Best Stroller for Heavy Metro Use?

[Anonymous]

I have an 18 month old and love the maclaren volo on the metro. Before she got too heavy, we would just do the bjorn. I am small, so even the city mini seemed enormous to me when I thought about carrying that and a toddler up the stairs. I'd say go with the lightest, smallest, which is likely to be an umbrella. if you get a good quality one, you are unlikely to have it fall apart. do you have a long walk to/from metro? must admit the volo is not the most comfortable ride, but like I said it is great for small spaces and for carrying..

[Anonymous]

You're not supposed to take an open stroller in the escalator anyway...

[Anonymous]

We don't have a car, and so use public transportation to go everywhere. We were happy with a Snap N Go for our infant, and a CitiMini later. The CitiMini folds very easily with one hand, so even if you have to hold a toddler and carry the stroller on an escalator, it's feasible. It's also great for getting on and off the bus, although it does take up a little more space when folder than an umbrella or McLaren, and we need to sit in the front seats when we have the CitiMini.

[Anonymous]

Maclarens are umbrellas, FWIW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Note that if you walk in bumpy sidewalks to go to the metro you'll need bigger wheels. An umbrella stroller or snap and go won't do it.

This isn't true at all. We walked two miles a day on bumpy sidewalks with a snap n go and then later with an umbrella stroller when DD outgrew her carseat. I would go with carrying if you aren't going to be commuting during rush hour or to/from work (and thus carrying a lot of bags). Otherwise, an umbrella is the way to go. Elevators are out all the time, and so you need something that can fold very easily and be carried up an escalator while you're still carrying your child. I couldn't do that with most single strollers just because they are very cumbersome and big. The only thing is that you can't use an umbrella until they get a little older (have enough head control to sit upright all the time), so either using a carrier or a snap n go until then. Also if you're commuting using metro with your baby, then you might want to shift your hours so that you miss rush hour. Most people make room for a stroller especially on the first car, but it's not easy to get on/off a crowded train with a stroller.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Note that if you walk in bumpy sidewalks to go to the metro you'll need bigger wheels. An umbrella stroller or snap and go won't do it.

This isn't true at all. We walked two miles a day on bumpy sidewalks with a snap n go and then later with an umbrella stroller when DD outgrew her carseat. I would go with carrying if you aren't going to be commuting during rush hour or to/from work (and thus carrying a lot of bags). Otherwise, an umbrella is the way to go. Elevators are out all the time, and so you need something that can fold very easily and be carried up an escalator while you're still carrying your child. I couldn't do that with most single strollers just because they are very cumbersome and big. The only thing is that you can't use an umbrella until they get a little older (have enough head control to sit upright all the time), so either using a carrier or a snap n go until then. Also if you're commuting using metro with your baby, then you might want to shift your hours so that you miss rush hour. Most people make room for a stroller especially on the first car, but it's not easy to get on/off a crowded train with a stroller.

You're a warrior then. We HATED the snap and go in our commute I ditched it after a week. It would stop and jerk at every single pebble on the sidewalk!!!

The vista was much much better! And if the elevators are out you get off the next stop. There's no need to fold the stroller and hold the baby - very very dangerous and not worth the "convenience". I would rather walk the extra mile with the baby safely strapped to the stroller.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, I would not get a Citi Mini for metro. The one hand fold is nice, but it's pretty large to carry, so you'd end up having to use the elevator anyway. Plus, the wheel base is so wide that I find I can barely maneuver between the poles. I SAH, so I only ever take metro when it's dead in the mid morning and afternoon, and I still hate the stupid thing for that particular use. I'd follow some of the other PPs recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Granted, I did not do a lot of shopping around before purchasing our very heavily used metro stroller, but we've been happy with a Maclaren. We have the triumph (mid-priced one) and our only complaint is that the wheels wore down after a while. The wheels can be replaced but it's kind of a pain to do so. Having your stroller be as narrow and easily manueverable as possible is really the key. I 2nd the recommendation to use a carrier in the early days. I did not with DC1 thinking he was too heavy and it'd be tough on my back. I am now using the carrier with DC2 (who is also heavy) and am amazed at how the carrier distributes his weight in a comfortable way for me. FWIW, we walk over 2 miles a day with the maclaren on bumpy roads with no issue.