I really love my travel system stroller and still use it when we're at the zoo or when we're out and about and I'm either taking care of personal business or when Natalie could easily get away from me and there are no carts. It just takes up a quite a bit of room in my SUV, and I wondered what you're experiences are with umbrella strollers? Which do you like?

I like having a storage basket of some kind, that's a must for me. Also, what is the typical weight limit for them? (not that my Natalie will be getting there anytime soon!!)
Thanks for suggestions

By Kaye on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 03:31 pm:

I just used whatever the cheap umbrella was. I had a purse that fit onto the handle and I was set. I also hung stuff there. You do have to be careful that it doesn't get to heavy, or if the little one gets out the stroller tips. I actually bought weights for the front wheels.

As far as weight limit, I would guess easily 40-50 pounds. I used mine for a LONG time.

By Andi on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 04:18 pm:

I have the Graco Metrolite that I used for both kids. It's not very heavy, I think about 10 pounds. It's easy to get in and out of the van and love it.
The problem I always had with Umbrella strollers is they tip over easily and the aren't very comfortable for the kids.

By Amecmom on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 05:02 pm:

I used the Combi baby something-or-other. It folded down to nothing and weighed about 8 pounds. It actually fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane. It has a basket on the bottom and looked to be pretty comfortable.

I have not used it for Helen yet. I love my Peg Perego too much!

Ame

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 09:40 pm:

Really...not that comfortable, huh? I really haven't checked them out yet. I actually love my Graco stroller (I can't remember which one it is)that was part of the travel system, and the idea of getting a different stroller sort-of seems like a waste of $ when the one I have is very nice and works really well. (We have a jogger, too, which is NOT comfortable for Natalie. Is the umbrella like that?)

My Graco is light and easy to use, but takes up more room. I think I will stick with it though, because it is so nice. I might look up the Combi and the Metrolite that you both mentioned and check them out though. Thank you!!

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 09:55 pm:

I just checked out the strollers you guys have and mine is basically the same...the Graco Literider. The umbrellas I saw at BRUs.com do not look comfortable and they have little to no storage. I think I will stick with my current stroller. Don't like the tipping thing you mentioned either, Andi. I like what I have, just have to take it out when I get groceries.

By Kate on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 10:39 pm:

The Graco Literider is nothing like the tiny Combis on the market. Check Combi again. You'll pay about $100 for the cheapest, but it has a real seat with a real back, a semi recline, canopy, removeable (washable) padding, and basket. And as someone mentioned, they fold down to fit in an airplane overhead compartment. Literiders do NOT fold down small and they are huge to get thru aisles. The Combis are GREAT!! What you want is the Combi 'Savvy' style. You'll not regret it!! (I have both a Graco Literider and a Combi 'Gem' which is just like a 'Savvy', so I truly can compare the two and say they are nothing alike)

By Kaye on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 08:22 am:

The cheapy umbrella runs only about 20 bucks. The tipover factor is only when your child gets OUT. My kids actually thought it was very comfy, I don't think it looks so, but it is like being carried in a sling. We too had a jogger, they umbrella was more comfy.

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 02:01 pm:

I guess I must have seen the wrong Combi's on brus.com. I'll check them out again Kate, thanks. (Although there's no way I'm paying $100+ for one, so I'll still probably be sticking with what I have!! )
Thanks ladies.

By Amecmom on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 02:46 pm:

http://www.bestbabyproducts.com/umbrellastroller.html

Try this site. I think I had the previous stoller to this one. Maybe the Combi baby SUV??

I think we paid about $60 for it three years ago.

Ame

By Kate on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 03:17 pm:

Good news, I was wrong about the price. I saw some for around $70/80 at a few sites. Just plug in Combi Stroller and you'll get a lot of sites. Some have clearance Combis. It sounds expensive, but it's really a great little stroller!! I highly recommend it and you'll use it until she's four or five. You will LOVE how easy it folds and how little it weighs!! You'll only use your Literider for walks around the block, I guarantee it!!

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, February 8, 2006 - 03:35 pm:

I use my Literider for everything now, Kate! Use my jogger for outside walks, but she's just not comfortable in that anymore so it's probably headed for the attic. My Literider just takes up a lot of space in the back of my SUV and that can be a pain.

If it's something I can use for a long time, maybe it would be a good investment. Thanks a lot for the info, both Ame and Kate!

By Feona on Thursday, February 9, 2006 - 10:01 am:

I had a combi I hated. I gave it away. My son could rock the whole stroller. He thought that was great fun. It was too light weight for him. He was always a little strong man build even at 15 pounds. I bought it for my aching back and couldn't use it.


The design of the combi was very nice for kids who sit and don't try to tip it sideways.