Stroller for Petite Mamas

One of our most challenging decisions was finding a stroller that would do all that we needed to do, and fit a petite mama comfortably as well as her tall husband.  The stroller had to have the following features:

1.  look great
2.  height adjustable handle bars
3.  not have to bend over too low to get baby in and out
4.  be able to use from infant and up
5.  light enough for a petite mama to lift into the trunk unassisted and without throwing her back out
6.  stand up when folded in order to save space in our urban home
7.  be a stroller that can handle the elements (even snow) as urban dwellers enjoying the city year-round
8.  not require us to take out a loan in order to purchase

I was amazed at the myriad of choices.  But what was functional, worked well, and could do all these things?  Our solution was the Mountain Buggy Urban Single. The handle bars were some of the most adjustable I found, with the lowest height at 31 inches.  Perfect!  It is rugged enough to take on a trail yet narrow enough to take down your favorite city streets.  The wheels are even detachable to save room in your trunk and it barely takes up any room when standing up in our living room.  My favorite part is that it can also be used for light jogging!  This was the deal closer for us as we both like to run and this will prevent us from needing to purchase a separate stroller specifically for use while jogging.  It reclines nearly flat for a newborn, and if you like you can even put a bassinet in the frame for that cute pram look.  Even the Stroller Queen recommended it to me as the stroller for us.

I had originally fallen in love with the Bugaboo Cameleon , but the price tag just made it unjustifiable for us in this economy.  The Frog is cheaper and just as cute, but the handles aren't adjustable for a petite mama and tall dad to both fit. It could work for some, but didn't work for me.  I also liked the Cameleon as it had the two-part fold and that made it really easy to carry in and out of a small, urban house.  The suspension was great as well, and we all know how adorable it is.  Problem is, when trying in person, for a petite mama it's not that comfortable to reach around both sides and remove the seat while not throwing out your back at the same time.  Since I liked the Cameleon so much it made sense to next think of the Bee .  But, being a nurse I'm very sensitive to back issues and I knew that repeatedly lifting junior in and out was not the safest idea as the seat is very low to the ground.

What about the UPPAbaby Vista ?  Wanted to love that, and it was highly recommended in Baby Bargains ; I loved that stroller, did everything we needed it to, and even came with a bassinet.  Adorable and functional.   The problem was that it was about 2 inches too tall for this petite mama.  If you are 5 foot or above, I'd say go for it in a heartbeat.  But if you are under the 5 foot mark, I'd keep looking or just head on over to Mountain Buggy.

We also are going to get an umbrella stroller, to always leave in the car for those quick trips when Mountain Buggy comfort isn't required.  It's so nice to have a second stroller that has a small footprint and is easy and quick to get out of shops without knocking things over.  The Maclaren's are always recommended, and we plan to get the Quest Sport , as it was very comortable for this petite mama.