Planning a Trip ... Need a Stroller ...

[jdg345]

I honestly can't remember the specifics of the Zippy's basket, and as I said before, I was looking at this stroller in 2004. I glanced at the Zippy recently before I bought my Trip, but decided I didn't need that much stroller this time around.

I happened to be at Babies r Us this evening and took another look at the P3 to remind myself what I didn't like about the basket. The basket has a metal bar in the shape of an X running through the middle of it. That's what turned me away from it. It also looks like you can really only access the basket from the front of the stroller. Baskets are important to me (my Peg is basically the bigger version of the Aria, so it has a nice large basket), but if it isn't a huge issue for you, I think that the P3 is a great stroller.

The Trip's basket is similar to the baskets on the Quest or Techno, but maybe a little bigger. It's not a great basket, but you can put a few things in it. However, if your child is asleep in the recline position, you have no access to the basket.

I can't remember the name of the Combi that I have. We bought it in 2004. It's pretty much the same one that is sold at Babies r Us currently for about $100, but it's a different color. That basket held more than I thought it would by looking at it.

Thanks! We're trying to find someone local that has the Zippy's, Techno's, and P3's in stock/display. It seems everyone is sold out, even of Floor Models. I asked at Babies R Us yesterday and they told me that it was because they are expecting the new models (2007's, I guess?). We did accomplish a few things though:

(1) The Gracco Quattro, we like ... it's big and comfy and sturdy ... but ... it's 27 lbs, without anything in it. The car seat is another 10+ lbs ... so ... it's on the list, but ... unlikely due to the sheer weight and size.

(2) Peg Perego Aria -- Nope ... SO doesn't like it ... just not gonna happen.

(3) Combi EX ... Nope ... SO doesn't like it ... just not gonna happen.

(4) Maclaren Quest ... Nice ... very nice ... I can see where the propensity to flip comes from though. It also doesn't recline very far so it's not going to be great for naps, etc.

We hunted for the Chicco C5, Techno's, Zippy's, etc ... but, as I said, none to be found. We're calling around today to see if anyone in our market has them available for "test drive".

Thanks again for everyone's input!

 

[bellarella]

I have a question for you all. I have browsed through this thread. Our 3rd (and most likely last) daughter is 3 1/2. We have to have a stroller for WDW. I don't want to rent one because I really want to make use of a basket underneath and I need one at the airport. I don't want a typical umbrella stroller because our backs hurt becuase of the handles. I also don't want to spend much money because we don't use one much anymore. We havea GRACO that I purchased for about 30-40 dollars, but I can't find one that cheap anymore. Any suggestions?

If you aren't concerned about it folding compactly, there is a Baby Trend (I think) that is fairly small and light, but it only folds down, not in, so it is still wide when folded. BRU sells it for $30 or $40.

Short of that, I found I needed to either spend $130 on a MacLaren Triumph, or go totally cheap with the $14 umbrella strollers. All the ones in between either didn't steer well or I kicked the tires when I walked (and thus weren't any better than the cheapie umbrellas in my book). This time around I finally broke down and got the MacLaren.

 

[dsneygirl]

Just a note about the Mac Quest. We used it for our DS when he was 3 mos old in Oct at WDW and he had no problem sleeping even though it wasn't completely reclined flat.

 

[Bellerella]

We bought a double jogger...it's an Instep Safari TT... absolutely love it. Weight limit is 100# and steers like a dream, we'll be in DW in 3 days <woohoo> so I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[kdzgon]

Don't forget to check sources such as Craig's List, etc - I know that is where I will (eventually) list mine when/if I'm done with the latest one. I don't dare tell DH how much I paid for it, but the grands are getting heavy, so I need a really good stroller for all the visits we'll be making now that we bought DVC...

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

The most likely stroller to do it all for you would probably be a P3, Zippy, or Techno. Don't be too hung up on a snack tray. It's honestly not that necessary, IMHO. It creates more mess and ick.

As far as tire-kicking is concerned, ask yourself what kind of stride you take. Do you take long or short steps? If you take the short steps, you're not going to have a kick problem.

The Techno and Zippy will have the better one-hand steering, though still not easy.

The P3 or Zippy will hold your baby bucket if you want, but still leave you with a fairly portable stroller.

The fold and unfold on the Zippy just can't be beat. It is the easiest fold on earth.

Honestly, you can't go really wrong with any of these. All of them are very good machines with great resale value if you change your mind later.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any other specific stroller questions. If you tell me where in the country you are, I may be able to suggest a store for test drives.

 

[Desnik]

Try a Burlington Coat Factory, if you have one in your area. They have a ton of strollers. You can also try any local children's butique's or some TRU stores have strollers too. Good luck on your quest!!
You have gotten some great info from this thread but I really think you just need to find them at a store and try them all out!! Oh, also I'm not sure where you live, but there is a store called Bye Buy baby in our area and it is the best baby store ever!!LOL They have everything there! It's a great place to try all the different strollers.

 

[kdzgon]

Try a Burlington Coat Factory, if you have one in your area. They have a ton of strollers. You can also try any local children's butique's or some TRU stores have strollers too. Good luck on your quest!!
You have gotten some great info from this thread but I really think you just need to find them at a store and try them all out!! Oh, also I'm not sure where you live, but there is a store called Bye Buy baby in our area and it is the best baby store ever!!LOL They have everything there! It's a great place to try all the different strollers.

We have BuyBuy Baby, but it is usually more expensive than most other stores in the area. Get on their mailing list and they do send out regular coupons for 20% off one item, though (which I usually use at BabiesRUs, because they take competitiors' coupons and their prices are usually lower )

 

[justhat]

We have BuyBuy Baby, but it is usually more expensive than most other stores in the area. Get on their mailing list and they do send out regular coupons for 20% off one item, though (which I usually use at BabiesRUs, because they take competitiors' coupons and their prices are usually lower )

Our BRU won't take BuyBuyBaby coupons. Is this new or is it done by stores? Luckily for me the prices are the same at both stores (what I buy anyway) so BRU rarely gets my business.

 

[Briar_Rose]

Have you looked at the stroller forums at www.babybargains.com? That is where I have done most of my stroller research in addition to the book. The info you can get there is amazing. Thank God for stroller obsessed people. We love our choices (Peg Venezia and Bumbleride Rocket) but they are much too big to take to WDW. We plan to get a Maclaren for our Sept. trip but want to see what comes out for 07 models. We got our peg from ebay, and our bumbleride from babyride I think. We have also had good luck with albeebaby.

Also my two cents is DO NOT buy a graco stroller. Many of our friends have them and they have nothing but problems with them and they are sooo heavy. We could have put our snugride in our Venezia, but we never did. The baby was much happier laying directly in the stoller and the reversible handle allowed me to see her. She always sweated so much in her carseat. Also the warnings I got from the owner of our local baby store, our pedatrician and the european stroller websites scared me to keep dd in her carseat or similar seat too long.

As previous posters have said, the perfect stroller does not exist. Get a moderately sized comfy stroller that fully reclines for longer outings where compact folding isn't necessary and get a very lightweight umbrella stroller for quick trips and travel. I would still make sure the umbrella has some padding and a decent basket and recline though. We still have not attached the snack tray, to our stroller so it is not necessary unless you have gotten used to it.

 

[jdg345]

Have you looked at the stroller forums at www.babybargains.com? That is where I have done most of my stroller research in addition to the book. The info you can get there is amazing. Thank God for stroller obsessed people. We love our choices (Peg Venezia and Bumbleride Rocket) but they are much too big to take to WDW. We plan to get a Maclaren for our Sept. trip but want to see what comes out for 07 models. We got our peg from ebay, and our bumbleride from babyride I think. We have also had good luck with albeebaby.

Also my two cents is DO NOT buy a graco stroller. Many of our friends have them and they have nothing but problems with them and they are sooo heavy. We could have put our snugride in our Venezia, but we never did. The baby was much happier laying directly in the stoller and the reversible handle allowed me to see her. She always sweated so much in her carseat. Also the warnings I got from the owner of our local baby store, our pedatrician and the european stroller websites scared me to keep dd in her carseat or similar seat too long.

As previous posters have said, the perfect stroller does not exist. Get a moderately sized comfy stroller that fully reclines for longer outings where compact folding isn't necessary and get a very lightweight umbrella stroller for quick trips and travel. I would still make sure the umbrella has some padding and a decent basket and recline though. We still have not attached the snack tray, to our stroller so it is not necessary unless you have gotten used to it.

Thanks so much for the feedback! Which Maclaren were you considering for your trip in Sept? Or are you way way on the fence still based on 2k7 models coming out?

btw, do they come out in Janurary? Or is it like Cars were they come out a little earlier, etc?

 

[LIGrumpyGirl]

Are there any Macs with trays other than the $400 ones? Is these such a thing as an "add on" tray?

 

[jdg345]

Are there any Macs with trays other than the $400 ones? Is these such a thing as an "add on" tray?

The Global Buggy has a tray I believe ... and I don't think it was $400 ... but it was mentioned earlier in the thread that it received poor reviews.

Do you use the tray now? It's one of the things we're considering -- to need the tray, or to not need the tray?

 

[amarberry]

The Global Buggy has a tray I believe ... and I don't think it was $400 ... but it was mentioned earlier in the thread that it received poor reviews.

Do you use the tray now? It's one of the things we're considering -- to need the tray, or to not need the tray?

No tray on the Global Buggy. Just a padded bar.

 

[jdg345]

No tray on the Global Buggy. Just a padded bar.

Thanks!! Ya know what? ... we should sticky this thread or put it in the DIS'er FAQ. There's some awesome information in here! Thanks to all who have contributed! I really appreciate it. I hope to take a few test drives today.

 

[jdg345]

Okay ... we went for a few test drives and saw the Zippy and the P3. Both are very nice strollers. The P3 is a little larger than the Zippy, even though it weighs about a pound less. They both have the 'X' crossbar by the basket leaving the easily accessibility via the front. I'm guessing that the 'X' crossbar is needed for support due to the way it folds since they are similar that way. The Zippy is truly one-hand fold, while the P3 takes just a bit more effort. They both stand upright on their own (but you have to either know some neat little trick -- which I do not -- or lock the front wheels). They both also have the side carry handle.

The P3 does look more 'cozy' than the Zippy. The one big difference that I noticed was that the front "leg rest" is adjustable on both strollers. The Zippy's highest position is pretty much flat with the seat. The P3, however, allows a little bit of an upwards tilt which I think factors a lot into the 'cozziness' of it. I checked other Peg Perego strollers and they all seemed to have that additional upwards tilt -- which we liked.

Both strollers allowed for pretty easy steering one-handed. We even added some weight to each to test.

The Maclaren Qwest Sport folded up really tiny and was quite easy to move around at 12 pounds -- but I could see the propensity for rear-tip if bags were hung on the bars.

The only unit we weren't able to see was the Maclaren Techno. It seems everyone locally is sold out and they aren't expecting any replenishment until next year (I've been told now from several retailers that they are waiting for the 2007 models to come in Mid-Janurary-ish). I guess the Holidays are a bad time for stroller shopping? I would think they would release the 2k7's in November or something to allow for discounting and sell-through on the 2k6's rather than having a shortage of supply right smack in what is probably the most important retail buying season ... but ... what do I know?

That said ... we've embarked on an additional side-mission ... Car Seats ... we *really* like the Snugride carseat, but it's only good for about 20 pounds. We noticed a few convertible carseats that were rear-facing to 20 pounds, and forward-facing to 40 pounds. It would seem better to just get one car-seat that handles both functions, but the Snugride looked more ... well ... Snug (and cozy).

I remember reading in this thread where someone mentioned they heard some negatives to using an infant carseat for long periods. I would be highly interested in more details if they are available.

Thank you all again for your comments and suggestions, they have been a huge help! Please keep them coming!

Many thanks in advance, and Happy Holidays!

 

[justhat]

Is your baby not born yet? I thought I read your baby was 3 months old now, but I guess I'm wrong. Anyway, the only reason I cared was that I thought you were test-driving with the baby, which I find makes a bit of difference. I say that only cause I bought my first stroller (the Graco Coachrider travel system) before my daughter was born and if she had been I would have realized how hard it was to fold that thing up while holding a baby.

About carseats, I'd definitely get an infant seat, not just a convertible seat. The new Gracos (I think they're called Safe Seat) have a higher weight limit than the Snugrides so you could keep the baby in that one longer. Only thing is, my son is 16 1/2 lbs right now and that seat is HEAVY to carry around! I never take it anywhere other than to/from the house/car. If I don't have a stroller with me for some reason I'd much rather carry just the baby than the baby in that seat. He seems to like the seat well enough and sleeps in it, but carrying him around in it is quite the chore. We already bought him a Britax Decathalon cause it's just a matter of time before he hits the 20 pound limit. The Britax seats go up to 33 lbs rearfacing and either 40 of 65 lbs forward facing (depending on which model you get).

My daughter HATED the Snugride (the same one we use for her brother) so we never took that thing out of the car cause she literally screamed from the moment we put her in till we took her out, even if that meant long car rides to/from DC/NJ. (Yes, she'd cry non-stop for 5 hours!!!) When she was 9 months old we decided to buy a bigger convertible seat cause she was nearing the top of the infant seat (which btw, ours says 26 inches but according to the car seat techs you could use it longer, till the top of the head is an inch away from the top of the seat). We bought a Britax Marathon and Roundabout and she loves these seats. From the moment we switched her we never heard a peep out of her in the car. She actually slept in the car for the first time! The Britax seats are much more comfy than our Snugride (though the new Gracos look more comfy than our 2003 model) and sit differently so I guess that made a huge difference to her. If we had known that we would have switched her to the Britax seat at birth, but who knew!?!

 

[justhat]

I remember reading in this thread where someone mentioned they heard some negatives to using an infant carseat for long periods. I would be highly interested in more details if they are available.

I don't have any links to anything, but it's really more about keeping your kid in an infant seat all day long. Their breathing could be compromised, but I have to admit that it's very rare. My cousin's baby had reflux and other feeding problems and needed a nasogastric feeding tube the first 5 months of his life. They had to run formula through the NG tube for 8 hours at night, but because of the reflux he had to be upright, so his dr advised them to let him sleep in his carseat everynight, so for 5 months that's how this kid slept/ate and he was totally fine. Additionally, my husband is a dr and when our son gets a cold (which is very often cause our 2.5yo brings home everything from school) we put him in his carseat in his bed to sleep so he doesn't cough and choke from the postnasal drip.

So for all practical purposes, your child will be totally fine in an infant carseat. I wouldn't keep them in it for prolonged periods if I didn't have to, but like I said, my son sleeps in his at night when he's sick and he sleeps 11 hours straight so he's in there quite some time. For everday car use, your child will be fine.

 

[jdg345]

Is your baby not born yet? I thought I read your baby was 3 months old now, but I guess I'm wrong. Anyway, the only reason I cared was that I thought you were test-driving with the baby, which I find makes a bit of difference. I say that only cause I bought my first stroller (the Graco Coachrider travel system) before my daughter was born and if she had been I would have realized how hard it was to fold that thing up while holding a baby.

About carseats, I'd definitely get an infant seat, not just a convertible seat. The new Gracos (I think they're called Safe Seat) have a higher weight limit than the Snugrides so you could keep the baby in that one longer. Only thing is, my son is 16 1/2 lbs right now and that seat is HEAVY to carry around! I never take it anywhere other than to/from the house/car. If I don't have a stroller with me for some reason I'd much rather carry just the baby than the baby in that seat. He seems to like the seat well enough and sleeps in it, but carrying him around in it is quite the chore. We already bought him a Britax Decathalon cause it's just a matter of time before he hits the 20 pound limit. The Britax seats go up to 33 lbs rearfacing and either 40 of 65 lbs forward facing (depending on which model you get).

My daughter HATED the Snugride (the same one we use for her brother) so we never took that thing out of the car cause she literally screamed from the moment we put her in till we took her out, even if that meant long car rides to/from DC/NJ. (Yes, she'd cry non-stop for 5 hours!!!) When she was 9 months old we decided to buy a bigger convertible seat cause she was nearing the top of the infant seat (which btw, ours says 26 inches but according to the car seat techs you could use it longer, till the top of the head is an inch away from the top of the seat). We bought a Britax Marathon and Roundabout and she loves these seats. From the moment we switched her we never heard a peep out of her in the car. She actually slept in the car for the first time! The Britax seats are much more comfy than our Snugride (though the new Gracos look more comfy than our 2003 model) and sit differently so I guess that made a huge difference to her. If we had known that we would have switched her to the Britax seat at birth, but who knew!?!

Correct ... our baby is -3 Months old ... as in ... negative months, and not quite due until March.

We did have weight in the strollers for testing though ... we used a 10# and 5# sack ... both when pushing, and carrying them 'steady' while trying to open/close the stroller. I know it's not the same, but we figured something was better than nothing.

We looked at the Britax Marathons too ... they seemed pretty comfy. I'm confused though, you mentioned to definitely get an infant seat, and not a convertible. Yet, the Britax Marathon is convertible, no? I thought the Marathon could be used from 5-20 pounds rear-facing (from birth) and 20-40 pounds forward-facing?

Of course, the bad part with the Marathon is you can't take the baby in the seat ... you need the infant seat for that. I guess with all the doctor visits, etc, having that baby carrier/seat-in-one is a big help, even if only for the first few months?

Thanks again for your thoughts!

 

[jdg345]

I don't have any links to anything, but it's really more about keeping your kid in an infant seat all day long. Their breathing could be compromised, but I have to admit that it's very rare. My cousin's baby had reflux and other feeding problems and needed a nasogastric feeding tube the first 5 months of his life. They had to run formula through the NG tube for 8 hours at night, but because of the reflux he had to be upright, so his dr advised them to let him sleep in his carseat everynight, so for 5 months that's how this kid slept/ate and he was totally fine. Additionally, my husband is a dr and when our son gets a cold (which is very often cause our 2.5yo brings home everything from school) we put him in his carseat in his bed to sleep so he doesn't cough and choke from the postnasal drip.

So for all practical purposes, your child will be totally fine in an infant carseat. I wouldn't keep them in it for prolonged periods if I didn't have to, but like I said, my son sleeps in his at night when he's sick and he sleeps 11 hours straight so he's in there quite some time. For everday car use, your child will be fine.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate all your comments and thoughts. It's soooo difficult to filter between what is real and what the manufacturers try to 'sell you' without having other's first hand experience. Ironically, while we were test driving the strollers yesterday, two people told me to stay away from the Graco's as well ... yet ... that seems to be the most popular stroller whenever we see parents with really tiny ones at the OB or at the Baby Stores, etc.