I need some help, as I'm totally overwhelmed by the choices! I've been researching strollers for a while now and feel no closer to making a choice than I was before. Here's the story.
We're expecting our second baby in May, when DS1 will be nearly 4.5. We are considering buying another stroller because I really don't like what we have already. (Chicco Cortina to go with our Chicco KeyFit seat and a Maclaren umbrella stroller--not sure the model because it's actually from Europe but we love this stroller and use it exclusively at this point.) We might just not buy anything at all, except I screwed up one of the wheels on the Maclaren by closing the trunk on it, so it doesn't maneuver as nicely as it used to. I don't like the Cortina much at all (bulky, poor handling), but it does fit with the Chicco seat which is convenient.
Should we get another multi-purpose stroller that will take us from infant on up, or should we just deal with the Cortina for the first few months and then invest in a stroller that's better for older babies? (Or we considered splurging on the Chicco caddy to get us through the first months, though that leaves less money for us to spend on the other stroller?)
Are we going to need something for DS1? I really, really don't want to get a double--seems wasteful when he will already be 4.5. (Plus a nearby relative owns a double I expect we could borrow occasionally if we really needed it.) Do you think we should get a ride along board? How long would that even be useful? DS1 is very tall for his age.
Our other considerations:
-Lousy city sidewalks. Our Cortina, for instance, catches on all the bumps and makes for a tricky ride. I'm thinking we need something with some larger wheels.
-Space--we really can't have more than 2 strollers, and neither can be huge. We have no garage or place to park them outside, so everything has to be carried up a few steps and sit in the entryway. Similarly our trunk isn't huge.
-We don't jog or hike or anything like that. Basically we use our stroller 2-4 times a week on city streets for shorter walks, with occasional longer trips to places like the zoo, mall, etc.
-On the middle or lighter side of the spectrum. We sometimes have to carry the stroller up stairs to get to the train, and while it's not an everyday occurrence a behemoth stroller just won't be convenient.
-It's likely that I'll be losing my job soon, so we can't blow tons of money on a stroller! I'm hoping to spend $250 or less, and I'm willing to buy used. Is that a pipe dream? :/ If so, how much do you think I should budget?
Anyone have any advice on what kind of stroller might work for us? Anything we should consider when choosing?