I'm looking for stroller (specific model and make) recommendations specifically for the cobblestone streets. We are visiting Brussels, Bruges, Giethoorn, Amsterdam and Berlin and our 10-month old is joining us this time. I learned from various forums that regular strollers won't make the cut, both for maneuverability and comfort of the baby.
Could you please suggest one for me?? Please advice! Thanks!
I LOVE my BabyJogger CityMini. It has large wheels, is easy to maneuver and is relatively light for a regular stroller. It even reclines and has a great sunshade. We used it while traveling Europe and it held up extremely well. I absolutely love that stroller! It does have to be gate checked though, it's too big to travel in the cabin of the airplane.
This question was just answered on the Wolters World Youtube video ( live from Mystic episode ). I believe the Chicco brand was recommended. With no kids that young, I only really noticed because I used to sell Chicco toys at my store.
stephen: Thanks! Actually I asked wolters world that question and I'm so glad he answered that. But I was looking for specific model and make. Chicco makes so many different models. So I'm still concerned about what to buy and take with me!
If you are going to travel by mass transport - Metro, specifically - you will have to validate your ticket, then ask the agent to open a large gate for your stroller to pass through.
If you are travelling by bus, you normally enter through the middle door, then validate your ticket.
Large wheels might be heavy, and most Europeans do fine with cobblestones, because the spaces between them aren't that large.
What you might do is put a piece of lambswool or egg-crate foam under the baby's blanket, for comfort.
What you will definitely need is a plastic cover for rain.
Here's what I see on Parisian streets:
https://mountainbuggy.com/us/
Regular strollers, no matter how highly rated, do not cut it - years ago we brought a Graco stroller (a "recommended buy" on consumer reports at the time) to Moscow - and it failed abysmally on all counts. Had to scramble and get Toro Micro Lite - it worked nicely in a "big city" setting - maneuverable, durable, good on escalators and elevators, compact enough and collapsible for public transit or to fit in a compact car trunk, good in snow and sleet.
So basically I think you should look for something that looks like a jogging stroller in the US (steerable, pneumatic wheels), but collapsible.
I've heard good things about Uppababy and Maclaren, though I don't personally have those strollers. We have a BOB Revolution, which would be great on cobblestones, but it is very heavy and takes up a lot of space. I would not travel with it unless I was staying in one place or only renting a sizable car. We recently traveled with a hiking backpack (Deuter Kid Comfort Air) instead of a stroller, which worked well. It's especially great in crowded areas or places where you need to navigate stairs and escalators. I hope you find something that works for you!
Baby jogger city mini.
Good wheels for stone streets. Folds easily for trains. Seems comfortable to kids. Some big huge jogging strollers have better wheels but they don't fold easily. Umbrella strollers fold easily and are portable - but the wheels don't cushion well on bumpy streets, and the cheapest are flimsy and low to the ground. City Mini balances all that.
Wolters World, nice. I watched that live episode when the question was asked and he had his wife answer it. I enjoy the videos & info he provides.
