Shiny Object Syndrome

BOB Revolution Jogging Stroller

Please note: BOB JUST came out with new, updated version of its stroller for the FIRST time. They do not appear to have made too many significant changes, but this review is of the old version.

Full disclosure: I'm not a runner or a jogger. I did, with our first, occasionally jog, and the plan was that my husband was going to run with our first quite a bit. He is was a runner. We had a true jogging stroller - an awesome Kelty (they now apparently make one with a swivel front wheel too) - at first but it didn't have a swivel wheel in front which was more important than I realized if you ever want to use the thing when you're NOT running. The BOB is a dream - on road, off road, beach, city sidewalks, snow, etc. Maneuvers awesome. Great to run (which I do a lot of now when I'm late), walk, everything with. Super comfy for them, great recline. Do get the drink/stuff holder and if you're going to be out in the rain/cold get the rain/wind cover. It's AWESOME. You can also get an attachment so you can snap the infant car seat right in when the baby is too little to go in it. Check out joggingstroller.com for more info - we got ours there. Free shipping and lower price than our local store. They often have sales on BOBs too.

Maclaren Quest Sport Umbrella Stroller

This one I learned the easy way. I called my sister, mother of three, from the baby store when we were picking out baby stuff, and said, "do I need to spend the money on a Maclaren or can I just get any old umbrella?" She said, "get the Maclaren. I didn't and I always wish I did." Now, there are other decent umbrellas on the market (e.g. Chicco, Jeep) that come at a significantly lower cost. I know people who have these and love them, but the Maclaren has a reputation for it's durability, maneuverability, light weight, quick fold and lock, and it comes through like a rock star in all categories. The Quest is their mid-level and include a good storage basket and nearly full recline. Rain cover is wonderful and included as well. It does not have a cup holder, but after three years, I finally added the universal Valco Cup Holder (this link is to the new and improved model that apparently comes off much more easily when not in use) and it works very well (though bumps into things and people in stores occasionally). One handed driving is possible but not easy with the Maclaren.

Ergo Baby Carrier

Expensive, but versatile and still use it with our three year old on occassion (switches to your back when they get older). We didn't have it with our first when he was a newborn, but had the Baby Bjorn, which is great too and slighly less money. The Ergo can go on your front (baby facing you only) or back (baby facing you only) and can be used from infancy from 8-40 lbs, comfortably. I have a bad lower back and it has been a life saver for me, particular in the city. The ONLY drawback is that baby can't face out. I have used it almost exclusively with baby #2 and she doesn't seem to mind and is now old/big enough to be on my back to see the world more easily. There is an infant insert - actually two different types to choose from, but they cost extra. We just used a folded up blanket at the bottom in the beginning. I'm hoping we didn't mess up Lucy's hips for life on this one but it seemed to work well. If you're going with one carrier, use this one, hands down. They don't often have sales on these, but you can often find used ones on Craigslist and I believe it is sold on Amazon as well.