Read Part 1 of my stroller drama here.
So Ian had outgrown the double umbrella stroller that was so small and light. I tried to deny it, but poor Ian had to contort himself to keep his feet from dragging the ground.
This time, I knew we were ready for another “sit and stand” style stroller. But none of this 40-pound stroller business. I started googling terms like “lightweight sit n’ stand” and “stroller that fits in VW Golf.” And I found the Joovy Caboose Ultralight Tandem.
It was lightweight. It folded easily. It cost $250. Gulp.
Craigslist to the rescue! After a few days searching I found a Joovy Ultralight Tandem for $50. It had puppy teeth marks in one place and needed the straps sewn back into place, but after a few well-placed stitches (ok, safety pins), we were in business.
Next step, jogging stroller. I just can’t stop the obsession, m’kay?
After I successully ran my first 5k, I decided I need a double jogger to continue my training. I had spent the previous winter cooped indoors with sniffly-nosed children who were too sick for the Y but well enough to be bored. A jogging stroller, I figured, was the answer to our entertainment and exercise needs.
A friend gave me a bargain on an older molder Baby Jogger stroller. It was a good start and worked well for running around the neighborhood. Soon, however, the stroller discontentment bug bit me again. After jogging down the greenway with some fellow mommies, I…..I coveted their jogging strollers. Yes, friends. I wanted their swivel front wheels. I wanted their easy-fold mechanisms that didn’t require the removal of wheels.
And of course, on Craigslist, I found it. I found a Baby Trend jogging stroller. Gently used, no rust, swivel wheel, decent storage space, cup holders. Mommy jogging nirvana.
The jogging stroller is our stroller of choice these days. It’s great for family walks and local adventures. I still use the Joovy Caboose some, although now that Ian is over 40 pounds the stroller struggles with the bumps and curbs on the way to the library. I love it so much, though, that I don’t think I’ll get rid of it for another year or so.
The Maclaren has made a reappearance, as well. It’s so tiny that it can stow in the back of my car even with the third row in use. That’s another one that I’m sure we’ll keep for several more years.
So friends, that is my journey. Since my little guy is two-and-a-half, I’m sure my stroller story is at an end. Of course, we might need a bike trailer…
Do you have a stroller that captured your heart (or captured your hate)? I’d love to hear about it!
Love this post, because I was on the same journey!
We started off with a Quinny Zapp stroller which is lightweight and super small when folded. The inside unzips and with 2 small attachments it fits our Maxi Cosi car seat like a champ! I love this stroller for use with the car seat and also for something to use at the mall (not as great outdoors).
We travel a lot and needed something that would be good at the airport-maneuver easily, fold at the gate, and would also be good outdoors/on walks, etc and we chose the BOB Revolution and I LOVE this stroller. I say it is my single most used baby item and I preach to anyone who will listen that they need to have this stroller. No joke-it ain’t cheap, but totally worth it! When Phoenix came along I NEEDED (well in my mind I did) a double BOB and Craigslist to the rescue…we found one. It has been amazing and I will preach to anyone that this is the best baby/kid item ever. Emmi is 4 in a few weeks and still fits comfortably in the stroller.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your stroller journey, too! I hear so many great things about the BOB strollers….