Strollers, strollers, strollers, so confusing

divalicioust · Jul 18th, 2008, 04:34 PM

Ok, at first I was sure I wanted a travel system until my friend and I were in Babie’s R’ Us and I saw how huge and bulky they are, no thanks, I really can't manage those huge strollers and my trunk isn't big enough.

So, I’m thinking about getting the Graco Snug Fit Ride frame and then buying the car seat. I test drove one in the store and loved it. I know that will last a few months and then the baby will outgrow it.

When does a baby graduate to the lightweight or umbrella stroller? I am so confused about all the choices.

*Diamondgirl* · Jul 18th, 2008, 05:03 PM

Great question!
I'm in the same situation as you...very confused!!

There are just way too many products out there. I hope someone can simplify this.
I'm also hoping to get pregnant soon after my first...then do you need a double stroller??!

ilovepinkhearts · Jul 18th, 2008, 06:14 PM

my one suggestion is that you get one that when it folds the handle stays on the top [if that makes sense] it makes it so much easier to get it in and out of the car. i really like the strollers that have the infant seats with them. and after they out grow the infant seat they are big enough to sit in the stroller. and most strollers are good for up to 35-40 lbs [i think]. i still use mine for my 3 yr old when we go to the mall or some place that doesn't have shopping carts.

emmalawyer · Jul 18th, 2008, 07:20 PM

I'm pretty sure you can start using an umbrella stroller at about 6 months...

Although I eventually went with the bugaboo brand for the single strollers (despite not being a fan of the look) I think mutsy is another brand that's worth considering. My third for singles is Zooper. Our double stroller is a zooper tango and I love it!

everything posh · Jul 18th, 2008, 07:34 PM

I think 6 months is a good age to move to a lightweight or umbrella stroller. I have the Silver Cross POP and it's GREAT. It reclines almost completely flat which is such a plus! Many of the umbrella strollers don't recline at all and if your child is sleeping his/her head will be hanging and falling forward. My daughter HATED THESE. I also have the Silver Cross S4 which is a 3 wheel stroller very very easy to maneuver and baby loves it. This one can be used from new born. There are TONS of choices I know! Good luck and keep us posted!

juicy couture jen · Jul 18th, 2008, 10:32 PM

We have a Graco Snugride Frame too, and we're still using it! DS is almost 11 months old. I think its most handy because you don't have to unstrap your baby and put him in a separate carseat. All you have to do is take the seat out of the frame and snap it into the base in the car. I definitely recommend this one!

And for the days we don't use the car we have also purchased the Maclaren Triumph stroller. Its like an umbrella stroller but I think more sturdier built for pushing on uneven pavement. Hope this helps!

Mrs. MC · Jul 18th, 2008, 10:55 PM

I would get the frame type snap in system for the carseat, If you are tall MAclaren makes one for tall people. Then I would get a lightweight sturdy umbrella stroller that reclines for travel and the mall and inside places like a Maclaren triumph or Quest, and I would also get one for long walks that is easy to manuever and has big sturdy real tires like a jogger that can also recline.

divalicioust · Jul 19th, 2008, 12:41 AM

Thank you everyone for your input.

USCgerl · Jul 20th, 2008, 12:06 PM

Wow, I just read the reviews for this on babies 'r' us and everyone gives it 4 to 5 stars! I too thought a travel system was the best option, but I like this better.

Bride2B · Jul 20th, 2008, 06:28 PM

I've heard great things about the UppaBaby Vista - plus it comes with a bassinet.
A lower piced alternative to the Buggaboo - but looks just as cool!

kimberf · Jul 20th, 2008, 07:08 PM

^^ The UppaBaby Vista is HEAVY. It is super-cool, but if part of what you're after is a stroller you can just whip in and out of the car, it's a tough one for that. The Quinny Buzz is also on the heavy side. My friend uses the Snap & Go type setup and it's working really well for her; her baby is a little over 4 months. There are a couple of umbrella strollers that recline totally flat, or close to it, so you can use them right away, but it's really handy to just keep the baby in the car seat.

It's amazing how difficult the stroller decision is. I stressed about that more than any other baby item. My one piece of advice is to just worry about the starter stroller for now. I got the Orbit Travel System for regular use (which I love, btw -- it's very easy to get the base in the trunk, he loves the seat, and the seat is simple to use in the car), partly because it meant I didn't have to think about a car seat also. But I also registered for the Inglesina Zippy as my umbrella stroller, and now I feel really bad that my co-workers got it for me. I've used it once, which was only for show, since I was taking the baby into the office to show him off. I would totally have preferred to use the Orbit. Just get ONE to start with, try that out, and then worry about what to do next, since you'll learn a lot more about your preferences once you're actually actively using the stroller regularly.

Jerevka · Jul 21st, 2008, 09:43 AM

I have a Bugaboo Cameleon and can say that I just ADOOOORE this stroller!! It's the most convinient stroller ever!!! Soooo pleased of having it! This spring I had an opportunity to test several others (Jane and Graco) and was really disappointed!

But it's because I have my perfect Pink baby

I'm planning to leave my daughter in it till she's 3, or something like that)))

lanasyogamama · Jul 21st, 2008, 11:38 AM

I didn't get a snap and go, but wish I had. Once the baby is sitting up, you can use the umbrella stroller. I use a Maclaren umbrella for city/mall use, and a big jogger type thing when we go for long walks. Your decision depends on your lifestyle too. The book "Baby Bargains" has a great section on this.

Jul 18th, 2008, 04:34 PM	#1
divalicioust Hello Kitty Princess Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,003	Strollers, strollers, strollers, so confusing Ok, at first I was sure I wanted a travel system until my friend and I were in Babie’s R’ Us and I saw how huge and bulky they are, no thanks, I really can't manage those huge strollers and my trunk isn't big enough. So, I’m thinking about getting the Graco Snug Fit Ride frame and then buying the car seat. I test drove one in the store and loved it. I know that will last a few months and then the baby will outgrow it. When does a baby graduate to the lightweight or umbrella stroller? I am so confused about all the choices. __________________

Jul 18th, 2008, 06:14 PM	#3
ilovepinkhearts hi, i'm danielle Joined: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,140	my one suggestion is that you get one that when it folds the handle stays on the top [if that makes sense] it makes it so much easier to get it in and out of the car. i really like the strollers that have the infant seats with them. and after they out grow the infant seat they are big enough to sit in the stroller. and most strollers are good for up to 35-40 lbs [i think]. i still use mine for my 3 yr old when we go to the mall or some place that doesn't have shopping carts. __________________ -=- a new lil bundle of joy is on the way -=-

Jul 18th, 2008, 07:20 PM	#4
emmalawyer BLITHERING FOOL Joined: Oct 2006 Location: with the teething twins! Posts: 788	I'm pretty sure you can start using an umbrella stroller at about 6 months... Although I eventually went with the bugaboo brand for the single strollers (despite not being a fan of the look) I think mutsy is another brand that's worth considering. My third for singles is Zooper. Our double stroller is a zooper tango and I love it! __________________ signature too large “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” --Dr. Seuss ( lil Bitsy's favorite bedtime reading)

Jul 18th, 2008, 07:34 PM	#5
everything posh Member Joined: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago, Athens, London, San Jose!! Posts: 644	I think 6 months is a good age to move to a lightweight or umbrella stroller. I have the Silver Cross POP and it's GREAT. It reclines almost completely flat which is such a plus! Many of the umbrella strollers don't recline at all and if your child is sleeping his/her head will be hanging and falling forward. My daughter HATED THESE. I also have the Silver Cross S4 which is a 3 wheel stroller very very easy to maneuver and baby loves it. This one can be used from new born. There are TONS of choices I know! Good luck and keep us posted! __________________

Jul 18th, 2008, 10:32 PM	#6
juicy couture jen Sale Hunter Joined: May 2006 Location: US Posts: 4,374	We have a Graco Snugride Frame too, and we're still using it! DS is almost 11 months old. I think its most handy because you don't have to unstrap your baby and put him in a separate carseat. All you have to do is take the seat out of the frame and snap it into the base in the car. I definitely recommend this one! And for the days we don't use the car we have also purchased the Maclaren Triumph stroller. Its like an umbrella stroller but I think more sturdier built for pushing on uneven pavement. Hope this helps! __________________

Jul 18th, 2008, 05:03 PM	#2
Diamondgirl Member Joined: Jan 2008 Location: MA Posts: 37	Great question! I'm in the same situation as you...very confused!! There are just way too many products out there. I hope someone can simplify this. I'm also hoping to get pregnant soon after my first...then do you need a double stroller??!

Jul 18th, 2008, 10:55 PM	#7
Mrs. MC Member Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,774	I would get the frame type snap in system for the carseat, If you are tall MAclaren makes one for tall people. Then I would get a lightweight sturdy umbrella stroller that reclines for travel and the mall and inside places like a Maclaren triumph or Quest, and I would also get one for long walks that is easy to manuever and has big sturdy real tires like a jogger that can also recline. __________________

Jul 19th, 2008, 12:41 AM	#8
divalicioust Hello Kitty Princess Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,003	Thank you everyone for your input. __________________

Jul 20th, 2008, 12:06 PM	#9
USCgerl Member Joined: Nov 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 916	Wow, I just read the reviews for this on babies 'r' us and everyone gives it 4 to 5 stars! I too thought a travel system was the best option, but I like this better. __________________

Jul 20th, 2008, 06:28 PM	#10
Bride2B Member Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 240	I've heard great things about the UppaBaby Vista - plus it comes with a bassinet. A lower piced alternative to the Buggaboo - but looks just as cool!

Jul 20th, 2008, 07:08 PM	#11
kimberf Member Joined: Mar 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,145	^^ The UppaBaby Vista is HEAVY. It is super-cool, but if part of what you're after is a stroller you can just whip in and out of the car, it's a tough one for that. The Quinny Buzz is also on the heavy side. My friend uses the Snap & Go type setup and it's working really well for her; her baby is a little over 4 months. There are a couple of umbrella strollers that recline totally flat, or close to it, so you can use them right away, but it's really handy to just keep the baby in the car seat. It's amazing how difficult the stroller decision is. I stressed about that more than any other baby item. My one piece of advice is to just worry about the starter stroller for now. I got the Orbit Travel System for regular use (which I love, btw -- it's very easy to get the base in the trunk, he loves the seat, and the seat is simple to use in the car), partly because it meant I didn't have to think about a car seat also. But I also registered for the Inglesina Zippy as my umbrella stroller, and now I feel really bad that my co-workers got it for me. I've used it once, which was only for show, since I was taking the baby into the office to show him off. I would totally have preferred to use the Orbit. Just get ONE to start with, try that out, and then worry about what to do next, since you'll learn a lot more about your preferences once you're actually actively using the stroller regularly.

Jul 21st, 2008, 09:43 AM	#12
Jerevka Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: France Posts: 67	I have a Bugaboo Cameleon and can say that I just ADOOOORE this stroller!! It's the most convinient stroller ever!!! Soooo pleased of having it! This spring I had an opportunity to test several others (Jane and Graco) and was really disappointed! But it's because I have my perfect Pink baby I'm planning to leave my daughter in it till she's 3, or something like that)))

Jul 21st, 2008, 11:38 AM	#13
lanasyogamama Member Joined: Oct 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 916	I didn't get a snap and go, but wish I had. Once the baby is sitting up, you can use the umbrella stroller. I use a Maclaren umbrella for city/mall use, and a big jogger type thing when we go for long walks. Your decision depends on your lifestyle too. The book "Baby Bargains" has a great section on this.