Comments on: We went the cheap route with our stroller

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:53:06 +0000

Hey HoboMama!

Upgrading to a double stroller might be a good idea, depending on the age of the oldest child. I guess it depends on how much he likes riding in the stroller and being worn.

At the very least, you could put your oldest in the stroller, wear your newborn, and put your diaper bag for 2 in the seat for the second child.

Then again, if your oldest child is old enough not to need a stroller, you could just carry on as usual.

I guess it just depends on your specific situation and preferences, ya know?

By: Lauren @ Hobo Mama

Lauren @ Hobo Mama — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:46:50 +0000

I’m really liking your blog, by the way. Thinking frugal is near and dear to me.

We mostly carried our little (huge) guy (30 lbs by 6 months) around in slings and wraps for the first year or so, and then started taking little jaunts in an ultra-cheapo umbrella stroller: $8 at Big Lots! I thought we wouldn’t use it very much, but it turns out our son, now 2, loooves it.

At the time, $8 was all we had to spend, so I don’t regret it. The handles are too short, and fancy it ain’t, but really the only one who complains about it is my much shorter SIL. My husband and I deal with it just fine, and it’s holding up well. Having it be compact was a necessity for our little apartment, as well.

I’ve been thinking about this, though — if we have another kid, should we upgrade to a higher-handled umbrella stroller? I’d like to stick with the umbrella design for space issues, but I’m wondering if a step up in quality would be worth it, especially if we can get a grandparent to spring for it… The frugal part of me says to just keep making do, and the babywearing advocate in me says not to waste precious money on strollers. Ah, decisions. ;)

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:40:31 +0000

Stroller handle height was a big issue for me-we ended up with a $40 umbrella stroller (Chicco) and it is great. We keep it in the trunk, and use it all the time. It does have a more solid back, and can recline a bit with two simple zippers.

Happy strolling!

By: Babies ‘R Us Buyer Protection Plan is Worth The Money — Frugal Chick.net

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:59:54 +0000

[...] to put up with the hassle of a sticky lever and don’t get a new one? How about if I take the cheap route like Kacie did and pocket the rest of the money? Would that be ethical? It’s tempting but I think I’d [...]

By: Stacy

Stacy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:45:48 +0000

Interesting! I’ve gone with the larger infant seat and the frame stroller and I’ve loved it! Libby is on the small side so I know it’ll fit her at least a year if not more. We will be on the hunt for an every day stroller and I’m going to start looking on craigslist and resale stores. But it’s good to know so many people have been happy with the basic umbrella stroller.
I will be curious to see how you like the nonadjustable handles as you seem to be on the tall side. I know that was a big priority for my SIL’s.

By: Marybeth at www.babygoodbuys.com

Marybeth at www.babygoodbuys.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:16:54 +0000

I’m a bit of a stroller addict, but I totally understand the benefits of an umbrella stroller. I’m sure it will serve it’s purpose, and you can always upgrade if you find you need a few more features to make Johnny more comfortable. If not, you’re good to go!

By the way, these thing are remarkably sturdy. I doubt it will fall apart unless you use it excessively (in that case, you’ll have gotten your money’s worth anyway!).

By: angie boschee

angie boschee — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:44:10 +0000

Hi I wanted to comment regarding your stroller I to have used all sorts of strollers through the years and finally with my last child sucked it up and bought a Maclaren and have been so happy I did. The back support in that type of stroller is awesome. I am not saying you have to buy a Maclaren however it might be worth it to at least check out a midrange one with better back support.

An amazing website that I have used to order my strollers from as well as some friends have ordered from is albeebaby.com and they have free shipping to.

Good luck.

Congratulations on the move and getting settled in.

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:04:11 +0000

We have a cheap umbrella stroller as well – I’ve rarely used it so far, but was just thinking it was time to start using it more :) I have to admit, though, the storage on the other umbrella stroller you linked there makes it tempting, but I doubt if I’d really use it enough to make it worth it.

Though we didn’t get a travel system, we did get one of the bigger infant seats that go to 30 lbs and/or 32″ – and we’ve been really pleased with it. I hope it will last into her first year. (As someone above mentioned, I suspect height will be more of a concern than weight.) But it’s nice to know the convertible worked out so well for you! I only didn’t go that route because I was worried about the convertible seat fitting a newborn.

By: Candice

Candice — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:39:24 +0000

Just to warn you, though! Just when you get comfortable, things will change – I have two and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten rid of something we never used to suddenly find it very useful to have! LOL

By: Kacie

Kacie — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:31:09 +0000

@AnnMarie -

He started out little, but he’s chunked out nicely! At his 6-month appointment, he was 18 lbs+ and 26.5″ long. When I said he’d last a month, I meant one more month from now, not 1 month old. Sorry for the confusion.

I, too, was worried about how he would fit in our car seat. The TrueFit has an insert for little ones to prop them up a little higher. That did the trick! He fit in it quite nicely. We used the insert for a few months, then got rid of it and had the straps on the lowest setting. Now, they’re on the 2nd setting.