Yes, yes, I know. I've lost half of you. Your eyes have glazed over at the complete triviality of this discussion. The other half, however, the kid-having or kid-wanting half, please be advised this was a VERY tall order. There are only two readily accessible (meaning I could find a local dealer and play with it) strollers on the market that fit this bill. The Maclaren Techno and the iPeg Perego Pliko3. I *wanted* the Techno. It's light, it's pretty. It breaks down with one hand. Two other parents I know swear that Maclaren is god's own gift to strollers. Guys, I hope you have a better experience of this stroller than I did. Betsy slumped in it and looked visibly uncomfortable. Reviews had suggested it was not balanced very well and frankly I see why. The under carriage basket isn't very accessible which doesn't annoy me terribly, but I'd be really nervous of loading the handles down with much of anything for fear of tipping.
By contrast, the Pliko is stuffy in its fabric and appearance. Very old school and undesign-y, but the thing just WORKS. It weighs a pound more than the techno, but that pound gets you a really comfortable seat for the baby, a snack tray for sippy cups and stale cheerios and ok, it is a two handed breakdown, but it's an easy one and it breaks down almost as small. The undercarriage basket of the Pliko is just as terrible to get in and out of as the Techno, but it's got a strong center of gravity and good hooks already in place to hang diaper bags, shopping or whatever. I've gone for this dumpy old world looking thing, but DAMN it's solid and it turns on a dime. If I'd been able to find some of the new hipster designs I might have bought one of them instead. Anyhow, I am suddenly realizing that if I were willing to spend money like water, I could be one of those weird women with 15 strollers because none of them are quite right. Not going to happen. But the exercise in design shopping has been fun.
Posted by karen at September 7, 2003 12:00 AM