STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

thats ones cool! the smaller the better......

My kids have both had the Graco babyseat/stroller combos and I don't recommend them.  With BOTH of them, the cup holders at the top fell off.  There isn't a way to reattach them, and a cup holder/key holder area is crucial! 

Ok...here's my two cents...

The combi strollers (carseat/stroller combinations) are fabulous when you are first starting out, though they tend to be on the bulky (read heavy and unwieldy) side of things.  But they are a good beginner.

Once they've outgrown the pumpkin seat aspect though, these things are kind of no longer worth the effort.

I recently bought the Eddie Bauer stroller available at Babies  R Us and am well pleased.  It's lighter weight but still rugged enough for offroading...and its baby proof!    A lot of strollers are not.  My son taught me this the hard way.  There are things to pry off, attempt to chew on, twist off and pull out.  Very very bad!  Make sure if yours has a canopy that it is VERY FIRMLY attached...wires in the canopy can be dangerous! 

Umbrella strollers are a waste of $20...they are cheaply made.  The wheels tend to jam or run cockeyed.  If you are taller than say 5'4'' then they are to low to push comfortably.  You can't hang your purse off them, put a drink in a holder on them or even get a regular diaper bag in the basket under them.

Once your child is older (18mos-2yrs) you'll want a beverage well up front that securely holds his/her sippy cup, and a tray that keeps snacks in place.  The waterproof canopies are a godsend, look for one with a zip on rain shield attachment also.  If you can, find one with a parent tray that has a snug fitting beverage well (try before you buy/try  before placing hot Starbucks coffee in....yeowch!) and a closed compartment for odds and ends....change, keys, spare pacifiers....

Double wheel models are great if you are on bumpy sidewalks or "offroading" it... Keep in mind that jogging strollers do NOT turn easily...they really are made for straightaways.  And having a decent sized basket underneath will come in handy on shopping expeditions.

Feel free to pm me if you have more questions...