What stroller for 11 month old?

[tmfranlk]

I searched for about 6 pages and didn't find what I was looking for so I guess I'll just have to ask another stroller question.

I will (hopefully) br visiting the World in February with my 11 month old. I am trying to figure out what stroller to get for the trip and to use at home. I know that renting won't work for us because she will want to sleep in the stroller as well.

On the trip it will just be the two of us, which makes things a little more difficult. Also, we will be relying on Disney transportation because I can't afford to rent a car as well (not to mention that I don't really want to either).

Right now we have a Graco travel system stroller and it will be to large and bulky to load on and off the bus on my own.

These are the criteria I am hoping to find in a stroller...
lightweight
compact
reclining (though it doesn't have to be fully reclining)
canopy
fairly inexpensive
high handles (I have long legs and don't want to be hunched over to push)

Anyone have any suggestions for my probably too ambitious search?
Thanks!!!

 

[Ellester]

I don't have an exact recommendation, but I would just go to your local "baby store" and try a bunch out. I found a nice little stroller at a consignment sale recently that sounds like just what you need! I had a heck of a time finding a light weight one that was tall enough (I'm 5'11", dh is 6'3"), umbrella types are just too short (plus they don't recline). If you really want more information than you ever thought you'd see on strollers check out http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppstrollers . The posters there can answer any possible question you can come up with about strollers!

 

[riggins]

Hi tmfranlk-
I've become a stroller freak in search of the perfect lightweight stroller that does it all while still having tall handles (BTW- I don't think it exists). My 8th stroller arrived via UPS today, so I've tried a few of them and may be able to provide some info.

Just to make your search more complex, you may want to add to your list of requirements a shoulder carry strap. Since you'll have to carry the baby, the stroller, and the diaper bag all by yourself, life will be easier if you can throw the stroller over your shoulder. Here's a few that I'm familiar with that have the strap:

Maclaren Triumph- 11 lbs, 2 postion recline, 41" handle- these generally run about $150 although you might find some deals on a 2003 model since the '04s are now being shipped. http://www.maclarenstrollers.com/pages/triumph.html

Combi Savvy Soho- 11 lbs, multi-position recline to 140 degrees, the handle is only 39" and this feels a little short to me (I'm 5'11"), but its cheaper than the Triumph at about $90-100 http://www.combi-intl.com/combi/2200.htm

Combi Savvy DX- 15 lbs, multi-position recline to 140 degrees, 40" handle; These also have a good sized sun shade which is nice for WDW, even in January. These weigh more than the others, but since Combi quit making them in 2002, you can find some deals on new ones for about $75-95. I own one of these that I bought in September and have only used a couple of times that I'd be interested in selling (PM me if you want to discuss). http://www.combi-intl.com/shop/index.php3?SCREEN=item&sid=XaPvhFn1hwKx3idC&item=51

I've also heard of people contacting Combi and ordering a shoulder strap and attaching it to another lightweight stroller. (I think you have to tell them you're replacing one on a Combi b/c they won't sell you one if you plan to use it on another stroller.)

HTH!
-Leslie

 

[DutchsMommy]

Evrything I have read on strollers - and before my DS was born I was as obsessive about baby stuff as I am currently about my upcoming Disney trip - is similar to what riggins (Leslie) has advised. The McLaren is supposed to be the top notch for lightweight quality, and although a little pricey, will last through 10 of those cheapy $10 strollers - plus you get a sun canopy - important at WDW and a good sized basket underneath - again important for all the baby stuff and of course souvenirs! You might also want to check out the Peg Perego website as they offer similar styles to McLaren - I`m not sure how the prices compare but my guess would be they are around the same price range. Unfortunately McLaren is a hard brand to get up here (Canada) so I didn`t research it as much as Peg Perego. I think one of PPs lite models is called the Aria. You might also want to consider this a bit of an investment and especially if you are planning on having more kids, look into the stand-on platform at the back of the stroller for an older child while the little one is in the stroller. Good luck!

 

[campingcorgi]

We have a Maclaren and love it. It reclinces, has a sunshade, folds easily and is lightweight. Just be aware--it has very limited storage space underneath. That isn't necessarily a drawback, though, because I just keep everything in a backpack and grab it off whenever I need to. It can be very time-consuming to empty out a basket to fold the stroller and load a bus or ride.

I got mine off e-bay for a very good price.

 

[captcaveman]

i will shamefully admit to having one 20m old ds and 6 strollers (including a double....did i mention just the one kid? LOL)

i have two maclarens and love them, but if i were you i'd look at the new babytrend umbrella strollers.

they are mac knockoffs. i've checked them out in person and would definately buy one if i needed it (which obviously, i don't LOL). i believe they run about $60.

edited to say i wasn't aware i was logged in under dh's login!


kim

 

[stacy6552]

The very first stroller on the lightweight strollers page at babiesrus.com looks perfect: Trendsport lite by babytrend.

reclining seat, canopy, cupholders, removable trey in front, big basket, quick fold, and light weight!

 

[tmfranlk]

Okay, I may have to abandon the "fairly inexpensive" requirement. I went back to Babies R Us again tonight after reading the suggestions of going for the good stroller in consideration of the future. Well, you all were right... I have fallen in love with the Peg Perego Pliko P3. Babies R Us has it for $250, but I wouldn't mind finding a bargin somewhere. Any suggestions of where to look online?

Thanks again!

 

[robinb]

I went through about 4 "fairly inexpensive" strollers before I clued in that "fairly inexpensive" and "travel worthy" do not go together. My Maclaren Techno stroller (~$225) has been to 3 out of 4 Disney resorts (WDW, DL, & Paris) plus many other places. It's a workhorse. It's lightweight. It folds easily (like an umbrella). It has long ergonomic handles. It reclines easily. It has a canopy. It is very easy to push and very smooth, even after 3 years of heavy use. I can still push it with one hand with a 40 lb pre-schooler inside it.

The Pliko that you mention is probably OK, although for the same price I prefer a Maclaren. We travel a lot, so our needs were very special. If you don't intend to travel a lot I think a regular umbrella stroller with a canopy and handle extenders would do OK. You can even get one that reclines for less than $50. I would also recommend that you buy a stroller rain cover. It's great to keep the kid dry when you're not .

 

[tmfranlk]

Robinb - Why would you choose the Maclaren over the Pliko? The store I was at only had one Maclaren, though I don't remember what kind it was, maybe the Quest. It cost between $150 and $200 though now I can't remember how much either. I liked it, but thought the Pliko was a little nicer. However, I would love your opinion based on your Maclaren experience as I'm thinking that I may go to Bergstrom's Childrens tomorrow or Monday to look some more. One thing I liked about the Pliko over the Maclaren was that the Pliko had a basket underneath. Does the Maclaren have a carry handle (another Pliko feature I liked)?

We do travel a couple of times a year. Currently, we visit DL for a half day or so every 1-3 weeks (live nearby). Also, we may be moving back to Boston. If we do, we will be walking a lot and needing to load baby and stroller onto public transportation often.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[stacy6552]

Pegs tend to be very heavy. Did you try to close it and pick it up while you hold your baby in the other arm?

 

[robinb]

I agree with Stacy, I found the Pliko to be heavier than the Maclaren and harder to close. I also thought the Maclaren was easier to push.

My Maclaren doesn't have a carry handle but has has a small basket. To be honest I never used it much since you have to empty the basket to close the stroller. It's a pain to fish out all the junk as the bus pulls up. I would hang a backpack (as a purse/diaper bag) off the handles instead. My Techno also came with a free raincover too .

I don't know if the Techno is currently sold, but here's a picture:

 

[akrake]

we used a combi but in the lines you will have to hold your 11mo old. i used my hugabub carrier for my newborn and my friend used her ellaroo in the hip carry for her older child. you can see the hugabub on my site www.fairuzasball.com it was a godsend for me. i have a pic of us at epcot and she slept thru all the lines, etc. while in it. i did bring my combi but it mostly held our packages. good luck with whatever stroller you choose.
akrake
www.fairuzasball.com

 

[tmfranlk]

Thanks, akrake. I'm not too worried about the lines. I use my Hip Hammock at Disneyland all the time and it works great.

 

[crazywig]

i would take the mac over the pliko any day, it's lighter and folds quicker and easier.

i have mac daytripper and a mac vogue that i just love to death, you cannot beat mac steering. i think they are the best steering strollers out there (and i'm the one who posted above who owns six strollers )

for the best prices on macs, check out ebay, the '03 models are coming way down in price. also, all mac come with baskets (useless really though) and raincovers.

 

[crazywig]

i would take the mac over the pliko any day, it's lighter and folds quicker and easier. for your needs i'd look at either a vogue or a techno...not much difference between the two.

i have mac daytripper and a mac vogue that i just love to death, you cannot beat mac steering. i think they are the best steering strollers out there (and i'm the one who posted above who owns six strollers )

for the best prices on macs, check out ebay, the '03 models are coming way down in price. also, all mac scome with baskets (useless really though) and raincovers.

 

[tmfranlk]

Do you mac lovers find it sturdy enough? The one I "test drove" seemed like it was going to tip over on a hard turn. (Not that I plan on making any of those ) The Pliko on the other hand seemed very sturdy. Is the mac lighter than the Pliko (15.8lbs) or just easier to carry? The macs I have found online all seem to be 15-18lbs.

Thanks for the ebay suggestion. I will check it out. Can I get new strollers on ebay or just used ones?

Thanks again everyone for all of your help and suggestions.

 

[DisFam95]

I bought the Graco Citilite. It feels sturdier than some of the others I looked at (macs). very light and sturdy feeling, easy fold, good size canopy, great basket, and a great price!!!! I bought it several months ago in preparation for our Disney trip and I've been tossing it 1 handed in and out of the trunk daily.



http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...60023/sr=11-1/ref=sr_11_1/102-4714826-3910562

 

[HoosierFantasia]

I am a 6'1" guy that pushed this stroller around Disney for a week with my 2 year old daughter in it. It was fabulous! Very sturdy, good canopy, little shock absorbers on the wheels, reclines (not fully but enough for a nap), cup holder on the handle and a good size basket that is easy to get stuff in and out of. This was the best stroller that we have purchased and travel with it everywhere. It is only around $50 as well. Sure it may not last 10 years like those expensive strollers but it will last for as long as you need it.
Bill

 

[BevS97]

You can't go wrong with a Maclaren on a Pliko, they are both excellent strollers, I think Maclaren is probbaly the most popular stroller in the UK, with Pliko 2nd - We just got back with out 14 week old and used a Chicco which is very similiar to the Pliko - I think the Pliko/Chicco are more comfy for a baby, but they are bulkier when folded.

We took a maclaren on our last 2 trips (with a 3 year old) and it was brilliant and folds very small.

bev