Stroller Suggestions for a Toddler

Updated on July 09, 2010
M.N. asks from Torrance, CA
21 answers

I'm looking for a light weight "shopping" stroller for my toddler. Easy to fold and unfold and throw in the trunk, travel with, etc. Until now we've had a snap n go but he's outgrown it. Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone have any strollers that they love?

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. I ended up going to Babies R US and testing all the strollers out which was a great suggestion. I ended up buying one that no one suggested because it's new on the market. I bought a Vela Peg Perego which is their new lightweight stroller. I absolutely love it and would recommend it to anyone that's looking for a stroller.

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C.F.

answers from Dallas on

I love love love my city mini by Baby Jogger as several other posters have already mentioned. While it is considered "light weight" it's more heavy duty than an umbrella stroller.

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A.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Maclaren Volo. Good for local shopping and travel. Very easy to fold and light weight but still very stable to push around. The price is good too.

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Y.C.

answers from New York on

Our first one was the full size stroller, bulky but I loved as a first time stroller, after my baby stop needing her car seat we sold it and got an umbrella stroller (Especially for kids), I love it because it was so light and didn't took almost any of my car space, BUT, it didn't have a storage, it didn't recline, and the sun cover was almost useless.
Then finally I got the Joovy Kooper, I love it, it has a small storage underneath, but good enough for my bag, sweater, magazine, a small ball. The canopy has a small zipper compartment great for my keys and wallet, and the net hold my water bottles (I don't think will work good for your coffee) I love the canopy, is so big and covers my daughter for the sun almost complete. It lays very far. The color is super bright and cool.
But, is not as light as the umbrella and the front well sometimes don't do well in parks with bumps. But I still like it the best.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.K.

answers from San Diego on

Hello, I bought a Chico travel stroller to keep in my car for my grandaughter. It is compact and seems to be comfortable for her. It folds easily and sets up quickly. I found out that you need to take the hood off before you fold it and put it back on each time, but that's no big deal.
K. K.

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E.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

I refused to buy a cheap umbrella type stroller because well they are to short and not very functional, but I too wanted a light weight stroller that I could use here and there instead of my huge stroller from out travel system. I bought the Chicco Capri and LOVE it!! I have had it now for probably 3 years and its still going strong. We took it with on our vacation to Mexico. My 4 year old will still ride in it and is comfortable doing so. there is the option to recline the seat a bit, 5 point harmess, there is a sun shade and storage in the bottum. Worth every penny. If you live near a Babies R Us they always have coupons that you could use to buy the stroller. Another good suggestion is a Combi Casmo EX. It is a bit more expensive, about $130. It has a bit more features. Go into a baby store to look at them and look up reviews. I hope you find the perfect fit for you and your little one.

M.P.

answers from Provo on

Peg Perego Pliko P3!!!!!!! I love it with a firey passion! It's super small to fold up and rather cool like, cute fabrics, well put together, and has some extra's that are cool. I love the standing spot on the back for toddlers (incase you have another and he gets tired during a walk or what not). It has a decent size basket that I have stuffed a ton of things in. (It seems flimsy at first but when you start to use it it's not and works well for odd size items. Oh got to go take care of my baby. If you want more info you can message me.

M.M.

answers from Chicago on

We have a Quinny Buzz and LOVE it.
It's the smallest folding stroller on the market and real easy to tote around. Unfolds and collapses very quickly!

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L.C.

answers from Raleigh on

Peg Perego Pliko p3 is the best one out there......under $100 on Craigslist

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E.W.

answers from New York on

Hands down, Baby Jogger City Mini. I do not own it, but wish I did. I work in a baby store and we sell it there. It is very lightweight, can be used as an umbrella stroller or full size. and is literally the easy stroller to fold ever. You pull a handle in the middle of the seat and its done. Also, it has a really big canopy. Check it out. You will NOT be disappointed. Its a great quality stroller. Just so you know, its not a jogging stroller- its just made my Baby Jogger. Good luck

H.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I 2nd the recommendation for the "City Mini" by Baby Jogger. Again it is NOT a jogging stroller, rather an every day "city" stroller made by Baby Jogger. I've had mine for about 2.5 yrs now and LOVE it!!!!!!! It's a one handed fold, simply by pulling a handle strap in the center fold of the seat. We live near Disneyland, so have annual passes, and I get compliments all the time on how easy and compact it is to fold up and carry. Also, I'm 5'4 about 110 (on the petite side), and drive a sedan. I've had no issues with the weight/size of the stroller.
I truly believe you WON'T be disappointed with this purchase!!

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L.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

a maclarren. it's expensive but it's worth it! the design makes it ultra light and i can close it up with one hand. I bought the less expensive version ( some of them are really pricey) . don't go any where without it.

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M.K.

answers from Stationed Overseas on

I love my Zooper Twist. A bit pricey but totally worth it in my opinion. It reclines, fabric upgrade, huge canopy, thick cushion seat, good size basket underneath, easy to fold, lightweight and doesn't tip over. I actually got it based on reviews online and it has been one of my best purchases.

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C.D.

answers from San Francisco on

We have a stroller from Babyplanet - love it -it serves everything that I need and I travelled abroad with it several times. The other thing is that it is completely recyclable (specific locations) so great for the environment as well.

Here is the link (ours looked a little different - color-wise) but here is some reviews that you can read.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3025113

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B.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

I love my chicco cortina - it is a little bigger than a "shopping stroller" but you need a place for your bags!!! :) I have the chicco umbrella stroller and like it too. There is one right in the middle between the umbrella and the cortina - that one is probably perfect for what you are looking for.

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M.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Chicco Capri. Love it! $60 at Toys R Us. Wait for a 20% off coupon or look on craigslist. It has a sunshade and my daughter can climb into. Folds very easily and is lightweight.

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A.Z.

answers from Los Angeles on

I love my Graco Metrolite!

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T.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Our daughter is 3 and we just bought the Deluxe Savvy from One Step Ahead. It's a light weight stroller, you can fold and unfold with one hand. It has a basket underneath and a parent tray for keys, phone etc. Look it up on their website. It is rated for kids up to 50 lbs! So far, we love it. At $49.00, the price is great too!

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L.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

We loved our Combi light weight stroller. Easy for travel and folding. It lasted a long time on airplanes and trips.

When you have a chance, go to Babies R Us and try out all the small, light weight strollers to see which one is easiest for you to handle. I suggest getting one with a basket underneath and a cup holder.... they come in handy.

Hope this helps!

S.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Love my Maclaren! About $100 at Target.

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M.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I own a Maclaren and I really love it. I know that this is not the cheapest stroller on the market but I can tell you that this stroller has held up. I used it for my first daughter who is now 4 and I am now and have been using it for my second daughter who is 2 1/2. It is lightweight and it maneuvers like a dream.
You really should do what Liane C suggested. Go in and test drive them. That is what I did when I purchased my Maclaren. I was 'driving' those strollers all around Babies R Us. Have fun! :o)

G.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Most of these strollers people have suggested are very pricey. A luxury I haven't been able to afford. I have been using a Graco Metrolite for years now and it has done well. They do have differences within the metrolite line so you would need to be somewhat selective. For instance, the way the seat reclines is a biggy! DO NOT settle for the draw-string seat adjustment! I don't know if that's the only way they make them these days, but you can get a good used one and be better off anyway. I think the "3 position" as opposed to the "multi-position" reclining seat is the wording you're after. I have a Metrolite LX.
Anyway, aside from that, they are light weight (18lbs), have 2 cup holders for you, a snack tray with cup holder for baby, big storage basket underneath, and a good sunshade.
Good luck!

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