| Author | Message | ||
     Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2591 Registered: 8-2003  |
I have some other concerns about the stroller...it seems to be lacking some of the functionality of other strollers. You can't put a lot of stuff on the bottom, or it does have a balance issue; you can't hang a diaper bag from the handles; there is no tray for the baby....etc. We are going to look at it because it does have some other functionality that is great. Just the height alone is very cool. As I told Notehead, if we lived in the city this would be an amazing stoller to own -- it converts to a two wheel stroller for hauling it up and down stairs. The other large draw back to the Stokke Xplory is that it's a freakin' fortune! Right up there with the wildly overpriced Bugaboo (another stoller Notehead had his eye on, I managed to talk him out of) BUT, if I can be convinced of its safety and the other stuff it may or may not be lacking, I do very much like the idea of the Mrbtabr being higher up. or we'll just go with a good Maclaren  | ||
| Glock 17 Citizen Username: Glock17 Post Number: 1451 Registered: 7-2005  |
I'm sure it would fit in nicely at the Short Hills Mall...excuse me...The Mall at Short Hills hahaha Mclaren?  | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2594 Registered: 8-2003 |
Um...no. Maclaren  | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4765 Registered: 5-2001 |
Maclaren's don't have a tray or large stroage capacity either. | ||
| CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2334 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ha ha - my husband and I used to make a game out of counting the Peg Perego strollers at MASH. As to stroller choice - DEFINITELY make sure you can hang stuff off of it and/or that it has a roomy area to stash stuff. You have all this crap to carry around when you have a baby, and though you might say now that "how heavy can a diaper bag be?" those fall into the "famous last words" category. And DEFINITELY get something lightweight. Esp. if you plan to take the kid into the city a lot - hauling one of those monster strollers onto the train is no fun. (ask me how I know.) We had a MacLaren that we wore out because we used it so much - baby C got walked all over town in it, into the city, around the city, on the subways, all over Dublin, you name it. It was amazing. This was years ago so the models are probably very different but we had a pretty basic umbrella stroller, very lightweight but sturdy. pre-MacLaren we had your standard-issue folding pram - heavy and hateful. Useful as a shopping cart, sort of, but that was its only good feature. The cat peed in it, thankfully, which gave us an excuse to get rid of it. While I get the point about having baby closer to you, I don't think it's that big a deal really. I didn't always like it that my daughter faced away from me in the stroller, but it didn't bother her. She took in everything around her. Looking "out" rather than "in" was definitely what she wanted. I will never, ever forget her first trip into the city - ever see a baby fall in love? Amazing. The little feet and arms never stopped moving, and a baby who was at that point still very fussy was an angel all day. She was just too busy enjoying herself to cry. Standard Disclaimer: These are just our experiences and may or may not apply to your family or your baby.  | ||
| CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 2335 Registered: 6-2002 |
Cross-posted with VIG - the MacLaren we used had a storage area under the seat - just a mesh bag type thing, but it had a fairly substantial capacity. That was 9 years ago though and the models may have changed. No tray though, but we never missed it either. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2595 Registered: 8-2003 |
Thanks CLK. good review for Maclaren! I haven't really done any research yet, was really just referencing a common name that I figured we look at.... a tray isn't terribly important, although I would think it would be handy when the kid is a toddler any storage is better than what the Xplory offers ... because of their design, they recommend you use a bag they provide. That will help keep it balanced. This doesn't thrill me. I suspect we will be looking at a lot of strollers. I really want a jogger. Do most people use these as their primary stroller or is it supplemental? | ||
| buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw  Post Number: 5302 Registered: 5-2001  |
We use it as the primary stroller, but I will admit it that is very hard to travel with - or be very "on the go" | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2596 Registered: 8-2003 |
buzz - do you have an umbrella stroller, too? The idea of having 3 strollers doesn't please me (a "regular" stroller, a jogger, an umbrella stroller), but really, I think we have a need for all of them. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4767 Registered: 5-2001 |
My thoughts. Think of how you're going to use the stroller. When the baby is newborn, will you "wear" her/him in a carrier/sling? If not, or you want the option of something for the early months I recommend you get something the infant carseat carrier can click into. Graco (we used the Snugride carseat, it's highly rated) makes a stroller specifically for their carseats, the Metrolite. I found this very helpful with number three. There are also stroller bases that can only be used with the carseats, like the "click n'go" or soemthing. You can probably pick this up inexpensively at consignment. My kids were small, so they basically stayed in the infant carseats for at least six months, but some kids outgrow them very quickly, those click n' go's are only good as long as you use the infant carseat. For level, flat walking like the mall or the city, you will want something light that folds easily. If you intend to walk the streets of M/SO, with all the hills and old sidewalks you might want to look into something with an all-terrain wheel or a jogger. Keep in mind true babyjoggers do not fold very compactly so they are not the best for tossing in the trunk to go to the mall. Also, some are recommended for babies OVEr six months because they either don't recline fully or don't provide enough head support. Then after you decide on all this there is also the possibility of needing a double stroller if you have another kid within 2 years...I know it's too soon to even contemplate, but it might affect your views about spending $200 on a single stroller. | ||
| buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 5303 Registered: 5-2001 |
We have the jogging stroller and a really cheap folding one. Very Town and Country | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2598 Registered: 8-2003 |
Buzz - But you do acknowledge that using the jogger as the primary stroller can be difficult, right? I guess I am trying to determine if we have the extra $$ if we should get all 3.... VIG - We are going tp be lucky enough to get a "snap and go" from a neighbor. That, and a Baby Bjorn, would be the primary modes of transport for the first 4 months. Then we're into the jogger/regular stroller and umbrella. I really hate the idea of planning so far ahead re: a double stroller, so I'd rather just get what we want now. | ||
| buzzsaw Citizen Username: Buzzsaw Post Number: 5304 Registered: 5-2001 |
yes, it is our primary ride for our little one - but we are riding mostly in Maplewood, the beach or up in the reservation. It is a pain to get around. you have to take the front wheel off - fold it up. BUT, it is a smooth ride for the driver and the drivee. For NYC or air travel we use the small one. Three? Up to you - but it seems like a lot........ VIG knows her stuff! ` | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2601 Registered: 8-2003 |
you are probably right... it seems like overkill to me, too. We might be able to do with the jogger and the umbrella. Or a regular and umbrella and just not jog with the kid! (not like I'm even a huge jogger to begin with) | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4200 Registered: 12-2004  |
My preference for around town has always been my jogger. I use my single and my double quite often--although I fear we are finally reaching the point where stollers will no longer be of any use to us!  You can get a decent jogger at Babies 'R Us--their Baby Trend brand--for not much more than $100. As VIG says, most of these are rated for kids six months or older. But as with every other warning on every other product on the face of the earth (case in point: coffee cups that say "Caution: contents may be hot"--duh) these are mostly written for the lowest common denominator in human stupidity. By the time I got to #3, he was in the Baby Trend double jogger when he was maybe 2 months old. Babies 'R Us also sells an insert you'll probably want to put in your infant seat--it's a set of cushioned "halos" (for lack of a better term) that you put under baby, with the halos around his/her head, to keep the head from flopping back and forth. I merely transfered this "halo" thingy to my jogger, put the seat in the recline position (which is not truly flat, but flat enough) tightly buckled the 5-point harness, and off we went. He was totally fine. For fold-ability and light weight, I also really like the Graco Metrolite, which is also reasonably priced. If you're on a budget, I think I would have to say MacLaren is a little pricey for a foldable portable stroller. And both the Metrolite and the Baby Trend have nice big cargo areas and parent trays, which I can assure you, you really want to have. When my guys were really little, I was a stroller fiend--kind of like some women are with shoes--and I was always seeing strollers I had to have, and have tried several varieties. The two I've recommended are the ones I like best. As always, you should definately check Other Mothers and Milk Money. They generally have all sorts of things like this for really cheap. And get to Babies 'R Us and register for all the stuff you think you'll need, so when your friends throw you a shower (or showers) they'll know for sure what you need/want! | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2602 Registered: 8-2003 |
thanks meand - If I can pick at least one up at a consignment place, I just might go for 3  if you do decide you are done with any of your stollers in the next 6-9 months, please do let me know. I'd be happy to pay whatever you are asking. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 2709 Registered: 11-2001  |
I had a Peg Perego for my kids (fortunately, Little Ess grew out of it by the time Littler Ess came along, so I could avoid the double). It was very functional and sturdy, and was initially easy to fold. While it was an excellent stroller, it was sort of heavy and became less easy to fold as time went on. The newer models certainly seem more lightweight and portable. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4769 Registered: 5-2001 |
You definitely do not need a regular and an umbrella IMO. They make enough lightweight regular strollers that will suit both needs just fine. For starters check out the Combi, Maclaren or Peg Perego lightweights at Babys R Us. This way you can see how they fold, their baskets, etc. Also if some have larger wheels you might not even need the jogger (or buy one second hand). | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4770 Registered: 5-2001 |
Pippi, Mr. Vig just mentioned we have a Maclaren or PegPerego umbrella stroller in the garage, my mom's neighbor passed it on to me. You are welcome to it, it can be an extra to keep in the car or for your in-laws or whatever. Let me know if you'd like it. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4771 Registered: 5-2001 |
I meant to add, I think you can even order new fabric for it, if you were so inspired. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2608 Registered: 8-2003 |
tell Mr VIG I always loved him  yes, would love to take that stroller off your hands. how do you go about ordering new fabric? from the manufacturer? easy to replace? | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4773 Registered: 5-2001 |
I remember a few years ago someone posted about it, I think it was Lydia. Also, the store Babyland in Millburn (on Essex I think) does repairs so they might be helpful. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2616 Registered: 8-2003 |
Wendyn did a huge public service when she compiled this VERY comprehensive list of day care & pre-school options in the area. I am posting it here so I don't have to ask her to repost it again in 3 months when I think I might want to look at it  Hope you don't mind, wendyn! DAYCARE Full day daycare (younger than 3yrs): Garden of Wonders Union (908) 206-1777 KinderCare Livingston www.kindercare.org South Mountain Y - Maplewood www.metroymcas.com/html/smchildcare.cfm St Stephen's - Millburn http://www.ststephensmillburn.org/preschool/index.htm Summit Child Care / The Learning Center - Summit www.summitareaymca.org/learning/ Superkids Summit/Short Hills boarder www.superkidsnj.com Totri Day Care - South Orange (973) 761-4309 Tutor Time Livingston www.tutortime.com Zadie's Nurturing Den - Summit www.zadiesden.com Full day preschool (at least 2.5 yrs) (some of these also have half day programs): Far Brook - Short Hills (full school day) http://www.farbrook.org/ Garden of Wonders Union (908) 206-1777 KinderCare Livingston www.kindercare.org Playhouse - West Orange http://www.playhouseonline.org/ South Mountain Y - Maplewood www.metroymcas.com/html/smchildcare.cfm St Stephen's - Millburn http://www.ststephensmillburn.org/preschool/index.htm Summit Child Care / The Learning Center - Summit www.summitareaymca.org/learning/ Superkids Summit/Short Hills boarder www.superkidsnj.com Tutor Time Livingston www.tutortime.com Zadie's Nurturing Den - Summit www.zadiesden.com Half day/part time preschool: Children's Academy (Montessori) - Springfield http://www.childrensacademy.net/ Far Brook - Short Hills (full school day) http://www.farbrook.org/ Hedwig Gruenewald Nursery School - Temple B'nai Israel - Millburn JCC in West Orange Kinder-Gan Preschool (Congregation Beth Ephraim) Mickey Fried Nursery School (Congregation Oheb Shalom) - South Orange Millburn Cooperative Nursery School - Millburn Montclair Cooperative School - Montclair Montessori School Of Millburn (Montessori) - Millburn Morrow Methodist Preschool co-op - Maplewood Neighborhood House Nursery School - Millburn Open Door at Wyoming Pres. Church - Millburn 973-376-9303 Our Lady of Sorrows - South Orange Playhouse - West Orange http://www.playhouseonline.org/ Prospect Presbyterian Preschool co-op - Maplewood St. Stephens Millburn http://www.ststephensmillburn.org/preschool/index.htm South Mountain Nursery - Maplewood South Mountain Nursery and Kindergarten South Orange Country Day School (Montessori) - South Orange Sprout House - Chatham http://www.sprouthouse.org/ Temple Beth El - South Orange Temple Beth Shalom - Livingston Temple B'nai Abraham - Livingston Temple B'nai Jeshurun South Orange Temple Sharey Tefilo Israel Weekday Cooperative Nursery School South Orange 973-762-7879 Drop in emergency child care: Totri Day Care - South Orange (973) 761-4309 Christ Church in Short Hills Other helpful sites: Information on accredited centers www.naeyc.org Millburn area preschools http://www.millburn.com/school/day.htm Home based daycare management service: www.mondayam.com Private school reviews (includes some with preschools): http://www.privateschoolsreport.com/county.html http://www.privateschoolreview.com/state_private_schools/stateid/NJ Montessori schools in NJ (not comprehensive) http://www.montessoriconnections.com/schools_on_line/schoolsonline09.shtml http://www.montessori-namta.org/NAMTA/dirlistings/New%20Jersey.html | ||
| Glock 17 Citizen Username: Glock17 Post Number: 1458 Registered: 7-2005 |
I can highly reccomend (having gone there preschool-1st grade) South Orange Country Day School. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2617 Registered: 8-2003 |
thanks Glock. it's good to get a recommendation from an actual attendee and not just a parent! I would also like to know where you went to grammar school, since you spelled "recommend" wrong.  | ||
| notehead Supporter Username: Notehead Post Number: 3595 Registered: 5-2001  |
I'm sorry, but I can't consider purchasing anything for my child unless it costs at least 37 times what most people use, especially if it is something that we might bring with us to that bastion of wonderfulness, The Mall at Short Hills. [cough, gag, retch] So, does Maclaren make any strollers in platinum? | ||
| Glock 17 Citizen Username: Glock17 Post Number: 1462 Registered: 7-2005 |
DOnt forget to talk on your cell phone and balance all of your oversized shopping bags filled with needless items on the other arm while pushing the stroller step by step down the stairs in front of Crate & Barrel because it wont fit on the escalator and you're just too damn lazy to take the elevator. Yes. I have seen this first hand. They didn't even bother to put the baby's seatbelt on. Dumb...rich...useless people. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4204 Registered: 12-2004 |
Pippi, I've generally found it very easy to contact manufacturers of baby items to get replacement parts--sometimes free, sometimes for a very minimal charge. And since most are put together by you, to a certain extent, taking off the old and putting on the new is generally a pretty simple thing. Will keep you in mind for the spring (don't think you'll be taking a newborn out for a stroll in the dead of winter--unless it's particularly mild) and we'll see where we're at with our strollers. I'm thinking my little one will probably be just too heavy for the Graco Metrolite by then! Notehead, here's the perfect stroller for your daily jaunts to MaSH. Not platinum, but at upwards of $1000 a pop, I'd say it's close enough! http://www.tinyride.com/Bugaboo-Cameleon-Stroller-P750.aspx | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2656 Registered: 8-2003 |
This is why I don't like talking about being pregnant: a girlfriend of mine freaked me out, even though I am sure she didn't mean to. I had an amnio Thursday evening at 6:30, with Dr Seymour at Associates in Female Healthcare in Millburn. I really really like him. He sent me home to relax afterward, but told me going to work Friday was fine, take it easy over the weekend, no exercise until Monday. This conversation transpired yesterday: "What?!? You went to work?? My doctor made me stay off my feet for TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. Does your doctor know you commute into the city? Well, I am sure it's fine. If something were going to happen it would have happened by now" "Um, bad connection. Gotta go" I trust my doctor. He's the professional. Every doctor is different. Rationally, I know its no big deal. But, of course, I am worried over every little thing now. Yes, I commute. I walk several blocks from the train to my office. Is that exercise? Was that bad? Should I have told my doctor how may blocks I walk? Why am I convinced I am leaking amniotic fluid and that I am going to get an infection? This is precisely why I decided not to read any books, particularly the "What to Expect..." books. They will just freak me out unnecessarily. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15128 Registered: 1-2003  |
That means you live in the moment, which is something many of us need to learn. I admire that. Good for you. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 2119 Registered: 10-2002  |
OH MY GOD!!!!! You mean you're not reading every book out there???? Are you SURE that's the right thing to do? I mean, EVERY pregnant person I know would have failed miserably if they didn't read every little word out there about being pregnant. Ummm..I mean...I'm sure you'll be fine - don't worry about it.  | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2657 Registered: 8-2003 |
Thanks, Tom. It's very, very difficult to ignore the barrage of information (much of it useless and unimportant) that people want to shove at pregnant women. If things are going well, why would I want to hear about the "Top 10 Things that Can Go Wrong During Labor and How to Avoid Them". Uh, no thanks! I'll let my doctor tell me when I need to worry. I appreciate suggestions and words of wisdom, I don't appreciate criticism and comments/stories that freak me out. I suspect that I will feel the same way when we have a baby. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2658 Registered: 8-2003 |
lilB -  it is really silly. There are definitely books I think I will want to read about parenting, but books about pregnant? Nah, what a waste. | ||
| BGS Supporter Username: Bgs Post Number: 1167 Registered: 10-2003 |
Pipster---Remember - what you do should be between you and your Doc. If you have questions-he is the one to ask...not us or your RLF's or even your Moms-(although you will get the advice from them as you well know...but at least they are related to the baby). Take care of yourself!!! Heart- BGS | ||
| shoshannah Citizen Username: Shoshannah Post Number: 1337 Registered: 7-2002 |
FWIW, my doctor said the same thing as yours -- with two pregnancies. I went home and relaxed after the appointment. I went to work the next day. My kids are now both doing well in elementary school with no ill effects from my going to work the day after amnio. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2670 Registered: 8-2003 |
shoshannah - thanks for the words of encouragement. Good to know my doctor isn't the only one making that recommendation! | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4859 Registered: 5-2001 |
Don't discount the info available in some pregnancy books. Your doctor will tell you certain things, but sometimes more info can be had by asking specific questions. No doubt there are things the doctor won't share unless you ask. Intuition is always important, but there's a lot of science at work. A good book can be a helpful guide to questions you should ask your dr, to find out how it pertains to your specific situation. I know this is far in the future, and not exactly pertinent, but when H was breech one of my drs.told me to rush to the hospital if I went into labor as I would need emergency c-sec. I did research online about delivering a breech baby vaginally. At a following appt. I asked another dr. specific questions about the situation. Why couldn't I labor at home? What could happen if I tried to deliver vaginally? He gave me specific answers because of the questions (and I realized I was not superwoman and shouldn't attempt to squat and deliver my baby feet or butt first.) Also, J bought me a book about natural childbirth that we both studied with my first pregnancy. He was able to understand better what I would be feeling and I was able to anticipate certain things because of what I read. Of course,having a kid 6 weeks early we never made it to birthing classes, and nothing could prepare you for that (!!!) but the knowledge I gained from reading made me/us feel much more in control of that situation. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 4860 Registered: 5-2001 |
Oops. Does the above fall into the "criticism and comments/stories that freak me out" category??? I apologize if so, that was not my intention. NOT everyone wants to know everything (even about themselves), but I did. That's why I asked a million questions. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2671 Registered: 8-2003 |
no worries, VIG. Your experience hasn't freaked me out - except to make me decide not travel after my 6th month! (I was born 2 months early, so I am not taking any chances) I guess because things have been going (KNOCK WOOD) so smoothly, I have no questions. The most important thing Notehead has learned about what is going on with my body is to leave me alone when I am being moody! I have spoken with some people who think Lamaze classes are a bunch of hooey and they didn't/wouldn't benefit them. Doesn't mean it won't work for me, but Id rather find some other way and not waste our time (and money) if it will all go out the window when I am laboring. I am definitely going to ask my doctor what his experience has been. I am starting yoga classes next week, very excited about that. | ||
| mim Citizen Username: Mim Post Number: 655 Registered: 5-2001 |
May I suggest classes in the Bradley method? It's a consumerist approach to childbirth services. I am a total believer. |
