Just an endorsement for the Uppababy G-Luxe if a higher quality umbrella stroller fits your needs. Our current city isn't walkable so it works for us in stores, restaurants, etc, and it's great for travel (buy the bag if you travel by air often).
I like the uppababy g luxe too. It doesn't fold as easily as the city mini but it's really compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. I also have the Vista, which is really nice, but it's massive and the wheels get stuck on everything. I've definitely taken out a few doctor's office doors/ walls with that thing. The bassinet is heavenly though when they are babies. We nearly got the cameleon but stopped short when we realized it didn't covert it into a two seater.
That's why we got the donkey. Speaking of double conversions can I recommend against the orbit as a double! There was a lady at H's preschool doing drop off with the orbit double helix and she could barely push it, and she had to lean forward to even reach the handles because the bottom/second seat was in the way.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
@thaisac1 total personal preference! All seats are equally safe if they 1. Fit your child 2. Are installed properly 3. Are used properly
An infant seat is very convenient but a lot of moms say they just always wore their babies etc. you can't safely put an infant seat on the top part of a grocery cart, you have to put it inside the cart, and then there's not much room, so shopping is basically a PITA until LO can sit in the cart (or if you babywear which I do now but didn't yet in those early days).
We can start a car seat thread if you want. We can go over the different seats, laws, recommendations, and features. Car seats for the littles is a great resource but they are super intense. They basically judge anybody who doesn't rear face until 4, will slaughtered you if you suggest flying on an airplane without a carseat, etc. while I do personally plan to RF H until as close to 4 as possible, I understand and think it's fine not to (but I do eye roll/judge when babies are turned before 2). DH was a pilot and laughed when they gave their "science" about why you need to fly with a car seat. But other than that, they do have great information and I've leaned sooooo much.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
@thaisac1 total personal preference! All seats are equally safe if they
1. Fit your child
2. Are installed properly
3. Are used properly
An infant seat is very convenient but a lot of moms say they just always wore their babies etc. you can't safely put an infant seat on the top part of a grocery cart, you have to put it inside the cart, and then there's not much room, so shopping is basically a PITA until LO can sit in the cart (or if you babywear which I do now but didn't yet in those early days).
We can start a car seat thread if you want. We can go over the different seats, laws, recommendations, and features. Car seats for the littles is a great resource but they are super intense. They basically judge anybody who doesn't rear face until 4, will slaughtered you if you suggest flying on an airplane without a carseat, etc. while I do personally plan to RF H until as close to 4 as possible, I understand and think it's fine not to (but I do eye roll/judge when babies are turned before 2). DH was a pilot and laughed when they gave their "science" about why you need to fly with a car seat. But other than that, they do have great information and I've leaned sooooo much.
I'm surprised to hear that you disagree with babies in car seats on planes...can I ask why? From everything I have read, it's mainly in case of an accident on the jetway, or if there is turbulence during the flight.
I've also not seen anyone get grief over FF before 4 (as long as it's after age 2). I've only been following them for a few months, though, so maybe the tone has changed? I've learned a TON following their page.
DH said that runways accidents barely occur during take off or landing when they're going at that speed, that they usually will occur during taxi-ing when the plane is going super slow. Also planes will give you little Seatbelts to strap on to your own and then put around baby for take off, turbulence, and landing. At least in our experience! Basically DH said that if something were to actually happen that a car seat would be necessary, we'd all be screwed anyway. And runway accidents are sooooooo much rarer than car accidents. If they weren't, we'd have shoulder belts on planes and more than just "under the seat" for projectiles.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
DH said that runways accidents barely occur during take off or landing when they're going at that speed, that they usually will occur during taxi-ing when the plane is going super slow. Also planes will give you little Seatbelts to strap on to your own and then put around baby for take off, turbulence, and landing. At least in our experience! Basically DH said that if something were to actually happen that a car seat would be necessary, we'd all be screwed anyway. And runway accidents are sooooooo much rarer than car accidents. If they weren't, we'd have shoulder belts on planes and more than just "under the seat" for projectiles.
I have flown with my LO multiple times both as a lap baby and with a car seat and I have never been given a little seatbelt which straps to mine. I did babywear on the plane a few times, but I was under the impression that it wasn't really a "safe" choice to have a child strapped to an adult in the event of a crash...
DH said that runways accidents barely occur during take off or landing when they're going at that speed, that they usually will occur during taxi-ing when the plane is going super slow. Also planes will give you little Seatbelts to strap on to your own and then put around baby for take off, turbulence, and landing. At least in our experience! Basically DH said that if something were to actually happen that a car seat would be necessary, we'd all be screwed anyway. And runway accidents are sooooooo much rarer than car accidents. If they weren't, we'd have shoulder belts on planes and more than just "under the seat" for projectiles.
I have flown with my LO multiple times both as a lap baby and with a car seat and I have never been given a little seatbelt which straps to mine. I did babywear on the plane a few times, but I was under the impression that it wasn't really a "safe" choice to have a child strapped to an adult in the event of a crash...
I was under the same impression, though I have also worn my daughter, especially in really bad turbulence. Essentially in a crash, the child would just become an airbag for the adult....
On the stroller note, we have a BOB Revolution and totally plan on just upgrading to a dual. Love love love my BOB, but being able to run is an absolute must for us. The single is so super easy to push and steer (with the wheel unlocked).
BFP 5.21.12 ~~ Born 1.28.13 BFP 8.14.15 ~~ Due 4.22.16
I have narrowed down my choices to three options, Emmaljunga Duo Combi, Bugaboo Buffalo and Stokke Crusi. All three amazing strollers that come with a cot and a stroller seat for when baby grows older and can also come with a car seat that can be used in the stroller frame for easier transportation. Flexibility is important to me as I live in the city and I will be using public transportation a lot. So they all come with smaller front wheels for easier maneuvering. To be honest, the price is not important to me because the resale value is above 50% for these particular brands and I want my son to be the first to use the stroller. The design is also amazing and a huge plus size. Specially the Emmaljunga and the Stokke.
Only downside is the size of the strollers. Denmark is famous for its gigantic strollers as we let our kids nap in them outside until the age of three. My non-Danish husband thinks it's an extremely bizarre tradition to let a child sleep unsupervised in the garden but we all did :P I wanted to have my son to have all his naps in the stroller for more than a year but I'll rather focus on the flexibility of a combi stroller.
Here's the size difference between the Emmaljunga Duo Combi (light grey) and the Big Star Supreme, dunno if it shows.
I will most likely be buying the Emmaljunga though, haven't decided yet.
For those expecting baby #2, are you getting a double stroller or adding a stroller board to your current stroller? DS will be 3 when this one arrives and just wondering if I need a double stroller. He only uses the stroller now for theme parks/museums/zoo/etc. He prefers to walk/run around.
I have narrowed down my choices to three options, Emmaljunga Duo Combi, Bugaboo Buffalo and Stokke Crusi. All three amazing strollers that come with a cot and a stroller seat for when baby grows older and can also come with a car seat that can be used in the stroller frame for easier transportation. Flexibility is important to me as I live in the city and I will be using public transportation a lot. So they all come with smaller front wheels for easier maneuvering. To be honest, the price is not important to me because the resale value is above 50% for these particular brands and I want my son to be the first to use the stroller. The design is also amazing and a huge plus size. Specially the Emmaljunga and the Stokke.
Only downside is the size of the strollers. Denmark is famous for its gigantic strollers as we let our kids nap in them outside until the age of three. My non-Danish husband thinks it's an extremely bizarre tradition to let a child sleep unsupervised in the garden but we all did :P I wanted to have my son to have all his naps in the stroller for more than a year but I'll rather focus on the flexibility of a combi stroller.
Here's the size difference between the Emmaljunga Duo Combi (light grey) and the Big Star Supreme, dunno if it shows.
I will most likely be buying the Emmaljunga though, haven't decided yet.
Why not bugaboo donkey? I don't think it's much more expensive than the buffalo and if you have a second you can still use it.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
For those expecting baby #2, are you getting a double stroller or adding a stroller board to your current stroller? DS will be 3 when this one arrives and just wondering if I need a double stroller. He only uses the stroller now for theme parks/museums/zoo/etc. He prefers to walk/run around.
If you only use the stroller for theme parks I wouldn't get a double. If you do go to a theme park etc you can buy a double umbrella then or borrow one from a friend (or even rent one!). I wouldn't get a double and have it sit in your garage and not know if you'll even use it.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
Why not bugaboo donkey? I don't think it's much more expensive than the buffalo and if you have a second you can still use it.
It seems too big for me and I am not planning on having a second child any time soon, not within the next five years. The Stokke Crusi (which is my husbands favorite -I can't believe he finally has an opinion about strollers- loved it) can have an extra seat in case I change my mind and so does the Emmaljunga.
For those expecting baby #2, are you getting a double stroller or adding a stroller board to your current stroller? DS will be 3 when this one arrives and just wondering if I need a double stroller. He only uses the stroller now for theme parks/museums/zoo/etc. He prefers to walk/run around.
At this point, neither. DD and I both prefer the Ergo unless we're walking for groceries and I've never seen an in line double (side by side won't work with our house) with enough storage to make a grocery trip worth it. We'll take the single and have one in the carrier.
For those expecting baby #2, are you getting a double stroller or adding a stroller board to your current stroller? DS will be 3 when this one arrives and just wondering if I need a double stroller. He only uses the stroller now for theme parks/museums/zoo/etc. He prefers to walk/run around.
Im getting a stroller board. But also with the uppababy vista you can attach the car seat and the regular seat at the same time so I'll probably wind up doing that too. Or I might just say sod it and wear the baby and make DD1 walk everywhere lol
@DougalMcG unfortunately with both of my bugaboos the wheel board or the new wheel board with a little seat are the only options. I love that you can add a seat to the uppababy.
We will get a kickboard for our 4yo DD. She hasn't used a stroller much in the past year which has had meant some carrying on long walks. She's getting heavy so I look forward to being able to use that option. I don't like big gear so double strollers (irrationally) terrify me.
For those expecting baby #2, are you getting a double stroller or adding a stroller board to your current stroller? DS will be 3 when this one arrives and just wondering if I need a double stroller. He only uses the stroller now for theme parks/museums/zoo/etc. He prefers to walk/run around.
At this point, neither. DD and I both prefer the Ergo unless we're walking for groceries and I've never seen an in line double (side by side won't work with our house) with enough storage to make a grocery trip worth it. We'll take the single and have one in the carrier.
Contours optima (cheapest choice), city select, and uppababy vista all have a TON of storage and tandem double options. Like a TON of storage. Just in case you decide you do want a double.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
DD and the newbie will only be 19 months apart so we'll be getting the second seat for our city select. Sounds way better than stroller plus toddler wrangling when walking the dogs
My son - the hater of all baby equipment - pretty much refused to ride in strollers spare for immediate infancy, and then only when he was asleep. I'm hesitant to even get one (or a swing for that matter) this time around because I feel like we wasted so much money last time. Le sigh.. FX for less picky kiddos next time around.
For those expecting baby #2, are you getting a double stroller or adding a stroller board to your current stroller? DS will be 3 when this one arrives and just wondering if I need a double stroller. He only uses the stroller now for theme parks/museums/zoo/etc. He prefers to walk/run around.
At this point, neither. DD and I both prefer the Ergo unless we're walking for groceries and I've never seen an in line double (side by side won't work with our house) with enough storage to make a grocery trip worth it. We'll take the single and have one in the carrier.
Contours optima (cheapest choice), city select, and uppababy vista all have a TON of storage and tandem double options. Like a TON of storage. Just in case you decide you do want a double.
I still haven't had time to do my research on strollers, but now every time I travel I pay attention to what parents are carrying in the airport. LOL. This is something I didn't even notice before. When I was coming back from SF last week, I saw this couple with the Uppa Baby G-Luxe (and I only recognized the name based on this thread hehehe). It looked sleek and the father folded in a split second to get it through the X ray at security.
Amazing how our focus changes. I used to observe people's purses and shoes at airports, now I observe their strollers. LOL
Third time mom here. We had two under two and I loved my city mini double! It worked well for us for a long time and the fold was great for my car (I kept it in my trunk and still had plenty of room). I wanted to love my single stroller (Mia Moda Atmosferra) but forgot all about it once I got the double. I'm also glad I didn't spring for a crazy expensive 1st stroller since we were done using it for years when my second came along. I'll probably get a new city mini single this time. We also loved our First Years Ignite over a traditional umbrella stroller (even some of the pricey ones). It has higher handlebars, recline positions, goes up to 50 pounds, and was generally more sturdy than an umbrella at an inexpensive price.
My 2 cents: If you find a stroller you love, consider discontinued colors/patterns/previous year model to save money. I really liked albeebaby.com for this as well as their regular sales.
I still haven't had time to do my research on strollers, but now every time I travel I pay attention to what parents are carrying in the airport. LOL. This is something I didn't even notice before. When I was coming back from SF last week, I saw this couple with the Uppa Baby G-Luxe (and I only recognized the name based on this thread hehehe). It looked sleek and the father folded in a split second to get it through the X ray at security.
Amazing how our focus changes. I used to observe people's purses and shoes at airports, now I observe their strollers. LOL
OMG, you should have seen me at Disneyland when We were ttc and newly pregnant with DS. I was like a kid at Disneyland :-)
And my total unofficial observation is that the two most common strollers I saw (this was summer and fall of 2013) where the sit and stand stroller and the city select double.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
DH said that runways accidents barely occur during take off or landing when they're going at that speed, that they usually will occur during taxi-ing when the plane is going super slow. Also planes will give you little Seatbelts to strap on to your own and then put around baby for take off, turbulence, and landing. At least in our experience! Basically DH said that if something were to actually happen that a car seat would be necessary, we'd all be screwed anyway. And runway accidents are sooooooo much rarer than car accidents. If they weren't, we'd have shoulder belts on planes and more than just "under the seat" for projectiles.
After experiencing a bout of severe (actually severe, not just really bouncy) clear air turbulence a few years ago, there's no way I'd take a baby on a plane without a car seat. The plane took several drops straight down with no warning. Luggage bins falling open, flight attendants tossed up in the air, the whole deal. I don't even want to think about having an infant with me that wasn't fully secured during that.
We're in the suburbs with only the occasional venture into the city and a flight 3-4 times a year. So it's mostly a shopping and travel stroller.
We went with the Graco FastAction Sport travel system. As first-timers, we found it easy to open and close and like the navigability of the three-wheel design. It also stands up on its own when folded, and feels solid.
Given how we'll be using it, we also liked the price, which was just over $200.
I'm in Toronto and was having breakfast this morning when I noted the family next to my table had an awesome stroller. It looked pretty sleek and they could incline the stroller to see the baby or recline it back for the baby to sleep. It looked pretty awesome so I googled it and discovered it is $1300! Geez. https://well.ca/products/stokke-xplory-black-melange_104871.html?gclid=CPCemdDA3sgCFZKLaQodxuIP1w
@NachosandPeaches and other stroller experts, can you pls comment? This one doesn't look like it has a travel system… Does it? I don't mind paying more for something that is utterly amazing, and although I loved the look of this stroller I am not convinced the pricey tag is justifiable…? Opinions please.
thaisac1 Most of my mom friends told me the first time around that they hated their travel systems so we didn't buy one, and I'm SO glad we didn't go that route!
Personally we do NOT have $1300 to spend on a stroller, but I"m sure it's pretty awesome!
Amanda
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
thaisac1 Most of my mom friends told me the first time around that they hated their travel systems so we didn't buy one, and I'm SO glad we didn't go that route!
Personally we do NOT have $1300 to spend on a stroller, but I"m sure it's pretty awesome!
Also, if you want an easy way to snap the car seat in and out, get a snap and go (or similar brand compatible with your infant seat). That way you don't have to commit to the bulky awful travel system car seat in the long run. We used the City Mini with my son and loved it... it has a great recline (not quite flat, but pretty close), so my son started riding in it when he was only a few days old for walks around our neighborhood, etc. It was great! And then we got a used snap and go to use when I just wanted to run errands and pop his carseat into a stroller frame. We moved him out of the infant car seat around 10 months and at that point just used the City Mini all the time.
Amanda
******************************
Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
thaisac1 Most of my mom friends told me the first time around that they hated their travel systems so we didn't buy one, and I'm SO glad we didn't go that route!
Personally we do NOT have $1300 to spend on a stroller, but I"m sure it's pretty awesome!
Also, if you want an easy way to snap the car seat in and out, get a snap and go (or similar brand compatible with your infant seat). That way you don't have to commit to the bulky awful travel system car seat in the long run. We used the City Mini with my son and loved it... it has a great recline (not quite flat, but pretty close), so my son started riding in it when he was only a few days old for walks around our neighborhood, etc. It was great! And then we got a used snap and go to use when I just wanted to run errands and pop his carseat into a stroller frame. We moved him out of the infant car seat around 10 months and at that point just used the City Mini all the time.
That's good to know! Oh gosh, so much to learn! Can the snap and go be used with any stroller?
Also, why did your friends hate the travel system strollers?
Stokke is super popular in Europe. In my opinion the storage is a disgrace lol.
If you're interested in luxury strollers I would look at uppababy vista, bugaboo donkey, city select, and there's a brand new not yet released stroller called the austlen entourage. There are other nice luxury strollers but those are the ones that convert to doubles.
Is it worth the price? That depends on you! For me personally, yes. My stroller can have three kids on it (doubles mode plus a kid on wheel board), and can still be pushed with one hand. It looks sleek, has lots of things well thought out, etc etc. The stroller seat comes over and car seat snaps directly to the frame making it a snap and go (no bulky travel system). The seat can face parent or forward, has easy reclines, the handlebars telescope in and out for whoever is pushing, etc. these things are in no way necessary, but if you want luxury, it's hard to go back! Lol.
Side note: I believe stokke has a newer stroller model that can go into doubles and has more traditional storage space, but it doesn't look as sleek as the xplory (let's face it, it's a cool looking stroller).
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
@NachosAndPeaches I saw this earlier and wanted to ask for your opinion!
Do you live in a city or suburbs? Both. I live in a semi-city semi-burbs but I'm often in a city environment Do you have a lot of trunk space? I think so. Will you be taking it on public transportation? Usually drive but I would probably take it on the subway once a month or so. What is your budget? I'm not sure... mid-range would be best. I'm still navigating all the prices. Do you want more kids in the near ish future (some strollers convert to doubles) Yes. Do you want to run with it? Nope. How much storage space do you want? I'm not sure. I don't want sth with no space, but I don't intend to do all my grocery shopping with it. Functional amount of space? Sorry, can you tell I'm a FTM? Do you want built in accessories like parent cup holders and snack trays or are you willing to pay for these as extras? Built ins would be nice. I'd prefer an all inclusive price as long as it's practical and doesn't get in the way. Will you be going on daily walks outside or more using it at the mall etc. Both. Do you want a travel system, a detachable seat so you can snap the carseat in (with or without adaptors), or just a plain old no car seat option stroller? I am looking into the carseat travel system but it'll depend on the functionality of both options. Is how it "looks" important to you? Functionality and practicality matter more to me than looks.
Like NachosAndPeaches mentioned, Stokke is very popular in Europe, especially Scandinavia and the resale value is really high here, so the price is justified for me as I plan on selling it after using it. It's very sturdy and practical. I am falling more and more in love with the Stokke Crusi Duo and I am pretty sure hubby and I are getting it soon. 8->
@kimey1 sounds like you'd do well with a compact but sturdy stroller like the city mini or britax b agile. You can snap car seats into them with adaptors. They don't accommodate second seats, but for your current needs and budget I would look there.
The britax b ready and city select are two more options that are more expensive but still relatively reasonable, and accommodate a second seat. There is also a great Phil and teds stroller that accommodates a second seat and would be good in the city. My cousin lives in London and had it and loved it and they only use public transportation. But with the second child you lose storage space because the secon seat goes under it.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
Oh the mamas and papas armadillo is also avoid and sleek option (and relatively light!). Graco also makes the graco modes now which simulates the luxury stroller look with removable seat that can face back or forward and carseat attaches directly to frame.
First BFP 12/2012, MMC at 9 weeks
Second BFP 6/2013, resulted in DS, born 2/23/14 :-)
Third BFP 5/2015, natural MC at 6 weeks
Fourth BFP 8/2015, hoping for sticky little brother or sister to H!
Proud SAHM to our little monkey H.
Pro Vax, extended breasftfeeder, ring sling and stroller loving mama. I don't judge you unless you don't vaccinate!
Oh the mamas and papas armadillo is also avoid and sleek option (and relatively light!). Graco also makes the graco modes now which simulates the luxury stroller look with removable seat that can face back or forward and carseat attaches directly to frame.
I'm petite so light-weight options are important for me. The Britax B and City Select aren't too expensive, considering that they can accomodate a second child. I think these may be the strongest contenders. Thanks so much for the suggestions! Hope other city moms can benefit from our Q&A
In the meantime, I did find a negative post re: Graco Modes which might help city people like me. This sounds like a big no no for Manhattan!
"The base to FAR too wide to fit ANYWHERE! Going shopping, to a restaurant, etc is a huge ordeal. I'm running into everything, having to logistically move, taking up whole aisles. Sometimes, I can't even fit, so I have to bring a second person with me to watch the baby while I rush down aisles in the store. Just terrible! The lounging attachment is HUGE! When the attachment is connected to my stroller, it does not fit in my trunk, and my trunk is larger than most other cars. This also makes the thing very bulky and heavy. So, there is really nothing easy about this. I have to take it apart and re-attach it EVERY time I put it in and take it out. The two items together take up the entire trunk, with no room left. That's not convenient...Graco just added another step in my already long list of things to do when I take the baby out. I HATE this stroller with a passion. It's also pretty a pretty bumpy ride for my little guy." https://m.buybuybaby.com/m/product/graco-modes-sport-click-connect-travel-system-in-cedar/1042095552?skuId=42095552&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_strollers_&adpos=1o2&creative=48836675100&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CMyH8qb_3sgCFQ0XHwodJRADAw
Re: Stroller thread
1. Fit your child
2. Are installed properly
3. Are used properly
An infant seat is very convenient but a lot of moms say they just always wore their babies etc. you can't safely put an infant seat on the top part of a grocery cart, you have to put it inside the cart, and then there's not much room, so shopping is basically a PITA until LO can sit in the cart (or if you babywear which I do now but didn't yet in those early days).
We can start a car seat thread if you want. We can go over the different seats, laws, recommendations, and features. Car seats for the littles is a great resource but they are super intense. They basically judge anybody who doesn't rear face until 4, will slaughtered you if you suggest flying on an airplane without a carseat, etc. while I do personally plan to RF H until as close to 4 as possible, I understand and think it's fine not to (but I do eye roll/judge when babies are turned before 2). DH was a pilot and laughed when they gave their "science" about why you need to fly with a car seat. But other than that, they do have great information and I've leaned sooooo much.
I've also not seen anyone get grief over FF before 4 (as long as it's after age 2). I've only been following them for a few months, though, so maybe the tone has changed? I've learned a TON following their page.
I was under the same impression, though I have also worn my daughter, especially in really bad turbulence. Essentially in a crash, the child would just become an airbag for the adult.... On the stroller note, we have a BOB Revolution and totally plan on just upgrading to a dual. Love love love my BOB, but being able to run is an absolute must for us. The single is so super easy to push and steer (with the wheel unlocked).
BFP 8.14.15 ~~ Due 4.22.16
Only downside is the size of the strollers. Denmark is famous for its gigantic strollers as we let our kids nap in them outside until the age of three. My non-Danish husband thinks it's an extremely bizarre tradition to let a child sleep unsupervised in the garden but we all did :P I wanted to have my son to have all his naps in the stroller for more than a year but I'll rather focus on the flexibility of a combi stroller.
Here's the size difference between the Emmaljunga Duo Combi (light grey) and the Big Star Supreme, dunno if it shows.
I will most likely be buying the Emmaljunga though, haven't decided yet.
And my total unofficial observation is that the two most common strollers I saw (this was summer and fall of 2013) where the sit and stand stroller and the city select double.
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
Rhys - born 04.17.2013
Harry - born 04.18.2016
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Nov siggy challenge: animals eating Thanksgiving food
Rhys - born 04.17.2013
Harry - born 04.18.2016
If you're interested in luxury strollers I would look at uppababy vista, bugaboo donkey, city select, and there's a brand new not yet released stroller called the austlen entourage. There are other nice luxury strollers but those are the ones that convert to doubles.
Is it worth the price? That depends on you! For me personally, yes. My stroller can have three kids on it (doubles mode plus a kid on wheel board), and can still be pushed with one hand. It looks sleek, has lots of things well thought out, etc etc. The stroller seat comes over and car seat snaps directly to the frame making it a snap and go (no bulky travel system). The seat can face parent or forward, has easy reclines, the handlebars telescope in and out for whoever is pushing, etc. these things are in no way necessary, but if you want luxury, it's hard to go back! Lol.
Side note: I believe stokke has a newer stroller model that can go into doubles and has more traditional storage space, but it doesn't look as sleek as the xplory (let's face it, it's a cool looking stroller).
Do you live in a city or suburbs? Both. I live in a semi-city semi-burbs but I'm often in a city environment
Do you have a lot of trunk space? I think so.
Will you be taking it on public transportation? Usually drive but I would probably take it on the subway once a month or so.
What is your budget? I'm not sure... mid-range would be best. I'm still navigating all the prices.
Do you want more kids in the near ish future (some strollers convert to doubles) Yes.
Do you want to run with it? Nope.
How much storage space do you want? I'm not sure. I don't want sth with no space, but I don't intend to do all my grocery shopping with it. Functional amount of space? Sorry, can you tell I'm a FTM?
Do you want built in accessories like parent cup holders and snack trays or are you willing to pay for these as extras? Built ins would be nice. I'd prefer an all inclusive price as long as it's practical and doesn't get in the way.
Will you be going on daily walks outside or more using it at the mall etc. Both.
Do you want a travel system, a detachable seat so you can snap the carseat in (with or without adaptors), or just a plain old no car seat option stroller? I am looking into the carseat travel system but it'll depend on the functionality of both options.
Is how it "looks" important to you? Functionality and practicality matter more to me than looks.
8->
The britax b ready and city select are two more options that are more expensive but still relatively reasonable, and accommodate a second seat. There is also a great Phil and teds stroller that accommodates a second seat and would be good in the city. My cousin lives in London and had it and loved it and they only use public transportation. But with the second child you lose storage space because the secon seat goes under it.
In the meantime, I did find a negative post re: Graco Modes which might help city people like me. This sounds like a big no no for Manhattan!
"The base to FAR too wide to fit ANYWHERE! Going shopping, to a restaurant, etc is a huge ordeal. I'm running into everything, having to logistically move, taking up whole aisles. Sometimes, I can't even fit, so I have to bring a second person with me to watch the baby while I rush down aisles in the store. Just terrible!
The lounging attachment is HUGE! When the attachment is connected to my stroller, it does not fit in my trunk, and my trunk is larger than most other cars. This also makes the thing very bulky and heavy. So, there is really nothing easy about this. I have to take it apart and re-attach it EVERY time I put it in and take it out. The two items together take up the entire trunk, with no room left. That's not convenient...Graco just added another step in my already long list of things to do when I take the baby out.
I HATE this stroller with a passion. It's also pretty a pretty bumpy ride for my little guy."
https://m.buybuybaby.com/m/product/graco-modes-sport-click-connect-travel-system-in-cedar/1042095552?skuId=42095552&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand_strollers_&adpos=1o2&creative=48836675100&device=m&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CMyH8qb_3sgCFQ0XHwodJRADAw