WORKOUT -
Ran outside -
8.0 miles/1:10
slow, hilly
(Yesterday)
Ran outside
7.5 miles/1:06
easy, relaxed
Walked the dog – 3 miles
Sunday night after church we rendezvous’ed with Don Jose and had a little Mexican food…
And my preggo sister-in-law from Oregon showed up!
“Just 92 calories!” gets me every time.
And the most tragic drink ever: M ordered a virgin pina colada. Then we all acted like savage pregnant beasts on the food.
{Food tip: share fajitas with someone else; they come with 74 plates of food so there’s enough for all, it’s cheaper, and you don’t get sucked in to eating a 5lb burrito.}
Yesterday morning we took the dog for a walk to Starbucks because I forgot to get decaf coffee for M. Sometimes I’m such an amazing host it hurts.
Now we’re gonna get wild and crazy and go look at baby strollers. I’m excited because M said I could be the tester and she’d push me around in one.
My sis-in-law wanted me to ask you mamas out there for advice/opinions on strollers:
Which stroller did/do you have? Recommend it or wish you had bought a different one?
We checked out Bugaboos at Nordstrom – seriously top of the line and they do pretty much everything except write blog posts and clean up dirty diapers.
But man, they’re pricey! Like you need to sell your car to afford one so we’re going to look at Britax, Mamas & Papas and a few others today.
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{ 78 comments… read them below or add one }
92 cal? I’d take it!
I have a BOB stroller and I love it!
My most favoritist strollers were as follows. You have to have the right car seat to fit in both but if you do, they are AMAZING! The snap and go was convenient for just bumming around town when my daughter was still in her car seat. I still use the Bob to this day. It’s more for older babies/kids but you can buy an adapter that allows you to secure a car seat. Though if you do the car seat thing with the Bob, you’re not supposed to run with the baby, just walk. That little fact is buried deep in the manual which, of course, you don’t get until you buy. You’re welcome. Best of luck to your SIL and happy shopping!!!
Snap and Go -http://www.amazon.com/Graco-SnugRider-Infant-Stroller-Frame/dp/B0007KMUH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345564713&sr=1-1&keywords=snap+and+go+graco
Running stroller – http://www.amazon.com/BOB-Revolution-Single-Stroller-Black/dp/B004DC9TAS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345564648&sr=8-1&keywords=bob+revolution+stroller
What I was going to say, almost exactly. We have a BOB Ironman for running/recreation and a Graco Travel system for things like the zoo. I wish we would have done the BOB + Snap n go and saved some money.
We got a city mini for our son, he is now 6 months old and we LOVE it. It’s very easy to shop with, run errands, etc and will work until he is 50+ lbs.
I have the Citi Mini and the Bob. I looooove the Bob, it is smooth, easy to run/walk with, and has great storage underneath. The Citi Mini is lightweight and perfect for traveling. I had a snap n’ go as well but lent it to a friend because I thought the Citi Mini was just as easy to use, but a lot smoother.
I am preggo now and due in two weeks. We bought a BOB Revolution stroller and that was it (because it was so expensive we couldn’t afford another). We have a Chicco KeyFit car seat and got an adapter so it fits into the BOB. The BOB isn’t the most ideal for things like Target and the mall because it’s quite large (and it won’t fit in the back of small cars – like maybe your Smart Car), but it’s great for outdoors. If you take the baby on a walk, even on sidewalks, you will find that there are a ton of bumps and cracks that make it super bumpy. The BOB glides right over it and makes for a smooth ride. We got a Snap and Go for indoor things like shopping, etc. I also live in a fourth-floor walk up and am wondering how I’m gonna get the BOB up/down the stairs with the car seat and baby (since it’s a little on the heavy side) – but I figure people in NYC must do it all the time.
I’ve also heard great things about the City Mini – lots of people really like that. I didn’t try it out though – I was set on the BOB.
We have the BOB Revolution and love it. It’s the only stroller we have and use. I run with it all the time and have run with it using the carseat adapter even though the manual says you should not (not running at breakneck speeds or over crazy terrain of course). Even though Marlie may not need to use it for running, it’s still quite nice to have for walks, trails, etc. Doesn’t your other SIL Nikki have a BOB that Marlie could check out?
yeah Niki has a Bob thats pretty sweet but marlie doesnt want a “jogging” stroller i dont think but heck, i dont know.
I got the graco snap in stroller base ( $60?) that went with our infant carseat ( also graco snug ride 32). EASY solution to deal with when you are healing from the whole ordeal and you don’t wanna wake a sleeping baby. Then we bought the BOB jogging stroller because daddy and I are both runners. The BOB is great. Can’t say enough good things about it. I’d love it whether or not I ran with it. ( I run with it about once a week).
We have a BOB (We had a cheaper Graco one that we used when she was itty bitty that had the car seat and what not) and we love it! I don’t know if Marlie runs, but if she does, it’s perfect. My husband wouldn’t run even if a bear was chasing him though and he loves it too. So, I say, go with a BOB!
I have three. I know. I have the bugaboo chameleon which I love, but it’s a pain in the arse, I have a maclaren techno, which is easy but topples, and a BOB for running, which is great for its purpose.
holy stroller mama! you got all the sweet ones
its sort of scary how much i already know about strollers….
I am cheap so I always bought the cheap Graco strollers and car seat. My kids are still alive and fairly normal. They have good storage and are easy to use. Though they can sometimes be bulky if you have a small car. I drive a tank so it’s no biggie.
but it was free.
The most important thing is storage and how easy it is to get to your stuff. Make sure it fits kids up to about 50lbs so you don’t have to buy another one when they get older.
If she is looking for a jogger then spend a few bucks, it is worth it. Make sure it has a good shade on it that comes way down over the child. Sun in a kids eyes will ruin your run faster than eating a bean burrito before you head out the door.
My jogger was a hand me down and old. It still has stone wheels
Craigslist is a great place to look too, if you are budget shopping.
I highly suggest the snap & go car seat stroller for when the baby is still in an infant car seat. it’s so easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space in the trunk of the car.
I also have this stroller http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?SKU=18697211&RN=7031&
which my car seat adapts to as well. I will be getting a jogging stroller, leanign towards the Baby Jogger F.I.T. or a BOB.
Phil & Ted’s are amazing. They are compact, they can be a jogging stroller(or walking), you can buy different attachments that allow it to be a double stroller! They are a bit pricey, but Costco.com has them on sale every so often.
Marlie is so cute! And that’s about all I have to add to the post, as I don’t have a babe and know virtually nothing about strollers!
Have fun visiting and shopping.
Aww! Your SIL is so cute with her little baby bump
I always share some kind of fajita platter, too (because a big burrito or super cheesy enchilada will be way too heavy).
“do the pregnant lady pose!” i love it.
No stroller advice here, but I do know that my runner friends with kids love the Bob jogger.
Macclaren. Nice ride and has taller handles. Easier for the hubby.
I don’t remember the brand but I got one from Target. It’s the kind with the car seat that clicks into the stroller and it makes life 5 million times easier! If my son was asleep, I didn’t have to wake him up getting him out of the car and into the stroller (and vice versa). As he grew out of the car seat, we were able to then use the stroller without the car seat.
Definitely the BOB, but if you don’t want a jogger, the City Mini by Baby Jogger is fantastic.
I have nothing valuable to add, as the only child I have has 4 paws and is furry… In any case, Marlie is adorable! And I love me some Mexican food!
You should go ahead and invest in one, and just stroll a huge jar of pickles around. Cover it with a blanket, and people won’t think you’re completely crazy! When they ask to see the baby, uncover the jar, and tell them “I love them all equally. They’re all equally delicious.”. Yep.
Mamas and Papas- I got one that had a click in/out car seat, a carrycot that could be used for an occasional overnight, and a fully reclinable stroller. I’ts been hard wearing and really comfortable. You can buy extra stuff for it to make it even more cosy for baby. My baby is 4 yrs old now and we’ve just stopped using it. It’s still in great condition! I paid about £300 for all of it, it’s the only one I had and it’s been used constantly.
http://www.mamasandpapas.com/product-pliko-pramette-city-scape/185748805/type-i/ This one is like mine but they do a special with the carrycot and car seat. Have fun looking!
We’ve had our Phil & Teds for 6 years now. It’s an amazing stroller – and they’ve only gotten better.
http://philandteds.com/us/Products/Push/Explorer
We bought it with our first, for the “adaptability” to a second. Thank goodness.
Best part? So light and easy to steer I can keep my coffee in my one hand and push the trolls at the zoo without taking out any tourists!
LOVE the Bob stroller, easy to maneuver, lasts forever
Your dinner looks amazing! I think I could eat Mexican for lunch and dinner for months and not get sick of it. Yum.
I hope you enjoy your time with your sister-in-law!
I only have one stroller but it is the Cadillac of all running strollers (not certain she is a runner) it is amazing, I have twin boys and it goes everywhere with me. The double fits through a standard door so i can only imagine how convenient the single would be. I load groceries on top and underneath. Also, it gets me around and its a smoo ride for the babes. Nothing beats having a jogger, its your freedom pass! http://www.rei.com/product/750870/bob-ironman-duallie-stroller
Dude…I’ve got 4 kiddos going on 7 (!) and the BEST stroller I’ve ever owned has been the The Bob! We go hiking and camping ALL THE TIME and this thing is a tank! We love it and would buy another one if this one ever dies…seriously, best investment ever! Plus, I can run with it! Double Score!
I have a bob, and my husband who doesn’t run loves it.
Our other “shipping stroller” is a maclaren which is nice for smooth surfaces like malls, and is easy and lightweight in and out of the car. It depends where your sil will use it most.
The Bob is good for more than jogging. It does really well on uneven sidewalks/ light & cleared paths….
…just a heads up, my sister inlaw bought the Bob for us at my baby shower…. Just sayin.
My sister would advise not to buy one so early. She bought a stroller I think a jogging type one. It was early in her pregnancy. By the time she went to use it there was an issue and because it had been so much time the warranty had expired. So maybe wait before getting one.
I love my Uppa Baby Vista stroller! It isn’t cheap either but we knew we wanted it and just make it work and I have never regretted it. Reasons I like it:
They are a small family owned company. They have wonderful customer service and stand behind their product. It is super easy to push, glides and turns easily. You can lock the front wheels for fast walks, easy jogs, sand, dirt trails. The handle bar goes up and down for short mommas and tall daddas. Comes in lots of fun colors. Can remove the toddler seat and just snap on the car seat. Comes with a bassinet that has super soft material. Can easily be made into a double stroller with the added jump seat. Love it!
UppaBaby Vista fan here too… It was pricey but we use it almost everyday so the cost per use is super low. We just bought the “piggyback” which lets our toddler ride on the stroller with the baby. I can’t say enough good things about this stroller!
Uppababy Vista is the best stroller on the market today…hands down. Plus it is super hip – all the cool Mamas in Los Angeles have it.
Love the bob. Handles super well and is a great running stroller. Depending on how much you use it though ( like if you are going to ergo a lot which is also a great way to go) you could get away with something less expensive probably.
I have the Britax B-Ready and LOVE it! An infant seat will click onto the frame, then you switch it to the toddler seat that comes with it when the babe is older. It also converts to a super nice double stroller when baby #2 comes along (which I use it as now). I would recommend it a million times over! http://www.amazon.com/Britax-B-Ready-Stroller-2012-Black/dp/B007CTPWYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345575271&sr=8-1&keywords=britax+b+ready
I don’t have kiddos, so no stroller for us/me….but my husband prob wouldn’t mind one for me to push him in. Hah
I totally agree on sharing food at restaurants–the best!
Mmmm I love skinny margaritas! And Mexican food!!
I have a 10 month old and bought two strollers and very happy with what I bought. First, an inexpensive snap n go stroller is great when the baby is really little and always sleeping to just put the infant car seat in. The other stroller is a Chicco Liteway Stroller which I love. Works from newborn to 40 lbs, super light, folds easy, not bulky and super functional; costs about $140. It’s all we’ve used since he’s been about 4 months and has not let me down.
I have a Chicco that goes with the Chicco KeyFit 30 carseat and loved it when I only had one kiddo. I also had a Bob jogger but only used that for running; not everyday use. Having a car seat that snaps into the stroller is super nice! My husband wanted some crazy stroller called the orbitz baby or something like that. At the time, I believe it cost around $1000. Which is WAY more than I wanted to spend!
I recommend the BOB revolution for running and the Uppababy Vista for everyday. I looked at the Buggaboo but it’s quite low and you need to take the seat off to fold it. I can fold the Vista with the seat on it. I also recommend that you get the appropriate carseat adapter for the Uppababy Vista (I have a Chicco Keyfit carseat). When the baby is really little you want the carseat to snap onto the stroller base. I also hear the Uppababy Cruz is great. It’s like the Vista but it doesn’t come with a baby bassinet, which I didn’t use anyways. It’s cheaper and brand new; I wish it had come out a year ago so I could have gotten it! Oh, and keep an eye on Gilt or Rue La la, they often have the Uppababy strollers for sale.
I definitely would go with a stroller that has a carseat adapter. SO easy when the babe is little. Just pop the seat in and go. I only used that for about 5 months before I went strictly to a BOB jogger. It’s big but it’ll get you through anything and is great for running.
We got the Graco travel system thing from Walmart that is a stroller and infant seat which you can snap together or use separately when baby gets bigger. Was super nice just to be able to get baby out on the car and in the stroller without buckling and unbuckling all the time.
Then I decided to try running out and those little wheels just weren’t going to cut it for that. I bought a Baby Trend Expedition jogging stroller used at a consignment sale and have been running with it for almost a year. I love how smooth it is running, but hate how bulky it is. I drive a truck so I can just throw it in the back but it will not fit in the trunk of every car. When we went on vacation this summer we ended up buying one of those cheapo umbrella type strollers from walmart to cart our toddler around in because the jogger takes up the entire hatchback of our Dodge Calibur and we passed the other stroller and carseat down to the new baby in the family.
You have to go to OC Tykes in San Clemente….they have all the best strollers and you can take them on test drives, you’ll feel really cool cruising the streets of SC with a stroller and no baby.
I have the Uppa Baby Vista and I LOVE it. You can the base three ways, like the snap ‘n go with the infant car seat, with a bassinet and with the regular stroller seat. It is the best. My only complaint is the wheel base is a little wide.
I also have a BOB Ironman which I only use for running.
Happy Shopping!
I highly recommend the Uppababy Viata. There’s actually a boutique in Costa Mesa that sells them called Xpecting. Its a great everything stroller. Comparable to Bugaboo but cheaper. Turns into a double (even triple!!!) down the line when needed. Tell them Cindy sent you!
If you are just using the stroller for tootling around the mall, I really don’t think it makes a difference. If you are traveling, walking outside, running, planning to have your children grow older, then I totally recommend the BOB. I have a 3.5 year old and a 5.5 year old and still use it. It has traveled on planes, trains and automobiles with no problems. The only problem I did encounter was it starting squeaking after owning it for a year. I took it into REI and then sent me home with a brand new one. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the stroller, and the company.
Good luck to your SIL and finding the perfect fit in the stoller, and ALL the other stuff the new little bundle of joy requires!
BOB + snap-and-go.
though honestly? our baby hasn’t been willing to ride around in a stroller except for runs since she was 9 months old, and now at 18 months she won’t even ride for runs. so, kinda wish we hadn’t spent so much on the BOB. if you’re planning on having multiple kids, it’s not as dumb.
I love strollers, especially the ones with all the bells and whistles. But I’m also uber frugal, so I can’t afford the Bobs, Bugaboos or Peg Pereggos. I have 2 little boys, a 4 yr old and a 14month old, and I have owned 6 different strollers. Yep, I have issues. My husband recently made me get rid of my stroller hoard, now i only have 2. I recommend the Snap N Go for the little babies in the carrier carseats. I’ve had the larger travel systems, and they’re just too cumbersome and bulky. I love my Jeep jogging stroller, very easy to maneuver, lots of storage, and has the fixed front wheel, which all good joggers should have. I highly recommend Mia Moda strollers. They have many different styles, which are similar to the big name strollers (Bugaboo, Maclaren, etc) but at a fraction of the cost. I paid $100 less for my Mia Moda umbrella stroller than my friend did for her Maclaren, and my Mia Moda was so much better. She ended up getting herself one for her 2nd baby. Good luck to Marlie on the stroller shopping, her pregnancy and her new path to motherhood!
And that margarita looks soooo good! Is it wrong to enjoy one during my kids’ nap time?!?!
I am a buyer for a running specialty chain in Colorado and our local brand Kelty is a popular brand for us. Sadly, they are not on our website but please check them out! The Speedster Swivel is dynamo due to the swivel option being an option. I don’t have a kiddo myself but all of the safety features of this stroller impress me! http://www.kelty.com/p-530-speedster-swivel-deluxe.aspx?category=kids
I love the uppababy vista! It comes with a bassinet for infants which can be great for traveling.
We have twins, so mine might be different… but
We had/have 3 strollers!
snap n go is great for up to the first year while they are still in their infant seat
We use the BOB for running
and we have just the cheap-o umbrella ones for quick trips in and out of stores!
The BOB is my favorite Stroller ever!!! I didn’t get it until my first was 1 and wish I had bought it sooner. It was worth every penny! (and you can find them on craigslist a lot) But, if they want to plan for the future and possibly baby number 2 I really like my Phil and Ted.
Those strollers are amazing! I almost sold my kidneys for one, but instead I took a ripped up hand-me-down from my friend. It already had poop stains, so that took some pressure off to keep it clean.
I’m still a month from having our baby but we got BOB. My mom got it on amazon and probably saved close to a $100.
Yay! Congrats to her!! So exciting!
I’ve never be preggers so I don’t have any advice 
Dang little minions are pricey!!
We have a Chicco and I loved it! The cars eat is good to 30lbs so you can wait awhile before having to buy a new seat when they get bigger.
So i know it’s not a “cool” stroller but i had a Graco from Target. Even though they didn’t come together, the infant car seat would click right in and i sure did run with it — many miles — though it is NOT a jogging stroller. (This was before i was a serious runner – i was a run/walker back then) It never did fold up while running with a kid in it, though a sippy cup did fall off a time or two…
City select by baby jogger. Amazing. Can flip seat forwards/backwards and there is a kit to put another full sized seat on if she has kids 13 months apart like I (accidentally) did.
It also has a car seat adapter that works with most. I have a BOB too, but it’s just oo big and bulky for me unless I’m jogging.
I have a Chicco keyfit that came w/the carseat. It’s a bit large but it works. (It was a gift! ) With my first child I purchased a small Combi city stroller. It was perfect! We were always in the air and it was super portable and glided right along in the airport as well as the mall or park. I loved it! I also have a Maclaren city stroller (i have idea what it’s called) and I’ll prob use it when my munchkin gets a little bigger so I’ll save on trunk space. I’d highly recommend the Combi. You can recline him and sit him up.
Also I was gonna say if you guys are up north she’ll probably end up “Wearing” him most of the time. I did with my first. That way she’ll feel better knowing that he’s warm (being on her) and not freezing in the stroller. Look into Moby wraps and or Baby K’tan cloth carriers.
Good Luck!! The land of strollers can be nuts!
My friends came to visit us here in Boston with their 6-month old baby and brought their City Mini, and I have to say, that thing was awesome. She also said it had an attachment to put the carseat in for when they are infants. It just had one handle in the seat part that you grabbed and it immediately folded flat. Pretty cool. She said she got it at REI because they offer a good discount if you join.
Recommend the snap-n-go for the infant seat and then the joovy kooper umbrella stroller.
I bought a Phil & Ted with the extra seat attachment. I am sure they make a better one now, but I loved that stroller. It can be a single or a double. For a double, it’s very light. Most doubles (at that time) weighed a TON. I was not about to haul 45 lbs in and out of my car all the time.
My little bambino is due next week and we got the Orbit. Haven’t used it yet but heard lots of great things! Most of my friends have the Britax and love it!! Have her look on Craigslist because a lot of times you can find the pricier ones that are barely used or in mint condition!! Or she could buy a brand new carseat but get the stroller part on Craigslist!
How much baby stuff shopping have they done? It all sounds very exiciting (I mean that in a good way!).
And I’m with you on the sharing dinner portions – I love going out with friends/family and we can try out a few dishes (and desserts!).
We splurged on the Orbit Baby travel system for my first and I can’t recommend it enough. It steers easily with one hand, folds easily, and it’s a cinch to install the car seat and not have any doubts that it is safe and secure for your baby. At the time I had my second there was no Orbit double stroller option available, so I went with another brand and I’ve always hated it. I was spoiled! Encourage her to at least try out the Orbit Baby!
I had a Phil and Teds that went through 3 kids and was truly brilliant. I walk everywhere so it would have so many kms on it and it never missed a beat. The double kit is great when bub number 2 comes along. Big Phil and Teds fan. I got a McLaren daytripper stroller when my middle kid outgrew the need to be pushed so I no longer needed a double. It is nice and lightweight and easy as well.
HI SR,
I have a Bugaboo too, and I am very satisfied. In case your SIL has plans to get more than 1 baby any time soon, I would recommend the phil and ted strollers. You can easily upgrade it to fit 2 babies/toddlers. And it doesn’t look as huge as others do.
Enjoy reading your page every time!
Greetings from Switzerland!
Marlie is so stinking cute!! I like the fajita tip. I often order fajitas and try to pawn the tortillas off on others.
We have the Chariot from REI and have the jogging, biking and skiing attachment……and have used them all! The Chariot had incredible coverage from sun or rain – the babe stays completely covered if you need it.
BOB stroller!!!! Love it!!!!! Can use for everyday and for running, etc.
Bob! I’m not preggo nor do I have any kids, but have heard nothing but good things about it even by people who don’t jog. That and the city mini.
We used the Mountain Buggy for both kids. We still have it and my kids are now 7 and 5. We actually brought it with us to Hershey Park this Summer because you’d be amazed how they start complaining ‘they can’t walk another step!’ Anyway, it’s been great. You can use it anywhere – grass, blacktops, sidewalks, etc. and for anything – running, walking, etc. When my husband first suggested it, I thought he was nuts because it’s close to $500. However, today I can say it was definately an excellent purchase!
Slowtwitch recommends the Phil & Ted Sub4. They’re all a bunch of triathletes not necessarily budget-conscious, practical mommas, but at $899 it’s bound to be fast
http://www.worldsfastestjogger.com/
I use the BOB Revolution for almost everything. Pricey but very worth it! It handles well and turns on a dime. The only thing I don’t like is that it is heavy… I think about 28 pounds and it takes up most of the trunk space in my mini SUV. When Nolan was first born, I used the Chico car seat/stroller system because it was easy to transport him around without taking him out the seat.
Picking out the stroller is really based on lifestyle and the terrain you use it on. I would say the BOB is the best if you are a jogger. If not, there are a ton of other great options. Look at the wheels, suspension and weight of the stroller.
Hands down Baby Jogger City Mini GT, emphasis on the GT.
You will be convinced after these videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Ll8XIf0i4
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdPzPayUoUk&feature=relmfu
Good luck!
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