Bugaboo stroller?

just a tho

What is so great about the Bugaboo stroller? Is it really worth it? Also, has anyone tried the Bob stroller? I asked before but got no answers.
http://www.bobgear.com/strollers/strollers.php
http://www.bugaboostrollers.com/home.jsp?sNav=2
The bugaboo is like $750; that's why I want to know what could make it worth so much? Is it just trendy?

Answer
We just bought a Bugaboo Cameleon today and I am in heaven! It maneuvers super well. You can push it with only one hand easily, the suspension is amazing, you have the option of a reversible handlebar if you want your baby facing either your or the world, the shopping bag in the undercarriage is big enough and has closing loops so you can avoid that anything falls from it by simply tightening the straps. It's an all-terrain stroller, which I'm looking forward to testing in snowy day. We had a Chicco Cortina travel system for when our son was little and it was okay. Not wonderful by a long mile. Then we purchase the Maclaren XT, which I still love. But on days when it snows it is really hard to maneuver it around Manhattan. The Bugaboo design is super slick too. I just love it. And if I had to name the main reason for buying it is because I want to look at my baby every now and then when we are strolling together. With the Maclaren, I am always picking through the peek-a-boo window and see my baby looking up at me. I know it will be rewarding to just look at each other and make funny faces while walking around town. For me, well worth the money.
One advice though. If you have a small trunk don't even consider it. The chassy and seat are bulky even when folded and will take up space.

What Light Weight Stroller System do you Recommend??

MommatoONE

I'm starting to look into stroller combos for an infant, and would like to purchase one in future once I have another baby next year. I've been browsing online, but I'm not sure which ones are good and lightweight. I don't have a huge, heavy bulky stroller. I had one of those for my 1st, and i hated it. Any advice would be great, thanks :)

Answer
Most travel systems that have a carseat/stroller combo are pretty horrible to travel with. I mean, I know they are travel systems, but that just means that you can take the car seat out of the car and clip it on the stroller and go. I would suggest looking for a stroller that folds up smaller than most travel system strollers do, and not worry about a travel system.

I've heard really good things about bug a boo strollers, blut they are very expensive. http://bugaboo.com
Depending on what you are wanting a stroller for you may be able to get away with an umbrella stroller with a small cargo area underneath.

Another option, if you don't use a stroller often, could be to get a wrap or a sling. Super portable, super light weight, and no bulk like a stroller! Okay, that isn't what you're asking, but they may be good for you. Good luck!

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What Light Weight Stroller System do you Recommend??

MommatoONE

I'm starting to look into stroller combos for an infant, and would like to purchase one in future once I have another baby next year. I've been browsing online, but I'm not sure which ones are good and lightweight. I don't have a huge, heavy bulky stroller. I had one of those for my 1st, and i hated it. Any advice would be great, thanks :)

Answer
Most travel systems that have a carseat/stroller combo are pretty horrible to travel with. I mean, I know they are travel systems, but that just means that you can take the car seat out of the car and clip it on the stroller and go. I would suggest looking for a stroller that folds up smaller than most travel system strollers do, and not worry about a travel system.

I've heard really good things about bug a boo strollers, blut they are very expensive. http://bugaboo.com
Depending on what you are wanting a stroller for you may be able to get away with an umbrella stroller with a small cargo area underneath.

Another option, if you don't use a stroller often, could be to get a wrap or a sling. Super portable, super light weight, and no bulk like a stroller! Okay, that isn't what you're asking, but they may be good for you. Good luck!

Please help! Which travel system you thing is better?

jully

I am thinking this 2 strollers! Which one to buy???

http://www.safety1st.com/usa/eng/Products/Travel/Strollers/Travel-Systems/Details/2417-TR138ADU-AeroLite-LX-Travel-System

http://www.safety1st.com/usa/eng/Products/Travel/Strollers/Travel-Systems/Details/2419-TR082AON-AeroLite-Sport-Travel-System

THANK YOU
thank you girls!
i am a first time mom, and i do a lot of researh for strollers in the past few months, my opinion is that graco have just a better commercial nothing esle, the graco strollers in real looks a lot cheaper and they also have few recalls! That is why I am going with safety 1 st, they look a lot better and have more better features! I WANA BUY THE BEST STROLLER THAT I CAN AFORD FOR MY BABY NOT THE BEST "NAME"
thank you girls!
i am a first time mom, and i do a lot of researh for strollers in the past few months, my opinion is that graco have just a better commercial nothing esle, the graco strollers in real looks a lot cheaper and they also have few recalls! That is why I am going with safety 1 st, they look a lot better and have more better features! I WANA BUY THE BEST STROLLER THAT I CAN AFORD FOR MY BABY NOT THE BEST "NAME"

Answer
Don't get a Safety 1st travel system at all. They're not rated well, they're not as safe as others on the market. You get what you pay for. The car seats do not crash test as well as other brands do. You can't put a price on safety. If something should happen to your child in a car accident, you don't want to be thinking, if only I'd have bought a better car seat. Get a Graco car seat. Strollers don't matter--go ahead and get the Safety 1st stroller, but don't get a Safety 1st car seat.

Other brands in the same group include Cosco Juvenile, Maxi-Cosi, Eddie Bauer, and Quinny. The are notorious for product recalls, and cheap parts.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-carseats-special,0,7744829.story

EDIT: Well, Graco isn't the best name, either. Safety 1st is the cheapest brand on the market. They're notorious for crappy products that do not test well. Period. Graco is a middle of the road brand that is the most affordable to the most people which is why it is the most popular. If you truly want what's safest for your child, you'll get a Chicco car seat or a Peg Perego car seat. These offer side impact protection in an accident. Plastic with cute fabric stretched over it (Safety 1st or Graco) do not. I don't really know why you're wasting so much time researching stroller safety (since there are not any studies out there on it). You need to buy the safest car seat for your baby and worry about the stroller second. The car seat's what going to save your baby, not the stroller. If you want the best stroller out there, you're going to get an Uppa Baby or a Bugaboo, neither of which is probably in your price range if you're looking at Safety 1st travel systems. Most strollers can be turned into travel systems in this day and age with an adapter bar. The only exception is umbrella strollers.

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who has a bugaboo bee and what do you think of it?

baby travel systems bugaboo image

Katharine:

we are considering buying a bugaboo bee for our baby in the new year. what are your opinions and experiences with this pram?
i am currently 18 weeks pregnant so have some time to shop around, but want something lightweight and compact that suits a newborn.

Answer
I've had a look online for you and the brake issue that the other lady mentioned is now repaired.
It seems to have very good reviews for the most part as it is light weight and extremely easy to lift and fold. The downsides to the Bee seem to be that it is narrow so your baby may outgrow it sooner than other prams. The wheels are small so that also implies a bumpy ride for your little one and potential wear on the wheels.
I see more of the Chameleon out and about around town that the Bee but both seem to be very popular and Bugaboo is the brand of choice for a lot of celebs too!
It is also very pricey compared to Mothercare, Britax, Graco or MaxiCosi's own branded travel systems but it is that much lighter.
Hope that helps. Wonder why no one answers pram questions on Y!A?!

Recent mommies: what are the best baby slings, all in one strollers, and baby bath tubs/showers?

Adje J

I'm going to be a new mommy in March. My hubby and I are trying to finish up our registry, but can't seem to decide on a few last items. Any recent mommies out there have some recommendations on these items: baby slings (comfortable, easy to use preferably), a stroller that also has the baby carrier and car seat holder, and the easiest to use baby bath tub/shower center?

Thanks for the input!! :)

Answer
Slings- I can't recommend one brand because every mom is different and every baby is different.

I would NOT recommend a travel system. Most babies outgrow the carseat very quickly, and if they don't outgrow it, they are too heavy to lug around. Plus, with a baby being born in March, it'll be awfully warm to have your baby in the car seat in the stroller during the summer. I'd get a Graco infant seat and then get a really good stroller. Peg Perego infant seats are good, as are Chicco and Britax. I'd steer clear of Evenflo, Safety 1st, and Cosco (including Eddie Bauer) because they're junk. Some strollers come with infant seat attachments, but I do not recommend a Graco stroller. They're bulky and become squeaky pretty quickly. I am in love with my Maclaren stroller. They're pricey but last FOREVER (we're talking used daily with multiple kids) and still looks new after several years. The Maclaren link I gave you comes with an infant seat attachment if you really want a travel system feel to your stroller. You also can't go wrong with a Peg Perego. I'd try to find something small and compact so it doesn't take up a ton of room at home or in the car. Here are some strollers that I have used and like and they have good reviews, too!
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3572977
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3446845
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3458517

As for a baby tub--just get your basic plastic tub. You don't want one with a mesh liner because it is just a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

EDIT: The Bugaboo stroller is fantastic--it's my favorite, but it's SO expensive. If you have a higher budget, the Uppa Baby is a close second, but still double the cost of the Maclaren.

If you get a carseat with a 30 lb weight limit, it won't fit in the seat part of the shopping cart and you'll have to use the entire basket which kind of defeats the purpose.

Also, don't get a head support insert or anything that doesn't come with the seat--just roll up a receiving blanket and place around baby once baby's in the car seat. It's never safe to put anything between baby and the seat itself because it can interfere with the seat in a crash.

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What's the best stroller? What do you think of prams?

baby travel systems bugaboo image

toma

Has anyone used an Everbright? It is a stroller that converts from pram-toddler stroller. I am thinking of ordering one, but not too sure about the quality. I am looking for a stroller that is affordable, under $200, and will last me a long time, one that a toddler can use too. Also, I am in Chicago, so I need something with nice big wheels and shocks. Any help would be great!!! Thanks!!!!!

Answer
I'm a stroller fanatic, and I'll admit I've splurged on my son's rides. (A Bugaboo Frog in '04; a Quinny Zapp in '05; and a humble, but functional Kolcraft umbrella in '07 - about $1500 total.)

Still, I don't think pricey necessarily is best. I think your best bet is always to think about your lifestyle, and how you'll get around with a baby on board.

Here are a few questions to ask:

1. Do you have to climb stairs? My sister's four-floor walk-up in Manhattan requires a very different stroller than my DC rowhome with a main level garage.

2. Do you ride mass transit? Buses present specific challenges; so do subway systems if there's no elevator service.

3. How much do you walk, and do you expect to grocery shop, etc., with your stroller? Remember that you may find yourself walking *more* post-baby because it's easier than hopping a bus OR just because babies need fresh air.

4. Do you use taxis or a car service? While most taxi drivers will turn a blind eye to a kiddo not in a car seat, in my experience, car services are sticklers. And with the laws changing all the time, what's true today might not be true in six months.

5. Do you drive? If you own a car, you need a car seat ... and that needs to factor into your decision, too.

What seems to be the most affordable course of action, especially for urban dwellers who still drive/take taxis/hop rides with Grandma from time-to-time is the following:

1. Buy an infant car seat - Graco's highly rated SnugRide retails for around $125, and the patterns are far more fashion-forward than ever before - I've included a link to their dashing Lotus colorway below.

2. Purchase a universal car seat frame. You clip the infant seat to the frame and go. New they retail for about $50 or $60; they also pop up on Craig's List and at baby consignment boutiques pretty steadily.

Combined, a frame weigh about 12 pounds, and a seat about 8 - so you have a 20 pound stroller. This is comparable to my Bugaboo Frog. So if you do have to lift your child while in the stroller (you'll discover lots of steps once you're a mum), it's not impossible.

Some of the Everbright models weigh almost twice that, and I can't imagine being able to lift a 35 pound stroller *plus* a 20 pound tot *plus* my diaper bag up and down those tricky spots.

3. When your kiddo is bigger - more than six months, but almost certainly before a year - buy a lightweight umbrella stroller. Even a Maclaren, which is the gold standard for umbrellas, retails their lightweight Volo for around $100, and my little Kolcraft cost all of $20. (Again, there's a link below.)

If you buy all three items new at full price, I guess you would spend about $250. (Though you wouldn't be buying the umbrella for at least a few months.) If you get the frame second-hand and shop the sales, I think you could do this for less than $200 easily.

Though, of course, you'll eventually need a toddler car seat ... but that would be an issue - and another $100 and up - in any case.

Now if you walk many miles, travel by car rarely and can rely on elevators for mass transit, then you have a different scenario. That's our life, and it's why we went with the Bugaboo Frog. A heavier stroller holds stuff - I've walked two gallons of paint back from Home Depot on my frog, and more groceries and library books than I care to remember.

In that case, the Everbright might be a good choice. It's certainly sharp looking. I haven't test driven one, but some product reviews mention that it doesn't corner well - that's often true of heavier strollers. Heavy cars, too - they're not built to be nimble.

As for the pram function, I quite liked it, but I didn't find it essential. In fact, a true pram isn't great in the city, because in some models, infants aren't restrained when they lie flat. This can lead to jostling. On the other hand, it's great to not have to put those little limbs into a five-point harness because it's a bit like strapping in a bag of flour and doesn't seem all that comfy. On balance, I liked my pram function, but mostly for strolls in the park. It wasn't practical. What was nice was that a true bassinet can be used for baby's naps - which is how we got the most mileage out of our Bugaboo in our son's first months.

What IS important if you want to buy just one stroller is that the seat fully recline so it is safe for a newborn. Even those that are safe for newborns, however, often leave the little darlings looking rather lost and floppy, so you might also buy a liner, like the Snuzzler (link below) for about $20.

In addition to the Everbright, you might want to look at strollers by Zooper. They intro a new color line every model year, so you can get good deals on their 2007 models right now. Most of their models are over the $200 mark, but a few are at or under your target.

My other hesitation with Everbright is that it's tricky to find replacement parts for some strollers. I'd check into the company before purchasing. The powerhouse Graco, of course, makes getting parts relatively easy, as do some of the higher end companies. But even Maclaren has been slagged for worries with their wheels and a limited number of service centers in the Midwest. (Though I'd guess Chicago has one.)

As for the big wheel issue, they are nice. But it's something of a toss-up. Our Quinny Zapp, bought for travel, does just fine on rough sidewalks because, despite its bitsy wheels, it is lightweight and very, very easy to steer. The Kolcraft is the pits, but then, I bought it for visiting my sister in her (ahem) penthouse and riding the NYC elevator-free subway system. It's worth sacrificing heavy duty wheels for something that won't break my back, or leave me without a hand for my toddler.

So ... it depends. But I'm not sold on the Everbright, though it is a very handsome pushchair.

What pushchair to go for?

Lovestruck

I'm 19 weeks pregnant and were looking to go pram shopping over Christmas as there might be sales on. I'm looking at the bugaboo chameleon and the silver cross surf. My bf and me are willing to pay for the chameleon but we want it to last a few years. Our other option is to buy the surf a lot cheaper and buy another pushchair in a year or two. How long did you use your chameleon for? It is the travel system that appeals to both of us.

Answer
my daughter had 6 strollers in her 4 years of life,lol

ok 1st one she had travel sistem,i hated because it wasn't nice,all mothers around seems to me they have same and was so bored.Also when my daughter was 14 months it was hard for me to push her in so i sold travel sistem then i got for heumbrellala stroller for $30
Couple months later i hate it,it was very bad for me to push her and was small for her
So then i got for her cheaper umbrella -$20 and so she use it for a year.
When she was around 3 ,umbrella was so dirty and could notot wash it so i trow it in the garbage.
My daughter was seems not good walker and she loved just sit in the stroller so i got her new umbrella but few months later it broke.
6 months b4 her 4tbirthdayay i got for her PERAL stroller for kids from birth to 5 years old.I got this one,because we planning to have baby#2 and so this one will last for 4-5 years and it was on sale so was cheaper than even we were ready to put on
I just want to add also that my daughter hd also huge stroller at home special for rocking her and for naps (shcouldn'tnt sleep without it and was g8 for 3 years )

If u r looking for good stroller,choose the one which will hold your child not for 1 year but for atleast 4

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What's the best stroller? What do you think of prams?

baby travel systems bugaboo image

toma

Has anyone used an Everbright? It is a stroller that converts from pram-toddler stroller. I am thinking of ordering one, but not too sure about the quality. I am looking for a stroller that is affordable, under $200, and will last me a long time, one that a toddler can use too. Also, I am in Chicago, so I need something with nice big wheels and shocks. Any help would be great!!! Thanks!!!!!

Answer
I'm a stroller fanatic, and I'll admit I've splurged on my son's rides. (A Bugaboo Frog in '04; a Quinny Zapp in '05; and a humble, but functional Kolcraft umbrella in '07 - about $1500 total.)

Still, I don't think pricey necessarily is best. I think your best bet is always to think about your lifestyle, and how you'll get around with a baby on board.

Here are a few questions to ask:

1. Do you have to climb stairs? My sister's four-floor walk-up in Manhattan requires a very different stroller than my DC rowhome with a main level garage.

2. Do you ride mass transit? Buses present specific challenges; so do subway systems if there's no elevator service.

3. How much do you walk, and do you expect to grocery shop, etc., with your stroller? Remember that you may find yourself walking *more* post-baby because it's easier than hopping a bus OR just because babies need fresh air.

4. Do you use taxis or a car service? While most taxi drivers will turn a blind eye to a kiddo not in a car seat, in my experience, car services are sticklers. And with the laws changing all the time, what's true today might not be true in six months.

5. Do you drive? If you own a car, you need a car seat ... and that needs to factor into your decision, too.

What seems to be the most affordable course of action, especially for urban dwellers who still drive/take taxis/hop rides with Grandma from time-to-time is the following:

1. Buy an infant car seat - Graco's highly rated SnugRide retails for around $125, and the patterns are far more fashion-forward than ever before - I've included a link to their dashing Lotus colorway below.

2. Purchase a universal car seat frame. You clip the infant seat to the frame and go. New they retail for about $50 or $60; they also pop up on Craig's List and at baby consignment boutiques pretty steadily.

Combined, a frame weigh about 12 pounds, and a seat about 8 - so you have a 20 pound stroller. This is comparable to my Bugaboo Frog. So if you do have to lift your child while in the stroller (you'll discover lots of steps once you're a mum), it's not impossible.

Some of the Everbright models weigh almost twice that, and I can't imagine being able to lift a 35 pound stroller *plus* a 20 pound tot *plus* my diaper bag up and down those tricky spots.

3. When your kiddo is bigger - more than six months, but almost certainly before a year - buy a lightweight umbrella stroller. Even a Maclaren, which is the gold standard for umbrellas, retails their lightweight Volo for around $100, and my little Kolcraft cost all of $20. (Again, there's a link below.)

If you buy all three items new at full price, I guess you would spend about $250. (Though you wouldn't be buying the umbrella for at least a few months.) If you get the frame second-hand and shop the sales, I think you could do this for less than $200 easily.

Though, of course, you'll eventually need a toddler car seat ... but that would be an issue - and another $100 and up - in any case.

Now if you walk many miles, travel by car rarely and can rely on elevators for mass transit, then you have a different scenario. That's our life, and it's why we went with the Bugaboo Frog. A heavier stroller holds stuff - I've walked two gallons of paint back from Home Depot on my frog, and more groceries and library books than I care to remember.

In that case, the Everbright might be a good choice. It's certainly sharp looking. I haven't test driven one, but some product reviews mention that it doesn't corner well - that's often true of heavier strollers. Heavy cars, too - they're not built to be nimble.

As for the pram function, I quite liked it, but I didn't find it essential. In fact, a true pram isn't great in the city, because in some models, infants aren't restrained when they lie flat. This can lead to jostling. On the other hand, it's great to not have to put those little limbs into a five-point harness because it's a bit like strapping in a bag of flour and doesn't seem all that comfy. On balance, I liked my pram function, but mostly for strolls in the park. It wasn't practical. What was nice was that a true bassinet can be used for baby's naps - which is how we got the most mileage out of our Bugaboo in our son's first months.

What IS important if you want to buy just one stroller is that the seat fully recline so it is safe for a newborn. Even those that are safe for newborns, however, often leave the little darlings looking rather lost and floppy, so you might also buy a liner, like the Snuzzler (link below) for about $20.

In addition to the Everbright, you might want to look at strollers by Zooper. They intro a new color line every model year, so you can get good deals on their 2007 models right now. Most of their models are over the $200 mark, but a few are at or under your target.

My other hesitation with Everbright is that it's tricky to find replacement parts for some strollers. I'd check into the company before purchasing. The powerhouse Graco, of course, makes getting parts relatively easy, as do some of the higher end companies. But even Maclaren has been slagged for worries with their wheels and a limited number of service centers in the Midwest. (Though I'd guess Chicago has one.)

As for the big wheel issue, they are nice. But it's something of a toss-up. Our Quinny Zapp, bought for travel, does just fine on rough sidewalks because, despite its bitsy wheels, it is lightweight and very, very easy to steer. The Kolcraft is the pits, but then, I bought it for visiting my sister in her (ahem) penthouse and riding the NYC elevator-free subway system. It's worth sacrificing heavy duty wheels for something that won't break my back, or leave me without a hand for my toddler.

So ... it depends. But I'm not sold on the Everbright, though it is a very handsome pushchair.

What pushchair to go for?

Lovestruck

I'm 19 weeks pregnant and were looking to go pram shopping over Christmas as there might be sales on. I'm looking at the bugaboo chameleon and the silver cross surf. My bf and me are willing to pay for the chameleon but we want it to last a few years. Our other option is to buy the surf a lot cheaper and buy another pushchair in a year or two. How long did you use your chameleon for? It is the travel system that appeals to both of us.

Answer
my daughter had 6 strollers in her 4 years of life,lol

ok 1st one she had travel sistem,i hated because it wasn't nice,all mothers around seems to me they have same and was so bored.Also when my daughter was 14 months it was hard for me to push her in so i sold travel sistem then i got for heumbrellala stroller for $30
Couple months later i hate it,it was very bad for me to push her and was small for her
So then i got for her cheaper umbrella -$20 and so she use it for a year.
When she was around 3 ,umbrella was so dirty and could notot wash it so i trow it in the garbage.
My daughter was seems not good walker and she loved just sit in the stroller so i got her new umbrella but few months later it broke.
6 months b4 her 4tbirthdayay i got for her PERAL stroller for kids from birth to 5 years old.I got this one,because we planning to have baby#2 and so this one will last for 4-5 years and it was on sale so was cheaper than even we were ready to put on
I just want to add also that my daughter hd also huge stroller at home special for rocking her and for naps (shcouldn'tnt sleep without it and was g8 for 3 years )

If u r looking for good stroller,choose the one which will hold your child not for 1 year but for atleast 4

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who has a bugaboo bee and what do you think of it?

baby travel systems bugaboo image

Katharine:

we are considering buying a bugaboo bee for our baby in the new year. what are your opinions and experiences with this pram?
i am currently 18 weeks pregnant so have some time to shop around, but want something lightweight and compact that suits a newborn.

Answer
I've had a look online for you and the brake issue that the other lady mentioned is now repaired.
It seems to have very good reviews for the most part as it is light weight and extremely easy to lift and fold. The downsides to the Bee seem to be that it is narrow so your baby may outgrow it sooner than other prams. The wheels are small so that also implies a bumpy ride for your little one and potential wear on the wheels.
I see more of the Chameleon out and about around town that the Bee but both seem to be very popular and Bugaboo is the brand of choice for a lot of celebs too!
It is also very pricey compared to Mothercare, Britax, Graco or MaxiCosi's own branded travel systems but it is that much lighter.
Hope that helps. Wonder why no one answers pram questions on Y!A?!

Recent mommies: what are the best baby slings, all in one strollers, and baby bath tubs/showers?

Adje J

I'm going to be a new mommy in March. My hubby and I are trying to finish up our registry, but can't seem to decide on a few last items. Any recent mommies out there have some recommendations on these items: baby slings (comfortable, easy to use preferably), a stroller that also has the baby carrier and car seat holder, and the easiest to use baby bath tub/shower center?

Thanks for the input!! :)

Answer
Slings- I can't recommend one brand because every mom is different and every baby is different.

I would NOT recommend a travel system. Most babies outgrow the carseat very quickly, and if they don't outgrow it, they are too heavy to lug around. Plus, with a baby being born in March, it'll be awfully warm to have your baby in the car seat in the stroller during the summer. I'd get a Graco infant seat and then get a really good stroller. Peg Perego infant seats are good, as are Chicco and Britax. I'd steer clear of Evenflo, Safety 1st, and Cosco (including Eddie Bauer) because they're junk. Some strollers come with infant seat attachments, but I do not recommend a Graco stroller. They're bulky and become squeaky pretty quickly. I am in love with my Maclaren stroller. They're pricey but last FOREVER (we're talking used daily with multiple kids) and still looks new after several years. The Maclaren link I gave you comes with an infant seat attachment if you really want a travel system feel to your stroller. You also can't go wrong with a Peg Perego. I'd try to find something small and compact so it doesn't take up a ton of room at home or in the car. Here are some strollers that I have used and like and they have good reviews, too!
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3572977
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3446845
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3458517

As for a baby tub--just get your basic plastic tub. You don't want one with a mesh liner because it is just a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

EDIT: The Bugaboo stroller is fantastic--it's my favorite, but it's SO expensive. If you have a higher budget, the Uppa Baby is a close second, but still double the cost of the Maclaren.

If you get a carseat with a 30 lb weight limit, it won't fit in the seat part of the shopping cart and you'll have to use the entire basket which kind of defeats the purpose.

Also, don't get a head support insert or anything that doesn't come with the seat--just roll up a receiving blanket and place around baby once baby's in the car seat. It's never safe to put anything between baby and the seat itself because it can interfere with the seat in a crash.

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What Light Weight Stroller System do you Recommend??

baby travel systems bugaboo image

MommatoONE

I'm starting to look into stroller combos for an infant, and would like to purchase one in future once I have another baby next year. I've been browsing online, but I'm not sure which ones are good and lightweight. I don't have a huge, heavy bulky stroller. I had one of those for my 1st, and i hated it. Any advice would be great, thanks :)

Answer
Most travel systems that have a carseat/stroller combo are pretty horrible to travel with. I mean, I know they are travel systems, but that just means that you can take the car seat out of the car and clip it on the stroller and go. I would suggest looking for a stroller that folds up smaller than most travel system strollers do, and not worry about a travel system.

I've heard really good things about bug a boo strollers, blut they are very expensive. http://bugaboo.com
Depending on what you are wanting a stroller for you may be able to get away with an umbrella stroller with a small cargo area underneath.

Another option, if you don't use a stroller often, could be to get a wrap or a sling. Super portable, super light weight, and no bulk like a stroller! Okay, that isn't what you're asking, but they may be good for you. Good luck!

What's the best stroller? What do you think of prams?

toma

Has anyone used an Everbright? It is a stroller that converts from pram-toddler stroller. I am thinking of ordering one, but not too sure about the quality. I am looking for a stroller that is affordable, under $200, and will last me a long time, one that a toddler can use too. Also, I am in Chicago, so I need something with nice big wheels and shocks. Any help would be great!!! Thanks!!!!!

Answer
I'm a stroller fanatic, and I'll admit I've splurged on my son's rides. (A Bugaboo Frog in '04; a Quinny Zapp in '05; and a humble, but functional Kolcraft umbrella in '07 - about $1500 total.)

Still, I don't think pricey necessarily is best. I think your best bet is always to think about your lifestyle, and how you'll get around with a baby on board.

Here are a few questions to ask:

1. Do you have to climb stairs? My sister's four-floor walk-up in Manhattan requires a very different stroller than my DC rowhome with a main level garage.

2. Do you ride mass transit? Buses present specific challenges; so do subway systems if there's no elevator service.

3. How much do you walk, and do you expect to grocery shop, etc., with your stroller? Remember that you may find yourself walking *more* post-baby because it's easier than hopping a bus OR just because babies need fresh air.

4. Do you use taxis or a car service? While most taxi drivers will turn a blind eye to a kiddo not in a car seat, in my experience, car services are sticklers. And with the laws changing all the time, what's true today might not be true in six months.

5. Do you drive? If you own a car, you need a car seat ... and that needs to factor into your decision, too.

What seems to be the most affordable course of action, especially for urban dwellers who still drive/take taxis/hop rides with Grandma from time-to-time is the following:

1. Buy an infant car seat - Graco's highly rated SnugRide retails for around $125, and the patterns are far more fashion-forward than ever before - I've included a link to their dashing Lotus colorway below.

2. Purchase a universal car seat frame. You clip the infant seat to the frame and go. New they retail for about $50 or $60; they also pop up on Craig's List and at baby consignment boutiques pretty steadily.

Combined, a frame weigh about 12 pounds, and a seat about 8 - so you have a 20 pound stroller. This is comparable to my Bugaboo Frog. So if you do have to lift your child while in the stroller (you'll discover lots of steps once you're a mum), it's not impossible.

Some of the Everbright models weigh almost twice that, and I can't imagine being able to lift a 35 pound stroller *plus* a 20 pound tot *plus* my diaper bag up and down those tricky spots.

3. When your kiddo is bigger - more than six months, but almost certainly before a year - buy a lightweight umbrella stroller. Even a Maclaren, which is the gold standard for umbrellas, retails their lightweight Volo for around $100, and my little Kolcraft cost all of $20. (Again, there's a link below.)

If you buy all three items new at full price, I guess you would spend about $250. (Though you wouldn't be buying the umbrella for at least a few months.) If you get the frame second-hand and shop the sales, I think you could do this for less than $200 easily.

Though, of course, you'll eventually need a toddler car seat ... but that would be an issue - and another $100 and up - in any case.

Now if you walk many miles, travel by car rarely and can rely on elevators for mass transit, then you have a different scenario. That's our life, and it's why we went with the Bugaboo Frog. A heavier stroller holds stuff - I've walked two gallons of paint back from Home Depot on my frog, and more groceries and library books than I care to remember.

In that case, the Everbright might be a good choice. It's certainly sharp looking. I haven't test driven one, but some product reviews mention that it doesn't corner well - that's often true of heavier strollers. Heavy cars, too - they're not built to be nimble.

As for the pram function, I quite liked it, but I didn't find it essential. In fact, a true pram isn't great in the city, because in some models, infants aren't restrained when they lie flat. This can lead to jostling. On the other hand, it's great to not have to put those little limbs into a five-point harness because it's a bit like strapping in a bag of flour and doesn't seem all that comfy. On balance, I liked my pram function, but mostly for strolls in the park. It wasn't practical. What was nice was that a true bassinet can be used for baby's naps - which is how we got the most mileage out of our Bugaboo in our son's first months.

What IS important if you want to buy just one stroller is that the seat fully recline so it is safe for a newborn. Even those that are safe for newborns, however, often leave the little darlings looking rather lost and floppy, so you might also buy a liner, like the Snuzzler (link below) for about $20.

In addition to the Everbright, you might want to look at strollers by Zooper. They intro a new color line every model year, so you can get good deals on their 2007 models right now. Most of their models are over the $200 mark, but a few are at or under your target.

My other hesitation with Everbright is that it's tricky to find replacement parts for some strollers. I'd check into the company before purchasing. The powerhouse Graco, of course, makes getting parts relatively easy, as do some of the higher end companies. But even Maclaren has been slagged for worries with their wheels and a limited number of service centers in the Midwest. (Though I'd guess Chicago has one.)

As for the big wheel issue, they are nice. But it's something of a toss-up. Our Quinny Zapp, bought for travel, does just fine on rough sidewalks because, despite its bitsy wheels, it is lightweight and very, very easy to steer. The Kolcraft is the pits, but then, I bought it for visiting my sister in her (ahem) penthouse and riding the NYC elevator-free subway system. It's worth sacrificing heavy duty wheels for something that won't break my back, or leave me without a hand for my toddler.

So ... it depends. But I'm not sold on the Everbright, though it is a very handsome pushchair.

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