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Bugaboo Bee!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4qSKwv-l34

huge canopy, full recline, Seat reverses, takes a graco carseat (if you want, requires adapters), nice and lightweight, tiny turning radius... it's a good step above something like a Maclaren/Umbrella stroller and you can use it everyday. European design, chinese manufactured, 2 year warranty.

There is the Peg Perego Uno

http://www.pegperego.com/page.php?sid=df10cd545d33bfc88d61d55616242f89&pageid=CJVNL001&idf=08&idp=0000000194&cl=N

Which is a cute stroller but it's like 100% plastic. The handlebar flips over to give you the reversible option... But it's hard to steer when the little wheels are in the back. Takes a Peg carseat only with no separate adapters. Italian designed/manufactured, 1 year warranty

If you live somewhere the gets snow, STAY AWAY from anything that has the double wheels (as in an umbrella stroller or cheap evenflo/graco/peg travel system) The snow gets caught up between the two wheels and they freeze... you will toss the thing out the window the first time you have to carry your stroller down a busy street because the wheels are stuck. Unfortunately this seems to be what a lot of the light weight strollers have.

We got the City Mini from Baby Jogger. It is one of the lightest strollers we found and is super easy to fold up. Check it out online: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-City-Single-Stroller/dp/B000WG1XWQ

I have a micralite stroller with the bassinet that you remove when baby can sit up. You really can fold it with one hand, weighs 14 lbs, rubber inflatable wheels.
http://www.healthchecksystems.com/micralite_stroller_system.htm
On the downside, it has no storage- the basket underneath is pretty unusable to be honest, and the front of the stroller (when converted for an older baby) and I think that the sunshade doesn't offer enough coverage. It's a bit on the spendy side but many are these days..

Hi there,

We're expecting our first in June, so we haven't actually tried out the stroller we went with, but I figured you might benefit from the research we did when deciding which to get! We looked at both the Bugaboo Bee and the City Mini from Baby Jogger. I was totally, 100% sold on the City Mini for the longest time (find a store that has it and ask them to show you how it folds - you'll be sold on it too!) but when it came time to purchase, I had enough doubts put in my head about using it with a newborn that I went with the Bugaboo instead.

The people at the store told me that the City Mini was recommended for use from like six months and up, but that a lot of parents plopped their newborn right into it anyway and it was fine. This may be the case, but I talked to some family members who persuaded me that I shouldn't use it that way. Now, you *can* buy a bassinett attachment for the City Mini, I believe, but it costs AS MUCH as the stroller itself and then you have this large bassinett attachment to deal with.

The Bugaboo literally had every single thing we were looking for. We needed it to be small, lightweight, forward and rear facing, and suitable from birth on up. It literally meets every one of these criteria, so we got it.

One word to the wise about the Bugaboo - when we were in the store it seemed very confusing and difficult to fold/unfold. We wound up getting it anyway and I'm really pleased with it. In the comfort of our own home, with access to the actual instruction manual, it turns out that folding/unfolding/removing the seat and turning the seat around are actually pretty easy to master. It's not the fastest or easiest fold on the market, but I would say don't be discouraged if it seems impossible in the store - we've had it at home for a couple of weeks now and we're both pros and dealing with the folding and unfolding.

Hopefully that helps, and I recognize that the Bugaboo is absurdly expensive, but being city dwellers who plan to use and abuse their stroller, I was happy to go for the more expesnive stroller in the hopes that it's the only one we ever need. To me it'll be well worth the money if it really is the only stroller we ever use. If it's not, then lesson learned I guess (it's also by far the most expensive baby item we bought, the one piece we allowed ourselves a splurge on because as I said, it's a crucial piece of equipment for us)!

The UPPAbaby Vista Stroller has a reversible/reclining bucket seat which can be used right away as well as a bassinet. The bassinet is fully lined with organic soybean fiber and cotton. It seems to have all the features you are looking for. It is a great urban stroller and easily collapses to carry or pull up the stairs. The storage basket is huge and can hold everything you could possible need. Also the canopy is SPF 50 which is awesome! Check it out at:

http://tottini.com/store/product/15056/Vista-Stroller-Mica-%28Silver%29/

I have an 11 month old son and had to do exactly this a year ago. We did the research and went with Icoo Targo (video on utube). I felt at the time it was very similar to the bugaboo and one extra feature to where the seat could be raised to a higher level to help me with my bad back. One year later I am thoroughly disappointed as the handle is not sturdy since it is designed to fold even smaller than bugaboo, the wheels went wobbly - the manufacturer just sent us new wheels and the seat does not go in an upright position like the bugaboo.
Two things to keep in mind. There is no stroller in the market that can have all the features you(we) want and be light weight. Every baby develops differently and you might not need what you think you do. I met last year a mom in a store and was asking her if she likes her bugaboo - she said we love it, but you will eventually need to buy a maclaren. Not me I thought. Here we are a year later and just bought our maclaren on top of the Icoo. The sturdy stroller is perfect for the neighbourhood, but for going up and down stairs none of the these strollers are light weight - I have lifted a bugaboo for a friend of mine to hte first floor of her walk up and it is heavy. Our son reached 24 lbs at 11 months, so it is nearly impossible to hold him in one arm and fold these heavier strollers - they need two hands to be folded and that does not work if I am alone with baby getting int he subway. THe maclaren is a breeze to fold and unfold with one hand. The maclaren is fit for babies 3 months over, so you might want to consider having a babybjorn till the baby is 3-4 months and then a maclaren. As doctor Karp writes in the Happiest Baby on the Block, you should keep your baby as close to your heart as you can till 3-4 months.

Uppababy is heavy.

Does the Bugaboo Bee fold in one shot or do you have to take the seat out when folding or loading into a car?

forgot to mention, if you do buy a heavy duty stroller go with the Bugaboo - they are really well made and are indistructible - my friend has had one for 5 years 3 boys and it is like new. I believe there is a new bugaboo in the market now that cost $700 or less

we got our boy a bugaboo cameleon on ebay. couldn't imagine life without it.

I think you have to take apart the Bugaboo. It is pretty cumbersome if you are climbing stairs, taking public transport, etc.

Also: Parents love the "smooth ride", but our babies like the jiggling of their cheap stroller. It is precisely what calms them and gets them to sleep!

I loved using a snap and go. It's an affordable ($50), super easy, light weight option, and it doesn't take up a lot of space. Obviously you can use it only as long as you use your infant car seat (about 8-9 months for me). But that may give you some time to either save or see what your needs really are (easier after the baby is here I think). Or you can have a surprise baby #2 like I did. I'm glad in the end I didn't put down a lot of money for a stroller for my first, because I did for my double stroller. It's a lot harder finding an affordable good double stroller than a good single.

I have the bumbleride flyer. very easy to use. lift. fold. reversible. fun colors. cheaper than bugaboo. get lots of compliments on it.

I've got a snap and go/carseat combination for the first few months. Anyone have any feedback on the Quinny Zapp? I like the fact that it folds down so small - I have a VW Beetle and don't want to get a bigger car. It's good for 6 months - 40 lbs. Any feedback on durability, mobility, etc? Thanks.

combi savvy - lightweight, shoulder strap to carry it up the stairs, folds easily and small and reasonable price. it was perfect for us! we used it with the car seat too, which was great.

I agree with gob: Snap-n-Go is perfect for the first 6 months, at least, and then you will a) know more what you need and b) have more options.

I have the Baby Jogger City Mini - its a great stroller and I agree that it is fairly lightweight and super easy to fold. But it is not reversible and not really suitable for a newborn. I think an earlier poster is right that it is very difficult to find a single folder that meets all your needs for the entire three years your kid needs a stroller AND is lightweight on top of that. Good luck with your search!

Just want to say that you do NOT have to remove the seat of a Bugaboo Bee in order to fold it up, no matter if the seat is facing you or facing away from you. They told us in the store that if the seat was facing you, it would have to be removed in order to be folded up. When we got home we found this to be completely untrue, it can fold up either way.

You DO need both hands to fold/unfold the Bee, which is maybe my only complaint about it so far. We live on the second floor of a house and I have been sort of practicing hauling the Bee up and down to get used to it and for me, the weight is fine. If I lived on like a fourth floor walk up, I would probably feel differently :)

It's nice that you can take the seat out of the frame (by the way, you can buy a carseat adapter for it so that you can use a carseat at first, but for me that was counterproductive since I didn't want to have to fuss with different components such as a carseat/bassinett attachment...but the option does exist at least) so that if you need to pack up a car and that makes it easier, you have the option, but I want to reiterate that you do NOT have to in order to fold it up. Sorry to hammer the point home, but everyone told us you did and it very nearly kept us from purchasing it and then we never would have known the truth!

I've had the same Bugaboo Frog through 2 children (still use it every day) and couldn't have lived without it.

When confronted with stairs, my husband carries it single-handed, but I roll it up or down (child always facing me) -- the big wheels really let you do that.

In the interests of full disclosure, when we travel, we use our McLaren umbrella stroller (7 pounds) to cut down on luggage, but it is awful when your child falls asleep in it, and you can't recline the seat, so they have the uncomfortable neck flop the whole time. Horrible.

Only the Bugaboo Frog and Cameleon require you to take the seat off the stroller to fold it. The Bee folds all in one piece. You do need two hands, though.

We walk a lot, and have carried the Bee easily up many a staircase. We used it with the Graco car seat adapter and are now moving to the regular seat. It folds easily and fits in the small trunk of our VW Golf. Everyone who visits says it is the best stroller they have ever pushed.

Find a store in your area that has the most strollers and spend a few hours testing them. We found a great salesman who demonstrated the pros and cons of several strollers before we settled on the Bee.

I'd buy the new edition of Alan/Denise Fields' Baby Bargains book. It gives you very detailed rundowns of different qualities of strollers & really helped us choose. Not to shill for them, but it was an invaluable resource. They laid out their criteria clearly & we could use their advice as we chose since we knew what it was based on. They included many high & low end brands.

@squirrelgirlie - I have the Zapp and it is great.

We started with a Graco System, because we thought that's what we were supposed to buy! While I liked the convenience of a large stroller for shopping outings, I hated the bulk, the weight and the storage factor. We bought a Zapp secondhand (barely used) and haven't looked back. Our daughter was 13 months when we bought it, so I can't vouch for how it would work on a younger baby. We have the 3 wheeled version - newer ones have 2 small front wheels instead. I believe the newer versions have a small cargo bag underneath. My only complaint with the Zapp was the lack of a spot to put anything. We got around this by adding a very lightweight backpack that allowed me to carry a change of clothes, diapers and wipes. When folded down, it barely takes up any space in the trunk of a small car (we have a Focus) and it can be stowed inside in the coat closet. It has been through sand, snow, slush, rain and still looks like new. Go for it!

I was in a very similar situation you are in right now. I bought a Maclaren Triumph (only 11lbs) and I can easily get my 14-month old out of the seat and collapse it with one hand. It has a strap so you can sling it over your shoulder. I have used it on trolleys, buses, subway, and have even gotten through one of those revolving exits that I loathe. BUT, it doesn't recline enough for a newborn. I wore my daughter in a wrap (Moby in cold, Gypsy Mama Bali Breeze in hot) until she was 3 months old. I still find wearing her in the Ergo on my back is the easiest way to go on public transit, but I still take the stroller sometimes. Just depends. Hope that helps!
FWIW, I live in Philadelphia.

There was just NO way I was buying those crazy prices for a stroller. I can think of other uses for that money, like starting a college fund. Sorry Bugaboo owners!

another vote for the bugaboo bee!

pros; really lightweight, incredibly nippy & maneuverable - i find it very easy to get on/off busses and around shops, the seat lies flat so it works from birth without needing a separate pram part.

cons; it's on the dearer end of the scale and it's not the smallest when folded down (though certainly not the biggest either). i also read that it can be a tight fit to get an older child into it - even though it says it works up to the age of 4. (our son is only 3 months, so i don't know about this yet).

so far i'm really delighted with it.

Despite the fact that it's not reversible, I would recommend a maclaren. We did and I'm very happy with it. There are a couple that are okay from birth. The main reason is the stairs. I have enough trouble with baby 14 lb stroller on stairs (we have an elevator luckily). Some of the recommendations here are very heavy, and if we didn't have an elevator I would certainly find it difficult to get out of the apartment with a 20 lb stroller. Also the fold on the mac's is great for buses and such.

Ok! i have ur lifestyle. 2 flights of stairs and constant bus and train rides. Any Maclaren or Combi savvy or sport are perfect for this lifestyle. Both fold with 1 hand and are super light. We have 2 kids and literally went through atleast 15 strollers before I figured out these 2 are the lightest and most practical strollers for this lifestyle. The only other suggestion i can give is also is invest in a nice comfy diaper bag like the JJcole system diaoer bag or the skip hop via messenger. Both the strollers have tiny baskets so u'll need a diaper bag taht is comfy and easy to access. Both can easily hang on the handles of ur stroller and are comfy on ur shoulders.

Orbit. Baby can face front, back, sideways even. Folds up with one hand and you don't have to put the baby down while you fold it, like with the bugaboo. No attachments. You will need to get a toddler seat later once the baby outgrows the infant seat, but then you can fold it up with one hand with the seat attached. I think it's the best out there. We also live on the top floor of the a 3 story walk-up and thats what we're getting.
Good luck!

We have a bugaboo cameleon and a maclaren techno. The bubaboo is wondeful for our city life but I wouldn't want to deal with stairs. I loved having a bassinet and I much prefer to have the baby facing me. There is a huge difference in functionality with the high end strollers. If I was choosing now I wouuld probably choose the bee instead though.

The techno is reserved for travel only. It is functional and lightweight. It doesn't actually fit in our car well because it is too long. It can easily be carried up stairs. I don't mind checking it. I would hate it if this was our everyday stroller. It would not be an acceptable choice for an infant.

Airlines are not responsible for *anything* that happens to a checked stroller. Don't ever check a good stroller.

The same stroller that is great for a toddler is not great for an infant. A snap and go/car seat or a bassinet stroller or a sling or a high-end recline are all great. Maclarens are made for specific uses but not babies.

I second the Baby Bargains book. So helpful.

I don't think there's a perfect stroller that meets all those needs. Critically, I think the variables you'll have to weigh are lightweight vs. reversible vs. starting at birth.

Truly lightweight umbrella strollers like the Uppababy G-Lite or the MacLaren Volo are in the 8-9 lb range, which is HALF the weight of the Bugaboo Bee (17lbs). But neither of the former recline, have reversible seats, or can be used from birth. Reclineable Uppababys or Maclarens start at 11 lbs, but still shouldn't be used from birth, while the lightest that can be used from birth start at about 14 lbs.

As you add features, the weight goes up.

I think you should decide if you want a bassinet/carrycot type attachment or not. The Bugaboo Bee doesn't have one, but the City Mini, Valco Roundabout, and MicraLite FoldFlat do (as do the other Bugaboos). With the bassinets, these are heavier than the Bee, but without them (e.g. after the 1st 3-6 months), they're lighter.

A few other thoughts:
- The Bee is probably the lightest reversible stroller on the market that can be used from birth without any attachments
- Reversible strollers tend to be significantly heavier -- the Uppababy Vista, the Peg Pereggo Skate
- Bumbleride Flyer is reversible, only 19 lbs, & has a carrycot option
- The I'coo is reversible but no bassinet & I don't think can be used from birth
- I don't like the small wheels on the Bee
- The MicraLite FastFold has HORRIBLE recline options (2 positions)
- The City Mini has great recline and is the EASIEST stroller to fold I've ever seen

I also heartily recommend the MacLaren Easy Traveller for use w/ a car seat. At 5 lbs, it's super light and easy to store.

I have to agree with the comments about the Maclaren. Love, love, love my son's Maclaren stroller. It's extremely easy to handle & fold up, light weight, and very comfortable. My family travels a lot and this stroller has held up fabulously.

I was in the same boat -- it is impossible to find reversible reasonable lightweight. I went with the Maxi Cosi Foray and although it hasn't left the apartment yet, it seems great. I had looked at the Bumbleride Flyer too but was concerned about reviews that the wheels had problems and don't handle NYC streets well. The UPPA is big and heavy -- not city friendly. If the City Mini were reversible (obviously not possible with 3 wheels) it would be the perfect solution but for us the Foray (only sold at Babies R Us) was a good choice.

Don't forget that you'll be carrying the baby, the stroller, and probably a bag (for diapers, etc.) up those three flights. I have a large baby...and it's amazing how heavy all this is together. I would put a stroller with a strap that can go over your shoulder as the top priority. We have a McClaren and have been happy with it. I'm sure there are other good choices out there too.

But I will say that babies are really messy (downright gross sometimes), and your stroller will get beat up--no matter how nice it is. Keep that in mind when considering price : )

Maxi-Cosi Perle - I can't say we've used it yet since I'm due in August, but the reasons we bought it was: umbrella stroller; fairly lightweight (17 lbs); very good center of balance; can clip in an infant car seat; reclines; rain protector; $150; although the handles don't move, it seems to work for 5'8" persons' stride without kicking the stroller. What it doesn't do: faces only one direction (car seat faces you, toddler faces out).
It's work finding the right stoller! I found the babygizmo reviews on utube really helpful.

Completely agree with athrahans. Maclaren babywearing is the way to go. If you're going up 3 flights with the stroller you're going to need a good baby carrier anyhow (I recommend a Beco). I have the same situation and I always bring a carrier with me so I can wear the baby while I carry the stroller & groceries up all the stairs.

Hey what happened to my &? It was supposed to say Maclaren _&_ babywearing is the way to go.

two words: Bumbleride Indie. we've had it for two months now- it's light, super easy to fold and load into the car. looks sweet too. Bugaboos are nice, but we always joke that they're for rich people...they cost as much as a small car.

not that there's anything wrong with having money...i'm just sayin...it's just a stroller people!

If you have to carry the stroller up three flights--get a Maclaren. And get a couple of baby carriers. You will need the carrier anyway--because plenty of babies prefer being carried to being strolled, because you may need to carry your baby in the apartment in order to get anything done, and because, well, you just plain need one. Or two, really, because the carriers that work best for teeny-tiny babies don't work well for bigger babies and toddlers. Some people (parents AND babies) prefer slings and some prefer front-packs (like a Bjorn) but EVERYONE needs a waist belt to transfer weight to their legs after the baby tops the 15 lb. mark.

With my first child, I carried her in the carrier (I used a Hip Hammock once she could hold her head up) and pushed the diaper bag and the groceries in the stroller. Then I walked up the stairs, put her in the crib, and went back for the stroller and the groceries. We have a Maclaren Techno, although I believe the newer models with the larger tires will work better in the snow.

Remember that you don't just have to get the stroller on a bus or train--you have to store it in the house as well. But wherever you store it,a Maclaren will take up less floorspace than one of those enormous Bugaboos! People must have an additional bedroom just to store it in the house!

Oh, just one more thing. Maclaren is the best for trains / buses, but it's still hard by yourself. With my husband it's fine, but if I ever need to go on the bus or a subway without an elevator alone use a carrier. If you'll need a stroller as well, have the baby in the carrier for the bus ride and carry the stroller folded. The one time I tried it alone was a mess -- the bus was coming and I was trying to quickly fold the stroller while holding the baby bag and grab the stroller get on the bus, find a seat and get arranged without dropping anything (and this is with a 3.5 month old who could hold her head up!). I will never do it without a carrier again until she can walk.

i am with athrahans there is no way i am spending $500 or more on a bugaboo or the like. that is just retarded for me. yeah maybe i can have it for 5 years, but in 5 years i will have a child who can walk on it's own legs!

i am due in september. we are getting the Mcclaren also. There are inserts you can get that will support a smaller infant and i think it's probably more of what you had in mind when you said light weight and portable.

seriously people. the bugaboo is not lightweight and portable. it is like a Cadillac stroller.

I live 3 flights up. Started with a Snap 'n Go...then moved to McClaren Quest at about 3 months... still with Quest. Super easy...

i posted above about the snap 'n go and quest. Total for both was under $250.

Re:

"here was just NO way I was buying those crazy prices for a stroller. I can think of other uses for that money, like starting a college fund. Sorry Bugaboo owners!"

"Bugaboos are nice, but we always joke that they're for rich people...they cost as much as a small car."

FIRST off, if you want a Bugaboo but do not have the money for a brand new one, you can always find some on Craigslist, Ebay and secondhand shops -- they LAST because they are high quality. I've known several people who have bought ones that look new, for a fraction of the cost of new. (where there is a will, there is usually a way)

SECOND, I've known MANY mothers who didn't buy Bugaboos (they went for something cheaper, in more ways than one), and after 2 kids, these same mothers went through sometimes as many as 5, but usually 3 or 4 strollers. Crazy. And when they added up the cost, they spent more in total than a Bugaboo costs, without getting the same stroller use and flexibility (the definition of a false economy). Not many strollers are as durable or look as good after several years of wear as a Bugaboo (they are made of very hard-wearing materials, and you can replace certain high-use pieces at relatively low cost).

THIRD, it would be useful to hear from the people who have had their strollers for say, five or six years and two or three kids. As I posted earlier, I've had my Frog for 5 years and 2 kids, and it has enjoyed daily use over every conceivable terrain (we have even dragged is 2-wheeled up the Swiss Alps), and it is still going strong and looking good. If you've had your stroller for less than a year or only one child, or only use it lightly or occasionally, it may well disappoint you yet.

I'm writing this because I am really tired of all the gibes at and criticisms of Bugaboos and Bugaboo owners. They are the best all-purpose strollers out there.

Our Bugaboo is the single best piece of baby equipment we purchased. It has endured amazingly well, and I will be very sad to retire it.

It's a question of priorities -- I wouldn't spend a lot of money on a crib (not when there is IKEA's GULLIVER), or highchair (not when there is IKEA'd ANTILOP), and would use the money saved on a Bugaboo (which you can usually find used at a good discount).

There are a lot of great recommendations here, but not many that address your specific requirements:
1) Relatively lightweight
2) Reversible
3) Birth to 3 years
4) Able to carry up stairs
5) Easy to get on/off buses, etc.
6) Do all of above w/o adding attachments.

I believe that the Bugaboo Bee is the closest you will find to meeting all of your needs. My family uses a Bee as our travel stroller, and our criteria was about the same as your list. Here is how I think the bee measures up against your desired criteria:

1) Relatively lightweight: Check. Bee weighs 14 lbs. No, it's not as light as a mac volo, but it is certainly much lighter than a full travel system. It also has way more features than a volo or umbrella stroller.

2) Reversible: Check. You won't find a lighter reversible stroller. Plus, it folds with the seat reversed or forward.

3) Birth to 3 years: Check. Also, while it doesn't have a bassinet option, it does have a baby "nest" option which is even better in my opinion. This allows your baby to lie flat in the nest, but you don't have to remove the nest to fold the stroller. You don't have to have the nest to use the stroller from birth though.

4) Able to carry up stairs: Check. You can either carry it by the carry handle that is by the brake if you don't need the free hand. Or, what I do when I need both hands for other things is extend the actual handlebar and put it on my shoulder like a purse strap. Hey, it works!

5) Easy to get on/off buses: Check. The bee is foldable with one hand. You just press the thumb buttons one at a time with your free hand instead of both at the same time using both hands. Once the buttons are pushed, the thing collapses itself. I think it folds easier than a mac, which we used to use. As for getting it on/off the bus, see #4 above.

6) Do all of above w/o attachments: Check. Bee can be used from birth with or w/o the baby nest "attachment." It is optional. Plus, if you do want to use it as a "Snap-N-Go" for times you are in places where you need a carseat, the bee has a graco adapter that snaps on.

In case you can't tell, we really love our bee. The wheels are smaller than a Cameleon/Frog, but they have shocks and are tough. The bee really is loaded with features for such a lightweight stroller. Also, re. the cost: you can easily find a new bee online for well under retail price--we paid $400 for ours. Plus, you can use it for three years and still get $250 for it on ebay.

Good luck making your stroller decision and mazal on the baby!

I had the same stroller dilemma when my daughter was born.

I opted for a baby bjorn baby carrier for the first few months, then when my daughter was nine months old we got a maclaren volo. I don't have a car, so I rely on public transport. For me the maclaren is a lifesaver, it folds up to an incredibly small size and has a sturdy shoulder strap. The weight difference between the volo and some of the other maclarens was only a few pounds, bit I find that what I am laden down with groceries and holding my daughter I am so glad I got the volo. As an added bonus, because it folds up so small, it fits in a tiny space (5" x 10" x 45") under a cabinet in our hallway, so it is not wasting any closet space. I really did think I would need another stroller for long walks, but our daughter is completely happy and comfortable in her volo, she takes long naps in it too.

my daughter is just past two and I still love our stroller, it still looks great too. When/if we have another child I intend to use the baby carrier to volo route again.

Where can you find a bee for $400???