ISO: decent, *compact* (when folded) stroller

I'm looking to buy a new stroller that will leave some room in the trunk for luggage when we travel. Our "big" car is a Subaru Legacy sedan, and we've been known to stick the stroller in the passenger compartment when the trunk is full. Suboptimal, to say the least!

I don't need a ton of bells and whistles, though a decent sized basket and reasonable canopy would be nice. Don't care about snack trays and cup holders (not that I'm against them, if available). Also, lightweight and easy-to-fold would be preferable, of course, but not critical. Stroller use is gentle--mostly sidewalks, the zoo, the mall, and so on. Stroller rider is 2yo.

My two previous strollers (which we still use: a Combi 5000 (or something like that) and a Graco CitiLite--you new moms probably have never even heard of these!) were fairly inexpensive. I'm willing to spend a bit more if the stroller is great, but under $200 would be best.

I've looked briefly at the Maclaren Triumph and Quest, Combi City Savvy/Savvy Soho, Chicco C5 at BRU, which, incidentally, is 45 min away, so not terribly convenient for checking things out in person. Didn't love any of them at first glance and didn't test drive any with my 30lb kid in it. Nowhere to look at Inglesina and Zooper strollers where I live, so comments about those would be especially appreciated. I guess there's a new Graco (Mosaic) that has an umbrella fold--anyone seen one of those yet? I know Gracos aren't everyone's favourite, but mine has held up decently after 3 years and 2 kids, and they're inexpensive. If it weren't so big folded up, we'd keep using the CitiLite for travel--it's already been to Asia twice and all around the US.

Sorry this is so long (my first post too!). Thanks for suggestions and comments!

[lmwbasye]

Katharine,

Well, I know you said that you weren't thrilled with the Mac Quest, but it is a good quality stroller, comfortable, and folds up super small. Also, very light. The basket isn't great, but you could always use a stroller bag (i.e. Skip Hop) to hang off the handles and get a Protect-a-Bub to increase shade.

I don't know about the Zoopers for space, but they are also good strollers. However, the Waltz and Swing are 16 and 19 lbs respectively and the Waltz doesn't fold up super small (not an umbrella fold).

Good luck!

Laura :)

Liam (10/21)

[kellyotn]

Another plus to Maclarens is they have a high weight limit of 55 pounds. I have an older Vogue and use it for all the things you mention. It is super small in the trunk and handles bigger kids with ease. They steer great!

I don't really know about the others you mentioned, but I thought I'd pipe in to check the other's weight limits if you want the ability to use it for a long time.

kelly

We love our Combi Savvy Soho! We keep it folded and in the trunk all the time to use for trips out of town, to the zoo, amusement parks, etc. and it's been fabulous for that. It also comes with its own zippered carrying bag. One reason we bought this stroller is because we thought it would be great for airline travel but we haven't yet used it for that purpose.

We keep it folded flat in the trunk (not tri-folded, as it fits in the carrying bag) and it takes up virtually zero space. Our big car is a VW Passat. We've packed luggage for all three of us for a week away PLUS the Savvy Soho stroller PLUS a Kick & Play bouncer PLUS a Bumbo Seat in the trunk and have always had plenty of space. I prefer NOT to have an umbrella fold because that tends to take up more space in the trunk. We also have an Inglesina Zippy (which umbrella folds) and that takes up much more space in the trunk than the flat-folding Savvy Soho.

The Savvy Soho is very similar to Graco CitiLite in amenities (we were considering that one but DH didn't like the way it folded) so if you like that, you'll love the Savvy Soho. What I love about the Savvy Soho is that I can pull it out of the trunk one-handed (with DS in my other arm) and it basically unfolds on its own. It does require two hands to fold it but it's VERY easy.

I highly recommend the Savvy Soho. I think you'll be pleased with it. The ONLY thing I don't like about it is the seat doesn't go fully upright (DS is at a slightly reclined angle at the highest angle, which he doesn't really like). Also, the basket is a little small but we have a Skip Hop Duo diaper bag so we just attach that to the handle bars and it's not a big deal.

Good luck!

[JElaineB]

I asked almost this same question a few days ago (though my price limit is more like $100). Here is the thread:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboar...d=61989&page=4

Jennifer
mom to Jacob 9/27/02

[DAKnits]

A lot of people have recommended the Chicco Tuscany ... I have no experience with it, but it's got the recline and leg extensions (like the Quest), and I think it's only $80. HTH!

Thanks for the suggestions so far and for the link to the previous thread!

Anyone with opinions about the compactness of the Zooper Swing or Inglesina Swift? I wish I could see one in person.

In the end, I'll probably just go back to BRU and check out the other ones again. It's great to get some real-world feedback though! Any other ideas out there?

[hez]

> One reason we bought this stroller is because we thought it would be great for airline travel but we haven't yet used it for that purpose.

We've used it for one plane (round)trip so far. DH was a dolt and left the bag at home (got a lecture from me on that). Other than a couple scratches from when we gate checked it, there were no problems, and it was really convenient. When Payton wanted to hold hands or be held, we just dropped the carryons in the seat and pushed those instead.

I'm happy with ours, only complaint is that occasionally it's tough to steer Payton in it.

We have registered for a Combi City Savvy which I understand is somewhat similar to the Savvy Soho. What I have read about Combi is pretty much positive. I like that it is lightweight and that the car seat attaches if need be. (Combi Connection Infant Car Seat). Am hoping that I can get away with this one stroller for quite a while without having to get another. But after reading all the stroller info.... I am probably dreaming.....

[strollerqueen]

My three fave "little" strollers are the Mac Quest, Volo, and Quinny Zapp.