Product spotlight: Strollers

galactickates · May 2018

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... Strollers!

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.

For S+TMs:

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice:
Favorite [stroller]:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
What you like about it:
What you don't like about it, if anything:
Is there a [stroller] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a [stroller] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [stroller]?:

For FTMs

[Stroller] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past Product Spotlights or view the upcoming schedule, see here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VpirQLqoWOgVefTUVQLuh0wcdlL3kKfjcp2_aaZd6Bk/edit#gid=0

(Also just a reminder that if anyone wants to revive old threads to ask questions as we get further along and it becomes more likely everyone is doing further research, please feel free!)

MrsHudson2014 · May 2018

I would just like to throw out the fact that I work for a large baby retailer and am happy to answer questions.

tosh24 · May 2018

Anyone have the bassinet attachment on their stroller? How did you like it? It looks like it would be useful for the early weeks/months but then again I'm thinking it might just be easier to move a sleeping baby from car to stroller asleep in the infant car seat. Is the bassinet most useful for walks outside then instead of long days out?

Kabazaba · May 2018

Second @tosh24 I want a stroller with a lay-flat/bassinet option, instead of car seat attachment. Is the UppaBaby Vista worth all those dang dollars? I have seen used ones for around $250, but even that is so expensive for a used stroller! Any others fitting this description that you STM+ like?

sweetyjenj · May 2018

@tosh24 I didn't get one that is bassinet style, but I did get a travel system so the infant carrier snapped right into the stroller. It was AMAZING and I wouldn't have wanted a bassinet style anyway after trying the travel system. My daughter spit up a TON in the early months and couldn't lay flat, anyway, or she'd choke. It was so convenient just moving the car seat into the stroller. I think the bassinet might be most helpful if you're planning to be out for hours and the baby will be in the stroller for long periods of time.

sweetyjenj · May 2018

STM here, and I'm curious if other ST+M's have a double stroller they love? I will need a double stroller now.

sweetyjenj · May 2018

For S+TMs: For S+TMs:

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice: quick/easy, jogging stroller, affordable
Favorite [stroller]: Graco ClickConnect travel system, we got the Mode Jogger (came with the infant carrier) and also the Graco Lite Rider ClickConnect to go with it, but it's very lightweight and easy to maneuver in stores/malls. The Lite Rider doesn't recline, though, fyi.
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): About $375 for the jogger travel system, and $65 for the lite rider
What you like about it: super easy to grab and go, open and close, and when she was using the infant carrier we just took the carrier from the car right to the stroller, then from the stroller to the car without needing to take her in/out.
What you don't like about it, if anything: We now need a double stroller, so I wish we got one that COULD eventually be turned from a single to a double
Additional thoughts on [stroller]?: Go to a store and ask for help (I seriously knew nothing about opening/closing them) and have them show you EVERYTHING about the strollers so you feel confident on your choice. I took them apart and open and closed them all at Babies R Us before knowing which I wanted.

catlady2015 · May 2018

Anyone use a car seat caddy for a stroller to start? E.g. Chicco Keyfit caddy or snap-n-go? Opinions on these?

sweetyjenj · May 2018

@catlady2015 I never would have thought of that. But it looks like caddy's are around $100, or $50 at Target I think I saw, but then then this stroller is all in one...stroller, car seat, and click connect so you can attach the car seat to it early on and it's less than $250 at Walmart. I got mine at Babies R Us and is slightly different looking, but basically the same thing. And I love mine.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Graco-FastAction-Fold-Jogger-Click-Connect-Travel-System-Jogging-Stroller-Gotham/47150384?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227034922409&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=76883102792&wl4=pla-149612466512&wl5=9019571&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=47150384&wl13=&veh=sem

ETA: forgot to add link

j19mama · May 2018

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice: Knowing that we wanted it to turn into a double for our second (which is now happening!), wanting it to be a travel system where I could click the infant seat into the frame and go, and having a lay-flat bassinet was a must.

Favorite [stroller]: Uppababy Vista (and Mesa infant seat)

Link/picture: https://uppababy.com/vista/overview/

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $1300ish with the infant seat.

What you like about it: EVERTHING! It’s so functional. I loved the lay-flat bassinet when my son was itty-bitty. Clicking the Mesa infant seat into the frame was handy and then at about 4 or 5 mos I bought an insert (made by ub) and move him to the toddler seat. I’ve since removed that insert since he’s a big guy now, but it’s still the stroller that’s in the back of my SUV everyday. I plan to buy the 2nd seat and use it as a double when #2 arrives.

What you don't like about it, if anything: Nada

Is there a [stroller] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I’d like a new umbrella stroller. I bought a Ub GLuxe in 2017 and I really don’t care for it. I know they did a redesign for the one they released this year, so I may look at that or the zen YOYO one? And we also have a single Bob Revolution Pro that I LOVE! I’m planning to hang onto that, but maybe buy a double version of it at some point, too.

Is there a [stroller] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: I bought a Nuns Ivvi before the Vista and ended up returning it before my son ever arrived. I don’t know what I was thinking and that thing was so clunky and sucked.

Additional thoughts on [stroller]?: Get a travel system! If you think it’s something you might use, spring for it! The Ub stuff is $$$ but I feel well worth the price.

drabong88 · May 2018

@catlady2015 I bought a Chico bravo stroller system where the infant seat clicks in but you can also use it as a regular stroller for when they were older. It was expensive (atleast to me ) but we had some awesome friends go in together and buy it for us so we were lucky.

j19mama · May 2018

drabong88 said:

@catlady2015 I bought a Chico bravo stroller system where the infant seat clicks in but you can also use it as a regular stroller for when they were older. It was expensive (atleast to me ) but we had some awesome friends go in together and buy it for us so we were lucky.

I have a few friends with this system and they love it, too!!

tosh24 · May 2018

Thanks @sweetyjenj. I used a travel system for both of my kids but I always felt bad for some reason that they were scrunched in a car seat while sleeping when I was walking around the mall and stuff. It was super convenient to not have to wake a sleeping baby when going from car to stroller/stroller to car though. The bassinet still intrigues me for walks outside and such when I don't necessarily need the car seat and baby is too small to sit in the stroller. Edit: words

catlady2015 · May 2018

thanks, guys! I'm just not sure how much I'll use a stroller the first few months, and they're definitely less expensive than your standard stroller. We're in the middle of buying a house and I'm trying to be judicious with the baby essentials I'm planning to purchase. Having a cheaper option that will still function would be ideal. If we get a lot of use out of it and baby likes stroller, I can get a standard stroller when the weather gets warmer.

A travel system is still an option - i guess I'll need to make a trip to buy buy baby to look at/try out particular strollers - if there's one I really like, I may need to try to budget for it sooner.

tosh24 · May 2018

@sweetyjenj How old is your other child currently, and do they still use a stroller religiously? My kids are a few years apart and I got a sit and stand instead of a double stroller. My DD was not too interested in sitting in a stroller by the time my DS was born. She liked having the option of either sitting on the bench or standing on the platform while I was pushing the stroller and getting on and off when she needed to. The only thing I didn't like about the sit and stand was that there wasn't a sun shade over the bench for the older child. I tried out the Joovy initially, but it didn't work with our infant car seat. I ended up going with the Babytrend and it was great for us. I'm sure other brands might have this capability, but you can also get the Babytrend in a double stroller that then converts to a sit and stand once the older child gets bigger.

emmaaa · May 2018

@tosh24 My SIL had one for her DD and did use it quite a bit for a month maybe but quickly realized the convenience of the infant carrier snapping into her stroller (which hers had both). I think she really liked it because my niece was born in August and the pram/bassinet was cooler than the bucket seat.

melly-melly · May 2018

I have the exact same travel system (Graco Modes Click Connect) as @sweetyjenj and I have absolutely loved it.
For me one of the best features was how lightweight the frame is. Once I’d have the car seat clicked back in the car I could easily collapse the frame and put it in the trunk with one hand. A real saviour when you rarely have two free hands.
My son also loved when he outgrew the infant car seat phase and moved into the next stage. The snack tray kept him happy and busy!

tosh24 · May 2018

Thanks for the input @emmaaa! Yeah, the convenience of the travel system is pretty great. I was hoping to use the bassinet on walks but I think I have a case of pregnancy brain since I live in Canada and won't be going on any walks in January LOL. I was envisioning walking my kids to and from school every day while I'm off on leave, but that won't happen until at least April/May and baby will be big enough to sit in the stroller at that point.

zamoraspin · May 2018

@j19mama How secure do you think the Uppababy stroller is? Like, is there any chance it could tip over? That is what I'm very paranoid about. I am interested in the Uppababy Mesa car seat so I'm wondering if the Uppababy system would be a good choice, but again, the paranoia of falling strollers, especially the ones with four wheels.

My niece's stroller tipped over (probably due to the fact my mom had the stroller and dog and the dog ended up tipping it over). I don't know exactly what stroller they have (I will try to find out) but my sister says it's a good quality jogger type.

I am interested in the Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller for its stability and low chemicals (I am not actually likely to jog but do like long walks). The only thing is it seems unsuitable for an infant and I'm not sure it has a way to adapt for an infant. Here is the Bumbleride, it's about $440.

emmaaa · May 2018

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice: We live down a long gravel driveway and like to take walks down the road. I sometimes like to run but usually just walk with the stroller.

Favorite [stroller]: We have the Graco Fast Action Fold Click Connect Jogging Stroller. We also have a basic umbrella stroller.
Link/picture: https://www.target.com/p/graco-174-fastaction-fold-jogger-click-connect-stroller/-/A-15093238?preselect=15089606#lnk=sametab

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Normal price is around $180 but it's on sale right now for $110

What you like about it: It is the same system as our infant car seat so when DD was still in that, I could snap her in really quickly. I like jogging strollers because of the tires mostly. They are bigger and you pump them up so it makes pushing them and turning so much easier IMO. It's easy to fold up and un fold (once you do it the first time lol). It came with a tray and cup holders which some brands you have to buy separately.

What you don't like about it, if anything: Only complaint was that when I used it out most (like if I was at the mall or something), I drove a small car and had to lay down half of the back seat to fit it in the car. No one ever road back there anyways so it was NBD but still a little bulky. Honestly though, the care was tiny (Ford Focus hatchback) so probably anything would've been too big. It fit in my SIL's Jeep Liberty fine and my MIL's Impala. So any full size sedan would probably have been fine. I have a minivan now so no worries on that front lol.

Is there a [stroller] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I need help from STM+...I really want a double stroller since DD will be a little over two when new baby is here. What are your fav double strollers and why? I think I prefer the ones that are front to back instead of side by side just for convenience. Idk.

Additional thoughts on [stroller]?: I can't get behind spending an insane amount of money on a stroller because other than walks at home (which my under $200 stroller did great with) and occasional use at the store, I don't use it enough to warrant some prices. Like, I know some people use it a lot more than I do but I also neever used it as much as I thought I might,.

olivemomma · May 2018

@catlady2015 I have the Chico keyfit seat and corresponding caddy - I absolutely love it. It’s so lightweight and easy to pop up or breakdown. You can even do it one handed which is huge. There is also a large storage basket, when DD was born I literally popped her in there and did all of my grocery shopping by just using the storage basket. A travel system in my opinion in key so you don’t have to take baby in and out of their car seat all of the time, especially once they are asleep. Also, I don’t know if I would splurge for a system with a lay down bassinet for outdoor walking unless I lived in a pretty warm part of the country - these are January babies after all! I would hate to make that investment and then have baby outgrown it by the time it’s warm enough to really use it.

Edited to say i also have a bob for when I couldn’t use my travel system anymore. That thing is a beast and a workhorse but a really great stroller that will last forever

jgil85 · May 2018

For S+TMs:

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice: I love running and walking around town all the town with baby.
Favorite [stroller]: Bob Revolution Flex
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $$$$
What you like about it: Its so easy to run with. It doesn't feel like you're pushing 50+ pounds. And it maneuvers so easily.
What you don't like about it, if anything: Sometimes I forget to lock the front wheel and baby and I have easily gone off our running path. Heavy and can be cumbersome to get in and out of car. You have to pay extra for every single accessory known to man. Also, it's a little bulky in some stores. When I was a few weeks postpartum, a very rude girl at Ulta made me feel like an a-hole because I was trying to shop while pushing the stroller and making it hard for others to get around me.
Is there a [stroller] you don't have but are considering? Why?: City Mini GT double. I've been considering a double Bob stroller but I don't think it's going to be as easy to stroll around town and through doorways.
Is there a [stroller] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [stroller]?: I also have an Uppababy GLuxe and I freaking LOVE it! I'm considering getting the double version because it's so amazing.

pttomato · May 2018

zamora_spin I have the Bumbleride Speed. You can buy car seat adapters or a bassinet for it to use for an infant. The seat on the Bumbleride Indie also folds completely flat. It's a good stroller, but I mostly just use it for jogging so part of me wishes I had gone with a cheaper one. I really liked that it is flame retardant-free though.

zamoraspin · May 2018

@pttomato That is very helpful. Do you prefer a different stroller for activities other than jogging then? In other words, do you have two strollers?

pttomato · May 2018

@zamora_spin It's my only stroller. It works well for times when I want a stroller, I'm just not much of a stroller person.

mrsmang · May 2018

Does anyone use public transportation a lot with their babies? We are looking into daycares near our offices, which would mean bringing baby on the metro system (DC) every morning and evening with us. Also means lots of stroller time for baby. How old are hey normally before you would take them out of a bassinet? Is that something I should seriously consider given the amount of time the baby will spend from about 3 months on in a stroller? Also worried about fitting in crowded train cars and walking on city streets. Any insight would be amazing!!

olivemomma · May 2018

@mrsmang we spent two months in a large South American city when my daughter was around 1 and I used public transit daily. I think size and weight are key, the smaller and lighter the better, especially if there are stairs or escalators you are going to have to deal with. I used an umbrella stroller but yours won’t be big enough for one of those for several months. Honestly, at the beginning, I would probably exclusively babywear. I think it will be a ton easier, keep your hands free, and keep baby super close so weird people on the transit train aren’t trying to touch or look at your baby. And the baby will probably be less fussy being close to you than b omg rocked around ina stroller.

dragonette505 · May 2018

Lord.. I wish I had the courage to think about a stroller! lol, but I do know most of what ppl talk about are stuff for suburbs... I found several places that will make suggestions for your own location (or at least in my city! (NYC)
@mrsmang I bet if you search best strollers for metro DC some kind ladies will have made a bunch of lists!
https://www.mommystroller.com/best-strollers-for-newborns/

mrsmang · May 2018

@dragonette505 I’ll check that out, thanks! Honestly, waitlists for daycare are 1 year + here so we had to think about that, and then that made me think about how to get the kid there. Definitely not going out and doing too much work on it yet! But that’s a great resource. I definitely have a lot to learn about where to look for this kind of info!

Kabazaba · May 2018

@mrsmang also dc area here and I’m already worried about daycare! Cannot believe the long waits at pretty generic places. If we have DH take kid to a daycare in the city, we’re planning on him using a carrier on metro instead of a stroller.

dragonette505 · May 2018

mrsmang no..i get it! Its not bad to plan... I just have suffered (TW) multiple mc's so it doesn't make sense for me to plan yet. The link I put in is for NYC (though I imagine there will be similarities) but I basically just googled best strollers nyc and clicked on the infant page.

KLS123 · May 2018

@j19mama I'm looking into the Uppababy Vista as well. Do you have any idea if you can still use it as a double stroller with a different brand carseat clicked in? I am interested in the Cybex Cloud Q carseat since it has the option to lay flat when not in the car (for exactly what @tosh24 was referring to with the baby being squished in the carseat for a while when out and about) and it's additional safety features but I would like to Uppababy Vista stroller for the versatility. I would LOVE to be able to go to a store and just play around with different travel system and carseat combos but I can't find one in my area that carries both Cybex and Uppababy...

Curious if anyone out there has that combo (Cybex Cloud Q with an Uppababy Vista)

sweetyjenj · May 2018

@tosh24 thanks for that info! DD is 15 months, she'll be 2 a few weeks after this baby is born, then because we live in Minnesota, she'll be even a few moment older than that by the time we use it. At what age do you think the standing/bench sitting is good for? I think that's a really good idea, and I'm thinking I could maybe get away with baby wearing initially for a few months. This sounds like a good option for when DD gets older. Maybe I can find a stroller that could have the option of adding a second seat OR standing

parentingishard · May 2018

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice: We are active and live in an urban area, so we use our stroller(s) a lot. I have 0 upper body strength so weight is crucial for me.
Favorite [stroller]: I'm a stroller junkie. We have a Cybex Priam, Baby Jogger Summit x3, and a Summer Infant 3D lite.
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Cybex $$$$, Baby Jogger $$$, 3D lite $
What you like about it: Cybex is a one-handed fold and extremely light. I have nothing negative to say about it. Baby Jogger is great for uneven surfaces and for exercising, but it's very heavy. It also has a one-handed fold. The 3D lite gets a lot of use and is the stroller we use for travel.
Additional thoughts on [stroller]?: Debating whether or not we should sell our strollers for a double, but I think I'll wait and see how it goes. DD is already fighting riding in the stroller most days and I'm a big baby-wearer in the early months so I'm thinking we can skip the double-stroller, but we will see.

mrsmang · May 2018

@Kabazaba I know, it’s insane!! We got on one wait list today that’s 10-14 months or something insane like that. That place is by our office. I’m finding a surprising lack of options in downtown dc. Then we have one hear our home we like that does enrollment almost like a semester basis so you just have to hurry and try to get in, no waitlist, which is scary too!! Good luck! The carrier is a great idea. That seems easier. If that’s the case a stroller becomes much less of a big deal maybe? But as a FTM I actually have no idea what I would use each for and how much, which makes it so scary to think how expensive some are!

beachmama14 · May 2018

@KLS123 looks like they are compatible since they sell an adapter for it! https://uppababy.com/product/maxi-cosi-infant-car-seat-adapter/

j19mama · May 2018

@zamora_spin - I think the likely hood of it tipping over with your child fastened in it properly is very very low. My DS is 18m and rowdy, and he’s never tipped it over.

@KLS123 - I know they have an adapter for it, but what you would need to make sure of is an extended adapter. In order to use it as a double with a toddler seat + a car seat/infant seat, it needs the extended arms. I would honestly call Uppababy and pick their brains, or go to BuyBuy Baby, because they sell both brands there. I would assume you could ask them to recreate that exact setup for you to see if it works.

AliKay20 · May 2018

mrsmang said:

Does anyone use public transportation a lot with their babies? We are looking into daycares near our offices, which would mean bringing baby on the metro system (DC) every morning and evening with us. Also means lots of stroller time for baby. How old are hey normally before you would take them out of a bassinet? Is that something I should seriously consider given the amount of time the baby will spend from about 3 months on in a stroller? Also worried about fitting in crowded train cars and walking on city streets. Any insight would be amazing!!

We lived in DC when we had DD up until she was 10 months old. We saw a lot of people with Baby Jogger City Mini and City Tour! Of course, there were a lot of Uppababy Vista and Cruz strollin’ around too but those would not be as lightweight and compact as the City Mini. I think Uppababy came out w their own compact version though recently. Good luck!

kaitlynmpereira · May 2018

We have the JJ Cole Broadway and we LOVED it! My daughters 2 and still uses and loves it. It's a seat that turns into a bassinet so we left as a bassinet for those first couple months then when she was old enough to sit we had it as a seat and when she fall asleep we'd just recline and convert to a bassinet. It was great for long days out. And it swivels to turn the seat(facing you or the world) definitely a less talked about brand that I think deserves to get a look. And the best part is the bassinet doesn't cost 200-250 extra like some of the other brands with bassinets we've looked at!

MeggieLynne · May 2018

@mrsmang look at mclarens. There are quite a few models. We have a quest. They’re British and from our research, pretty popular in England (lots of public transit) @tosh24 same recommendation for you. We’re in Canada too! And we walked a TON in January. In the malls.

Favorite [stroller]:

maclaren. Specifically the quest model but they have other nice ones too including doubles. Since we got ours, they now have a bassinet attachment that I want for baby 2. Not looking for a double. Little guy basically refused the stroller since he turned one because walking is much more fun. Like I’d get him in one at 3.5 (when baby arrives). He’s walked basically everywhere with us for the last heart and a half (sometimes we just push the empty stroller we foolishly brought).

Link/picture:

Maclaren.us

Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.

ours was around 500 (in Canada)

What you like about it:

you can seriously fold it with one hand. I have held my son (then around 6 months or less) in one arm and folded it with the other arm. It folds up small and light being an umbrella stroller, but can recline to flat enough for a newborn. It has a large “hood” that can zip open to even larger. Adjustable 5 point harness. Anti-pinch hinges. I can spin it around on the spot. Turn on a dime doesn’t even come close.

Additional thoughts on [stroller]?:

no way to attach a bucket seat, and we LOVE that. You’re not supposed to leave baby in them for longer than absolutely necessary because it increases SIDS risk and no more than an hour and a half maximum. We never even used one (we used a clek fllo with infant insert. The only choice is to put baby in and out each time. Never an issue. He learned to sleep through being moved and at two and a half I can still move him sleeping).

sweetyjenj · May 2018

I'm so excited!!!!

I told one of my sisters today, who has 2 kids and is done, that I'm pregnant. She offered to give me her like-new Uppababy double stroller (she paid $800) that she only really used for 2 summers (they winter in Hawaii and don't take it with them). This is such a relief!!! I love her stroller and want one myself, but couldn't justify the cost. I'll have it in my hands next week.

eta: wrong brand! She corrected me when I called her again to thank her lol

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