Okay, how about Maclarens?

[Lila]

After all my posts and general confusion, and after originally being in love with the Graco Quattro, but being talked out of it by just about everyone here, I am looking into Maclarens.

I definitely want to get the Graco Snugride 32, and I plan to use the stroller mostly for walks. I don't plan to be out with the baby all that much in the first three months and then the climate gets cold here, so I'm not sure how much I'd actually use it in the winter, except for inside. In other words, baby due August, weather nice through October maybe, and then inside for 5 months... and then the baby is 8 months old.

And when I say walks, I mean over sidewalks, that aren't always flat, maybe on some dirt paths, on streets, etc...

Having said all this, the Maclaren seems like a step up from the Graco and sturdier - I want a good recline, good tray, and canopy that gives decent coverage; my DBF and I are both tall and so that's a consideration. Easy fold and fairly lightweight - thought that's not major - I have a Subaru outback wagon.

I'll also likely wear baby in sling or carrier when running in and out of places quickly.

Thanks for input!

[edurnemk]

I wouldn't use a Maclaren for walks on bumpy sidewalks or trails... it's more of an indoor stroller or for smooth sidewalks. Also they don't have trays, but you can purchase on that fits them. The canopy isn't great for outdoors either, but you can always get an extension, like the RayShade. that's whay I use with my Quest. But my main stroller for outdoor use is the UPPAbaby Vista, I've taken the Quest on walks a couple of times but I don't think it would be able to take that much abuse everyday. Also, the ride for the baby would be very bumpy on a trail.
They're very good quality and easy to steer, but again if the main use is outdoor walking I'd advice you to look at something with air or foam tires and good suspension.

[jenny]

I have an outback wagon and I have the Quest, which is for babies 3 months and older.

If you're going to use the snugride and stick it in the stroller, and you want a maclaren, you need the Techno XLR.

Each wheel has suspension and it comes with a car seat adapter bar.

Look at link below.

http://www.elitecarseats.com/Maclaren-Techno-XLR.pro

[AnnieW625]

I LOVE my Maclaren! We've had it since DD was three months old and up until we bought our Vista in January it was our main everything stroller.

The XLR is the only Maclaren that has the carseat adaptor. It's a very nice stroller and yes Macs feel much more solid than Gracos, Chiccos, Pegs, and even the Zippy to me. I was this close to buying the XLR before I found my Vista on Craigslist. The only bad thing about the XLR is that the basket is kind of small, but for portability, use on mass transit or travelling Maclaren can't be beat. They are okay on sidewalks too, but I wouldn't use it on a whole lot of dirt or sand because it won't go anywhere.

Some people complain about the lack of sun shade with the Maclarens, but on our Triumph model (middle of the road, can be used at 3 mos; the Quest can be used at birth per MAC USA website) there is extra shade in the back which gets pulled over the handlebars when the shade is rotated all of the way forward (I think this might not be available on the 2009 models though; so definitely worth checking out a 2008 model); Albee Baby often has 2008 models on sale and for under $300). Babies R Us usually keeps the full line of Maclaren strollers so hopefully you can check them out in person.

Albee Baby 2008 Maclaren Techno XLR:
http://www.albeebaby.com/maclaren-techno-xlr-2008-stroller-brown-soft-blue.html

[Lila]

So this model has really good suspension, is good for outdoors, can fit a pre-3 month infant, and has foam tires?

[edurnemk]

So this model has really good suspension, is good for outdoors, can fit a pre-3 month infant, and has foam tires?

It doesn't have foam tires. The XLR has larger wheels than the Quest and the Triumph but they're not all-terrain.

If you really want something good for outdoors, look at the Baby Jogger City Elite or Classic. That's one of the lighter all terrains and has a super easy fold. Or a "hybrid" type stroller like the UPPABaby Vista or the Micralite Toro which is fairly light.

[lorinick]

I love my Mac but not for what your looking for. I'd take a look at the City Elite or even the City Mini.

[GraceH]

The canopies on Macs are the usual small umbrella ones -- not as small as some, but definitely smaller than full size strollers. They do make good 'car trunk' or 'quick trip' strollers. Oh, and most do not have the front bar.
Also, Macs can't have anything put on the handles or they will tip...
I would highly suggest trying out your possible choices in person before finalizing your decision.

[reissgirl]

I have to agree that a Mac does not sound like a good fit for your needs. I'd check out the City Mini because it will handle dirt paths better than an umbrella stroller (but not as well as a jogger) and is lightweight enough to use like an umbrella stroller.

[maybaby2009]

I would consider the Bee or the MBUS. Expensive but I am hoping they are worth it. The XLR really doesn't seem to work if you plan to be in the great outdoors (or city streets) too often

[WatchingThemGrow]

With the conditions you describe, something with air tires would be my suggestion. For something that is suitable from birth with air tires, check out the Baby Jogger Elite or Classic. We have a Mini as a PP suggested, but it is NOT a happy camper on dirt IME. Uneven sidewalks call for suspension, so something like the 2009 Elite would seem to suit your needs. If you have some time, you can get them with an REI coupon next time they come out.

I got a Bugaboo and love it, but I could have been fine with the BJCES. Try one out if you can.

[MamaKath]

If you are truly going to be outdoors a lot on paths, you want air tires. You can find a Mountain Buggy or Baby Jogger for a good deal if you don't look for the most current model.
http://www.albeebaby.com/baby-jogger-swivel-city-classic-single-2008-black-silver.html

[Tondi G]

a good tray and sunshade scream Peg P3. If you will be on smooth dirt paths the pliko would be fine... if they are trails then you want something with air tires!

[larig]

it's a whopping 22 pounds, but I can't imagine going for long walks (2-3 miles) here over rough side walks, big curbs and through puddles without my BOB rev. LOVE IT. We used it from birth as our only stroller with the car seat adapter--which should work for snug rides. the car seat adapter comes with a tray for when you're no longer using the infant seat. The canopy is GREAT, so much coverage for sun and a great recline. Our munchkin almost always falls asleep when we go for our walks. I think it folds really easily (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp0V3kATftc). REI sells them, so if you have one near you it would be a good idea to try it out.

I recently got a mac triumph (when DS turned 6 months) and it is definitely an indoor only stroller, walking on a long walk outside with it would be torture.

[Lila]

Okay, girls, here's what I'm looking at for my needs:

2008 baby jogger (cheaper)- how's the "sun roof" on this one? The tray? This would take my snugride32?


http://www.amazon.com/2008-Mountain-Buggy-Urban-Single/dp/B00181H54O/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1238769212&sr=8-3

Baby jogger:

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-City-Single-Stroller/dp/B000WG1XWQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1238769628&sr=1-1

2008 city elite (don't know the difference between this and the newer year or even between this and the baby jogger)

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-Elite-Single-Stroller/dp/B001DYCAQ4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1238769300&sr=1-7

I didn't like the review on the Peg P3 (tall people kicking back tires, a bit rickety, basket hard to reach)

City Classic:

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-Classic-Single-Stroller/dp/B000WG5LOC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1238769546&sr=1-2

Bob rev (looks nice)

http://www.amazon.com/BOB-Revolution-Stroller-in-Black/dp/B0011XSWUA/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1238769724&sr=8-1

(But read this review: http://www.amazon.com/Bob-BOB-Revolution-Stroller/product-reviews/B000SB1USW/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_1?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&filterBy=addOneStar)

(and these: http://www.amazon.com/Bob-BOB-Revolution-Stroller/product-reviews/B000SB1USW/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_2?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&filterBy=addTwoStar)

These would all be good from infancy? Or do they start at three months? How long would they last me? I can use the Snugride32 (assuming with adaptor) for any of them?

[bubbaray]

Sigh. The P3 is designed to be "rickety" -- its part of the suspension that gives the baby a smooth ride. It is still my girls fave stroller. Its my fave double (with the step) too.

All of the strollers you list can be used from birth. I'm not a huge fan of the BOB from birth, I don't like the recline on it.

One you haven't listed is the MBUS -- that is my all-time fave stroller and could have been my "only". If I had to get just one stroller, it would be the MBUS.

[jenny]

I know looking for a stroller can be hectic and stress-producing, but you have to know that there is no such thing as the perfect stroller.

Many of the moms on this board have 2,3 or more strollers.

If you plan on spending a great deal of time outdoors, then definitely go for a 3-wheel jogging stroller with air tires.

If you plan on using a stroller mostly in the mall or in stores and just using it on sidewalks for a quick errand, those strollers with air tires will not be a good choice. Imagine a busy mall during Christmas season and trying to maneuver the aisles or even a restaurant with a small space. And all of these strollers are at least 20 pounds.

I think the maclaren strollerse are fine for sidewalk use and for quick trips. I would not go for a 40-minute walk outside with my mac. But I do use it on the sidewalk if I'm walking to the store. And I love the fact that it weighs 12 pounds and is easy to fold and carry.

I'm a full-time working mom who lives in the suburbs. I don't go out for long walks with my child in the stroller. So for my lifestyle, the Mac Quest has been perfect. I work in the city, and I see a lot of moms here with jogging strollers with air tires b/c we have cobblestones and rough sidewalks. And their primary method of getting to place is by walking, so it makes sense for these moms to have an air tire stroller.

As an FYI, you never know what your baby will like. At first my DD liked the stroller, but now my 9-month-old baby hates being in the stroller, so we've been carrying her around in our beco butterfly 2 for trips to the mall and stores.

[KBecks]

I thought Macs don't have trays.

That said I love our Volo.

[larig]

BOB can be used from birth (not jogging, but walking) with your car seat. I never tried to use it without the car seat. And about that adapter, here's what REI says about the car seats that are compatible (http://www.rei.com/product/750872).

A few things about the reviews...
Ours (a 2008) seems to recline a ton to me when the buckles are unfastened. It's not totally flat, but it's darn close. It does adjust more than that (the reviewers are not being accurate here). You can "fine tune" the recline by tightening the straps at the buckles. (hard to explain, but the seat has webbing that supports the back, you can shorten the webbing like you would tighten backpack straps, thereby reducing the recline. It sits very upright when you do.)

I couldn't tell you about whether or not a kid could unlatch the fastener, because I've got a 9 month old--he can't. You have to squeeze it from the left and the right to get it open, and it has a sternum strap.

As for the hard plastic buckles, we have the warm fuzzy accessory in there for the winter right now, so I have no idea if this will be an issue or not. The shoulder straps have padding on them.

the canopy is a bit bulky when it is pushed back, but I'd trade that for crappy sun coverage any day. It's an exceptionally generous shade.

that said, I've not tried any of the other strollers on your list and there are some very popular strollers on your list. It's going to come down to which one is best at doing the things you think are most important. Our bob's primary job is long daily walks in the neighborhood, to the grocery store, etc. and it's excellent at that, so if it's a little heavy when I want to take it shopping that's a trade I'm willing to make. Get out there and try them out, and if you can take a kid with you all the better. I "borrowed" my niece when we went to go look at the BOB. She was comfortable, so we thought it would be good. It also gave me a sense of what it would be like to push the stroller with some weight in it.

ETA: weight limit is 70 pounds. I read a lot of reviews at REI too (http://www.rei.com/product/750868). Hope this helps!

[larig]

One more thing. The red things that dangle (http://www.amazon.com/Bob-BOB-Revolution-Stroller/product-reviews/B000SB1USW/ref=cm_cr_dp_hist_1?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&filterBy=addOneStar). If it's what I'm thinking of, I just velcroed them under the padded shoulder straps. DS can't even see them.