Along with a large stroller, one thing I recommend is a cheap umbrella stroller. They are $20-$30 at Babies R Us. I would splurge for the more expensive one and get the "canopy" and the mess bag in the back. All of these strollers are horrible but they will definitely do the job. I am now on my second umbrella stroller. I believe the first one was replaced during a trip to see my parents when the wheel started to go "wonkie". I tossed it. Didn't look back. Doctors say that you can't put the baby in the umbrella stroller until they are 6 months. I tried to do it beforehand because of course I know more than the doctors and it didn't work. She just slumped over. I would not attempt that again. Under 6 months you need a stroller that reclines... I prefer one that lays flat.
A MUST purchase if you have an infant "bucket" carrier was a stroller that I received from a friend when I had my second child. The Snap N Go Frame stroller (I believe Graco also makes one). What a lifesaver. You didn't have to take out the stroller out of the car, take the child out of the bucket, put her in the stroller and do it in reverse when you wanted to get back into the car. You just unfold the stroller, take the bucket out of the car and snap her in. PERFECT. You don't have to wake the baby. Love Love Love. Must. Must. Must. Great for taking the older child into school and you not wanting to wake the baby (and no, you are not allowed to leave the baby in the car while you run into school even though you are very tempted). A friend of mine got a Snap N Go because she had a C-Section and it was too hard for her to carry the bucket seat. Makes it much easier. Snap N Go = Love.
As for my other strollers, I have had a hand-me-down Sit N Stand which I never used because my oldest refused to ride along, a Graco Duo-Glider Front to Back Double stroller which was great for the zoo. We also have a BOB Ironman Running Stroller which I love. It is very sturdy and it has a front wheel that doesn't swivel. For those of you who want an "all in one stroller" that you can run with and use every day, this is not the one for you. You cannot take it anywhere in public because it does not turn. You literally have to pick up the front wheel to turn it. NOT GOOD IN STORES. If you want a good running stroller, the BOB ones are the best but getting ready to shell out some money. They are pricey but worth it. Great ride for the baby and doesn't hurt mom's arms.
My newest stroller is one that I have wanted for a long time. EVERYONE I know who has it loves it. They either have the single or the double (my sister has the double and raves about it). It is the Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller in Diva Blue. I cannot wait to use it. It lays flat so we can use it right away unlike the umbrella stroller. It has a great turning radius and folds up flatter than flat. The sunshade is HUGE which is a must for me. My current double stroller which is a Chicco Trevi Twin has the most pathetic sun shade. Both the older kids REFUSE to use a stroller (even when we go to the zoo for hours) so I don't need to lug around a double stroller. Found that out the hard way a few times. This thing is so light. I feel like I can toss it in the back of my car. I love having just a small lightweight stroller that can come with me wherever. It has great storage underneath... I don't need a lot of room because my two year old is already potty trained and my diaper bag needs are pretty small. Perfect for mom.
When you purchase a stroller, I guess you need to figure out your needs. How many kids do you have? Are you going to have more? Do you need a lot of storage? Does it have a good sunshade? Will you be walking in the city? How does it handle bumps? Are you going to be "off-roading"? I took a poll of some of my friends to see what strollers they loved and here are their favorites:
- Evenflo aura travel system
- Uppababy
- Snap N Go Stroller
- Baby Jogger City Mini
- Phil N Teds Jogging Stroller
- Mutsy
- Peg Perego Pliko P3.
- MACLAREN
- Bugaboo
- Bob Stroller - Revolution
Happy Stroller Shopping.
:)R
