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Photo by Joe Shlabotnik. |
Our Favorite Strollers
Buying a stroller can be a daunting task. There are so many models on the market and they just keep getting more and more expensive!
It can be so easy to take the easy road and just head over to Wal-mart or Target and pick up a cheap Graco stroller. You're reasoning might be, "He'll outgrow it soon anyway and I'll save a few bucks."
Well, speaking from experience, Don't do it!
I've been there. I got a cheap Fisher Price stroller for my son when he was born. It lasted about six months before it needed to be replaced and I got another similar model. By the time he was a year old he refused to sit in it because it was just too uncomfortable, which of course resulted in me pushing my cheap stroller down the road while I carried my son in my arms. Not a fun time!
Finally I broke down and got one of the nicer strollers (we went for the Mia Moda Cielo
Plus, the newer models will last you quite a few years as they can fit children up to three or even four years old. And they're great to use with the next child on the way because they are built so well and they really do last. That's what you're paying for: Quality and durability!
Now that we've done all the stroller shopping and hunting, all you have to do is check out our Top Three Picks and see which stroller looks best for your family...
- Top Pick #1
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Price: Around $190.00
Availability: Online
Why we love it: This is the stroller we chose for our son. I love the open design of this chair and how easy it is for my son to be a part of the action while still sitting in his stroller.
But what we really liked about the Mia Moda Cielo is its size. We have a very small car and this stroller folds into an extremely compact size. In fact, the Cielo won the 2007 JPMA Innovation Award for its "Unique Compact Fold." Plus its simple design makes it easy to maneuver in small areas, like stores with narrow aisles or between tables in a restaurant.
It's the perfect stroller for city life!
Features:
- Ultra-compact one-hand fold
- Strong lightweight aluminum frame
- Detachable storage bag
- Front-wheel suspension
- Easy one-touch brake
- Freestanding when folded
- Easy to carry when folded
- 5-point harness
- Adjustable seat recline
- Weight: 15.5 lbs.
- Folded Size: 12.5" x 17.3" x 21"
- Open Size: 35.6" x 17.3" x 40"
- Weight Capacity: 40 lbs.
- Top Pick #2
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Price: Around $530.00
Availability: Online
Why we love it: Our son loved this stroller. We actually had a hard time getting him out of it when we were at the store, he was so happy and comfortable! The Bugaboo Bee sits upright and is the most supportive stroller of all the strollers we tried out. It is also so very soft and comforting and has a great system that grows with your child from infancy to toddlerhood.
The Bugaboo Bee seat is also reversible, which I love, especially for babies, and it's compact design fits easily into your car. It's sleek design makes it easy to maneuver and it folds down very flat (though it's not nearly as compact as the Mia Moda). The sun shade is also quite big and will actually keep the sun out of your child's face (unlike almost every other shade on the market).
Features:
- One-piece foldable and compact
- Reversible seat
- Supportive hard-shell back rest with ventilation holes for comfort
- 4-position seat recline
- Height-adjustable handle bar
- Swivel wheels and suspension system for a steady, bump-free ride
- Adjusts to various car seats
- 4.2 gallon under-seat basket
- All fabrics removable and machine washable
- Suitable up to 37.5 lbs
- Stroller weighs 16.5 lbs
- Rain shield and other accessories sold separately
- Top Pick #3
 
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Price: Around $590.00
Availability: Online
Why we love it: Another stroller that's reversible! I love having the option to turn my son around, especially if he's sleeping and I want to keep an eye on him. And, like the Bugaboo Bee, the Skate grows with your child, so it's a great investment.
The Skate folds down very flat and even though it is pricey, it's still well worth it. Unlike the Mia Moda, the Skate offers more protection for younger children who have a harder time sitting up on their own. The Skate is very sturdy and supportive, though not as supportive as the Bugaboo Bee. The Skate does have the added feature of accommodating any infant car seat, which is nice.
Features:
- Compact when closed.
- Reversible seat.
- Three height positions
- Front bumper hinges open for access to baby or removes for toddlers.
- Five-point seat belt for "freedom of movement".
- Hinged/removable front bar
- Height adjustable handles with rubber insert.
- Cup holder.
- Front wheels swivel or lock; back wheels have new centralized brake cable.
- Base doubles as universal car seat system.
- Matching bassinet (carriage) included.
- Full-zippered rain cover works for carriage and stroller.
- Light and resistant lacquered aluminium frame.
- Includes rain shield and boot.