Let's Talk Strollers

annabenanna · April 2016

I started my research on strollers yesterday, and it felt like I was going down a rabbit hole. All that research and reading didn't help me feel any smarter about stroller choices and has left me more confused. Flip Flop friendly? WTF? Wheel sizes and single hand mechanisms....Travel system vs convertibles... I feel so lost. Do I have to be an engineer to understand this jargon?

Which strollers are you eyeing? Which one do you think you're gonna get? And for the BTDT moms, what features should we be REALLY looking for? Do cupholders really matter?

westcoastfoodie · April 2016

I felt the SAME WAY! Finally we just went to Buy Buy Baby and checked them out in person, which I recommend if you have one near you. There was a Stroller Specialist there who answered all of our questions and we had one picked out in no time. We went with the Graco Fast Action 2.0.

I'm a first time mom though, so I'm open to suggestions, thoughts and ideas from any one with more experience!

mrsman2018 · April 2016

It was very confusing for me too. After a lot of research, we are going with the Graco FastAction Fold Sport Click Connect Travel System.

blaf322 · April 2016

I'm a FTM, but I'll tell you about the things my friend has said to me about one of her strollers...The travel system (Graco Click Connect)- they loved this travel system and use it all the time, but have mentioned that the stroller is heavy so they typically used a different stroller when she needed to go somewhere on her own. One of their strollers (I can't remember if it's the running one or a different one) has a phone holder. They can't use that because all of their iPhones are too big for it but she uses the cup holder frequently.

If you haven't already, check out baby carriers. They're a good alternative to strollers when you're in places that are more crowded or if it's difficult to maneuver with a stroller.

LGW2015 · April 2016

We picked ours the other day! We used Lucie's List to help make our decision. We decided on the Chico Liteway Plus Stroller and the Chico Keyfit 30 infant car seat. We went with it because car seat snaps into the stroller, but you can also later use the stroller without the car seat for when they get bigger. And the stroller is lightweight so it won't be difficult to manage.

Chcaggie1 · April 2016

We have the Graco Fast Action Quick Connect Jogger travel system for DS. I was determined to have a jogging stroller so I could work out with lo. He is one now and we have never (not once) gone jogging. But we do take walks. We really like this one. I would say the cup holder and phone holder (for mom) are important and useful. Our stroller has a cupholder and tray for baby/toddler as well. Those cupholders are not as useful imo. A large storage compartment under the stroller is very useful as well.

PeggyOlsonFTW · April 2016

I love my BOB. We didn't get it til DS was about 7 months old, but it quickly became my favorite stroller and the only one I used. I had a snap n go and a Bugaboo Frog that I ended up selling.

The BOB is crazy easy to maneuver, it H's nice big wheels that can handle any kind of terrain and it's easy to fold and store. You can get a separate car seat adapter so that you can use it with a newborn. Just don't run with baby in it (even in the car seat) until it's 6-8 months old and has really good head/neck control.

The BOB is pricey, but the weight limit is 70lbs, so it lasts forever and is well worth the money. You can also find them used on Craigslist or Facebook yard sale sites. Usually they're still in pretty good condition.

rozANDbenSINCE2001 · April 2016

I did my fair share of research with my first. We ultimately chose the Contours Bliss convertible stroller and we love it, but I'll list pros and cons.

Pros:
-removable bassinet was awesome for taking baby on walks and she was very comfortable with all the extra room (instead of being tucked in an infant car seat)
-changing the stroller from car seat to bassinet to the sit up stroller is a breeze and it's nice to have baby forward or rear facing
-already comes with infant car seat adapter included
-wheels are large and smooth
-pretty large canopy protects baby from sun
-peekaboo window
-reclines all the way down for baby to nap
-adjustable handles which is great because I'm 5'3" but DH is 6'
-large storage bin
-pretty awesome customer service (when my wheels started squeaking, I sent a polite email and they quickly shipped replacement wheels and axle without needing any proof of purchase)

Cons:
-it's clunky--- you have to take off the bassinet if you want to fold it; folding it is one smooth motion, but it's a little bulkier once folded than some other strollers I've seen
-it's a little heavy. I don't actually think it's heavy at all, but my cousin who has the bugaboo claims mine is heavier
-the cup holder sucks. It fell off after a few months and never would click back on tight enough again (but you can always just buy a different cup holder)
-it doesn't come with a parent organizer (which I purchased separately as well)

Overall, I really loved my stroller and my DD always looked so comfy in it. It's around $399 so I would consider that mid-range. That being said, for double strollers, I'm not really considering the Contours brand because I heard its kind of long. I've been eyeballing the Joovy Ultralight Caboose with the optional second seat. I would actually recommend that if you know you're going to have another kid, maybe consider purchasing a convertible double stroller right off the bat. It seems like it would've saved me a great deal of money had I considered it before.

PS sorry for the novel! I really liked researching my baby gear, as you can see.
Eta: even more details

samkins · April 2016

I'm going to go with the Britax 35 travel system.

annabenanna · April 2016

Man, Graco is getting so much love! I have to add that to my list of strollers to check out!

@rozandbensince2001, I love the detailed pros and cons!

You need to be writing a blog with your reviews on baby stuff! Gonna add that Contours to my list!

@PeggyOlsonFTW, do you find the BOB big? Would you say it travels well?

I've been building a list of strollers to check out, but all the ones I want seem so pricey!

Nuna Mixx
Nuna Tavo
Phil & Ted's Smart Lux
Mountain Buggy Nano (this one is my top pick currently)

ETA: one more option on list

annabenanna · April 2016

@bnsmith85 , Yes... I started my research on carriers too... and while not as headache-inducing as strollers.... the many many many options also make my head spin.

freckledlemonade · April 2016

I agree with @Julia70286 if you have a Buy Buy Baby, they have a TON of stroller set up for you to test drive. You can read all the Amazon reviews and buy based on other people's opinions, but honestly, what's important to you may not matter to others and vice versa.

That being said, we have 2 stollers. Before we had dd, we bought the Uppababy Vista. I love it, and of course a big con is price, but that all depends on your budget. Another con: it's heavy!! Easy to fold, but those big tires bring a lot of weight. It can be a pain to haul into the trunk. Pros: It's super easy to maneuver, turns very easily (one-handed) compared to many other strollers I tried, and the amount of storage underneath has been awesome. I have a big purse + a big diaper bag, plus add in shopping bags, miscellaneous crap, and those underneath storage compartments fill up quick! It didn't come with a cup holder, which is irritating given the price, but we bought an attachment that fits all strollers and it's worked just fine. I do think most people want a cup holder, if not for a drink, then at least for your phone, keys, whatever. They really do come in handy. Also, LOVE that it can be turned forward facing or rear facing. There are several stroller brands that have that same option. Also loved that you could adjust the seat so easily, and all the way so baby can lay flat. The handlebar is adjustable too, handy for both my husband and I. I really loved the canopy, and a little net "window" area that I could leave open to see baby, or close (magnetic close) to keep the sun out. I'll likely use the Vista + baby carrier while baby is small, and re-evaluate once we're ready to put this next baby in a stroller. Not sure a double will be necessary as we rarely have dd now in a stroller unless it's a trip to the zoo or park.

I also have a BOB stroller because I had grand ideas to pick up running. I do use it to go to the park, and while it is a good stroller, I hate that the canopy is so dang low. It was already hitting dd in the head last summer before she even turned 2. And the under storage is a joke. I can't even fit little buckets in there for bringing to the park to play with sand. Maybe other models are different, but that alone would make me reconsider had I known before purchasing. It's really easy to fold, and easy to maneuver. Thinking of selling it to get a double BOB, but if the storage/canopy height is the same on both, I'm back to the drawing board. I'll be stalking this thread to see what others say!

edit: @PeggyOlsonFTW do you know if the canopy part on your BOB is adjustable? I haven't figured out a way to move it on mine, but if I can be done it'd be a lifesaver!
edit again: more details

BoyMom44 · April 2016

I have a baby jogger city select. I love love love it

blaf322 · April 2016

annabenanna said:

@bnsmith85 , Yes... I started my research on carriers too... and while not as headache-inducing as strollers.... the many many many options also make my head spin.

for that, I'd find a local BWI chapter near you. Many have lending libraries so you can see what works best once your LO is here and you can also just lurk on the page (I found one on FB) and see what others have and like.

I've used Tula and Kindercarry with my friend's LO and liked both more than the wraps and RS she has.

PeggyOlsonFTW · April 2016

@annabenanna I don't find it too big. It fits in my small SUV just fine. The front wheel comes off really easily for those with smaller cars. And I do think it travels well too.

@sidecarsareforbishes Do you mean the plastic part on top? The window thing? If so, you can pull the black straps on either side of it and velcro them to the back of the stroller. That lifts the plastic up off the kid's head.

mrskratt · April 2016

During the newborn phase, I love the click connect system. It was so easy to just pick up the car seat and snap it in. But after that, the Bob revolution all the way.

freckledlemonade · April 2016

@PeggyOlsonFTW yes, the top part...I'll have to take a look at that. If it's been that easy of a solution this whole time I'll smack myself. Thanks!

mizzkbrat · April 2016

glad I'm not the only one overwhelmed with strollers!!

jillianpardo · April 2016

Cup holders are very useful. I grabbed a hanging bag that has cup holders and extra storage to clip onto mine. I really really love strollers that have the ability to change from forward/rear facing. I prefer models that have an easy compatible system that automatically locks the infant seat into place vs those that use straps with a buckle. Graco has so many options when it comes to car seats/ strollers that are compatible with each other (without having to get a travel system). With my first I didn't want to have a several types of strollers to switch through. I opted for a jogger. It worked in most stores but it was rather large. I ended up getting an umbrella stroller once DD got a bit older. I finally got sick of taking up the entire aisle at stores. Haha. Buy buy baby and babies r us are great to test drive the stroller. Test all the features. Practice opening and closing it. Try out an infant seat in the stroller. I had to test fit my strollers in my trunk because it's so small. There were a few that I said no on before fit checking because they were so heavy/cumbersome. Bring whatever you plan to use as a diaper bag too. Test out the storage and make sure it's easy to get stuff in and out. Pay attention to the sunshades/canopies too. I have found some to be inadequate. It's nothing a nice linen blanket can't fix if the stroller is good on all other fronts. I don't have any specific suggestions on single seat strollers. I wasn't super thrilled with mine.

jillianpardo · April 2016

Also, you can find lots of reviews on YouTube. I cross checked my double stroller list with reviews. I ended up being very happy with my double stroller. Lots of review reading on amazon, retailer sites, etc.

UponAStar16 · April 2016

Definitely overwhelmed about this and car seats since there are so many, but I think it's just because it's hard to figure it out online and I need to check some out in person. Normally I would default to Graco (not sure why, maybe from those close to me who have had kids?), but I recently heard that the Chicco Bravo trio stroller system is pretty sweet. Still need to do a lot of test driving!

annabenanna · April 2016

Ladies, I was wondering about the whole "lay flat" technology. Are there studies saying babies benefit from laying completely flat and not in that C position? (like in a car seat)

annabenanna · April 2016

@Julia70286 and @sidecarsareforbishes the BuyBuyBaby closest to me is about 50 minutes away.

I guess we can go on a weekend and make a day out of it!

freckledlemonade · April 2016

@annabenanna I don't know anything about it being better for babies to lay flat (other than, I'm guessing more open airways and spine benefits?), but I just liked the lay flat option of the reclining stroller for when dd would fall asleep and I wouldn't have to worry about her slumping over. I could just recline her back, pull down the canopy/shade thing, and she could easily nap in there. But I also bought an adapter for my uppababy stoller to snap our chicco carseat, and loved that too. When they're tiny, it's so much easier to take them sleeping directly from the car and snap the carseat into the stroller and be on your way. It's a sad day when they outgrow the infant carseat.

ignoscemihi · April 2016

I agree with @PeggyOlsonFTW that the BoB is fantastic. My toddler and I walk almost everywhere (I hate driving) and the BoB works great on the uneven sidewalks in our neighborhood. It has really great shocks and a fantastic turning radius. It's big, which makes it a bit difficult to stow at the coffee shop or toy store, but it fits fine in the trunk of our Nissan Altima. The only thing I don't like about it is that the storage space is pretty small and not that easy to access. My diaper bag fits, but I can only get around two or three days worth of groceries under there. If the cost is a major turn-off, try getting one used. We found ours on Craigslist and it still works great.

kmvisioli · April 2016

I love my McLaren Triumph umbrella stroller, but couldn't use it until my son was about 6mos. Honestly it was usually more convenient to just wear him up until that point anyway (loved my baby k'tan, then the beco gemini). The mclaren is light, compact, fits easily in my trunk (vw jetta), and steers like a dream. The Bob is great if you live somewhere without a lot of sidewalks, but it is big and heavy, so I just keep mine at home for walking my sidewalk-less neighborhood. I bought both of my strollers secondhand, which I definitely recommend! A cupholder would be nice, but there are lots of attachment options available to add a parent console or cupholder, so that's not a dealbreaker.

gatorMom2014 · April 2016

Most important:

1. A big storage space underneath for all the crap you have to bring with you! Some strollers, including my Bob Recolution, won't fit my standard size diaper bag unless you really cram it in there. I also have an Uppababy Vista, and it has a huge storage compartment (my diaper bag and my 10 lb dog can comfortably fit in there together with room to spare!).

2) compatible with your infant car seat. it is so convenient to be able to move the baby around without getting him out of the car seat. And you will be surprised how heavy even the lightest car seat feels when the baby gets past 10 lbs.

edited to add-- I third the recommendation to purchase a Bob used. I got mine on a mommy list serv. Lots of people buy them with intentions to do some serious baby jogging, then barely use them.

rozANDbenSINCE2001 · April 2016

@annabenanna Thank you!! I just know it took me forever to find one I really liked so any info is probably helpful! One more to add, Contours is not blacked out of the 20% coupon buybuybaby gives out so that helped with the price a bit. It's still a pretty new stroller brand, though, so a lot of stores don't have it physically and we had to order ours online (but were told we could return it in store if we didn't end up liking it). Seems like a lot of good suggestions on here, though!

nlane0723 · April 2016

We are getting the Bugaboo Donkey, UppaBaby Vista, or CS. I had the Chicco that came with the travel system with DD and while it's a decent stroller, it is not perfect by any means. I'm a stroller snob now. Haha.

von1976 · April 2016

We chose the Graco Fast Action Fold Jogger. I only wanted one stroller, so this one made sense. It's pretty lightweight (for a jogger anyway), and it'll meet all our needs. I like that it folds with one hand and stands on its own when folded.

FemShep · April 2016

You need to look at how you're going to use the stroller. Are you in an urban area where you need a small, nimble stroller that you can easily lug up and down stairs? Are you throwing it into a trunk and taking it to a mall (so you're going on smooth surfaces and don't need the big, cushy wheels and super tight turn radius)? Are you going off-road on uneven streets?

We got an Uppababy Vista for DD2 and adore it; we'll re-use it for this LO. Love the bassinet feature, which doubled as a safe, easy place to set baby when she was small. Super maneuverable. The big wheels worked really well on the uneven streets around our house. We also traveled with it quite a bit and it was great at the beach and at Disney World. LOVED that you could switch the seat from backwards to forwards facing, and so did DD. We also bought an add-on cup holder and that was fine. We found the UV much easier to fold than the Bugaboos.

PeggyOlsonFTW · April 2016

Re: BOB strollers, diaper bags and storage: I just hang my diaper bag off the handlebar if I'm walking. If I'm out for a run with DS, this comes with us along with a few snacks. No major storage needed for me.

katlarissa · April 2016

We got a fairly basic Graco because of the click n connect system, and I loved the convenience of being able to snap the car seat in without waking him when my son was an infant. I will say that we were not looking for a jogging stroller or rough terrain stroller, so if that's what your lifestyle requires, you should probably look beyond Graco. I wanted something that would fold and unfold super easily and yet be durable and not flimsy. We also wanted to spend less than $200. (I think we paid $150 for ours.)
Ours has held up well, but now we will be needing a double stroller, and DANG those things are expensive.

Piperella · April 2016

I have done a lot of research using Lucie's List and BabyGearLab (with a side of Amazon reviews). I just became too overwhelmed and didn't want to buy a stroller based on the first six months (travel system). I bought a VGUC Chicco KeyFit carseat, two car seat bases, and the KeyFit Caddy Stroller off of Craigslist to use the first six months. I'm planning to get a real stroller that will no be used with a car seat, but haven't made a final decision. Wasn't too impressed by reviews and the look of Graco models. I like the Chicco Liteway Stroller so far, as it is very decent in price and reviews. I also interviewed and have stalked some parents at WDW, BRU, and other stores where I see strollers, and have heard great things about the Baby Jogger City Select as it has the ability to carry two kids in it (if we are able to go for a second child) and is very easy to use.

wine_mama16 · April 2016

I'm a FTM and have been looking into a lot of strollers and reading many reviews. We plan on getting the Uppababy Vista, It comes with a bassinet attachment, which is something I really want in a stroller. I also love that the seat can either face me or out. The weight limit is 50lbs so I am hoping it will last a while. We plan on getting the Uppababy carseat which clicks right into the stroller and the shopping basket on the bottom is huge which is a plus. I also read many reviews saying it is a walking friendly stroller and easy to maneuver, which is good for me because I love to go on walks.

nsquaredlife13 · April 2016

I have the Bugaboo Cameleon3 and love it. I also have the City Mini, which is an excellent lightweight full size stroller. We use the CM for traveling and the Cameleon everywhere else. The Cameleon is pretty heavy in both weight and price but if you can swing it, it's an incredible stroller. We used the bassinet all the time when DS was brand new, and I love that he can face me or face outward.

Of course, if we were thinking we would've bought the Donkey instead because now we need to figure out a double stroller. I will probably end up selling my Cameleon and then take the money and put it towards the Donkey unless I find something else I like. Well also probably get a double city mini.

LizaKate1213 · April 2016

We love our City Mini. It is an older version and I might choose to upgrade for 2 reasons: adjustable handlebar and more accessible under basket storage in the newer model. It is so smooth and I love the large umbrella top in case of rain. DS is 5 and still fits comfortably in it. There is a car seat adaptor attachment that we will purchase too. Originally we had a Graco SnugRide infant seat and stroller system but that stroller was bulky and really difficult to maneuver. The City Select is lightweight but full sized and has a one-hand fold which is amazing.

BebeCash · April 2016

When I was pregnant last year, I did an embarrassing amount of stroller research. I finally settled on what became my dream stroller, the Nuna Mixx. While pretty pricey, it surpassed all the luxury brands in necessary features and still came in well below the cost of its direct competitors. We received the stroller from a generous aunt. It's beautiful and even better than anticipated.

We live in a very walkable neighborhood of San Diego and so a dependable and versatile stroller with a HUGE storage basket is a must.

Unfortunately, we lost our baby last year when my water inexplicably broke 2 days shy of my 24th week. Now, I'm pregnant with TWINS. While blessed with the hope of two babies this time, I'm back at square one in the stroller research department. The Mixx doesn't have any adaptation for 2 kiddos. Le sigh.

But seriously, you singleton mamas ought to check out that Nuna Mixx. You'll certainly have my envy. Heck, I might just keep mine. Wear one kid and put the other on wheels.

llsarmy · April 2016

With my first 2 kids I had a graco travel system, it did us well but after two kids it literally fell to pieces. So with my last I did the britax b-agile and ended up also getting the double b-agile. I love love love this stroller it is so easy to steer (even the double) and folds so compact.
Just wanted to add I have also owned a graco double, a sit and stand and a cheapie umbrella stroller. But I've gotten rid of all those due to bulky ness and hard to maneuver.

emmaaa · April 2016

I went to Target with my mom one day and tried out all of their strollers. My main criteria was that I could fold it easily and lift it myself. The one I liked the best was the Eddie Bauer Travel system. I haven't seen anyone mention that one, any experience?

annabenanna · April 2016

BebeCash said:

When I was pregnant last year, I did an embarrassing amount of stroller research. I finally settled on what became my dream stroller, the Nuna Mixx. While pretty pricey, it surpassed all the luxury brands in necessary features and still came in well below the cost of its direct competitors. We received the stroller from a generous aunt. It's beautiful and even better than anticipated.

We live in a very walkable neighborhood of San Diego and so a dependable and versatile stroller with a HUGE storage basket is a must.

Unfortunately, we lost our baby last year when my water inexplicably broke 2 days shy of my 24th week. Now, I'm pregnant with TWINS. While blessed with the hope of two babies this time, I'm back at square one in the stroller research department. The Mixx doesn't have any adaptation for 2 kiddos. Le sigh.

But seriously, you singleton mamas ought to check out that Nuna Mixx. You'll certainly have my envy. Heck, I might just keep mine. Wear one kid and put the other on wheels.

@BebeCash did you say San Diego? I'm so happy! I thought I'd never find another SD mama on this BMB! And yes, the Nuna Mixx (and the Nuna Tavo too) is on my list actually.

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