a light all terrain stroller that folds small?

ateach · June 2012

I have seen recs on here for all terrain strollers, but my needs are a little more specific, so I thought it may be worth asking.

We live overseas (in a third world country) so we will need a stroller that can handle unpredictable roads/ sidewalks/ huge curbs/ gravel/ dirt, etc. We don't need it for jogging. We also travel a ton and are in and out of small taxis all the time so we need it to be easy to fold and a small enough fold for pretty small trunks. I would also prefer a stroller that reclines flat or has a carrycot option for a newborn since a carseat is not always an option for us.

If we are going to spend a ton, it would be nice to have the option to add a second seat eventually, but this isn't a requirement, especially if the price is right. We'll be getting the stroller in the US.

Thanks!

HeyJune · June 2012

Unfortunately, what makes a stroller all terrain (good shocks, large air filled wheels, etc.) is also what makes it bulkier and heavier than a compact stroller. I haven't seen a stroller that fits your exact description. For a compact fold, I would normally say an umbrella stroller or City Mini, but those might be dangerous depending on just how rough the terrain is. The new City Mini GT is the only stroller I know of that has both a fast/compact fold and all terrain wheels. I haven't tried the shocks to see how good they are, but I know it only has front wheel suspension and no rear wheel suspension. https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-Single-Stroller-Shadow/dp/B006QH45BG

Have you considered wearing your baby in a carrier like the Ergo? That seems like the safest option if you'll be on really rough terrain during the first year, and it wouldn't limit your ability to get in an out of small taxis. You could also just see what other moms in your area use to get some ideas.

If you are most often on very rough terrain, another option might be to get a regular all terrain stroller to use when you know you won't be traveling in public transit. We have the Joovy Zoom 360 and love how it glides over rocky or rough areas, but it certainly isn't compact or lightweight.

gimmietimmies · June 2012

Phil and Ted's Classic. I have a Sport, and it just fits in the trunk of our Mini. Lays flat, has the cocoon carry cot, option for a second seat, and really does well with a lot of abuse. The second seat can be ordered at anytime, and they haven't messed too much with how they attach, so even if my sport was purchased in 2008, I can still order the second seat. Their customer service is excellent.

I would consider either purchasing a replacement set of tubes and tires before you go. Like most all terrains, replacements are relatively inexpensive, and can often be replaced with non brand tubes and tires. But if you're going to be in a third world country, that tire size might be harder to find, and shipping might be pricey. Get them before you go. Having said that, ours has a ton of use, and I've not replaced tubes or tires, just had to add air (get a travel bike pump, they're tiny).

Oh, and it's not jogger.

ateach · June 2012

Thanks to both of you. Yes, I do plan to use the Ergo a lot, but sometimes it is just nicer to have a stroller and be able to put baby down sometimes- especially when it is super hot (which it always is). A lot of moms have a couple strollers and we will plan on having a car, so I will probably get an umbrella stroller, too that is easy to transport.

I've been looking a lot at the Phil and Ted's. They do seem to have a pretty compact fold and most of the features I would want. Thanks!