The Great Stroller Debate… What are you driving?

Since making my first stroller purchase almost three years ago, I continually find myself discussing (and ocassionally debating) with other Sassy Moms which stroller is the best for city living. When I was preggors with my first baby, buying a stroller was one of the most important decisions my husband and I made next to our daughter’s car seat. I can assure you it was the most expensive. For those who do not live in a metropolitan city this may seem crazy, but for Sassy Moms we understand that the stroller is one of the most important products required while raising kids in the city.

Living in the city means you walk to most places because parking is limited and costs a fortunate. In my case, our family owns one car that my husband drives to work each day to the burbs which means I walk, take a taxi, the EL or the bus to my destinations. We are fortunate to live within walking distance of Starbuck’s, the park, Zoo, Lake Michigan, grocery store, my hair salon, our doctor, dentist, you get the point.

After spending months (yes, I do mean months) researching online and conducting 45 min product demos in stores (yes the nice employee of Babies R Us gave us a 45 min demo, Baby Galt was a good 20 mins), interviewing other Sassy Parents in the City (yes, Dads also have a strong opinion on this topic) we finally decided to go with the Bugaboo came in second place but unfortunately it does not have the ability to collapse with the infant car seat adapter so it was out.

While I love my Orbit, it does have its pros and cons and I do have stroller envy on occasion, but then I remind myself of why we chose this particular product.

Here are our likes and dislikes….

Likes:
1. Car Seat Attaches Directly to Stroller – The #1 reason we purchased this product was bc the Orbit car seat attaches directly to the stroller and does not require an attachment like all the others. The stroller also folds in half in one simple step and with one hand so I can easily place the car seat in the backseat of a taxi and throw the stroller in the trunk in about 2 minutes. Yes, I have timed it.

2. Car Seat can be used easily without the base – The infant car seat does not require the base for short distances which is very helpful when taking a taxi. Because I normally take a taxi to doctor appointments, it was necessary to purchase a stroller that was functional when using various modes of transportation. For example, the Bugaboo requires an adapter and is compatible with most car seat brands. That is a great benefit, however the stroller does not fold with the car seat adapter attached. If I was only using the stroller for exercise or quick excursions then it would not have been an issue. Not sure what I am talking about? Watch this demo…..http://www.orbitbaby.com/why/otg/taxi.php

3. Toddler Stroller Seat – One of my favorite features is the Orbit Toddler Stroller seat. It has a full blackout sunshade that completely covers my baby. This allows me to be out for longer periods and my daughter is able to take a full nap without being disturbed. I know what you’re thinking but when you are walking 15-20 minutes to your destination your kid will be taking the occasional stroller nap or you lose the will to ever leave the house.

4. Easy to Push – Very lightweight and easy to push. I can drink my coffee and talk on the phone while maneuvering through traffic and pedestrians.

5. 360 Degree Rotation – The 360 degree rotation feature is very handy when you are at restaurants. You can park the entire stroller next to the table and then turn the car seat or toddler seat around. I also like that I can drive the stroller with the baby facing me, to the side or forward. It’s nice to have options.

6. Paparazzi Sunshade – This really comes in handy when the paparazzi are following us around town. Not only does it shield my baby from the flash of the cameras, it provides almost 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Dislikes:

1. Weight of Infant Car Seat Car – The car seat is very heavy. I can barely lift it which makes getting in and out of a car or the house difficult at times. No I am not that weak, my friends agree with me! However my 7 month does weigh over 20 pounds which does not help.

2. Design of Infant Car Seat – Infant car seat is very deep and narrow. Both my kids were ok but I’m not sure it was the most comfortable. My oldest daughter was so tiny it seemed like the seat swallowed her. My second daughter outgrew the seat quickly.

3. Recline Ability – I really prefer the Bugaboo stroller seat design which allows the child to be completely vertical and reclines to a horizontal position. However Orbit has resolved this with their new Orbit G2.

4. Tire Design – The back tires are inflatable which means they require air on a regular basis when using in the city. The original design required taking off the tire to pump but they changed that and it is much better. You can pump the tires while leaving them attached to the stroller.

5. Price – It is very expensive but no more than the other top brands. You are on the hook to buy the toddler stroller seat and two different weather covers. But hey, the cup holder is included. All you Bugaboo owners are jealous now! While it is not required, we did buy the Orbit Toddler Car Seat but if I had to do it over again I would have gone with another brand (probably Britax). I’m not crazy about the overall design of the Orbit and it does not look as comfortable as some of the other brands. We just had to purchase a new convertible car seat from my 2.5 year old because the buckle that goes between the legs on the Orbit is way too short and will not attach without pinching her. We completely extended the straps but that did not help. Good news is our youngest outgrew the infant car seat so she is moving into the toddler seat.

So there you have it….If we had to do it all over again who knows if we would have purchased the Orbit. That was 3 years ago and since then probably five other companies have a launched a stroller to compete with the Orbit System. It still works great with our second daughter and if we can keep it in decent condition hope to sell it on Craigslist when we no longer need it. I did not feel it was necessary to provide my own video demo because Orbit’s website already has so much useful information so be sure to check it out.

The Orbit is somewha t of a celebrity and had a cameo appearance on The Office in 2008 and an encounter with Dwight. If you like The Office Watch this!

Be sure to post your comments below and share your stroller experience and what you drive.