We have a baby due in about 2 months and I am in need of a stroller...and tylenol! My head hurts from reading so many reviews. I started researching strollers months ago and I feel like I've made no progress. I want a stroller that is well built and durable, don't care too much about the weight (I've had a quatto tour deluxe before), has parent tray with cupholders and child snack tray, comfy for long trips, bassinet option would be great, suitable for newborns, travel system/accepts an infant seat with bar, all-terrain tires would be nice and has a easy fold. I've looked at Chicco and don't really care for that stroller, bought the bumbleride indie 2010 but I think I'm returning it (the plastic under the seat/back cushion is flimsy and I don't like the recline pull strap thingy) and would like something better than the old graco I used to have. The britax chaperone travel system seemed perfect to me but there are very few and really mixed reviews. I want the stroller I buy to be the first and last without dropping $1000 on it.
The britax chaperone travel system looks pretty nice, though I've never tried it myself. However I will give you some tips. We have three kids-7, 4 and 2. All of them have been in strollers and baby carriers galore. Here are my tips of what a good stroller should have:
1. Big wheels-umbrella strollers have smaller wheels that make it harder to turn in tight spaces-think grocery stores and malls.
2. Hooks for all your bags you're going to carry. You can buy these separately. (Just remember the stroller might tip if there's too many bags and not enough baby in the stroller!)
3. Easy access to the bottom/big mesh area-for the diaper bag
4. Area up top for sippy cups/bottles. Makes it easier than tossing it in bottom compartment. Also a tray for baby after a few months for his food.
5. Straps to adjust seat recline are nice and easy to handle.
6. Simple seat belts that will open and close with a thick layer of food residue on them, which they will have. Also should be able to open them with one hand.
7. Baby carrier should click into carrier, most do and it's nice to push instead of carry.
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