Let's talk about strollers

[Mrs. Bradbury]

DISers have always been a reliable source of information for me, so I'm back at the well again!

As of last September I became a member of the most fabulous club - the GRANDPARENTS club!!!

My son lives 45 minutes away, so I am lucky enough to see my grandson quite often. As a result, I've been acquiring baby equipment for my house as I see good deals because it's easier for his parents and us, but strollers today really have me stumped. I am astounded at what folks apparently are willing to pay for one!

My requirements are:

• 4-wheel suspension
• ability to remove and machine wash all fabric
• big basket underneath
• prefer rubber or air-filled wheels
• big sun shade
• ability to lie flat
• ability to sit completely up, not partially reclined
• gender-neutral color/pattern - but hopefully not solid black - isn't that extra hot?
• comfort for child/padding
• lightweight and easy fold/setup would be nice

Other than that, I couldn't care less what brand it is. It will probably be used mostly outside; I love to stroll!

I went to the closest TRU to see some in person, and they had maybe 5 tops, and none that I would even consider. So my choices of seeing stuff in person is going to be limited. A bigger Walmart might have a better selection, but I guess I'm assuming it will be mostly plastic junk because WALMART. If my local Walmart even carries strollers, I'm not sure where they hide them.

I've been out of the stroller game for almost 18 years, and I would love to hear suggestions and experiences.

EDITED TO ADD: I plan to buy used, so go ahead and include the good and the bad high-end strollers. On the other hand, I would love to be able to buy new in the $150 or less range.

Thanks!

 

[CoP Luv]

While my stroller doesn't meet all of your requirements, and was more than you are probably willing to pay, I have had the City Mini GT and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It is a 3-wheel jogger, but so many of my non-jogging friends love it too. There is a version that does not have the rubber, air-filled tires that might be a little less expensive. It depends on what you consider to be light weight. Ours is 18 lbs. empty but it is SO easy to maneuver. I can go for walks with one hand holding the dog leash and one had pushing the stroller without any problems. I have tried the 4-wheel strollers, and maybe it's just me, but I find them to be a little less easy to move around.

That being said, I would strongly suggest looking for resale. Once people have more than one child, they might be looking to trade their single stroller for a double, and it may only be a few years old. While I have not personally done so, some of my friends have had success at garage sales, Craigslist, or Facebook Sales.

 

[Keira1387]

I have a city mini also and love it! We previously had a four wheel stroller and it was difficult to maneuver. I will never own another brand! They are also very easy to fold.

 

[Anthony1971]

Do not think I have ever seen one with real rubber tires (rubber coated or rubber like yes) that is compact (my last one was about 5 years ago).... You may want to look at jogging strollers although larger they are built far better... Never bough a jogging stroller but wish I did as I replaced a few of the others and we did not buy cheap strollers.... By the way if you buy the cheaper made strollers (99%of them) the companies will always replace the wheels free of charge... that is if you can get them off once you put them on.. They still sell those old large spring baby carriages with real rubber tires but they are big $$$$

 

[Sleepy425]

Doesn't meet all of your requirements, but I'm not sure of any that do so I will throw this out there - Chicco Echo from Target is $99.99 and oftentimes discounted to $79.99. It is lightweight, reclines like a champ (my kids fight over it for naps in Disney) and easily folds with one hand and fits in any car. I have four kids within 3.5 years of each other - I have a double jogger (City jogger), a cheap umbrella, a tandem, and a sit and stand - the Chicco is my favorite. And a few of my friends have also bought it after seeing how well it reclines and how nicely it wheels.
As for cleaning it - I take it outside and spray it with the hose. Works for me!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Thanks everyone for your replies! It's funny, but as soon as I typed all this out I went back on the hunt again, and ran across this stroller:

And it meets all my requirements except for rubber/air-filled wheels and a large bottom basket. The basket isn't small, just not BIG. It's gotten great reviews and we really like this colorway (although the Hawaii color sorely tempted me!). Kiddy is supposed to be a German company, but it's manufactured in China. I got it for half off, a little over $100.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

While my stroller doesn't meet all of your requirements, and was more than you are probably willing to pay, I have had the City Mini GT and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It is a 3-wheel jogger, but so many of my non-jogging friends love it too. There is a version that does not have the rubber, air-filled tires that might be a little less expensive. It depends on what you consider to be light weight. Ours is 18 lbs. empty but it is SO easy to maneuver. I can go for walks with one hand holding the dog leash and one had pushing the stroller without any problems. I have tried the 4-wheel strollers, and maybe it's just me, but I find them to be a little less easy to move around.

That being said, I would strongly suggest looking for resale. Once people have more than one child, they might be looking to trade their single stroller for a double, and it may only be a few years old. While I have not personally done so, some of my friends have had success at garage sales, Craigslist, or Facebook Sales.

I have a city mini also and love it! We previously had a four wheel stroller and it was difficult to maneuver. I will never own another brand! They are also very easy to fold.

The City Mini GT was #1 on my list! I will keep that in mind if this one doesn't work out. Thanks!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Do not think I have ever seen one with real rubber tires (rubber coated or rubber like yes) that is compact (my last one was about 5 years ago).... You may want to look at jogging strollers although larger they are built far better... Never bough a jogging stroller but wish I did as I replaced a few of the others and we did not buy cheap strollers.... By the way if you buy the cheaper made strollers (99%of them) the companies will always replace the wheels free of charge... that is if you can get them off once you put them on.. They still sell those old large spring baby carriages with real rubber tires but they are big $$$$

You're right, there are SO few strollers with actual tires, and they are exactly what you said - jogging strollers or English prams. Hopefully the one I ordered will work out. Thanks!

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

Doesn't meet all of your requirements, but I'm not sure of any that do so I will throw this out there - Chicco Echo from Target is $99.99 and oftentimes discounted to $79.99. It is lightweight, reclines like a champ (my kids fight over it for naps in Disney) and easily folds with one hand and fits in any car. I have four kids within 3.5 years of each other - I have a double jogger (City jogger), a cheap umbrella, a tandem, and a sit and stand - the Chicco is my favorite. And a few of my friends have also bought it after seeing how well it reclines and how nicely it wheels.
As for cleaning it - I take it outside and spray it with the hose. Works for me!

It's funny you should mention the Chicco - that's exactly what my last stroller was! It was the model prior to the Echo, though. I ADORED that stroller, but for a teeny baby I felt like I needed something "more". I wouldn't hesitate to buy an Echo for an older baby/toddler. Thanks for your reply!

 

[tvsdisney]

I have a Uppababy gluxe and vista. Love them both!! Look on Craigslist though as they are on the expensive side