Which Stroller to Register for???

I am so confused by all the choices.

I have read Baby Bargains, underlined and ear marked pages but I still can't decide. Despite the low rating the Graco Metro Lite Travel System seems like it would be a great way to go - anyone have any experience with this system? Is it really that poorly made?

I looked at the Peg Preggo Pliko new lightweight system. But it has those umbrella handles that would be hard to push with one hand and I constantly see comments on how small the basket is.

Combi's lightweight stroller doesn't have some of the good accessories.

Help!! I could really use some feedback and instructions. I am pretty sure I want to go with a Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat.

Thanks so much

Sari

I would definitely pick a high quality stroller, even if you have to buy it yourself. There is a reason that the travel systems aren't recommended. Many of them don't last or weather well and you will end up buying another stroller later.

When I first started looking at strollers, I thought that I wanted all the bells and whistles. After thinking about it, I would never place a hot or cold drink above my baby for fear of spilling it, I don't need a tray because it's almost impossible to eat while pushing the stroller. Also, I got hooks for extra bags at the mall.

I think getting a lightweight, quality stroller is most important. You would be amazed how heavy a stroller can be when lifting it in and out of the car many times in one day. Many of the most popular ones are the Peg Pliko or P3, the Combi US, or the Zippy. You could even try ebay or your local baby stores for last year's models to save money. Believe me, it's worth it, especially when you think about how much you will be using the stroller. If you are unsure of what your needs are, I would go the Universal Kolcraft carrier or some other frame that holds an infant seat.

HTH!

~Heidi
Mom to Kailey Ashlin
4/27/03

[cdlamis]

I also read the BB book from cover to cover especially regarding strollers. We ended up getting the Combi Perfect Match since my in-laws were buying and I didn't want to ask for a PegPerego (more $).

Well, we should have purchased what we wanted in the first place because now we have the Combi AND the P3. The Combi sits in the garage and rarely gets used. I wish we would have bought the right stroller to begin with. It may be more money than some but you'll save money in the long run because then you won't end up buying 2.

I also thought that the umbrella handles would be difficult but its not. I think its actually more comfortable for my hands to push and its not hard to steer at all.

The basket size was the reason I almost didn't get the P3. Now, I don't miss the basket at all and rarely even use it. I store things in it like blankets, mini coolers for all day trips- things you don't need to get to as much. I hang all my shopping bags and diaper bags on the handles. From what I have read here, the P3 is one of the best all around strollers you can buy.

Hope this helps.

Daniella
Mom to Julia 6-13-02
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=...21b32dc745c42b

A stroller is definitely something you DON'T want to skimp on! Maybe you would like the Universal car seat carrier to start out with, it is great in the beginning. Then you can have some time to see what your needs are.

I have the P3 and love it. It is my everyday, in the car stroller. You wouldn't believe how well it steers with one hand, even with the umbrella handles. I didn't think I would like them at first, but now I love them....I can hang all of my stuff from them. The basket isn't the greatest, but it fits what I really need and I hang everything else. You don't want to buy a stroller for the basket.

The zippy is another good one, it was my second choice. That one hand fold is awesome, you will really appreciate that with a new baby. Is there anywhere you can try them out? That is what helped me, pushing them around the store with my heavy purse riding inside! Also you should try to pick each one up, like you are putting it in the trunk, and practice the folds. All of these things will help you decide.

It is a tough decision, I remember! And then you STILL will need ANOTHER stroller!

HTH!

[brittone2]

I agree...don't skimp if you can help it because in the end it is likely you'll need to replace the Graco or will end up unhappy w/ it and buying another stroller.
We're due w/ our first in February, and after much discussion, I brought DH around to the idea that a quality stroller is a good investment. I now joke w/ him that he's become a 'stroller snob" as he knows a lot about the various higher end models;) We found lots of other areas to save $$, but spending the extra $ for a quality stroller was important to both of us, since we anticipate using it quite a bit.

We ended up w/ a zippy, and paid $269 for a 04. The 03s are discounted right now on many websites. The p3 is also another nice all around stroller as mentioned. I don't think you can go wrong w/ either. They are not super super lightweight, but they are light enough that you can lift them in and out of your car if needed. I think the zippy will hopefully last us 2-3 years. By that time I bet the graco will have squeaky wheels and you may end up replacing it before that time.

We also did just buy a running stroller. I quickly realized no one stroller will probably meet every single need we have, but the zippy will be the primary stroller. Eventually we may opt to get something very lightweight like a light umbrella stroller, but they are pretty inexpensive ($50 or less).

Beth

[LucyG]

I would suggest considering your stroller needs. Though high-end strollers are great for some situations, it may be that the Metrolite is fine for you and your needs. I have a friend who loves hers. Not to criticize anyone or their stroller choices, but I think it's easy to become convinced that you "need" a certain level, brand, or type of stroller. I always ask myself whether I'd even know the difference if I'd never read Baby Bargains! We have a Combi and like it. Still, I think you can be very happy with a Graco if that's what you choose. Strictly my opinion, but don't fret over whether to get a Cadillac if a Ford would be fine for your needs!

[new_mommy25]

I have a P3 which I love, love, love. I have no problem at all pushing my stroller one handed while it is loaded up with bags and carrying DS in the other arm. That's how good it steers. I am also able to load lots of stuff into my basket. You just need to access from the side. I hang my diaper bag (Combi US) off the handle bars and there is no tipping.

One of the main reason I chose my stroller is because I wanted someting that would last. Yes, it cost $229 but I can see myself using it with more children down the line. I could have gotten a cheaper stroller for half or even a third of the price but then I would have to buy a new one for my next child. You would not believe the number of people who come up to me and ask about my stroller. (I love talking to people regarding my stroller, DH makes fun of me). Many of the people are pushing Graco's or Evenflo's or Eddie Bauer's and they have so many complaints. Heavy, hard to steer, too plasticky, squeaky wheels, wheel popped off, and it goes on and on. Some people even think the P3 is plasticky looking. I don't think so, especially when you compare it with the strollers I just mentioned. Those are all plastic.

When buying my stroller I was between the P3, Zippy, and Combi Ultra Savvy. I think they are all great strollers. I didn't pick the Zippy because I kicked the wheels, the hood wasn't as adequete and basket was really tiny. I've heard they have adjusted those problems. I really liked the Combi a lot but it just didn't seem as plush as the P3 and it was a little more loosey-goosey (although that is attributed to the suspension). A nice thing about the Combi is that it does have a carrying strap. That may come in handy while travling or just hauling it into the house.

To wrap it up, I love my stroller to death and I think I made the right choice. I wholeheartedly would reccommend a P3. I bought mine from arunningstroller.com. It was cheaper to buy online because of free shipping and no tax. I also got to choose the color I liked (black Sable)

I suggest going to a store. Practice folding and unfolding strollers. Push them around. Get down on your hands and knees and examine everything. And when you are out and about take notice of what other people are driving. Ask them what they like and don't like about their strollers.

Happy Shopping!!

I agonized about strollers, too. I finally decided on a Zooper zStreet after reading reviews here and trying one in a store. I was deciding between a Combi US and a Zippy. What made me lean toward the Zooper was the ease of handling, the number of accessories, and the price (go to froogle.com and see what sales come up - I found one for $169).

The zStreet is lightweight (16 or 17 lbs), takes the snugride and holds it securely, can be converted into a pram for a newborn to lie down, comes with a ton of stuff (rain shield, boot, mosquito cover), steers well one-handed, has wheels which can be fixed or swivel, and folds up rather well. Drawbacks - small basket, no plastic cupholder (it has a fabric one that holds a bottle of water well) and a small sun shade (though the mosquito netting can double as a sun screen). I like the fact that it has umbrella handles, so that I can loop shopping bags onto it. I also bought a Prince Lionheart stroller accessory kit ($16) for the cupholder and bag clips.

Zooper customer service is outstanding. When I had a problem with the sun shade, they promptly sent me a new one.

I love it and get asked about it wherever I go!

My suggestion is to register for a Universal Car Seat Carrier (Snap N Go or Kolcraft). That way, you can try out strollers once your baby is here. I have been using the Snap and Go, and it is great, it is lightweight, and a big plus not to have to wake the baby up to transfer her from carseat to stroller and back again. My daughter is 4 months now and I just bought a regular stroller (she now likes sitting up and facing forward in the stroller). There was a big advantage in being able to go shopping with her; she wasn't comfortable in the lightweight strollers I thought I wanted (Aria, Maclaren). She probably would be fine in them when she's older, but I realized that had I registered for a Maclaren (which I really liked when I was looking while still pregnant), I would still have had to go and get another stroller with more padding and recline. I ended up getting the Peg Perego Atlantico from Costco--a stroller I didn't even know about when I was looking while pregnant. Also, once the baby is here you'll figure out what features are really important to you, and how you'll be using a stroller (e.g. how big a basket do you need, how many times a day do you lift the stroller into and out of the car) etc. etc.

Good luck with the search.

[strollerqueen]

Just bear in mind that everyone I have ever heard of who bought the Metrolite wound up with squeaky wheels, a bent frame, and other quality problems. And most had these problems within about 6 weeks of purchase.

Also, they become very hard to push once children get heavier and bigger.

But they do seem to have all the right features, when you see them on the shelf. Maybe you'll get lucky, and yours won't break?