But one thing was the same at both stores... I nearly had a panic attack in the stroller/car seat section. Seriously, one of the most overwhelming places ever. There are so many options. And it's not like you can just pick the one that's the prettiest. Nope, you have to think about safety, tires, cup holders, handles, how well it collapses, etc... And forget about being able to figure out how to work the thing on your own. It took us a good 5 minutes to figure out how to get one of the car seats out of it's base.
Even my husband who is a research genius is overwhelmed by the whole thing. After our first trip to this section, I looked at him and said "You're just going to have to research all this because I'm completely overwhelmed. I have to get out of here." Well, he started researching but found that everything is clearly influenced by the manufacturers and everyone has a different opinion. Here's the system we like the best thus far:
It's a Baby Trend and the things we liked? The handle is adjustable and it has that triangle thing on the car seat that will make carrying the thing a bit easier. Side note: I'm going to the gym today and telling my trainer that we seriously need to work on my upper body strength. The car seat alone seemed kinda heavy. I think I'm in trouble.
But seeing as I've never needed a stroller before, I don't know what the heck I need or want. So I'm asking all you Moms what you needed/wanted in your stroller. Let me clarify a few things: I am not a runner and don't have any plans to become one, but I would like to go on walks. I'm guessing we'll mostly be using the stroller when shopping, traveling, and going other places where you'll want to push the baby instead of carry it. And I already carry a big purse, so I'm guessing between me and the baby we're going to need something that will hold a good size bag.
So... what should I look for in a stroller? In other words, HELP!!!!!
4 comments:
First of all, congrats! This is so exciting for you guys...and totally overwhelming, I know. :) Hang in there.
The first thing I can tell you is find one stroller you like...something that will do it all. Don't feel like you need a different stroller for each of your activities.
Second, remember that you and I survived growing up without this many options. :) My mom reminded me of this several times over (and still does). There are tons of items out there and it can make you feel like you've got a ton of homework to do. Don't fret. You could easily spend the rest of this pregnancy stressing about it all.
In the end, I wanted a stroller with cup holders (might seem silly, but it's great for placing a bottle, etc.). I also wanted something with plenty of storage in the bottom...that makes shopping so much easier. Finally, I wanted a stroller with handles that would allow for our diaper bag to connect. If you can imagine, our bag has a set of smaller hooks/locks that make it easy to attach to the stroller - leaving me with more room in the bottom to stuff shopping bags. :)
Obviously, I wanted it to be safe too...but we didn't have a whole lot of time (5.5 weeks) to research. We haven't seen a recall for it and Katherine likes it just fine. :)
Trust your instincts and go with what you want/like. Take a deep breath and enjoy...you're going to love life as a mom!
P.S. This is just preparation for the actual baby...you can do all the research you want, but you figure it out as you go. All babies are different and you'll be the best resource for your own child. So happy for you guys! :)
I am always overwhelmed when I walk into Babies are us.
I just can't imagine how I was able to raise 3 children without all that stuff!
Nowadays they make you feel like you are ruining the future of your child if you make a wrong diaper bag choice! And the poor pregnant moms can't even have a good stiff drink when they leave that store.
My biggest pet peeve with strollers is when the wheels are where you will kick them with your toes when you're in full stride. Something to think about and test out.
Anne: Thank you so much! And Congrats on your little one... she's so adorable. Are you just loving being a Mom? I know you must be amazing and she's a very blessed little girl! These were super helpful tips... definitely going to keep them in mind. It'll feel good when this decision is made. :-)
Ellen: Seriously. There are so many times in pregnancy where a drink would be AWESOME. Good thing we have all this stuff now so our kids will survive. HA!
Jen: Hadn't thought about that piece of it... I'll have to actually really test the stroller out around the store before buying. Thanks for the tip!
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