Stroller recommendations? Here's our criteria...

[meghan6]

Our son is almost 4 months old and we are trying to decide which stroller we'd like to get. There are so many out there and we haven't found one yet that meets all of our criteria. Any recommendations you can provide would be great!

We'd like the following features:
- able to go on dirt walking paths at the park, but mainly used for shopping or neighborhood walks
- not too heavy (20 lbs max) - for example, I thought the Phil and Ted's Sport was a bit too heavy for lifting in and out of the SUV
- cup holder(s) for parents
- adjustable handle height
- no more than $400
- nice to have: option to have baby face us or face outward

Thanks!!

[ellies mom]

I'm just going to be blunt. I don't think you will find a stroller that meets all of your criteria.

First of all a stroller that is going to do well on dirt paths and long walks around the neighborhood (1+ miles) is not going to weigh less than 20 pounds. And not only that, if you want one that is going to be good for shopping as well as dirt paths (ie not super wide wheel base), under $400 maybe be difficult as well especially if you want height adjustable handles.

If dirt paths and long neighborhood walks wasn't a requirement, I would recommend the Peg Perego P3. It meets your price, weight and adjustable handles requirement. You can take it for neighborhood walks but I had the very similar Zippy and I didn't really enjoy it for longer walks. It was fine for walking from store to store downtown but I really prefer the AT strollers for long walks. I definitely didn't like it for dirt paths.

The strollers like the Phil and Ted and the Bob Revolution are great but as you've noticed, they are heavier than you like. And I understand that. I have the Valco Trimode and one of the things that keeps it from being my one and only is the thought of putting it in and out of my car all the time.

And the few strollers that might meet all of your physical requirements, aren't going to meet your financial requirement. Although, I'm not even certain I can think of a single one that would meet those requirements. Oh, and I ignored the cup holder one because you can buy them after market.

[MontrealMum]

Unfortunately I am going to have to agree with the pp that it is going to be extremely difficult to find what you're looking for all in one stroller, for under $400. We have two separate strollers in order to meet the requirements that you have listed. Ours are a BOB , and a Maclaren , though there are many other similar models/brands in both categories (AT & umbrella). I think you *may* have to decide which features you can live without, or budget for two. Sorry I don't have better news

[mom2tony]

If you can find a I'Coo Hauck Infinity on ebay or craigslist I think that meets your criteria.

[salsah]

baby jogger city mini should meet all of your requirements except that for the baby to face you, the baby would need to be in the infant car seat.

http://www.babyjogger.com/

[WatchingThemGrow]

I was thinking the BJ City Series would do the trick, especially if you want to go on dirt trails. The larger wheels would work better on that surface, IME. One of the reviewers on joggingstroller.com commented that the Elite was heavier than the Classic, but I saw 21 lbs. somewhere. We have the Elite Double as our only double and LOVE it. Although, with the Cameleon, I'm able to have the baby facing me, which is good when only one little person is with me.

[strollerqueen]

My BJCSS weighs 24 pounds. It is common for manufacturer's numbers to be off.

[strollerqueen]

If you can find a I'Coo Hauck Infinity on ebay or craigslist I think that meets your criteria.

Fabulous stroller! It weighs 24-26 pounds though.

[Jacksmommy2b]

I have a rock star baby that I looove. (I'coo makes the RSB) It has a lot of the bugaboo functionality (pram, reversable seat) but I paid $429 and it folds in one piece. Great on or off 'road. Adjustable handle buy after market cup holder.
Stroller Queen has pics and descriptions on her website. I can't say enough about it!