We took a "productive" trip out to Baby's World yesterday to look at strollers. It was actually quite overwhelming - lots of options and it was nigh-on impossible to figure out how they were supposed to fold up and reconfigure without nearly constant supervision from the staff! They kept telling us that it takes people, on average, five trips to the store to pick a stroller!! I think people overthink this stuff too much sometimes... I think a scouting trip and a buying trip is about what we can handle!We want a stroller that has a bassinet for PJs for the first six months or so, an interchangeable multi-position seat with good back support for when he can sit-up, and I'd like it not to be made of big hunks of plastic (trays and cupholders and such). And yes, I would like it to look pretty. :-) Add in the ability to fold it up to fit in our small trunk, as well as it being relatively easy to lift and you've got the idea.
I really like a Dutch stoller, the First Wheels Elite, but I'm having a hard time finding it locally. It was supposed to be at Baby's World, but they didn't have any in stock. I have yet to come across one in person, and I'm pretty close to giving up on it.
I did discover the pros of the Bugaboo Frog though, despite trying not to like it (because of the cost and the percieved "tool" factor). It was really well designed though, well made, handles great and is really sturdy feeling. When we compared it to all the other strollers it was pretty obvious why it's so popular - it's really awesome, as far as strollers go. It comes complete with the bassinet (which you can remove and use in the house as well), various rain & mosquito covers and a few other things. The only problem with it is how atrocious the cost is... I think we're close to getting over it though, and I'm trying to find the best (read - least expensive!) place to get one from in either black or navy.
Check out their website for a couple of pretty cool videos that show how it folds up, how you can take it all apart and how well it works in rough terrain...
By the way - the trip to Baby's World was worth it, if only because we got to sing "Baby's World, Baby's World, party time - excellent" (and some rock guitar sounds) in imitation of the Wayne's World theme song... :-)
3 comments:
We loved the Bugaboo website...so funky and unique...guess you guys have another big decision to make!!!
We also liked the First Wheels Elite...lots of great accessories...loved that rain cover...perfect for our weather but alas what will you wear...maybe a pair of those fancy new painted rubber boots!!!
Hi Miranda....
Try a bike shop for your stroller. I know it sounds funny but I had a beautiful 3 wheel "hiking/jogging" stroller for Robyn. That was one of my best buys!! I used it from a baby until she was almost 4 years old. The best part-it retained its value when I sold it. The one I had was built by the company called Norco. It was able to recline back into 3 positions-no carrier though. It was made of heavy canvas and metal and had a carring pouch at the back. It was waterproof and had a separate bug net/rain net. It was perfect for travelling as it folded flat. Personal opinion is that you don't need a huge amount of expensive baby stuff but a stroller that you and Jamie both like and is confortable to use is well worth the extra expense. Trust me-I took Robyn everywhere in it!
Hope this helps...
Love:Michelle
Of course Bonnie - I will "have" to get some kooky rubber boots and haul PJs and myself out on every rainy day in addition to the sunny ones to get good value from our stroller investment! :-) Even when I am being extravagant, I know where to stop - for the time being I am ignoring how cute the parasol and foot muff accessories are!! :-)
Thanks Michelle for the good tip - I hadn't thought of that! We'll see what we can find, and I have been checking Craigslist too for a second-hand version of this stroller as well. I am unsure how comfortable I am with buying a used one, although I plan to sell ours later on! :-)
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