The higher powers

ok, lets begin.
For single strollers there are so many options that it is mind blowing. A good way to narrow it down is to figure out which features are most important to you. Does it have to fit into a small trunk? Will you be trying to push it while chasing a toddler at the same time? Is basket size a consideration?

There is no perfect stroller. At least not for every situation. Something is going to have to give, and in most cases the higher end strollers don't have cupholders and trays included, but remember you can always add on accesories.

Starting at the top there are the Bugaboo competitors. I say this b/c they cost in the $800+ range just like the bug.
1. The Stokke Xplory
2. The Orbit
3. The Micralite Toro which is coming soon
4. Mutsy 4rider

The Stokke: I heart the stokke. It didn't start out that way. When it first came out I was happy to make fun of it from afar, after all it DOES look like a highchair on wheels, it is mostly made of plastic and it costs the insane price of $770 for the basic and over $1000 for the complete package that comes with a bassinett and optional carseat adaptor.
But then the reviews trickled in and as it turns out this baby has quite the following. And let me tell you why.
The steering is fantastic- it pushes like butter. the ride is smooth, think a luxury sedan. you don't feel bumps, you don't feel pebbles- it just glides.
The weight is a very managable 22 pounds and it just feels lightweight as you push it.
The seat is super plush and comes with an infant insert which you can use till the kid is over a year. very cushy.
The hood is surprisingly good in that the bubble shape seems to sheild baby's face more, I also like the easy flip on the back of the hood which reveals a mesh material for additional venitilation- great in the Florida sun
The basket is so unique but so smart. it is basically a big bag that sits at the front of the stroller. when not in use it is very compact and sleek, but open it up and you can pack it like a big duffel bag. shoes, blankets, shopping bags, bulky toys- you name it, the stokke bag can handle it. and when baby is rear facing it has so much room that it can hold bulky items you normally can't cram underneath the stroller seat. also, you don't have to empty the basket to close the stroller- either take the bag off entirely (like a duffel again) or leave it on- it won't be in the way.
The #1 thing I love about the stokke is something entirely subjective, but completely important nonetheless- Baby Avigayil LOVES it! I mean she will sleep in this stroller like no other, fall asleep in it and even when she wakes up she will just hang out there content to watch the world around her. I mean- even I thought it was gimmicky when I read the "higher is better" line Stokke touted, but it's true! She just feels like she's part of thing and will sit in there for hours without complaining.

Stokke shortcomings include a big fold- this is not for the small of car. It can't take a board on back for the older sibling b/c of the way the frame is built. It is fiddly to fold up in rear facing mode- but not a big deal- just a few extra steps to take the footrest off.
and while I have found the perfect diaper bag for it (a fleurville sling tote- hangs off the handle like a dream) it's definitely not equipped to take them all.
Outdoors it handles normal terrain fine- but I wouldn't take it off roading- it's just not meant for that. It is really an urban stroller all the way (after all what other stroller folds up to 2 wheel mode with the kid in it so you can go up and down steps with it like the subway?)

In short- the stokke is super funky, pushes great, and is super comfy. It is big, it is lacking in the "fold and go" department, it has it's quirks- but best of all if you give it a shot and hate it, it's got a great resell value- just try and buy one used:)

tricks * I already mentioned the fleurville sling tote-but I will say again that this is the pefect match for this stroller as it hangs off the adjustable handlebar perfectly.
for an adult cupholder the baby jogger liquid holster works great- it holds one bottle or drink and has the same great plastic so it looks like they were made for each other.

ok-wow. i wrote so much and only covered one stroller! how am i going to get thru the other top 3?
guess that is for another day.....
signing off - Chani:)