I've been on this sick materialistic quest for a stroller that is:
is extremely safe
virtually weightless
perfect for running
off-roading or muddin'
can accomodate multiple children if the need should arise,
reclines all the way should a child fall asleep mid-stroll
luxurious for your child
perfect for newborn babies through age 6
definitely not dorky
adapts to fit carseats
has cup holders
hand brakes and foot breaks
closes with almost no effort
fits through doorways with ease
has a ginormous basket for supplies and shopping
complete with a huge canopy/sun shade and peep window with UV protection
your baby can face you or face away from you
snack tray for eating on the go
and last but not least a weather shield to protect your child from the elements.
Phew.
If you truly are interested in all things stroller. Here is what I have learned from nannying in San Francisco and from my personal experience as a mother in the city of San Francisco and a mother in a suburb of Cincinnati who walks and runs a lot...
Some brands I like:
Baby Jogger City Mini- for lightweight city life. Nice double version too.
Bob Revolution-for running and off-roading and unparalleled maneuverability. The Revolution
Bumbleride Indie- for all around awesome looking, luxurious ride for your child. Does fit the bill for a lot of the crazy things I look for in a stroller. And wow do they have some cool colors.
Maclaren-for a sweet umbrella stroller, they even have Juicy Courture, Kate Spade, Lacoste and leather versions for your need to look sweet.
Bugaboo-for looking like a movie star and being able to have your child face you or away from you. And oh my gosh, they are coming out with a double stroller called the donkey and it is amazing! If I was a movie star or had money that I filled in a swimming pool and swam laps in, then I would buy this stroller.
Phil and Teds- One stroller, one or two kids, neato. Except one kid is a low rider and then you loose your basket. But really neat because it basically is the same size as a single stroller but with two kiddos.
Valco trimode-reminds me of the bumbleride except in their valco trimode double you can add a jump seat for three kiddos. And, brace yourself, add a "hitch hiker" board for an older kid and you could fit one more and bring that grand total up to 4. ooooooo.
I stalk craigslist (a giant garage sale) like a wacko and have bought 3 of my strollers from other mothers. And I think with each one, this. is. it.
The truth is, even the best stroller in the world won't make this job that much easier. And I think when I was feeling particularly overwhelmed I told myself, if could just find this perfect stroller, I'd be happy. Strollers can make things a little bit smoother like having one that can finally fit into our local Coffee Please's doors. But all in all, life as a mom is just hard sometimes. So when the kids are asleep, find a friend or spouse to talk to, read a good book, have a cup of coffee or tea, say a prayer and take some deep breaths. The answer probably does not lie in a new stroller.
