Recommend a nice budget stroller/pram

[glaswegian]

We are in the market for a stroller/pram that will be used to push the wee one around the neighbourhood, nothing over the top, just a decent budget one that is good.

Please recommend some too us, am not looking to spend a lot on this.

Cheers

[glaswegian]

No new parent or old parent uses a stroller?

[Bullseye]

Depends what you're looking for, really. You can get an umbrella stroller for $20 at Walmart that will do the job. If you do some serious walking, though, you'll want bigger/more rugged wheels, sturdier construction, better handles, etc.

We walk quite a bit, in all weather, and have used a Graco travel system stroller with no complaints. It's really taken some hard use, and still works fine 2.5 years in (using for second child now). It's heavy, though, and very bulky, so we also have a cheap umbrella stroller for taking shopping that we leave in the car.

[glaswegian]

Bullseye...cheers mate. I need something sturdier, not heavy that we can take shopping, foldable to fit into a car without struggling. We walk a lot too, especially in the evening along the trail behind our house.

With this info in hand, I hope someone can recommend something to me, and where to get it.

Cheers

[Bullseye]

Sturdy, light, compact, and able to handle trails (assuming you mean non-paved)? Yeah, a cheapie one probably won't cut it for you.

Maybe a McLaren? Probably cost you a couple hundred, but that would fit the bill.

[glaswegian]

McLaren happens to be my F1 team, shame my boy Hamilton didn't clinch the title. Anyhoo...yes those are my pre-requisites for the stroller. Any idea where to get this?

[sumguy12004]

walmart is selling two different safety 1st travel systems (stroller + car seat) each for $150 clearance. i live in NS, but i think walmart offers are nationwide. Am looking for a deal on cribs, have you seen any ?

[glaswegian]

The crib we are getting is from toys r us, and it's $250. I don't need a car seat, we have 2 now, 1 ( eddie bauer 3-in-1 ) of which I won at a pre-natal seminar.


walmart is selling two different safety 1st travel systems (stroller + car seat) each for $150 clearance. i live in NS, but i think walmart offers are nationwide. Am looking for a deal on cribs, have you seen any ?

[kitty darko]

I love my Peg Perego car seat/stroller set because it's light compared to a lot of other brands and very compact. Unfortunately for you it's also quite pricey. If you just want a stroller try craigslist and kijiji. I always see strollers posted for sale on those forums and you can always negotiate the price.

Good luck.

[KIngMufasa]

hey glas,

if you want new, we got the Maclaren Quest from an ebay store here:

http://stores.ebay.ca/MAXOTY

even after their crazy shipping price, it was still $100 less than here in Canada and we got the colour we wanted (not available in Canada)

The triumph model is a bit lighter so you might want to consider that one.

cheers

[glaswegian]

After looking at the pics in the link above, am leaning towards the peg perego ones. They look a lot sturdier and they have storage underneath the stroller, which comes in handy.

Now anyone know where to get a single one in the GTA for similar ebay price?

[chompers]

I bought a Peg Perego Uno beginning of Dec (because they were clearing out 2007 inventory). You may still be able to find lots of deals around town for a P3 Classico (if you are on a budget) or one step above which is the UNO model. You can also get floor model deals as well. You can go on to Peg Perego website and look for all the stores in Ontario and you may want to call around.

[spdztr]

Check out the FirstWheels City Elite... it's what we got, and many of our friends too. It's been great so far, and is not too heavy, and fits easily in the back of the SUV.

This is just one link I found: http://www.macklems.com/firstwheels.htm

There's an ebay guy that sells them for cheap (babycribs1 I think?) - he's where we got ours from. We haven't used the bassinet part a lot, but I guess it's there if you need it. If not, you can get them without it too for ~$100 cheaper.

Good luck!

[glaswegian]

I like those. How much are the strollers and I couldn't find the seller on ebay?


Check out the FirstWheels City Elite... it's what we got, and many of our friends too. It's been great so far, and is not too heavy, and fits easily in the back of the SUV.

This is just one link I found: http://www.macklems.com/firstwheels.htm

There's an ebay guy that sells them for cheap (babycribs1 I think?) - he's where we got ours from. We haven't used the bassinet part a lot, but I guess it's there if you need it. If not, you can get them without it too for ~$100 cheaper.

Good luck!

[spdztr]

I like those. How much are the strollers and I couldn't find the seller on ebay?


Try this link: http://stores.ebay.com/BABY-CRIBS_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZ1QQfsubZQ2d33QQftidZ2QQtZkm

I don't have access to ebay at work, so I don't know if it will work or not, but his username is babycribs1. He has a store on Dundas in Missisauga (he was mentioned in the other threads where you were asking about cribs).

The stroller is ~$500 IIRC.

There is another thread that was just started where someone asked about these.

[raptorfan]

I bought a Peg Perego Uno beginning of Dec (because they were clearing out 2007 inventory). You may still be able to find lots of deals around town for a P3 Classico (if you are on a budget) or one step above which is the UNO model. You can also get floor model deals as well. You can go on to Peg Perego website and look for all the stores in Ontario and you may want to call around.

We also picked up a previous year's model (which makes me laugh, like anyone would know the diff:) ) Anyway, 2 grown kids later and ALOT of mileage put on our Peg Shopper thru all kinds of terrain, I would definitely recommend. Only had trouble with one wheel, which we took to be fixed (link below) It's now folded up in the rafters waiting for grandkid visits in the future. I think we paid $350 12 years ago which I thought was an huge amount for a stroller but it was worth it for sure. I know people that went thru a couple of them before finally buying a Peg because the others broke. Here's where I got mine:

http://www.kiddiesworld.ca/index.htm

fixed at

http://www.macklems.com/about.htm

Good luck!

[glaswegian]

I hate sites that can't be bothered to list their prices >:(

[sumguy12004]

walmart has another safety 1st stroller (sold alone) on clearance originally $89 (2 months ago) down to $69 and today it was for $60. Looks pretty much like this
http://www.safety1st.com/product/detail.asp?ID=2705

but the color is slightly different (light peige & brown not disney)

[glaswegian]

Anyone know if these are good?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-SCHWINN-SAFARI-SC625A-SWIVEL-JOGGING-STROLLER_W0QQitemZ260197765580QQihZ016QQcategoryZ6 6700QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[mcv20]

I just got the Peg-perego Uno (Orange) last nite at Babies r us for $369 (Reg $498) and my wife love it since its light/ looks nice. Mind you may still see the price tag for $498 however when they scan it , it show up $369. plus if you are looking for the UNO model i think they only have like 7 left in ontario.

i think u better checking out babies r us now since they are clean out some 2007 model.

[KIngMufasa]

a little OT but just to note that Maclems (someone linked their site with a stroller) actually has some very good prices on peripherial items like pumps, monitors and things of that nature. I've not looked at their stroller prices tho. E.G. The phillips baby monitor is $60 less then anywhere else i've seen it.

[mcv20]

here is the link

http://www.macklems.com/index.htm

i just call them up, all the 2007 peg prego were gone.

the infant car seat that i m looking for is like $10 cheaper than babies r us.

[glaswegian]

Anyone know if the SHWINN I posted in the ebay link above, will fit into the trunk of a small car like HONDA FIT?

The wife is telling me that she likes that stroller, since it's all terrain, and can manouvre easily. The only problem is, she is not sure how lighter or heavy it is?

cheers

[deep]

We have that same Schwinn, and we love it. It is very sturdy, and the swivelling wheel puts other fixed joggers to shame. People we walk with have strollers that cost 3 times as much (Chariots, etc) and cannot believe how much easier it is to manoeuvre our stroller.

Having said that, it is not featherweight, nor is it particularly easy to throw into a trunk. We could throw it in our Taurus' trunk without much effort, but only when the trunk was essentially empty. For easier storage, you need to use 2 quick releases on the big wheels to make it narrower, which was a bit of a feat for my 5' tall wife.

The Schwinn has lasted through both of our boys, and still looks brand new. The swivel still works perfectly (you can lock into place for actual running) and it's still great on trails, in malls, etc. People watch with envy as you negotiate through 36" doorways without levering your child up and around to make the turns.

[glaswegian]

I just love the look of it really.....and like you said, the swivel just makes it ideal, comapred to the other over priced monster out there. I think I might have to just buy it from that ebay seller, and they ship to canada

[deep]

I would go for it, personally. We paid the same amount, but back in the day when a US$ was actually worth something. Even a better deal now.

[sovexxed]

I personally prefer the Peg. Mine got me through 2 children and its still in excellent shape. Has the storage on the bottom. Handle is higher to hubby didn't have to bend over to push it and it can swivel around so baby can face forward or face you. Plus the wheels can all move independently. sort of 4 wheel drive:lol:
Mine also is equipped with all the padding for new born and it can extend for toddlers. Not sure if they still make this model. Got it at TRU. Well worth the cash, especially if you think you'll have more than 1 child.
Adding it to my garage sale pile for this summer.

Check TRU in Etobicoke. They usually have clearance/last year's model every so often on sale.

[miguel sanchez]

For a lightweight high-quality stroller at a decent price I vote for the Quinny Zapp. It's the world's smallest stroller when folded and is incredibly light. Great for travelling and plenty sturdy for daily driving.

Sears has it right now for $150 minus an extra 25% for their "warehouse sale" event.

Here is pic of it folded up. The stroller on the right is the Peg P3:
http://www.strollerqueen.com/Quickstart/ImageLib/DSC00633.JPG

More good info here: http://www.strollerqueen.com/

Good luck!

[glaswegian]

This has been put on hold now, sice baby won't need it till age 6 months and up

[Gloaming]

mystrollers.com has lots of selection and cheap shipping to Canada- we got a Mountain buggy for $300 less than th Canadian price!

[l69norm]

We are in the market for a stroller/pram that will be used to push the wee one around the neighbourhood,...

Depends on if you expect to be pushing it through snow ? Double wheel strollers are more difficult to push in snow and tend dart around or clog up. The 4 large single wheels strollers or a jogging type stroller works the best.

[glaswegian]

Depends on if you expect to be pushing it through snow ? Double wheel strollers are more difficult to push in snow and tend dart around or clog up. The 4 large single wheels strollers or a jogging type stroller works the best.

If you look at my previous post, there is an ebay link to the one am looking at.

[l69norm]

If you look at my previous post, there is an ebay link to the one am looking at.

Wow $70 for shipping is kinda pricey. I think Costco was carrying the In-Step version, but I couldn't find a link. It was about $129.

Do you intend to use it for jogging as well? Running Room has some on display, but very pricey. Chariot and Baby Jogger are about the only way to go for serious running (10K+). I thought the Costco one was a better deal though.

[Starkicker]

Hi all, thanks for all the info in this thread. I'm a little confused with all the options that are out there between strollers, carriers, car seats, travel systems and what not.

What should I be looking for exactly? I need a stroller and car seat, but I don't know what goes with what. I've seen some travel systems, but they look so bulky. I like the Quinny series, but $400+ is too rich for my blood.

Can someone point me to a FAQ or recommendations on an all in one dealie that gives me a infant car seat and stroller?

Thanks!

[l69norm]

http://strollers.baby-gaga.com/ has stroller reviews. There's a forum there as well

I didn't use a travel system, but I was using a stroller that was wide enough that my car seat would sit securely inside.

[glaswegian]

Wow $70 for shipping is kinda pricey. I think Costco was carrying the In-Step version, but I couldn't find a link. It was about $129.

Do you intend to use it for jogging as well? Running Room has some on display, but very pricey. Chariot and Baby Jogger are about the only way to go for serious running (10K+). I thought the Costco one was a better deal though.


I know, but I can't find that same one for cheaper anywhere in Canada. Yes I do intend to jog with it, there is a trail right behind my house that goes on for miles.

Anyhoo....not for another 6 months after the baby arrives, so still time to decide.

[l69norm]

I know, but I can't find that same one for cheaper anywhere in Canada. Yes I do intend to jog with it, there is a trail right behind my house that goes on for miles....

Depending on how rough the trail is, 20" wheels give a lot smoother ride. 16" wheels are pretty good if you let a bit of air out. 12" wheels are good for smooth roads and short distances. I was using a 20" and 16" BabyJoggerII. The 20" wheels are not very portable.

The ebay on looks OK too, especially with the swivel wheel.

[glaswegian]

Depending on how rough the trail is, 20" wheels give a lot smoother ride. 16" wheels are pretty good if you let a bit of air out. 12" wheels are good for smooth roads and short distances. I was using a 20" and 16" BabyJoggerII. The 20" wheels are not very portable.

The ebay on looks OK too, especially with the swivel wheel.

The swivel wheel was an important part for me

[l69norm]

The swivel wheel was an important part for me

If it's a paved trail, you should be OK for jogging. I found that letting a bit of air out of the tires can improve the ride for baby while jogging, especially if when you are going over the cracks on concrete sidewalks at speed.

The only thing about the ebay one is that there are no running brakes. It doesn't really affect rec running (5-8 km), but would be very tiresome for if you do a lot of hills or do serious running (10K+).

True joggers (Chariot, BabyJogger) have caliper brakes on the front wheel that you would use to stop or to regulate the speed of the stroller going down hill. It helps maintain your balance and cadence. With no brakes, you are always trying to balance the speed of the stroller with your body and it can throw your running off.

[l69norm]

Was over at ToysRus. I noticed that they have a Quinny jogging stroller with swivel wheel for $299 cdn + tax that looked pretty decent. It's very similar to the link below:
http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2688624

It's still a little on the heavy side, but it does have pull brakes (brake drums on rear wheels) so it's suitable for med - serious running. They also have a version with a fixed front wheel (with brakes) for $199 cdn + tax

I also had a look at the Bugaboo Frog ($937 cdn plus tax). I'm afraid that I wasn't too impressed. It is an innovative design and light but it didn't look that well constructed to carry a $900+ price tag. It would be a very nice $400 stroller to me. I guess it really depends on how you are going to use it.

[kawaiiko]

I just got this Peg Perego - Converse Stroller System (http://www.tjskids.com/cart.asp?whichpage=3&mode=price&search=null&maincat=53&category=1&brand=0&expand=categories&pagesize=5&item=2092) yesterday at TJ's Kids store, the price was about $50 less than their price online, $349. Original price was more than $500.

Mine is a charcoal one with Caravel 22 Chassis charcoal frame, the other colors are more like navy blue.

I guess this is an old style back to 2003, but what's good about it is the convert system, steadiness, and nice quality (made in Italy).

I'm very impressive of the plastic parts on this stroller, much smooth than the newer models. I tried Uno, P3, and A3 (http://www.tjskids.com/cart.asp?whichpage=3&mode=price&search=null&maincat=53&category=1&brand=0&expand=categories&pagesize=5&item=4450), my choice was between A3 & this one (both are older models).

I don't know why Uno is not as smooth as the others, specially when it converts into a pram facing the baby.

[l69norm]

...Mine is a charcoal one with Caravel 22 Chassis charcoal frame, the other colors are more like navy blue...

Is that the one with the front wheel steering? How easy is it to steer? I like the spring suspension system. It gives baby a great ride if you like to walk a lot.

[gerbil]

For a lightweight high-quality stroller at a decent price I vote for the Quinny Zapp. It's the world's smallest stroller when folded and is incredibly light. Great for travelling and plenty sturdy for daily driving.

Sears has it right now for $150 minus an extra 25% for their "warehouse sale" event.

Here is pic of it folded up. The stroller on the right is the Peg P3:
http://www.strollerqueen.com/Quickstart/ImageLib/DSC00633.JPG

More good info here: http://www.strollerqueen.com/

Good luck!

as much as I'd like to agree that it's a decent price @$150 - 25% off ... my wife and I agreed that it's not a decent price ... it's expensive!!

i'll give you credit on the picture .. it sure does speaks for itself being small and all

[kawaiiko]

Is that the one with the front wheel steering? How easy is it to steer? I like the spring suspension system. It gives baby a great ride if you like to walk a lot.

Yes I think so. And it's much more smooth than Uno..
I tried Uno in the back facing position, it almost like pushing a bad supermarket cart..