Stoller recommendations: uppababy, joovy, maclaren..oh my!

Hi moms: I'd really appreciate your input on strollers! I have a chicco cortina travel system and now that my son is almost 9 months, he likes to sit up and I find that the seat is too reclined (even in the highest position). It is also pretty bulky. I am looking for all the key features: comfy for him, good sun shade, good size basket, easy to fold, sturdy, etc. So, do any of you recommend or have feedback on the following strollers:

  • uppababy vista
  • joovy grove
  • maclaren (are they even safe? i read about finger amputations...yikes!)
  • or another stroller you highly recommend
thanks in advance!
janet

 

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Hi Janet!

I'm in the market myself for a stroller. I understand you'll need to invest in a good light weight stroller for years to come. I haven't heard of the ones you've mentioned above, but I'm seriously debating on a Baby Jogger City Select $300 +. Depending on the age of your little one, the good thing about these stroller is you can have baby face you and as they grow, they can face the world, plus it can recline. According to the "Baby Bargins" book, Which rates and gives specific reviews to all baby related, they suggest looking at one additional criteria: rear wheel width ( because of tight spaces in aisles or other places i.e elevators) They advice to for the narrowest wheel base you can find 23'' and under is probably best. The top A (excellent-our top pick) they mentioned are: Baby Jogger (The City Series, the one I want to buy), Bugaboo, Chariot (chariotcarriers.com), Inglesina, UPPAbaby, Valco, and last Phil &Teds.

I know its a mouth full of info, would love to hear what you decide on....good luck!

Hi Janet -

Check out this old discussion for some feedback on the Vista http://www.ocmommies.com/forum/topics/uppababy-vista-reviews

Also, OC Tykes in San Clemente is great for learning more about different strollers.  I also got an email that they're having a big sale this weekend.  I think the 2012 Vista is coming out in a couple of weeks, so it's a great time to get a deal on the 2011 one.  

I gave feedback on my Vista in the discussion I linked to, but overall it's a great full-size stroller.  I also just got a Joovy Groove (thanks to winning an OC Mommies contest!) and love it as well.  It's great for a lightweight everyday stroller (basically it's an umbrella with lots of features), but it doesn't have all the features like a big basket that a Vista does.  

I also love my Bob, but it's a really big stroller so is really only something you would want to check out if you're looking for something to exercise with.

We have the Baby Jogger City Mini and the Maclaren Quest Sport.  Both are relatively lightweight (the City Mini is 17 lb., Maclaren is 12 lb.).  They both fold up easily (the City Mini is SUPER easy to fold).  I like the City Mini for neighborhood walks and to the park.  We are not runners and weren't ever looking specifically for a jogging stroller, but we really like the City Mini because it's sturdy but not bulky and doesn't weigh a ton, steers smoothly, has an excellent sun shade, and folds very easily.  The basket underneath is also a decent size.  It also seems comfortable for our son. 

The Maclaren Quest Sport is a great travel stroller.  The sun shade is average in size, so we bought the RayShade from Amazon, that attaches to the stroller to provide extra coverage.  Also very easy to steer and maneuver but doesn't go over bumps as well as the City Mini (it's like comparing the suspension on a small sedan vs. a 4x4 SUV).  So it depends on your needs.  If you're just going to the mall or places with smooth surfaces, that won't be an issue.  But if you occasionally stroll through grass, it's not as easy.  The basket underneath is small but usable.  My son also seems comfortable in this stroller.  The frame is made from the same aluminum used to build airplanes so it is quite sturdy.  However, since the stroller is so lightweight, you can't hang anything on the handles (not even a purse), or it will tip over when your child is not sitting in it.  I know you're not supposed to do that anyway, but in case you do hang things on your stroller, you should be aware that you have to take them off before you unstrap your son or vice versa before putting him in.

When I was shopping for a stroller, I was first looking at the Joovy Grove. Joovy's HQ are here in Irvine by the Spectrum and I was able to visit their showroom to try it out. since no one sells them in stores) I actually ended up with the kooper. I liked how it handled, the grips etc. It's been a great little stroller and has been taken all over the place. They price match online prices too, so don't forget to ask. :)

Bob Revolution all the way... my only gripe is that the under basket could be easier to access... but aside from that, I love love, love it. There is nothing that stoller doesn't get over, thru or around... and you can steer it with a single finger... haha.

I second Tatiana. I also have a new BOB Revolution SE and I absolutely love it! Isla loves to sit up and she can sit up pretty nicely in this stroller. I really like the harness straps, too. They come with pads to shield baby from getting scrapes or scratches on their neck and the adjustments on both the chest and waist straps are easily accessible. One of my favorite things about this stroller is the sun visor. It has a pretty heavy duty visor that goes down really far and blocks the sun even when it's not mid-day and the sun is high in the sky. It also has a little peek-a-boo window so you can see baby ;) The brake on this stroller is super easy too because it's just one brake for the entire stroller and it's easily engaged and disengaged. All in all, it's a great stroller for everyday use. But, it's also great for bumpy, uneven terrain too. Oh, and if you're a runner and plan on running with it, it works really well. The front wheel is lockable and that helps with making the stroller more sturdy for running. Finally, It's light and you can steer it easily with one hand. The only issues I have with it are the cargo basket which is kinda small, as Tatiana notes, and it's kind of awkward to pickup and put into the trunk (although the handle you pull to collapse it is super easy!). It's not cheap, but, it's a good investment because you can use it for your next baby (you can get the infant carseat adapter) or you can sell it for close to what you paid for it (people are constantly looking for them on Craigslist and even on this site!). Happy shopping!

Thanks for all the feedback! I wasn't even considering a BOB ... until now. I always assumed it was only a jogging stroller, so I completely overlooked it. Hmmm... I guess my top choices now are maclaren quest, baby jogger & bob revolution. I think I will check them out in person and then decide! Thanks again! 

Let us know what you decide on and I would love to hear your review! Good luck and Happy Shopping :)

Will do! Thanks, Dahlia!

I love my Baby Jogger City Select. It's lightweight, can arrange the kids (I have twins) facing you, or away from you, it's easy to fold, good size storage basket. But, the big thing is it's very slim so you can easily fit between aisles, go in/ out doors, etc. 

Hi Jennifer, that's the one stroller I'm thinking of getting, can you tell me any cons you don't like or care about with that stroller?


Jennifer said:

I love my Baby Jogger City Select. It's lightweight, can arrange the kids (I have twins) facing you, or away from you, it's easy to fold, good size storage basket. But, the big thing is it's very slim so you can easily fit between aisles, go in/ out doors, etc. 

Hi Jennifer, I also had a question for you about the city select: would you recommend it as a single stroller, or are its main strengths as a double stroller?

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