Stroller Addict

A lot of people are addicted to a lot of different things.  I, myself, have several addictions but my latest (and quite expensive, second only to photography) proves to be strollers.
Today I just received my new Britax B Agile, the 9th stroller I have purchased in 3 and a half years. I love it and I want to tell you all about it but I am going to take you on quick trip down memory lane so you can see how I ended up here.
With Emma, baby number one, I did a ton of research on car seats and travel systems.  I ended up purchasing the the Chicco Cortina travel system. It had tons of good reviews and the car seat seemed to be one of the best on the market. I used the travel system for a little while but it was always hard to get in and out of the car and I finally just started opting to carry the infant carrier.  Finally, I came across the stroller frame (I think mine was by Graco but I know there are a lot of brands out there now so I don't know for sure.)
The frame was a life saver. Had I only known that in the beginning I would have probably just purchased it and the car seat instead of a whole travel system. I used this stroller until we upgraded for a bigger car seat.  I knew that I wanted something with a basket, canopy, and the ability to recline.
Next I purchased the Combi Flare, used. I was not at all impressed with it. It felt cheap and poorly made. I at only 5'4", kicked the wheels when I pushed it. It was bad.  We shipped the flare off to Grandmas (we dont use it much there and since she purchased another) and purchased a Maclaren Triumph used.
With the my first push of the Triumph I knew I was done messing around with cheaper strollers. The only reason we didn't try this first is because I was trying to avoid spending the money (if I had only known what dark addiction I had looming around the corner.) It was so silly because this stroller was fabulous. My only complaint was the canopy was a little small and the basket was small and kind hard to get stuff in and out of but I could deal with it and I used it a lot.
Then came Eli, baby number two.  I received the Joovy Caboose for a baby shower gift and passed the Maclaren to my mom. The Joovy had some great ideas but for our family, it just didn't work. My daughter did not like to stand on it and when she sat and the infant seat was in, she had to lean way forward. She was also not keen on riding backwards. Two babies was proving a lot to handle so I decided I wanted a better stroller. This next one was a mistake!
I went with the Peg Perego Duette - used. I knew I didn't want side by side because I was afraid it would be too wide. And I knew the Duette would be long but it was awful. Have you ever used those carts at the grocery store with the cars on the front?  Well load it down with groceries and push it, thats what this stroller compared to.  I sold it right away and was just glad to recover from that decision.
Finally, I saw a mom at my mom's group with the City Select Double and asked her about it. She raved about it and said it was steep but worth every penny.  I went home and looked it up and was like, there's no way I am buying a stroller for that much and they are too new, not any used ones I could find. SO, I came across the Britax B Ready.

I was thoroughly impressed (I mean look at all the cool configurations) and started selling off everything baby that I didn't use anymore because I had to have it.  When I was finally ready to make the purchase I found a great deal with free shipping and you got a free second seat or infant car seat with the purchase of the stroller. Making my total cost way lower! The day it came in was like Christmas morning.  It was so awesome and the red was so pretty!
I was very happy with it. It was a little heavy and that was my only complaint. But it was a double stroller and doubles are heavy. Soon enough though, Emma stopped wanting to ride in it. I was using it with just the one seat and started thinking "maybe I should get a little lighter stroller not that I've only got one rider." It wasn't long after that the addiction got the better of me (one last time) and I started looking into Maclarens and lightweight strollers.
I almost just went right for the Maclaren that I know and love but decided to look around. I came across the City Mini and the Britax B Agile. They both weighed in at 17lbs but their basket and one handed fold immediately eliminated the Maclaren.

I went to my favorite baby gear reviews at babygizmo.com and watched the video review on both. I was a little torn and they were within a dollar on the prices so that wasn't a factor either. In the end brand loyalty pushed me toward the Britax.

Now that I have it hear I am confident in my decision. It took a whopping 4 min to put together. It was only a matter of snapping on the wheels and the canopy. The basket is just as easily accessible as the B-Ready's. Which makes it easy for me. The rear axle is curved so you can kick it. I can spin it a complete 360 degrees with one hand, loaded with a kid. The fold is truly one handed. It folds almost flat and you can make it even flatter by just popping off the rear wheels, which is easily done with the push of one button. It reclines and has a great shade canopy. Its perfect! Now this, I wish they had when my first was born because whats more, it comes with the clips so you can attach a car seat. Imagine that, I could have just had one stroller all along.
I hope this helps if you are trying to purchase or decide on a stroller. Consider Britax, single or double they have something that works!  Its worth the money, you may even be able to find it used. If you are waiting for a great deal, albeebaby.com usually has them! Email or comment if you any questions or suggestions.
Thanks for indulging me in a "stroll" down memory lane. Ok ok, the last part was a too much!