I have posted many times before regarding my itinerary, now I have an incidental question. We are leaving in 10 days for 2 weeks. We are flying to maine, staying 1 week, then driving down to Boston.

My DH and I bought an umbrella stroller for this ocassion, actually for the local shopping at the malls too...but anyway. I am now thinking that the regualr stroller may be better. I am thinking this because it has a tray (he can have snacks, he eats almost independently, he is 1), and it sits more erect, or can fold down for him to sleep.

What are some ideas and suggestions on this matter?

Thanks
Christina

ttt

I always preferred the umbrella stroller for travel. We only had a fancy regular one (with the tray and accessories) so I would borrow the umbrella one my parents had whenever we took a trip. It is so much less bulky and easier to transport. Also easier to stowe away at a restaurant.

Well, I guess it kind of depends on the kid. Mine were good sleepers at that age but wouldn't sleep in the stroller much. We found an umbrella stroller to be the best. It seemed that I was already juggling so much stuff that a lightweight stroller was a real help. For snacking we would usually just hand them a piece of something at a time or just stop and take a break.

Thanks, I am leaning to the Umbrella Stroller, just wanted to hear the different thoughts.

As much as I agree that there are many benefits to umbrella strollers, we've usually traveled with a regular one. When you fly, you tag the stroller, push it right down to the plane, and leave it outside the plane door. Then it's waiting for you in the same place when you land. We've even flown with a double stroller and it's been no hassle, but rather a plus, because if one of the kids wanted to walk in the airport, we could load some of our luggage or the car seat into his seat. Also, the basket underneath the regular stroller is so much better for storing stuff both during travel and when you're picking up all those souveniers!
I know my kids were always more comfortable in their regular strollers, especially at that age. You know your kid best, so if you think he'll be sleeping a lot while you're sightseeing, and that he'll be more content in his regular stroller, that would be the route I would go. Have fun!

Personally, we've preferred the umbrella stroller. It takes up way less room in the rental car trunk and is easier to manuever in crowds or small spaces like between tables in restaurants. You can buy a bag that clips onto the handles for miscellaneous stuff (try onestepahead.com) or try out different tote bags before you leave to see which one stays hooked on the best without hitting the baby's back. And if anything ever happens to it you can pick up another cheap stroller somewhere, as opposed to having to replace your good one.

We have been using a version of the umbrella stoller; it has a canopy and a basket underneath. It lays flat, maybe 6-8 inches; much flatter than the full size one we have. I use it still and my son is 5. It is great as I can get him comfortably thru the airport with him in the seat, a carry-on bag in the basket, and his car-seat resting across the top canopy. If you can find that one, I highly recommend it. The only downside to this one is that the seat doesn't recline. But another model might. So maybe you could find something in-between that would suit you. I know you mentioned you just bought this one and it won't be money wasted even if you didn't use it this trip. I scout out the local consignment store when dropping off my sons out-grown items and am amazed at the quality I see sometimes.

Anyway, just another suggestion. Have a great trip!

Although I said we prefer our regular stroller, I must add that the one we use now (with only 1 child stroller age) is more similar to the one sjbisanz recommends. It's a Graco and it folds much flatter than the full-size strollers. It is lightweight, has a canopy, a generous basket, and it reclines, but no tray. Folds very easily, as well. About $70-80. But I have traveled with a double stroller, no problem!

Although we always had an umbrella stroller with our older two kids, I don't even own one now for our 2-year-old. I don't really find them any easier to maneuver than the stroller I have (although as I said, it's not one of the real big ones). But I always hated not having much space to put my purse and bags, which is important if you're shopping, can't get back to your car easily, and especially, if you're by yourself and need to keep your hands free to push a stroller and grab a runaway kid! I tried those clips, but if you put more than one or two lightish bags on them, the stroller flips back when the child climbs out. One time, I had a few bags that obviously were too heavy clipped to the back, because the stroller flipped with my son still in it! Bad judgment on my part. He was fine, btw, not even scared. Landed on my clothing-filled bags, so no bumps. But I learned my lesson!

check out www.strollerqueen.com
She reviews tons of strollers and isn't affiliated with any company. Everyone where I live pushes a Graco, but she reviews the nicer brands like Inglesina, Peg Perego, MacLaren, etc.

Also there is the Baby Center board which has a 'baby products' section... this link should get you there but if it doesn't just go to babycenter.com and then click the links to Boards, Baby, Baby gear... http://bbs.babycenter.com/board/baby...ar/1839?i=0#go

A couple of weeks ago, we took our umbrella stroller (Chicco, it reclines a little and its sturdy) to Boston with us. Gate checking is so easy and worked so well that really whichever you choose to take is not that important. You still have to find elevators if your child is asleep in it and you need to go upstairs. One thing, Boston was crowded as it was Memorial Day, and a bigger stroller may be more uncomfortable in restaurants and shops, although an underseat basket is a plus. It would also help if the front wheels of whichever stroller you took could lock in case you were maneuvering in bumpy areas. My son slept fine in the umbrella, but I would consider his comfort the most important thing. When you are touring, if your son can take a little nap, it's great.

Another vote for the umbrella stroller!