Is a stroller that has a bassinet worth the $?

[MrsGoose]

I am having a baby in July (#1). I am considering the I'coo targo and the Uppa Baby (amongst many others!). I am wondering if it is worth it to have the basinett features... I don't like the idea of having the baby in the Snug Rider all the time, but i do plan on using a snap and go for short trips (like to the grocery store). I really like the uppa baby, but i am worried about spending that much $. I am partially talking myself into it b/c on the 09 you can add a rumble seat for a DC #2 (we currently plan on TTC #2 sometime late 2010 probably, so they would be somewhere between 18-24 months apart in an ideal word.. but it could ALL change!). But I amSO the type that would want a new stroller w/ # 2 anyway.

I want to have a good stroller for walking b/c I need to get in shape for a wedding i will be in 3mos pp. our sidewalks are crappy, so i need one w/ decent wheels/suspension.

I see all the raves on the baby jogger citi mini... does that recline flat enough for a newborn??

Any advice would be apprecciated!

[mrsjde]

I personally really loved the bassinet feature on my Vista. Not only for walking, but for overnight visits to grandmom's house, etc. I also remember someone posting on the board when I was researching stollers that they thought the bassinet was great for putting the baby in when she wanted to take a shower. It is amazing all of the great things you will find uses for.

It is also super easy to maintain. The microfleece washes really well.

We live in a large city and I would still use my carseat vs. the bassinet when we were going out to eat or shopping around town.

[ahrimie]

I have the Bugaboo Cameleon and loved the bassinet feature. I walked around a lot post partum for exercise and am glad I had that to use instead of keeping her in the carseat all the time.

With that said though, if the bassinet is MUCH more, I wouldn't get it. How much is it?

[AnnieW625]

Three years ago when I was pregnant with Elisa and didn't know any better I would've said heck no, what do you need that for, and why do I need to pay $800 for a stroller (at the time Bugaboo was the only mass marketed stroller that offered a bassinet)! Now three years later I can see the uses for them, and there are some much better priced options with better weight limits (Bugaboo weight limit is 35lbs! WTH? 50 would be so much better for a $$$$ stroller!) like the Valco Tri Mode or the Vista and am debating about getting one myself, however I am not really sure if I will end up with one because this baby will most likely be our last.

I think the UppaBaby comes standard with the Vista Stroller.

[BeachBum]

I had a Mountain Buggy with a carrycot for #1 and loved it. We did quite a bit of walking and I felt like he was so snug and comfy in there. I loved having him face me. I would also bring the stroller inside and he could nap in the bassinet downstairs (bedrooms are upstairs). I had to pay extra...and a significant amount for the carrycot but to me it was totally worth it.

As for taking the snap and go to the grocery, I doubt you'll do that. You'll probably use the car seat in the grocery basket. For the money you'll spend on a snap and go I'd suggest getting a sling. Once DS had head control I just loved my pouch sling (I had a hotslings.com)

I'm having twins and have opted to get a carrycot for them as well.

[salsah]

if it is worth the money is up to you. they are nice, but not necessary. the bj city series strollers recline enough for a newborn. although if you plan to walk a lot, you might want to consider the classic or elite (over the mini).

[MrsGoose]

the uppababy is 650 ish, but includes the bassinet.. some of the other strollers (like the city mini ) are more like 2-400...

[MamaBear]

Loved the bassinet for my Cameleon! When our son was born, we had a VW Golf, so it was a tight squeeze in the car but worked nevertheless. Our son slept in the bassinet until we were ready to move him to his crib (at 3 months). I loved that he was cosy and comfortable when we were out and about, and having a 'bed on wheels' was sooo convenient when we travelled!

[ebjw]

If it was warmer, we'd be using the bassinet all the time instead of keeping our baby girl in the car seat. Also, with the Vista, you won't need a snap n go because you can get the car seat adapter. I have the Chicco adapter and it works great- snaps right onto the stroller frame! The Vista has adapters for Graco and Peg Perego also.

[hillview]

I liked it with DS #1. Didn't use it with DS #2 (needed a double). I liked it with DS #1 but it wasn't essential. I think if the money isn't a BIG deal go for it but if things are a little tight, I don't think you will feel super sad you don't have it.
/hillary