Generally speaking for tight corners like that an umbrella is your best bet, but he city mini or b agile are pretty good too. If I have my stroller for tight corners I just leave it in my view and close and quickly do a circle around a clothing rack or something, make sense?
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!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I tested out the Nuna Mixx and Pipa (carseat) this weekend which I have had my eye on since before I was preggers. Love love love the stroller! It psuhes so nicely, had a great turn radius, folded so easilyand it was so easy to flip the seat to forward or rear facing. Also the basket is huge and the stroller overall didn't feel very heavy to me. Loved the carseat also and can't wait to get it! I was also considering the baby jogger city select because I like the tandem stroller option but I think I'm set on the Nuna.
Will you be taking it on public transportation? No
What is your budget? Preferably under $400, but if we have to save up or use gift cards, so be it.
Do you want more kids in the near ish future (some strollers convert to doubles) Yes - but if it was a cheaper stroller (i.e. the Chicco) we wouldn't worry about it.
Do you want to run with it? Yes, definitely; as soon as LO is old enough!
How much storage space do you want? Enough for a purse/diaper bag. I'm not planning to use it for all of my shopping storage but a little would be nice.
Do you want built in accessories like parent cup holders and snack trays or are you willing to pay for these as extras? They don't have to be built in, but I would like the option to add them.
Will you be going on daily walks outside or more using it at the mall etc. Yes, 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 would like to be able to snap a carseat in (we are planning on the Chicco Keyfit 30), but it doesn't necessarily need to come together. I want a stroller that we can use for both the infant and toddler stages.
Is how it "looks" important to you? Part of me says yes, but I am more focused on getting something that suits our needs well!
We were considering the Chicco Activ3 jogger, but now I'm second guessing myself...
@tbelom The Nuna Mixx and Pipa carseat combo looks really nice. I saw it for $800 - since we are thinking long term we are looking to invest. Have you found it for cheaper or with a discount somewhere?? Every penny counts.
Will you be taking it on public transportation? No
What is your budget? Preferably under $400, but if we have to save up or use gift cards, so be it.
Do you want more kids in the near ish future (some strollers convert to doubles) Yes - but if it was a cheaper stroller (i.e. the Chicco) we wouldn't worry about it.
Do you want to run with it? Yes, definitely; as soon as LO is old enough!
How much storage space do you want? Enough for a purse/diaper bag. I'm not planning to use it for all of my shopping storage but a little would be nice.
Do you want built in accessories like parent cup holders and snack trays or are you willing to pay for these as extras? They don't have to be built in, but I would like the option to add them.
Will you be going on daily walks outside or more using it at the mall etc. Yes, 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 would like to be able to snap a carseat in (we are planning on the Chicco Keyfit 30), but it doesn't necessarily need to come together. I want a stroller that we can use for both the infant and toddler stages.
Is how it "looks" important to you? Part of me says yes, but I am more focused on getting something that suits our needs well!
We were considering the Chicco Activ3 jogger, but now I'm second guessing myself...
*edited because I'm an aspiring perfectionist
Since you want to run with it I would get a good jogger. I don't run but I've heard over and over that people who got cheap joggers and then upgraded to better ones say they can never go back. It's important to make sure you get one with a front wheel that swivels so you can use it for walking as well. Good joggers with swivel wheels are bob revolution, valco trimode, baby jogger summit, and mountain buggy something. I've heard if you don't have much of a budget to go with Schwinn and not babytrend or graco (for joggers, these are fine regular strollers). A jogger is HUGE and heavy though (no avoiding it), so you may want to get a snap and go for your carseat for the beginning, and an umbrella for later on.
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 read that the push on the Austlen is terrrrrible. Kind of to be expected with something that can haul so much stuff, but a bit disappointing.
I finally had time to devote to this today, so in the morning I did all of my research and in the afternoon hubby and I went out to check out strollers (see, I'm such a good student! )
Even though the Stokke Xplory looks awesome, I do not think it is worth the extra price tag, especially when you have to purchase a bassinet separately. It also has very little storage, and it is gigantic when folded. So we nixed it.
We saw the Bugaboo and Citi strollers but the one that really impressed us was the Uppababy Vista. We are pretty much sold on it. Things we liked:
- Easy to operate, folds easily and into a manageable size;
- No need to take the seat out when folding;
- Baby can face parents or the other way;
- Fully reclinable;
- Enourmous storage bin;
- Comes with a newborn bassinet included (which is also approved for home sleeping, so we can buy the base and use as a home bassinet too);
- Maneuvers well;
- If we buy the Mesa carseat (which is awesome and we probably will buy it), it will plug into the stroller easily without the need for special adapters;
- Can accommodate a second child if we decide to have one in the future;
- If you register the product and the stroller gets ruined by an airline while traveling, Uppababy will replace it for you (this is big for us because we travel lots, and my husband's cousin had a bad experience with an airline ruining her stroller and they are not responsible for it…)
@thaisac1 the Mesa is pretty heavy. I would recommend the Nuna pipa (2.2 pounds lighter than the New lighter mesa). It snaps onto the vista using maxi cosi adaptors. It's also one of I think only two infant car seats sold in the US that has a load leg on the base and European belt path for seatbelt install (safer, but only approved in select seats in us). It doesn't have a no retread harness, but it's so easy to retread them for the infant seat since it's always coming out of the car. It also has a sun canopy that goes all the way to their feet! The Mesa is great too but 2.2 pounds is a lot more than you realize when you're lugging it around.
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!
I just wanted to throw this out there since I have a vista. I absolutely love it BUT I just tried to put my daughter in the seat for the first time in a few months...she outgrew it already! She's only just turned two (!) but she is pretty tall for her age at 36 inches. I tried her in my friend's city mini and she had loads of room so that might be something to consider if you are debating between the two. But I still love the vista. And thanks for the Nuna rec @NachosAndPeaches. We're trying to decide on a car seat now so that was helpful.
I just wanted to throw this out there since I have a vista. I absolutely love it BUT I just tried to put my daughter in the seat for the first time in a few months...she outgrew it already! She's only just turned two (!) but she is pretty tall for her age at 36 inches. I tried her in my friend's city mini and she had loads of room so that might be something to consider if you are debating between the two. But I still love the vista. And thanks for the Nuna rec @NachosAndPeaches. We're trying to decide on a car seat now so that was helpful.
Really? That is odd! One would think it would last them til they are way older!
I just wanted to throw this out there since I have a vista. I absolutely love it BUT I just tried to put my daughter in the seat for the first time in a few months...she outgrew it already! She's only just turned two (!) but she is pretty tall for her age at 36 inches. I tried her in my friend's city mini and she had loads of room so that might be something to consider if you are debating between the two. But I still love the vista. And thanks for the Nuna rec @NachosAndPeaches. We're trying to decide on a car seat now so that was helpful.
Really? That is odd! One would think it would last them til they are way older!
So did I. I definitely still prefer it over all the other strollers for when she was little (the bassinet is awesome and it's really nice to be able to flip the seat around), but now I think I prefer my friend's city mini because of the size of the seat and how easy it folds up. Also since you fly a lot it's probably worth noting that you can't check the vista at the gate on some airlines because of it's weight. I know you definitely can't on American. Anything over 20lbs has to be checked with your luggage which is really annoying.
Whoa really? We've checked our massive beast of a stroller on 6 flights with no issues ever! And it's 3 pieces!!
Nuna Pipa is a pricier option for a car seat but for that budget it's is amazing. If it's in your budget I seriously wouldn't even consider anything else (maybe cybex Anton but it's a bit heavier).
Do you mind posting a pic of your daughter in the vista? We have the bugaboo and I feel like the seat is even smaller than the vista but my friends almost 4 year old fit in 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!
Whoa really? We've checked our massive beast of a stroller on 6 flights with no issues ever! And it's 3 pieces!!
Nuna Pipa is a pricier option for a car seat but for that budget it's is amazing. If it's in your budget I seriously wouldn't even consider anything else (maybe cybex Anton but it's a bit heavier).
Do you mind posting a pic of your daughter in the vista? We have the bugaboo and I feel like the seat is even smaller than the vista but my friends almost 4 year old fit in it.
Yep I'll post a pic tomorrow. I'll see if I can get a pic in the city mini later this week so you have something to compare it to. But yeah, I would say her head is just about parallel with the top of the seat. I couldn't close the canopy without grazing the top of it.
And did you check your stroller on American?! I've never tried because I'm too afraid to chance it. Apparently they weigh it at check in
This thread is helpful, thank you! I'm trying to decide between the city mini gt and the vista. We live in LA and we plan to continue doing a lot of walking on pavement and dirt paths in our neighborhood. I know the city mini gt works fine on this slightly uneven terrain (per friends review), what do people think of the vista on pavement or dirt? I love the bigger basket underneath.
Hmmmmm I don't think American. But come to think of it it was 8 flights, and two were international. We never had an issue, not even a little, and I honestly didn't even check the rules. Let me check now and see if they are the same or different. It's rare for a stroller to be that light unless it's an umbrella!
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!
It's probably just my luck that the only two airlines we fly with (American and BA) are the only two airlines that have that policy. BA only has a size restriction though and I've never seen them enforce it, so I could probably get away with it there. But again. Too scared to chance it.
Yeah we flew BA with a huge toddler car seat and stroller and they didn't blink. They were strict in heathrow about the fact that I had to collapse the stroller way before boarding, which was ridiculous, so I had to carry a toddler car seat, stroller, and toddler! And nobody would help me! UGH worst airport ever, they scanned every single baby pouch and confiscated my desitin and infant Advil. DS had a 105 fever and was in the ER during our travels, they said baby medicine didn't apply to the more than x amount of ounces rules unless you had a prescription. I showed them the ER paperwork but they said there wasn't a prescription for it. Are you f-ing kidding me? Also a week after I traveled I heard they confiscated Alyssa Milanos breast milk because she wasn't traveling with a baby. Ummmmmm if she was traveling with a baby she wouldn't need to be bringing pumped milk back!!!! Ugh (did I say ugh enough?)
Edited for spelling/grammar
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!
Yeah we flew BA with a huge toddler car seat and stroller and they didn't blink. They were strict in heathrow about the fact that I had to collapse the stroller way before boarding, which was ridiculous, so I had to carry a toddler car seat, stroller, and toddler! And nobody would help me! UGH worst airport ever, they scanned every single baby pouch and confiscated my desiring and infant Advil (DS had a 105 fever and was in the ER during our travels, they said baby medicine didn't apply to the more than x amount of ounces rules unless you had a prescription. I showed them the ER paperwork but they said there wasn't a prescription for it. Are you f-ing kidding me? Also a week after I traveled I heard they confiscated Alyssa Milanos breast milk because she wasn't traveling with a baby. Ummmmmm if she was traveling with a baby she wouldn't need to be bringing pumped milk back!!!! Ugh (did I say ugh enough?)
Holy shit. I've always avoided Heathroww before and now I'll avoid it even more with baby coming. The horror stories from those around me continue.... No wonder it's rated one of the worst airports in the world.
I actually love heathrow, but yes they are super strict with baby stuff. They confiscated DD1s Benadryl and threw it away before I could give her any. That stuff is like liquid gold on the plane! I now just fill up loads of those little droppers with whatever I need for the flight and it goes right through. And food/ formula I used to buy at the Boots past security.
I think Heathrow has gotten better. It's an efficient airport. I remember years ago though, when you would come to board with your purse and a roller carry on-bag, and would be told in those pre-boarding lounges that you were only allowed ONE personal item, so we had to struggle to fit our purses inside an already full carry-on, it was a mess. At least they changed now and have the same allowance as any other airline/airport (1 purse + 1 carry on).
So, we went to Buy Buy Baby this weekend to work on our registry, and DH decided that he "needs" a stroller for off-road stuff. He fell in love with the bright yellow Mountain Buggy Terrain. Which is $500 and a 2015 model so odds are slim I'd be able to find it used >.< And also, not a fan of yellow. Sigh...
It is a really nice stroller. But we'd maybe need something off road a handful of times per year based on our current lifestyle.
I'm glad someone mentioned tandem stroller, I was able to find what I really want. Now to talk MH into getting it because while my 2 year old can walk just fine, that doesn't cover long periods and outside events and she walks slowwww. I want to get this or something like this.
Ok Vista vs g-luxe. The canopy is much higher on the g luxe which is why she has more room (seat size is about the same). The canopy on the vista can be moved up about an inch but the extra room is negligible due to the angle of the canopy, and it just slides down anyway when I put it in the car.
With all the vista talk I'll throw my two cents in. The rumble seat is smaller than the regular seat of converting into a double is something that you're considering/need. It's also in a fixed position which I personally wasn't a fan of. That is unless they changed things in the last year and a half. I was in love with the vista until I saw that in person.
With all the vista talk I'll throw my two cents in. The rumble seat is smaller than the regular seat of converting into a double is something that you're considering/need. It's also in a fixed position which I personally wasn't a fan of. That is unless they changed things in the last year and a half. I was in love with the vista until I saw that in person.
I'm not 100% but pretty sure they fixed that with the 2015 vista. I know you can do every configuration city select can now. I'm pretty sure the seat is the same size now too. But only for the newest model.
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!
Heathrow is nice once you get through security. And if you can get into the BA lounge you won't wanna leave. The food, the drinks, mmmmmmm. We flew in March and April with my then 13 month old and security with the baby was an absolute nightmare. Maybe they got the feedback lol
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!
Heathrow is nice once you get through security. And if you can get into the BA lounge you won't wanna leave. The food, the drinks, mmmmmmm. We flew in March and April with my then 13 month old and security with the baby was an absolute nightmare. Maybe they got the feedback lol
It's funny how we've had different experiences, I flew through Heathrow 4 times this summer and actually thought security was a breeze!!!! They take your pic with your boarding pass scan first and then the x ray line moved super quickly. Maybe I was lucky? I usually go to the air canada lounge or the other lounge that is not affiliated with a particular airline (forget the name now). Both were excellent. Haven't been to the BA one though as I fly air canada there.
Heathrow is nice once you get through security. And if you can get into the BA lounge you won't wanna leave. The food, the drinks, mmmmmmm. We flew in March and April with my then 13 month old and security with the baby was an absolute nightmare. Maybe they got the feedback lol
It's funny how we've had different experiences, I flew threw Heathrow 4 times this summer and actually thought security was a breeze!!!! They take your pic with your boarding pass scan first and then the x ray line moved super quickly. Maybe I was lucky? I usually go to the air canada lounge or the other lounge that is not affiliated with a particular airline (forget the name now). Both were excellent. Haven't been to the BA one though as I fly air canada there.
Maybe it was the baby thing? Or maybe by this summer they improved because it was a hot mess when we were there. So that's really good to hear!
Also super random non thread relevant tip but if anybody is flying to London from a closer location, city London airport is so quick and easy. My cousins live there and I flew there from Italy (DH was "deployed" to Italy and I visited for a month. @AmadorRose this was an actual deployment how amazing is that?). My cousin had never heard of this airport and since then he recommends it to EVERYONE. It's so fast and right in town.
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!
Heathrow is nice once you get through security. And if you can get into the BA lounge you won't wanna leave. The food, the drinks, mmmmmmm. We flew in March and April with my then 13 month old and security with the baby was an absolute nightmare. Maybe they got the feedback lol
Well they do have those buttons now where you can rate your experience going through security, so maybe they're getting the hint! And I swear I must be going to the wrong BA lounge at Heathrow, because every time we go the only food we're offered is cold sandwiches or tomato soup. Where are you getting these drinks and amazing food? Is there like a secret area that I'm missing?! Lol.
@sproketsandgadgets or nachos: if you just have the car seat attached to the Vista, do you have to use the rumble seat as the second seat? Or can you still use the regular seat with the car seat attached? I clearly didn't think this through when I got it.
@DougalMcG what are these buttons????? I wish I had this opportunity last April.
There were several BA lounges, I think you had to be flying business or be a like, frequent flier type member? There was a buffet with breakfast/lunch etc at the right time, and snacks and pastries in other areas, and a bar! All free. I didn't wanna leave the lounge haha.
What year vista do you have? With the 2015 you can basically do every configuration the city select can (I think except car seat on bottom and main seat on top?). The 2015 rumble seat is larger than the original rumble seat but still not as large as the toddler seat. How much does your toddler weigh? Would you be able to sell your vista and get a city select if toddler is too big?
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!
Re: Stroller thread
Nuna Pipa is a pricier option for a car seat but for that budget it's is amazing. If it's in your budget I seriously wouldn't even consider anything else (maybe cybex Anton but it's a bit heavier).
Do you mind posting a pic of your daughter in the vista? We have the bugaboo and I feel like the seat is even smaller than the vista but my friends almost 4 year old fit in it.
And did you check your stroller on American?! I've never tried because I'm too afraid to chance it. Apparently they weigh it at check in
Edited for spelling/grammar
It is a really nice stroller. But we'd maybe need something off road a handful of times per year based on our current lifestyle.
I'm glad someone mentioned tandem stroller, I was able to find what I really want. Now to talk MH into getting it because while my 2 year old can walk just fine, that doesn't cover long periods and outside events and she walks slowwww. I want to get this or something like this.
Graco Roomfor2 Classic Connect ™ Stand & Ride Stroller - Metropolis
It's a boy! Grow baby, grow! EDD: 4/22/2016
I usually go to the air canada lounge or the other lounge that is not affiliated with a particular airline (forget the name now). Both were excellent. Haven't been to the BA one though as I fly air canada there.
Also super random non thread relevant tip but if anybody is flying to London from a closer location, city London airport is so quick and easy. My cousins live there and I flew there from Italy (DH was "deployed" to Italy and I visited for a month. @AmadorRose this was an actual deployment how amazing is that?). My cousin had never heard of this airport and since then he recommends it to EVERYONE. It's so fast and right in town.
There were several BA lounges, I think you had to be flying business or be a like, frequent flier type member? There was a buffet with breakfast/lunch etc at the right time, and snacks and pastries in other areas, and a bar! All free. I didn't wanna leave the lounge haha.
What year vista do you have? With the 2015 you can basically do every configuration the city select can (I think except car seat on bottom and main seat on top?). The 2015 rumble seat is larger than the original rumble seat but still not as large as the toddler seat. How much does your toddler weigh? Would you be able to sell your vista and get a city select if toddler is too big?