My little guy has become a tall guy, and he’s about to outgrow his infant carrier. Thanks to the generosity of family, we already have our next car seat. However, the search is on for a stroller.
Paul and I are both leaning towards a Maclaren Volo. I’m embarrassed to admit that I want a Maclaren because I always told myself that I could do without one of those fancy-schmancy, high-end strollers. If I get a Maclaren, then Nancy might revoke my “baby minimalist” title. It really is a nice stroller, though. I love how lightweight it is, plus the fact that it includes a stroller strap so I can sling it over my shoulder when I need to go up stairs or something.
Several people have recommended the Maclaren Triumph, which costs about $50 more than the Volo. The Triumph has extra seat padding, a one-handed folding mechanism, and reclining positions. I don’t care about the padding, and I like the folding mechanism of the Volo just fine, but I wonder about the adjustable recline. Is that something I’m going to need?
And then there’s the whole jogging stroller question. I definitely don’t need a jogging stroller, but I would love to walk a 5K race with Ian occasionally. I don’t know if a regular stroller can take a 5K, although I’m guessing it might be able to do it at my slow pace. I don’t think I want to buy a jogging stroller and not a regular stroller, though, because jogging strollers are so bulky and heavy. I’m not sure I could even fit one in my tiny car.
So, as usual, I have a question for you guys — how important is the reclining feature on a stroller? Do you use it, or is it just an extra bell and/or whistle? AND have you ever used a regular stroller to walk a 5K?
I’ve been looking for a Volo for a while on Craigslist and at consignment sales. It’s a great stroller! We used a generic umbrella stroller for my first, and I didn’t miss the recline feature. However, my first was notorious for not falling asleep very easily. If yours falls asleep frequently, it might be worth it for the recline feature. But I’m with you on the portability on the Volo.
I’m not a parent, but I am known to play the uncle role for a (not-so-)little girl in Nashville. Whatever stroller they have is great. When we were in Disney last month, I opted to push the stroller more often than not. It has two cup holders, a pouch underneath the seat, reclining capabilities, a little “window” above the head, and a strap for easy carrying when folded up. It seemed pretty light-weight, although I have nothing to really compare it to.
We pretty much used all the features that stroller had to offer. Olivia seemed to sleep better when she was reclined. She also like the reassurance of looking up to see mommy or daddy (or Aunt Amy or Uncle Munkee) behind the “wheel”. I’m pretty sure it could easily handle a 5K. We did A LOT of walking around Disney. And it handled Epcot (the most walking) like a champ.
Maybe hit up Ian or Susan on Facebook and see what kind of stroller they have.
I would say that you want to be able to recline. I always feel sorry for little ones who fall asleep and their little heads and necks are all scrunched up. Reclining makes changing a diaper in a stroller easier…and sometimes it is the only place to do it!
Just saying
We don’t use the recline feature. Even if she were lying down, Becca wouldn’t sleep in a stroller. There is far too much to see and yell at. I LOVE our Graco Metrolite. No strap, but I’ve never once found myself thinking, “Wow, I wish they had a strap on this thing!” It’s their lighter version (hence the name) and folds up quite compactly. I just purchased a jogging stroller on Craig’s List, and I’m very happy with it, but that’s because I am trying to get back into running. If you are walking, I can’t think of a reason why the regular stroller wouldn’t suffice. The jogger stroller is more to keep the ride smooth and the baby safer because the pace and, um, fits-and-starts nature of a running stride is jerky. I think with walking, you’re looking at total wear, so if you add 3 miles at once, it’s just more wear – not particularly tough on the stroller. However, in researching jogging strollers, I did find some hybrid-type strollers that I wish I had looked into before getting the first one. They are smaller than jogging strollers but have the air-filled wheels and shocks that can handle jogging or hiking (or other off-roading)on occassion.
What kind of carseat did you get?
Oh, and the minimalist label is more about the amount of stuff, not the quality. You’re still safe.
Thanks so much for the feedback! Nancy, our next car seat is The First Years True Fit convertible car seat. We didn’t choose the seat — it was a gift — but it has really good reviews.