[Justaduck]

DD is 10 months old tomorrow and we have had four strollers break on us so far this year.
They were - Love'n'Care Delta 2.0 (have had two break of them..known fault)
Steelcraft Cruiser (padding up the top came undone within a few weeks of use...plus I don't like how hard it was, we don't need a travel system and it is too big for the car
Zuzu 3 wheeler - won't lock in to the middle spot anymore.

Our budget is small, hence the most expensive of those strollers was only $200 on sale. We are just unsure of what to do. DD is only small still so can't go straight to a $30 cheapie umbrella as I still need the layback and a basket.
We are considering TTC mid next year, meaning we would possibly have DD being just 2 and a newborn, so not sure if we get a double stroller...or if DD wouldn't want to be in a stroller by then. I am waiting on a BabyHawk to arrive, so could always have one of them in that and one in a stroller

I wouldn't mind an umbrella with a layback and a basket, but it would need to be durable to last a while with her.
Otherwise, a proper stroller features we are after would be....it must be reversible, and if it isn't the seat that reverses all four wheels must be able to spin 360 degrees. The Cruiser didn't fit well in my boot (I have a Cruze).

What can you recommend for me? Really don't have a lot of $$ to spend.

This post has been edited by broncosbabe: 15/12/2012, 11:29 AM

[tamjk]

I have this one
http://www.bigw.com.au/baby/strollers/4-wh...indigo-stroller
It has a high weight limit, my 3 year old will often ride in the basket when I have it parent facing, steers very easily and we can fit it into my mothers Suzuki Alto which is a lot smaller than a Cruze. Admittedly to fit it into the Alto we have to put the seat in behind the passenger seat but it does fit.

[Justaduck]

Does the seat on that lay completely flat, or just tilt recline? I preferably want something that can lay flat, which I really hated about the Cruiser.

Have been suggested a Valco Matrix which comes with a bassinet too. Any ideas about them?

[Hooray Henry]

If you have a small budget, what about a more expensive/better quality pram bought 2nd hand, for example a Maclaren? I bought my double 2nd hand, used it every day for a year and then sold it on, they are great prams. I also have a single Maclaren which has been heavily used and is still is very good condition. Gumtree usually have lots on there. Just a thought.

[SensibleSis]

Definitely highly recommend a Maclaren.

Even if you have another child close in age you will still need a single stroller.

Even second hand as suggested by PP you can't go wrong.

They are the best light weight sturdy strollers and depending on the model fully recline so suitable for a newborn as well.

[Wyn99]

Definitely Maclaren for durability. I've had my Vogue 5 years and not a single problem. I also bought and sold a Maclaren double. Check out gumtree for 2nd hand ones.

[Ehill]

My McLaren Quest is now 3 years old and as good as the day I bought it (except rather grotty). It is used constantly, lives in the boot of my car, folded and unfolded 20 times a week, has been on maybe 15 flights including international, been wheeled over the cobblestone streets of Europe.....I could go on. The thing is indestructible.

It doesnt lay completely flat but I have never found it too much of an issue. My kids have slept fine in it.

Can't recommend it enough. Have a look online or wait until some sales in Feb/March. You wont then have to spend more money on another stroller in 6mo time. It will last all your babies.

[littlepoppet]

I have a mamas and papas urbo stroller. It has a reverse facing seat, massive hood, and lays completely flat. I purchased mine off ebay for just over $300 second hand. It was/is in great condition and I've been really happy with it.

This post has been edited by littlepoppet: 15/12/2012, 09:23 PM

[TRR]

Hi, try mountain buggy. I've used this brand for over 11 years new & 2nd hand. I've up graded over the years & love there product. Try gum tree as well you can get a good deal on a 2nd hand one. They have 3 different sizes & have just brought out a min city one. If you think of the money you have spent on do many cheap one you could have got a really good one that can take up to a 5 year old. Just a thought.

[Justaduck]

Great thanks so much for all the different models, will take the list with me to the baby store. Great point too about needing a single stroller eventually anyway if we have two, I didn't even think of that

Not keen to buy second hand as it will (hopefully) have to last us for three kids. If this was our last for sure I would though

TRR that is my thoughts exactly, if I knew what I did now we would have got one expensive one in the first place. DP thinks $300 is an outrageously expensive price for a stroller though