Looking for a nice stroller however wife not keen on big $$, questions/justification for good stroller?

[Mathew J]

Hello,

My wife and I discovered that we are expecting, should be around september..being our first this has set me into research mode where I would like to get a handle on some of the larger purchases we will be making for the baby.

I have been looking at stroller options and find myself liking the Peg Perego A3, P3 and the Inglesina Zippy (cannot find this locally to look at though which is a mandatory before buying).

I also think the Bugaboo (lower end) is nice however even I have trouble stomaching the price of that....

My wife on the other hand feels that an expensive stroller is a waste as we won't be using that much, we live outside of the city and don't walk around out and about much, she wants to go low dollar with an umbrella type stroller or something and or one of those snap seats where you just click in your carseat for under $100...I on the other hand think that we might have a need for a nicer stroller for trips to the mall and stores and what not...

Of the three mentioned above are there any definitive reasons to buy one over the other? on the other hand is the bugaboo really really worth the money (though I might risk divorce if I buy that)...

I want to get something that she will use and enjoy and not feel upset that we over spent on but also something that is high quality.

Thanks any and all info appreciated.

[Tondi G]

If you like the Bugaboo you might consider the Rock Star baby stroller, it's a little cheaper at $500!

http://www.strollermama.com/rockstar-baby-stroller.htm

we have a P3 and love it. we got it for our 2nd after loving an older Pliko with our first DS (we still have it and use it sometimes as well). It is nice because it folds like an umbrella but is full featured so it is comfy for a baby and a toddler.... and is comforable for mom and dad to push (many cheaper umbrella strollers are not great in this dept!). You can also use it with infant car seats like a travel system (we did it with a snugride and it worked great if the little guy had knocked out in the car!). Some babies are happy in their infant seats others prefer to be in a stroller seat instead (and now they recommend you don't leave infants in their car seats for long periods of time... to prevent plagiocephaly).I highly recommend the P3 when people ask me about it!

Good luck

~Tondi
Mommy to Mason 7/8/01 and Aidan 5/4/05

[elliput]

Take your wife out to a stroller store and push the strollers around a bit. Make sure you have something to put in the stroller for the added baby weight, and take along a big diaper bag stuffed with filled bottles(even if you plan to BF), toys, blankets etc. Wear winter coats, grab extra stuff off the shelves and put the basket. Push the different models around the store several times. Then make your decision on the stroller you want.

Yes, the Pegs, Inglesina's, Bugs are expensive, but a stroller is a very important purchase for your child and you. An umbrella stroller is great for a toddler or really quick trips, and the stroller frame w/ car seat is handy when you have a small baby asleep in the car seat. However, you really need a stroller that will recline to flat or almost flat.

I have 4 strollers (and am always looking for more) - a car-seat frame, an all-terrian (3-wheel air tires), a carriage stroller, and an umbrella. Each has it's own use, and I am glad I have all of them.

A suggestion to maybe help ease the cost of a good stroller - ask family and friends to contribute to a stroller fund as a shower gift.

It is better to invest in a good stroller to begin with than have to buy one later after you already spent money on a yucky one.

GL!

[new_mommy25]

I bought the P3 in Sept 03 and it was the perfect stroller for us. I loved how plush it is, that the cover is removable and washable, the basket is adequete for me, it pushes pretty good one handed, you can stick a car seat in if you like, etc. My SIL has two Graco's and IMO the seat looks really uncomfortable for baby. I also had a very good experience with Peg's CS when I needed to get a napper bar replaced. It was my one and only stroller for over a year and then I bought a Chicco Tuscany because I needed a light umbrella for my toddler. Even with the Tuscany, I still use the P3 all the time for trips to the zoo and such when DS needs a little more comfort and I need more room. The stroller has been on over 25+ flights and is still in great condition. I plan on using it for baby #2 due in May, which is how I justified the price to DH in the first place ;) . I also think the toddler footboard will come in handy every now and again and is a nice feature.

I'm playing up the P3 and not the other strollers you mentioned only because that's all I know. I have seen the Zippy and think it's very sharp. It was our second choice.

[smilla653]

Gee. I wish my husband had *wanted* to spring for a Bugaboo LOL. I think they are sharp, and I think the bassinet option and how upright and open it is for older babies is great. However, there is no denying that there's a bit of social backlash that comes with owning a Bugaboo, just because everyone knows how much they cost. It's the kind of thing where if your wife wouldn't want to carry a $500 handbag or drive an expensive car in part because of the statement it makes, then I wouldn't force one on her. Also, you don't really fold these down so much as disassemble them, so she could be cursing you every time she gets in and out of the car.

We have a Zippy and I really, really like it. We live in the city and it is perfect for us because of its one-handed fold. It is the right balance between plushy and portable. The newer models all have the soft boot option, which is miss and think would have been really nice. We had a Britax Companion infant carseat and it fit into the Zippy great.

I like the way the Peg A3s have a soft carrycot option, but I kind of wanted something less ubiquitous than a Peg. Also, at the time I was buying one, Pegs only worked with Peg carseats and that really bothered me (not sure how that is now).

We also considered the Bumbleride Flyer and the Zooper strollers. I really liked the Bumbleride, but it was a bit too bulky for city life. In the 'burbs, it would have been in serious contention. The Bumbleride has a reversible handle, the way the Bugaboos do, and the 2006 models look really sharp.
http://www.tinyride.com/category.aspx?SID=3&category_ID=56

The problem is (as I see it) there is no one perfect stroller. If I had to do it all over again and I didn't live in the city, I'd get one stroller that was very pram-like for neighborhood walks, etc for the first few months (something like an Emmaljunga or an Inglesina wher eyou buy the chassis separately) and then an umbrella stroller for 6 months + (we have a Silver Cross Mini for that purpose, slightly different from the Zolo as it has a recline).

There tends to be a lot of guy stroller discussion on:
http://daddytypes.com/

[Mathew J]

Thanks all for the replies.

I really wish I could go out and see the Zippy as I feel that she would truly appreciate the one handed closing/folding action of the stroller.

I will also head out next time before buying with some items to put in the stroller and test drive. So far the three easiest to see are the Bugaboo, and the two Peg Peregos (P3 and the A3)...part of my thinks the A3 is nicer due to the full bar in the back for pushing however the price of the P3 might be more managable to her.

For Smilla,

It isn't that I would "want" a bugaboo per say, rather if it is the best option out there for us then I wouldn't have a problem spending the money, however from everything I have read it seems that while it is a very nice stroller, there are others that are supposedly as good which are roughly half the cost (as in the Zippy and the Pegs). My wife on the other hand feels that the high price is for status mainly and that paying that much for a stroller is a bit out there, then again she listens to her mom who suggests just a basic umbrella stroller as that was what she used. You are right though in that she isn't in to high dollar items, be it cars, handbags or whatever...the money itself isnt the issue with her rather the thought of spending for style. I on the other hand love flashy items, like pricy watches cars and otehr items :)

I think I might push for the P3 or the zippy as it is a bit more reasonable in cost which might sit better with her as the a3 caused a bit of a negative reaction.

[Smiles81]

If you can convince your wife to go with a peg or a zippy, I would still skip the A3, b/c while it does have the pramette, the p3 and zippy are lighter, and when your child is 9 months + you will appreciate the lighter weight, and the less bulk for in and out of the car. We have a p3 and we love it!
HTH
Reena
Mom to Dovi 3/16/04

[SpaceGal]

Hi there,

I'm chiming in a bit late but I thought I wanted to "vote" for the P3 as well. I personally didn't want the typical suburban stroller (Gracos, Evenflos and the like). I grew up in NYC and definitely have a slight attraction to the cool and trendy as well. I never really took to the Bugaboos or strollers like that due to cost. Granted for some $800~ is a fortune, to others it's nothing. But I easily settled on the P3 and DH came along easily since I found for a good price in a color we liked. He gave me a $200 budget and well I was able to get a P3 which fell into my criteria of a lightweight, full size, cushy, trendy, and easy to use stroller that could be the only stroller I ever owned...from infancy to toddlerhood. Here, in suburbia and amongst our family, we've received a ton of compliments on the P3 and they all wished they got something like a P3 which they found to be "compact", stylish, ease to drive, and easy to fold.

We even have travelled with the P3 and it came in very handy and wasn't too bad to bring with us at all.

If your wife will be the primary user and can't stomach the high costs of the really posh strollers...maybe meet her half way and get a nice durable and very easy to use P3. The come in really nice styles and colors and can take a car seat easily. If you plan on getting an infant seat you can test it out with the stroller at any baby store. And if you want to save money then order the stroller on line.

[m295763]

Hi there,

My husband and I read your question, and we wanted to ask you if you've looked into any of the Combi strollers...we have a Combi Savvy stroller, Combi infant car seat (Connection), and Flash EX, which is their "Naked Stroller," basically a stroller frame that you snap on the infant car seat. And we absolutely love them all!
Combi's strollers usually costs somewhere between Graco/Evenflo level and Peg Perego/Inglesia level, so your wife may feel more comfortable? The strollers are light & compact (which was very important to us, since I'm very small and so is our car - ha ha ha), and I think the quality is awesome! So the price is reasonable for what you get. We "tried out" Graco travel systems that were much cheaper, but I just couldn't see myself pulling that heavy thing in and out of hte house and the car without any long term discomfort (read: bad back). At the same time, Peg Perego was out of our budget, and I couldn't justify paying that much money either - so Combi was a nice alternative, somewhere in the middle.

We thought you might like to look into other options if it's causing so much friction - just remember, it's just a stroller! It's not worth a divorce.

[Mathew J]

Hey all and thanks again...

The more I think about it the more I realize that I have a ton of time as our baby isn't due until september :) so the good is that it gives me plenty of time to comparison shop, the bad is that there is alot of stuff I need to research from strollers, carseats, cribs...etc...wow.

I think I might have to give the P3 a harder look, from all of the recommendations it has gotten here it is hard to pass up, plus I didn't realize the A3 is that heavy...picked it up in the store and it seemed light but I could fathom that with the baby gear in it and all the weight really adds up.

I haven't really paid much attention to the Combi strollers, don't know why but they just weren't on my radar. I will give them a look next time I go back to a local store, I believe BRU carries them??

I know for certain that I won't look at graco and the like even though everyone around here seems to use them, they just seem big bulky and like alot of plastic to me.

I don't think my desire to have nice things for the baby will cause a divorce, especially considering that the most expensive one I am considering is about $350, I just don't want to spend what she considers alot of money only to have her not like it as that would lead to a nasty situation, which is why I always bring her to look however I am hoping to find an option that she will say "well that's not too bad" price wise and yet is still quality...

now that $250 cigar lighter I want might be grounds for her killing me :)

Thanks again all.

[mommy111]

Hi there!
Just to agree with your wife and mother-in-law, what stroller you use depends very much on where you live and what you'll be using it for.... we've used our ridiculously expensive travel system about 4 times (and mostly for transferring car seat to stroller). The stroller we always take out is a cheap but very comfortable carter's first years $30 not-quite-umbrella (more like pancake) very light stroller from Target. I got this instead of the traditional umbrella which I thought looked very uncomfortable (I wouldn't want to sit on one so why would DD?).
The car seat, on the other hand, our investment on the Britax Marathon was worth every penny.

[MommyAllison]

Hello again :)

We have the P3 and really like it! Though we very rarely use it as a travel system, it is nice to be able to set the Snugride in when we need to. We bought a P3 instead of a Graco/Evenflo (which all of our friends have - we are the odd ones - they all seemed to pity us when I told them that we weren't buying the matching Graco stroller :) ) because I wanted a quality stroller that would last through more than 1 child. I like the footstep also - this is a very unique feature that you won't see with any stroller less than $100. I have watched my friends strollers fall apart very quickly - they love pushing their kids in my stroller though. :) FWIW, we also don't live "in the city" where you would be walking a lot - we drive almost everywhere, other than walks around the neighborhood. I still use my stroller quite often! I hope you and your wife are able to find a stroller you will both enjoy!

Allison
http://b1.lilypie.com/XvRAm8/.png (http://lilypie.com)

[Mathew J]

>Hi there!
>Just to agree with your wife and mother-in-law, what stroller
>you use depends very much on where you live and what you'll be
>using it for.... we've used our ridiculously expensive travel
>system about 4 times (and mostly for transferring car seat to
>stroller). The stroller we always take out is a cheap but very
>comfortable carter's first years $30 not-quite-umbrella (more
>like pancake) very light stroller from Target. I got this
>instead of the traditional umbrella which I thought looked
>very uncomfortable (I wouldn't want to sit on one so why would
>DD?).
>The car seat, on the other hand, our investment on the Britax
>Marathon was worth every penny.

Thanks,

We live in New England, near Boston. Honestly I don't know what we will be using it for, I assume trips out and to the mall or whatever but not as if we are city dwellers.

She thinks that the stroller will get little use and was even looking at versions that you just snapped your car seat into and nothing more, her mother said she used to only use an umbrella stroller...most people I see around here use those massive graco strollers at the mall.

I was mainly trying to consider options that are convenient to move in and out of the car, capable of going from newborn to a few years if possible, and something comfortable and safe. Having a car seat snap in option would be good, as well as a canopy or something for sun/rain?...

[catfeet]

Another plug for the P3 is that you can put the Graco Snugride right into the seat as a travel system, it's not authorized, but it works. Might be a nice way for you to justify the expense of a nicer stroller, to go with a slightly less pricy infant seat, though still good quality.

HTH,
Ann

[jenfed1]

The new P3s have the universal strap for carseats, which eliminated the need for a snap n go for me.

[rrkalina]

Just to add to your confusion.... Check out the Zoopers! We were set on getting a Combi stroller (knowing how I change my mind about things, I was worried I'd fork out the $$ for a P3 and then a couple months later would want something else) and came across the Zoopers. Cheaper than the P3/Zippy, and more substatial (IMO) than the Combis. We got the Waltz and love it--16lbs, can accept many car seats to make a travel system if you want, decent basket, not as bulky as the Gracos.

Of course, DS is 8 months and we've added 2 other strollers (Zooper Boogie for our walks and Mac Quest for short errands) and I love all of them!

If you do decide to go for a P3 or Zippy, I don't think you'll regret it, though!

Good luck!
~Kyle
Gavin 5/26/05

[hautemama15]

If you are looking for something less expensive, as it sounds your DW is, I second the Combis. Especially since they are lightweight like an umbrella type, yet recline fully for a newborn. And, they do have a sort of travel system out now since they have infant car seats. They are the Cosmo, DK-5, or the Savona. I think they look great.

Peg P3 is a great stroller also and you can use a SnugRide with it which many many feel to be a superior car seat.

As for a Snap & Go, well what about afterwards?? Baby only uses an infant car seat for roughly 4-6 months and sometimes not even that long. Even by 6 months you will want some kind of stroller with a deep recline in case baby wants to sleep comfortably. And, you don't always want to use your stroller as a travel systme because of plagiocephaly and some babies develop respiratory problems from being in that position for long periods. Most parents have common sense enough not to do that, but I have seen and talked to moms who think they HAVE TO use their car seat/stroller as a travel system. I mean moms who don't even have cars! So, it isn't a necessity.

And, as a PP mentioned, Bugaboo is nice, but for less $$ you can get the Rock Star Baby stroller, which is similar.

And, finally, you want the stroller to last more than a year or so. I would much rather have 1 or 2 strollers that meet all my needs, and my baby's needs and spend a bit more for quality.

Lots of luck and congrats!!

[The Review Mommy]

I'm going to be *REALLY* honest. I don’t want to offend anyone though so keep in mind that it's just my two cents. ;)

Another vote for the P3 or Zippy...but just incase your DW ends up wining the debate, it would still be ok to get the stroller frame for the infant car seat and an umbrella stroller for later. Just make sure it's a Mac Quest and you should be ok. :) It's very popular and well liked on this board. Keep in mind that you cannot use it for a newborn so hopefully DC will not be outgrowing the infant seat too soon. KWIM? My gut tells me she would really enjoy using the Quest, which is also high quality and more of the type of "umbrella" stroller she was thinking of vs the fully featured P3 or Zippy. Here's the 2006 line:

http://www.maclarenbaby.com/global/eng/2006_collection/buggies/view_all.php

Bugaboo, Rockstar, and other pram type strollers would be too much for DW and not worth the money in your situation, even the A3.

I gotta say I *HATE* Combis. Ok, that's an understatement, :( but I do agree that it's a nice in between price. So if it works for you guys-great! :D It's all personal though, let me tell you. ;) I'm not sure about the Zoopers, I think they are heavier than most (but more affordable) and this years models have changed and the price reflects that.


P3 vs Zippy-They are basically the same stroller so why get one over the other? I will list some differences. (Note: these are what *I* think. Some people would say the exact opposite. Crazy but true. :P He-he-he)

P3-
Pros-Adjustable handles (great for adding shopping bags with out banging into them), child tray (if you want one), "floating" 5 point harness is non-restricting, but effective, quite ingenious. Ok, so I'm really trying to think of others here,:P but a ton of people love it so I would be ok with recommending it. It's truly a stand up stroller but thought I'd list the negatives.
Cons-Too plasticky feeling, seat snug on older toddler/child-tray gets in the way sometimes (yes you can remove it), not good enough one handed steering and outdoor strolling for me.

Zippy- 2005 1/2 version and up
Pros-My personal favorite :P roomiest seat for growing child, easiest fold, better one handed steering, bigger wheels-better for outdoors (grass, snow etc).
Cons-Squeaky wheels (use approved spray), some kick the back of the wheels-yuck, you don’t want that! Test driving is preferred, Combis are even worse.

Good Luck, it’s so overwhelming, but you came to the right place for researching. :) Hope I didn't confuse you too much :P

Awesome deals can be had here, and she will appreciate it ;)
http://www.specialtybaby.com/index.html
http://stores.ebay.com/Welcome-to-Babysurplus
or Craigslist

HTH
Rebekah

[rl42382]

rachel l.
forget the bug it is heavy and imposable to assemble. avoide combi because they get shabby and are to flimsy they don't menuver well the zippy manuvers the best. go to buy buy baby or some other big baby stores where you can test it. we upgraded from a zippy 04 to a zippy 06 because my mom wanted to use the 04 when she watches our daughter.i love it it manuvers nicely in snow and ice, it folds truly one handed even with kid in hand it is pretty light but sturdie. nice padding a universal car seat attachment we used the graco snugride worked great as travel system. some models come with winter boot to cover legs and chest and the 2005 model and on has ahood that goes down to the napper bar a cup holder and carry handel. our 06 model came with a rain cover which snapes in and a snack tray for kid.and you can buy a snap in bassanet/carrycot so you can use the zippy as a pram, carry system with car seat, and stroller til 45 or 50 pounds.the p3 is also good but not a true 1 hand fold. zippy is sturdie easy to use parts can be washed just unsnap the seat from fram and wash. check both models. p3 adjustable handels so better for tall people. bbut zippy 05 1/2 model and 06 model angled ergenamic handels. the inglesina swiftalso good umbrella stroller with 4 recline position sturdie and cheaper than combi but not very big basket so only good for occasional trips or in and out of car.

[mommy111]

We live in New England as well, and use our stroller for malls etc as well. The only part of our regular stroller we used was the car seat attachment for malls the first 6 months. It was a horrible winter last year and so we didn't feel it wise taking DD for the long walks we had planned on. My parents had bought us the ridiculously expensive first stroller and when we needed something lighter, since both DH and I are students, we didn't have that kind of money to spend. So, come summer, we got this 'first years' stroller that has a shade, reclines etc. and is super light and compact, and super-cheap, and we've been very happy with that.
Also, I think if DW feels so very strongly about this, anything you can do to make her happy (especially if it involves no expenditure on your part) is great...my philosophy is that DHs should always listen to DWs ;)(of course it doesn't quite work that way at our house:))
Just my 2 cents

[nyackmom]

I am expecting our first child in May and am considering the Combi Connection infant carrier and City Savvy Select stroller combo for the reasons you mentioned (price, weight, etc.) Please let me know any feedback you have. Common stroller complaints seem to be the storage space and height of handle (which is why we prefer to go with the Savvy Select). My husband is 6'1, not huge but he does seem to tower over the Combi strollers.

How is the Connection seat? Is it easy to install? I read that the handle bar needs to stay in the up position while it is attached to the base. Do you know why? It seems counter-intuitive to me while the baby is in it. Very interested in your feedback.

[mariza]

Not sure how close to Brookline you are are, but maybe you can plan a daytrip to the boston/Brookline area. Magic Beans seems to have a good selection of strollers you can see IRL.
http://mbeans.com/
FWIW, I'm originally from Boston (moving back in a few months, yay!) and travel back home often, always with my P3. It does great on the cobblestone, in the mall, in and out of the car, etc. Love my P3!

[secchick]

If your wife really wants an umbrella type stroller, you could also look into getting a Maclaren... I was thinking of the Quest, which can give you a lot of the features that you would want with a bigger stroller (recline, extendable legrest, seat padding, etc), but is still fairly lightweight and steers like a dream. You could try it out at BRU and compare it to the really cheap umbrellas. Also keep in mind that the cheap umbrellas aren't appropriate for newborns, but I don't know when you would expect to start carting the little one about. Of the 3 that you mentioned though, I would probably go with the Zippy. Not that there's not a reason that the P3 is as popular as it is, I just love the fold.

[mom2jasper]

I have a different experience. We bought a Maclaren Techno XT which is an umbrella stroller suitable from birth. My 16 month old son went out in the stroller exactly FIVE times from birth until his first birthday. I wore him in a baby carrier (or my husband did) every where, every day, and never needed or wanted to use the stroller.

Since about 12.5 months we've used the stroller a lot because even the really great baby carriers (Check out the ERGO--front, hip, back carry from birth to 65lbs!!!) do have their limitations. My son loved the front carry and at 22 pounds, it was too much for me.

Anyway, it's a huge lifestyle choice, a lot of the "Stuff" we thought we needed, we actually didn't use a lot, and I am sooo grateful that we didn't spend a lot of money on a fancy stroller that we wouldn't have used that much anyway.

Also, even though carseats that click into strollers seem convenient, my DS hated his carseat and it was torture to have him in it. (I wish we had skipped that bucket carseat and gone straight to the forward/rear facing one...) Some of these things you can't know ahead of time--plus I read that carseats are not designed for use except for as a carseat--having a baby in a bucket carseat all the time isn't good for their spine or something? Who knows, it sounds far-fetched, but it's something to think about.

Congratulations and Good Luck! Our son was a September baby too!

[dietre_g]

I am a little late with my comment, but I didn't see it mentioned here. I have a 05 Zippy and I love it. I have many friends recommend the Combi and MacLaren strollers, but I eliminated Mac because of the fold and Combi because of the handle height. Hubby and I are fairly tall (5-8 and 6-3) and the Combi was too short. If you are tall, I would go with the Peg or Zippy. Just my 2 cents...


Dietre F.
Mom to Evan Gregory
Born 3.15.05
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