travel system with DD and I couldn't wait to to run out and buy a lightweight stroller and get rid of my heavy travel system stroller. I could barely lift that thing into my trunk.

smacb · November 2011

With DS we used a Snap N Go the first 2-3 months and then we switched to the MacLaren Quest. I love my MacLaren and will use it with this baby. It's lightweight, sturdy, goes anywhere, has storage. I hate travel systems. A baby jogger is fine, but they're too bulky for every day use.

silkyhorse · November 2011

I never liked carrying the baby carseat around and never bought a system. I have two $5 rummage sale strollers. A bigger, heavier one that we keep in the garage for going on walks, and a slightly lighter one that I keep in the van for running errands/going to the mall. I love them!

fryrat · November 2011

I'm getting the chicco key fit 30 carrier, because it matches DHs car. (Actually it was one of my choices, and when we registered, he felt special because he got to pick it, I just agreed.)

As far as the stroller, I do not think we will get the rest of the travel system, just a basic stroller that the seat can go in. We are not in an area where we would do a lot of walking. We are however, getting one of those big garden wagons to put the carrier and everything in when we go to the beach. Strollers and beach don't go well together.

JHSmommy · November 2011

I got the Keyfit 30 for DS - and yes, it's heavy, but really durable - and I felt like DS was very secure in the car. We are planning on using it for this one as well. I also got the matching stroller, but I couldn't stand it. I wore my son in a Moby wrap most of the time - strollers were just too bulky. For walking, we ended up getting a BOB revolution when DS was a bit older and we LOVED it. If this baby doesn't like to be worn, I will probably invest in a snap n go or just use the stroller we had and hardly used for DS. I hope this helps...

mrsbecky07 · November 2011

I don't really like the travel system strollers - my SIL had one and used it when her first was an infant, but then after that she never used it and just her umbrella stroller basically all the time. It was just too big and bulky (according to her.) For her second she got the double BOB and absolutely loves it, and the few times I've used it I've been impressed with how it handles.

So I think we're going to go with the single BOB - I want to go test it out first, but that's where we're leaning. It's a bit pricier but I think i'd rather spend the money and have a stroller that I love and use rather than one that is a pain and that I hate using. You can get the adaptor so infant car seats snap in (I think we're going with the Chicco Keyfit 30 carseat.)

sunflowergrl · November 2011

The one piece of advice I wish someone had given me, and it's the one piece of advice I give to other mother's who ask (and some who don't lol) Is, if you plan on having more than one, and with not a HUGE break between them (so like in the 2-3 yr range I suppose) I'd look into one of the single/double strollers like the britax b-ready or the city select. I regret that I spent money on a single, and now have to buy a double. I wish I had thought about it, and now i'd only be buying the second seat rather than the whole thing.

) Just something to think about!

Also, a snap and go is a MUST!

johnson617 · November 2011

I haven't loved any travel systems, so we're pretty sure that we're going with the Britax B-Ready stroller and a Britax car seat. The 14 seat configurations with this stroller sold MH!

lindy27 · November 2011

I had a friend who had the Chicco system and really like the carseat but disliked the stroller.

You can buy a stroller and carseat separate. The Chicco is a really good carseat so getting that is probably a good idea. You can then look through the limitless options for strollers that have an adaptor for a carseat to find exactily what you like.

I had a requirement that the seat face toward or away from me, so we ended up with the Britax B-Ready stroller and carseat. There were several cheaper options we looked at but we really liked the larger wheels, easy steering, basket and quality of fabric on that stroller.

nicole0066 · November 2011

We got a BOB Revolution and will just get the infant seat adapter for our carseat (either Graco or Chicco). Yes, it is expensive, but when we looked at when we will be using a stroller for it completely fit our lifestyle. This will be our everyday stroller, but we aren't really mall people. We spend most of our time outdoors, DH is a runner, I jog, etc.

I have to say it really doesn't seem all that much bigger to me than other full size stroller and it's AMAZINGLY easy to push, turn, etc!

MrsWP · November 2011

My sister has a jeep jogging stroller and she loves it. She says it is seriously the easiest stroller she has ever pushed and it can literally take on any terrain, including amusment parks, fairs, or just bumpy gravel like parking lots. I guess that matters more if you live somewhere that you'll encounter a lot of those but I live in the country and not everything is paved around here so IMO I would rather have to lift something a little bulkier in and out of the car then having to push a stroller that doesn't move smoothly.

lovetohike · November 2011

I have been through lots of strollers with DS. In my garage I currently have a Maclaren Techno, An I'coo ( like Uppa baby), a BOB revololtion and a Joovy Ultralight Sit and Stand. I've had more but have donated the others. ANYWAY... I highly suggest a BOB Revolution with a car seat adaptor and the Maclaren.

One stroller that has peaked my interest is the Aprica Presto Flat.. it is an umbrella stroller that Graco craseats can click into with out any extra parts. Kinda cool. ( I went to push it at Buy Buy Baby)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MDLBBI/ref=asc_df_B004MDLBBI1792883?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B004MDLBBI

If I had to pick a travel system from BRU I would Pick the Chicco or the Maxi Cosi, I truly am not a fan of Graco systems. I do however really like their infant carriers. They are highly rated and great little seats. Strollers.. not so much.

meeko1985 · November 2011

My friend just had her baby on halloween, came over last night and were just raving about their chicco keyfit travel system. We will probably go with that one based on theri rec.

Under.the.Rose · November 2011

In my opinion, the best stroller/carseat combo is the Chicco Keyfit and the Baby Jogger City Mini. AMAZING. I miss my City Mini stroller SO much... but we sold it so we could get our double (Britax B-Ready) which is nice too but so much heavier, bulkier and more cumbersome to fold/carry.

Get the City Mini. You won't regret it!

lnh2008 · November 2011

I had a travel system with my son mostly because I was in love with the matching seat and stroller. It was too bulky. With my daughter I purchased the Baby Jogger City Mini and loved it!!! So light and easy push. I love that I could fold and lift it with one hand while holding her. My daughter will be 2 when this baby is born and I'm getting the City Select. You can try out more brands at buybuyBaby if you have one in your area.

okayestmom12 · November 2011

We're opting for the Britax B-Safe infant seat and the Britax B-Agile stroller, which work as a travel system but are so lightweight. And, the stroller is basically a carbon copy of the City Mini but with better features.

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