Stroller suggestions please! (apartment, house, closing) - City-Data Forum

lynn79os · 04-06-2010, 07:55 PM

Well, our house has finally sold. We were stuck in this downward spiral of an economy for almost three years without an offer and boom - this week, we got one. Paperwork is signed, closing date is set for June. Unless something goes wrong, we will be arriving in NYC, with toddler in tow, mid-June!

Now begins all the hard work - one thing that's on my list is a new stroller. We currently have a Graco Travel System monster. It's a lovely stroller, excellent for Minnesota, but there is NO WAY I can lug that baby up and down subway steps.

Can anyone recommend a good, sturdy, lightweight stroller for a 2.5 year old? Under $400 would be ideal.

I've come across the Maclaren line...good/bad?

Otis_Nevins · 04-06-2010, 08:12 PM

Please do the most you can to not take your stroller on the subway. OK, it's impossible sometimes... thusly: there are plenty of subway stations with elevators seek them out and enjoy. The Graco stroller will still be good for Manhattan; long walks and such... Fold it up and carry the kid in a Bjorn for them subway rides.

Just my two cents - and I have two infant children (twins) and a BIG stroller. Bjorn is the way to go on the subways, busses, etc. Fold the stroller and bring it along for trips to the zoo, etc.

lynn79os · 04-06-2010, 09:48 PM

My child is 2.5 years old....I can hardly carry him with my arms let alone in a Bjorn. He's waaaaaaaay past that stage and taller than many 3 year olds. I don't plan to use a stroller for small outings - as he is starting to prefer to walk - but it will be necessary sometimes. I won't be working, so often if I take him out it will be alone while my husband is at work, I need something I can carry easily.

Also, we are looking at Astoria - Ditmars area for an apartment, does that stop have an elevator? I haven't actually been to that stop ever, just the Astoria Blvd and a few others in Astoria that do not have elevators/escalators.

Thanks for your help!

bmwguydc · 04-07-2010, 12:27 AM

One of my siblings has bought nearly every type of stroller on the market -- no joke. They had seven or eight strollers at one point (all at the same time, some single, some double, some umbrella). The one that really has performed nearly as well as the pricey/trendy Micralite that they own is the Peg Perego Si (had to ask my SIL for the specific model), which is a great lightweight, umbrella style stroller that folds easily. It's a great option if you have to frequently fold it, but it lacks features of some of the heavier strollers such as a table tray or bar.

They had a Maclaren, but it was one that was subject to the recall. And, after it had the fix applied, was a horror to close, at least for my SIL, who is petite. That one was given to her friend who didn't need to fold it frequently to put in the car, or for toting up and down stairs. It's a good stroller, but I would check one in person to see if you can easily fold it, since that was her complaint with it. I found it to be bulky to put in the trunk of the car, though I wasn't using it every day. As for folding, it took me longer, but it takes me minutes since I don't do it everyday, where I am sure a mom/dad could do it in seconds.

My favorite of the strollers that have been in the family is the Mutsy, which is a bit expensive, and requires options for the bag, shades, etc. It handles so well, though, and I prefer it to the Bugaboo that another parent in my family had. The Mutsy is easier to fold, IMO, than the Bugaboo, and they have the one with the big tires that are air filled, which I think is the urban series.

lynn79os · 04-07-2010, 09:05 AM

bmwguydc, very, very helpful! Thank you!

angloitaliana · 04-07-2010, 07:16 PM

I use the subway a few times a week with my 2 small children and my 3 year old is in a stroller. I have used lots of strollers but the maclaren volo is the easiest and lightest and it's an excellent brand! yes they had some issue with the clip when folding but they've been recalled or fixed. I have become quite a pro at it now, I get off the train, I walk to the stairs, I take my son out, he walks up the steps and i carry the stroller up the stairs (i don't even need to fold it, it's so light!) I never use the subway at peak times and yes it can be a nightmare (especially with a 4 year old and a 3 year old) but it's quick and I can't afford to keep taking taxis or waiting forever on a bus!

lynn79os · 04-07-2010, 07:24 PM

I had emailed a friend out in NYC the same time I posted this thread, my friend replied also with the Maclaren Volo....theirs has survived 2 kids. And the price is very good for that stroller.

I imagine my scenario would be similar to yours with the 3 year old, angloitaliana, with my son climbing the stairs on his own and I'll carry the stroller up. I'm glad to hear it's so easy to carry.

Thank you again everyone, I appreciate your help!