umbrella stroller for bigger 18 month old?

[JLETZ74]

My DS is 18 months old..about 40 in and 35 lbs...we have strollers upon strollers but now that he is bigger, I am really looking for an inexpensive stroller that won't be a bear to push!
Any thoughts?
We leave in 2 weeks!

 

[scjo68]

We just got back with our 20 month old. I took a cheap umbrella stroller with a hood, because I knew I would need something light to get on and off the bus by myself with my son. I figured DH and I would be separated some, so he could stay in the park with DD8 and I could take my son back to the room for naps. DH is big on riding the buses everywhere, hates to drive once we get there, though we do have a car, because we drive down. I did pack my nice P3, though, since we would be driving to Sea World one day, and I could use my nice stroller that day.
Well, we never did make it back to the room for a nap, because ds fell asleep in his stroller each day. The umbrella stroller didn't recline, so his head was all slumped, and I ended up just sitting beside the stroller holding it a reclined position for the duration of the nap. Not fun. So, after two days of that cheap little stroller, I told DH he could ride the bus if he wanted to, but DS and I were driving so I could use my nice stroller. Driving worked better for us, and the P3 was so nice-comfy, easy to push, full sun hood, full recline, tons of storage, not tippy when you hang stuff on the handles. Just giving you my 2 cents, because I read in several different forums that its best to take your "better" stroller to WDW, but I must have been in denial. But they were right, this may not be the time to experiement with a cheap umbrella.
Either way, have fun! I wish we were leaving again in 2 weeks!

 

[mommyceratops]

JMO an easy to push inexpensive does not go together!

We have a Maclarean that is great to push with a heavy toddler (mine is 45 pounds) and and P3 Peg Perego.

Look for one with a carry handle you will be happy to have it getting on and off buses.

 

[stacy6552]

I wouldnt get a new one for your trip. It may be bigger but you will be glad to have one with all your comforts, especially a full recline.

 

[laughinplace199]

I bought Kolkraft reclining umbrella strollers with canopies (about $30 each) for both of my kids and we've used them for 3 Disney trips now and they're still in good shape. I've been very happy with them and they're pretty easy to push.

 

[BevS97]

If it must be umbrella then I would go with a Maclaren, but if you already have a stroller then take the one you have - I have taken a larger P3 type stroller on the bus - it is not the easiest, but you are on the bus for 15 minutes and in the parks for hours, so worth the hassle.

 

[In Luv with Disney]

I would go for a Maclaren. They hold up to 55 pounds and are the easiest to push!

 

[dismom9761]

I took a Maclaren when my DD was 18 mths and the only thing I didn't like was the lack of storage space.I will be taking my Graco next trip.Like someone said it is worth the hassle on the bus so that she will be comfortable all day.

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

We used a cheapo umbrella stroller for my 7 year old niece who is average weight and height. It wasn't the lightest to push but not too bad. We even stacked two backpacks on it. She needed to keep her feet up but she said it was worth it. And in the airport at 6am for our return flight, it was priceless!

 

[crazywig]

the P3 was so nice-comfy, easy to push, full sun hood, full recline, tons of storage, not tippy when you hang stuff on the handles.

this is why i now always take my p3 (i have taken several different ones including maclarens in the past) to disney. i was able to use the bus alone with my 12m old and the p3 (i put her in a sling while boarding with the stroller).

 

[tjmouse]

I have to say that on our last trip, my friend bought the umbrella strollers that they sell at WDW. I think they are $40 each, and while cheaper to buy at home, they were going to rent and it was cheaper to by then rent. Anyway, they are pretty nice strollers and she really liked it. I am going to borrow it for my trip in April. No recline though.

 

[In Luv with Disney]

I took a Maclaren when my DD was 18 mths and the only thing I didn't like was the lack of storage space.I will be taking my Graco next trip.Like someone said it is worth the hassle on the bus so that she will be comfortable all day.

I agree, the storage is a bit slim. That's why I bought the Maclaren organizer that hangs from the handles. It has a big mesh basket that can carry stuff we purchase! Not to mention, I just got a perfect diaper bag that attaches to the handles of the stroller. (yes, it tips when baby isn't in it...just take off the diaper bag to avoid that from happening)

I have been to WDW with many different sized strollers and I think my Maclaren will be the best for getting on and off trams/busses and also for comfort. It is by far the easiest to push...even with 1 hand!

 

[fakereadhed]

I love my Combi. Easy to push, lightweight(<11#), and folds down to nothing. Has a built in carry strap for over your shoulder. I use this as my everyday stroller for my big guy. The basket looks small, but you can cram a lot of stuff in there. www.onestepahead.com has one that looks like it is made by Combi for $40.
http://www.onestepahead.com/product/85219/325755/117.html

 

[Jacksmom99]

I just went out and bought the maclaren triumph for DD3 who is over 40in and VERY close to the 55lb limit. Now that she's older, we don't need to bring as much stuff for her, but we do need something that keeps her contained for the airport etc. (she's a runner) For the last 5 trips we used her regular Graco metrolite. It's very light weight, and has a good sized basket and cup holders. The weight limit on it is only 35lbs, but we're still using it. That stoller owes me nothing!

Since your son is close to the weight limit on regular stollers, and only 18 months, I'd invest in one of the maclarens if you can swing the price. The triumph was $140 at BabiesRus. But it is a great light weight umbrella stoller that is very easy to push and fold up. We took it on a test run today, and DD loved it! Now, if I can just figure out where I'm going to put my margueritas when I'm strolling around Epcot

 

[lclark0621]

We have the Trendsport Lite for our DS. He is 2.5 years old, 37 inches & 35lbs. It is a great little stroller. At home, he NEVER uses a stroller. But at Disney, it is a lifesaver. The stroller only costs about $40 (at Babies R Us).

It folds up nicely & easily, is lightweight, has a good zie basket under it (accomodated a full size diaper bag, video camera, regular SLR camera, drinks for us & some drinks for DS.

It reclines, so for naps, it is great & has the hood for the sun. All in all a nice little stroller. If DS used one more, I would have bought one of the Macclarins or something like that. But since he only uses it at Disney & the zoo, no reason to spend more then $40 for us.

Here is the one we have:
http://babytrend.com/Strollers/stroller1548_49.htm

 

[In Luv with Disney]

Since your son is close to the weight limit on regular stollers, and only 18 months, I'd invest in one of the maclarens if you can swing the price. The triumph was $140 at BabiesRus. But it is a great light weight umbrella stoller that is very easy to push and fold up. We took it on a test run today, and DD loved it! Now, if I can just figure out where I'm going to put my margueritas when I'm strolling around Epcot

Totally agree! You can get the Maclaren Quest Mod for $89-$109 on ebay. Check this out...http://cgi.ebay.com/Maclaren-2005-Q...ryZ66703QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This is the exact stroller I got, but mine is in Rose Pink. I couldn't find that on ebay, so I paid $179 for it from Amazon.

It has a decent sized basket, it has a 4 position recline, very light and even has a handle to carry it when it's folded!

As for your margarita when you're strolling in Epcot...try the Maclaren Organizer! It has two bottle holders! Or better yet, just hold it in your hands and drink up!!!

 

[luvthedis]

We've used both the Kolcraft umbrella stroller with the hood and small basket and an Evenflo lightweight stroller. They both worked fine, but the Evenflo was more convenient since it had a bigger basket, drink holders for us and child, and folded easily. The Kolcraft was surprisingly easy to maneuver, though, even when our four year old took a turn in it. It was worth the $25!! And we never worried about it going missing at that price.

 

[JLETZ74]

We have the Trendsport Lite for our DS. He is 2.5 years old, 37 inches & 35lbs. It is a great little stroller. At home, he NEVER uses a stroller. But at Disney, it is a lifesaver. The stroller only costs about $40 (at Babies R Us).

It folds up nicely & easily, is lightweight, has a good zie basket under it (accomodated a full size diaper bag, video camera, regular SLR camera, drinks for us & some drinks for DS.

Unfortunately, we have this one too and it doesn't stay up when ds is in it! It falls back into the recline position--and it is so hard t push with him in it!

laughinplace199 I bought Kolkraft reclining umbrella strollers with canopies (about $30 each) for both of my kids and we've used them for 3 Disney trips now and they're still in good shape. I've been very happy with them and they're pretty easy to push.

Where could I find this one? I can't swing the extra $$ for the maclaren right now...I would bring my big stroller but we are staying a SSR and will be spending much time on the bus!
I guess when we can dig out from all the snow we are getting, I will take him out to try to find a new one...I'd love to just take our little umbrella stroller, but it has no basket, no canopy and no recline! (not happening)

thanks for all the replies...I'll let you know how we make out

 

[RCBA]

Another vote for the Maclaren. The weight limit is pretty high and are the easiest to push and turn around in small spaces. I would not trade ours for anything!

 

[luvthedis]

JLETZ74: We bought our Kolcraft umbrella stroller w/ basket and hood at BabyDepot for about $25. I think ToysRUs or BabysRUs may have similar strollers w/ different patterns. Definitely take your child for a spin in the store.