Best stroller for big kids?

[labdogs42]

We have taken our Graco Quattro Tour stroller to Disney 3x already. It is a greta stroller, but heavy and bulky. Now that DS is getting older (he's 2.5 now), I'm thinking we could get away with a lighter weight stroller and save ourselves folding the big stroller all the time. My DS is a 90-95 percentile guy, so he's already 37" tall and about 35 lbs. If I get another stroller, I'd like it to last a while. What strollers have high weight limits? What ones handle nicely with a heavier kid in them? I was looking a the Peg Perego Aria (2005-2007 models, some used). I tried a MacLaren Volo in the store once, but it didn't seem very substantial. Should I just tough it out with my Graco or is there a viable alternative? Thanks for your help!

 

[G8RFAN]

We've used our McLaren (forgot the name but it was just under the fully loaded Techno) for about 3 years. Even though DS just turned 6 and has always been in the upper 90 percentile, we dusted it off and brought it for our trip to Europe four months ago, as we planned to do a lot of walking in Paris and Rome. Folded up, they are very portable. The basket net does not hold a lot and the handles and balance really do not promote hanging bags, however it was infinitely more convenient than the heavy and bulky Graco we first started with. Best purchase we made. They are very strong for its size and can handle fairly large kids. I remember reading that there were issues with certain models in which the front wheels would break in cold weather. We never experienced any durability issues.

 

[blessedby3]

I think the Maclarens are the best strollers ever. I have a Volo and feel like it is built like a tank. The frame is so sturdy. I was suprised to see you post that you didnt think it was substantial. We love it and it is a great stroller that we have only used at Disney for our DD(now 8). She doesnt use one at home, but we have taken it on our last 2 trips and we think it is wonderful. So wonderful that we ordered a Maclaren Quest (because of the recline) for our newest DD due in a few weeks. The Macs hold up to 55 pounds (some models hold up to 65) and they push like no one is even in them. Our DD weighed 50 pounds at our last visit and we had her in the stroller along with a backpack hanging on the back and stuff in the basket and it still pushed like a dream. The handles are very tall for my 6'2" husband and it is lightweight and very easy to carry with the strap.
I had a Combi when DD was about 2 and that thing was a piece of junk. Lightweight, but junk. The frame was plastic and I felt like it was going to crack and break at any time. It also wouldnt push after DD got to a certain weight and she is a tiny child!!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I bought a Triumph for our recent trip and I pushed my 55lb. 48" Nephew around in it and he did not feel heavy at all. This is the one I purchased: http://www.albeebaby.com/ma20trstingo.html

It was easy to spot the yellow in the sea of strollers.

ETA-It was also so easy to take on the bus because it is lightweight. It is the best stroller we have owned.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I think the Maclarens are the best strollers ever. I have a Volo and feel like it is built like a tank. The frame is so sturdy. I was suprised to see you post that you didnt think it was substantial. We love it and it is a great stroller that we have only used at Disney for our DD(now 8). She doesnt use one at home, but we have taken it on our last 2 trips and we think it is wonderful. So wonderful that we ordered a Maclaren Quest (because of the recline) for our newest DD due in a few weeks. The Macs hold up to 55 pounds (some models hold up to 65) and they push like no one is even in them. Our DD weighed 50 pounds at our last visit and we had her in the stroller along with a backpack hanging on the back and stuff in the basket and it still pushed like a dream. The handles are very tall for my 6'2" husband and it is lightweight and very easy to carry with the strap.
I had a Combi when DD was about 2 and that thing was a piece of junk. Lightweight, but junk. The frame was plastic and I felt like it was going to crack and break at any time. It also wouldnt push after DD got to a certain weight and she is a tiny child!!

My sister bought a Combi and she liked the park rental stollers better than hers. It would not hold my Nephew at all, but my niece was ok in it. I liked mine much better and so did she.

 

[Girly_Qs]

Valco Buggster

BIG seat (biggest I've seen on anything!)
Folds small, umbrella style
Light, at 16lbs
Very full featured (deep reclining multi-position seat, big basket, includes all the add-ons like a rain cover, UV cover, and boot)
A breeze to push/steer

If it weren't for the fact that we needed an option for *both* my dd's, it's what we'd have right now (we went with a Phil & Ted's Sport w/ doubles seat to accomodate both girls at WDW, also because we came across a steal of a deal on it!).

 

[hoosiergirl7]

We had a Graco Metrolite and about the time DS turned a year old, I hated it because it was bulky. We compared strollers and ended up buying the Maclaren Triump. I LOVE THIS STROLLER!!! DS is almost 4 years old now and about 37 lbs and still fits very comfortably in it. As he is hard headed and will not follow directions while we're out shopping at the mall he has to sit in the stroller and is actually very content being pushed around.

We took this stroller to Disney last September and it worked out fabulous. It was easier to maneuver through the parks and also nice since you don't have to search for your rental. The other nice thing was that it was hot and we wanted to go in the shops in the parks to cool down. It was very easy to push through the shops.

I will never buy anything again but a Maclaren. It's light-weight, durable and so easy to use.

 

[labdogs42]

Hmmm...I may have to go back and give that MacLaren another spin around Babies R Us. Thanks for the info!