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All-terrain stroller system within 400/450 that is lightweight enough to be carried up the stairs

26 Feb 2020

Hello.

I am delighted that I came across a stroller expert that is willing to help.

I am a first-time mum, and we are planning to buy a new stroller that can be used even for a sibling in the future. We already had a first look, but there are so many strollers to choose from… and they all look the same to me. My husband and I would appreciate your advice.

We are hoping for a suitable stroller system (preferably a 3in1 stroller system, but a 2in1 would be OK). The wheels can't be too thin, and we would like to avoid a big difference in size between the front and rear wheels. If possible, the stroller should be lightweight enough for me to carry it up and down the stairs (there are no rails available in our block of flats). I am not sure which type of wheels is better, but the terrain will be mixed... a concrete yard as well as our garden. It could also feature at least some suspension and an ability to rock the baby.

We have a budget of up to €400. Eventually, we can stretch to 450.

Thank you very much for your advice and reply.

Eli • 26 Feb 2020

Hi there!

For such a limited budget, I think that your 2in1 or 3in1 stroller system will need quite a few compromises. In particular, the quality of suspension and size/position of the wheels. Otherwise, you may end up with a massive stroller of lower quality, which I do not recommend - you will be disappointed after some time. I would, firstly, to recommend a new arrival, the Espiro Only.
This rather lightweight, compact, and quite a versatile stroller system can handle the yard for sure. I find it one of the best choices for your budget.

My second choice would for sure be a 2in1 stroller system with a seat that you can transform into a carrycot - like the Diono Quantum (currently offered for a reasonable sale price in a few online shops, but this depends on where you are). Eventually, there is the Maclaren Daytripper with a little bit higher price tag. From a practical point of view, after about a year and a half of using one of these, I would swap it for a non-reversible, lightweight stroller. By doing so, you won't go excessively over your budget and will have your stroller situation resolved until the end of your strolling days (at least with this child) 😉

The car seat is the final piece of the 3in1 stroller system. The Maxi-Cosi type of adapters are available and compatible with all the accessible and popular Maxi-Cosi Group 0+ car seats (available separately), as well as the cheaper and still safe Joie car seats with identical attachments. Most of the stroller systems - and all of the mentioned above - do have Maxi-Cosi type adapters available.

Your -very berry- Eli.

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