Here's my specifics -- Please help me pick a stroller!!

[hwm77]

Like other new posters here, I hope you don't get sick of reading these 1st time mom questions about strollers. But I would love to hear your opinions/recomendations regarding what I am specifically looking for. I have read many of your threads but still feel I need some specialized help!

Here's the specifics of how I will use the stroller, and the things that I *think* are important to me.

I live in the suburbs and so I drive everywhere I go, with the exception of walks around the neighborhood. I have a large SUV so space is not an issue. The stroller will be used for mall trips (I like to shop!) and occasional walks around the neighborhood and to the park. I would like a parent tray or at least cupholders. I would also like a good sized basket with easy access.

Initially, before reading this website and getting the Baby Bargains book, I was planning on getting the Graco Quattro Travel System. I liked the new design, the easy folding mechanism, and the large, easy to access basket. (I am planning on using the Graco Snugride infant seat.) Now based on what I've read, I'm rethinking that system.

I've also toyed with getting a Kolkraft Universal carseat carrier, but am not sure I would be happy with this as my only stroller. Do you think this stroller is sturdy enough to be my exclusive stroller while the baby is still in it's infant seat?

My husband and I have begun to look at some of the popular strollers mentioned here, Maclaren, Zooper, Combi, etc but are having a hard time sorting through it all.

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[stella]

I can only answer the question about whether you'll be happy with the Kolcraft for the infant seat-phase.

Yes.

I had a combi convenience stroller that I bought for the carseat-carrying feature and a maclaren mistral when our 1st baby was born.

I never once used the carseat-carrying feature on the combi because the stroller was awkward to fold and carry. And the mistral wasn't appropriate at the beginning (it's an umbrella stroller).

With baby #2 I found a kolcraft at the consignment store and have used it zealously - it's sturdy, convenient, lightweight, and really makes a nice stroller.

It truly is all you need for the first several months and that gives you a chance to decide what you really need in a stroller without being rushed.

Also, as someone said in a previous post, there may be new models out by the time you're ready to buy.

[stella]

And by the way, our stroller menagerie now includes:
a zooper walk air
a maclaren volo
an avalon double stroller
a mountain buggy urban double

[strollerqueen]

Please don't leave your baby in the car seat, if you're not in the car! More and more research keeps coming out about how this is a bad idea, and many doctors are advising against it. Here is a thread from a discussion today about it on Parent's Place:

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-ppstrollers&msg=14575.1&ctx=0

You can do a search on this board, and on the PP board, for more links to plagiocephaly and respiratory problems caused by leaving infants in car seatsfor too long.

[hwm77]

Hmmm... okay, well I guess based on the above info, I'm back to the Graco Quattro since it will still accept the carseat if necessary but will also give me the option of reclining flat, so that it will accomodate an infant without having to remain in the carseat.

Any better suggestions?