Maclaren stroller owners...some questions...

[alloyd1170]

Also on some of the Macs (I know Quest has it) there is a device in the seat that you can pull out to make the bottom of the seat longer (think its for infants/smaller children) like a leg rest when theyre reclined. This is a nice feature, but I didnt need it with my toddler.

alison

 

[kldmom2000]

We invested in the Maclaren Quest specifically for our Disney trip this past December-I wish I'd discovered this stroller sooner! I love it! My older DD is 4 and is 43"/40lbs. Most strollers won't accomodate her height and weight. We wanted a stroller more specifically for our 2 yr old DD, but if the need arose that my 4 yr old wanted to take a break, we wanted the stroller to be able to hold her and be pushed with ease.... it worked wonderfully! I saw online that the wt. restriction was up to 55lbs which is what sold me on it. It's an awesome stroller and only weighs 10.5 lbs when folded up! 2 thumbs up!

 

[MCK588]

I agree with the poster who mentioned the problem with Triumphs. No matter what the Mac site tells you, these are not very popular because of the shallow seat. Get the Quest if that is the type of stroller you are looking for.

The Volo is extremely lightweight. It does not recline. The 05 models come with a sun canopy, earlier models do not. Many people love this stroller that do not have children that nap or need the recline.

The Triumph is a step up, but as I said, the seats are an issue.

The Quest is a bit heavier than the Volo but reclines and comes with some more options.

The difference between the Techno and the Quest, besides for the price!, is that the Techno has a full recline therefore being suitable for an infant. If you are looking for a stroller for a toddler, the Quest would be enough. If you are planning to use it for an infant, then you would get the Techno.

For those of you in the NYC area, Buy Buy Baby is selling Quests for $129 right now (usually sell for closer to $199). The Volo is $69 I think. Target is also now selling Maclarens as of this week.

You may also want to consider the Inglesina Swift. It's similiar to the Quest. Also the Silver Cross Mini. The Silver Cross Micro is more like the Volo in that it doesn't recline.

For babies, you may also want to consider the Peg Perego P3 or the Inglesina Zippy. Both are umbrella strollers like the Mac Techno, but they have napper bars. I think they are around the same weight as a Techno.

ETA: Sorry for posting some of the same info as above, I didn't see that this thread had a page 2!!!! I see some of my friends at the StrollerSwap on YahooGroups are here. It's a great source for stroller information but be prepared to get obsessed. Sometimes the less you know the better!

 

[leahannpen]

Wow...you guys are very helpful...thank you!!

DH and I are expecting a baby in August, so I do think I should take that into consideration. I'm going to check out Quests and Techno's since they are good for infants. I hope I can find a deal. My DH won't agree we need one, but that Chico Caddi stinks!

Two questions...
1. For the Quest, it says it's suitable for 3 months...is it NOT?

2. Does anyone own the mesh organizer bag, and if so, does it make the stroller tip?

 

[MCK588]

Many children don't like the sling seat of Maclarens until they are older. Most people think the Macs are best for children that can hold their heads up and sit on their own (except for Technos?).

 

[daisylove]

I have an older child and a volo so I wont be able to help you on the stroller question but I also have the organizer bag. I have heard some reve about it but I find it annoying. The bottle holders are very narrow. Not very convenient for a typical water bottle only baby bottles. And yes if you put too much in it can tip it. The volo is light so it tips more easily than maybe the heavier models. I use a lionheart cup holder attached to th handles and it works great.

 

[Deesknee]

thanks for posting this question Leahannpenn! I am getting loads of info.

Does anyone know the difference between the Mac Techno XT and the Techno Classic?

 

[MCK588]

I think the Classic willl have a slightly lower price as compared to the XT. But the Classic should come with a boot (which doesn't make sense if the price is lower, but that seems to be the case here). Maclaren thinks the XT is just more in demand and people will pay more for the name, even though the Classic will have the boot.

You might be able to confirm that info on one of the sites that sell Macs.

 

[alloyd1170]

I have the mesh organizer on my Quest and use it more than the basket underneath. As I mentioned before, the Quest is a bit more tippy than the Caddy. I dont stuff a lot of things in the mesh organizer (I dont need mush right now) maybe my phone, a cup, water bottle and a few diapers/wipes and it doesnt tip. When I hang a bag on the handle it does tip when my son isnt sitting in it though.

alison

 

[JennsBabySky]

Two questions...
1. For the Quest, it says it's suitable for 3 months...is it NOT?

2. Does anyone own the mesh organizer bag, and if so, does it make the stroller tip?

I think the Quest would be suitable from 3 months on. Some people prefer a more padded stroller for baby. If you do, you can buy a Snuzzler (or similiar product) which is basically a really soft padded insert. It will make the stroller a lot cozier. My close friend has the Quest, but she is not due until May, so I'm not sure about the recline and baby. I had the Rally Twin (double) which did not have a complete recline, I used a Snuzzler and started using the stroller at around 1-2 months.

One of the reasons some people chose the Quest over the Triumph is that it is a lighter stroller, but still fairly full featured.