An earth-friendly stroller

We have been in the market for a stroller. The one that I picked out and received at our shower (Kolcraft Contours Lite) just isn't working out for us. We also have an older model Kelty Convertible Backpack Carrier and Stroller, which we LOVE, but we got it mainly for trips. So I set out to find a new lightweight stroller.

It was difficult to come up with our list of requirements. Things I like about our current stroller: weighs only 15 pounds, has a super large storage basket, looks great, has a child tray. Things I don't like about our current stroller: does not fold up compactly, is difficult to maneuver, child is too reclined, child tray is a little high, tippy when bags are hanging on back. What we will use the stroller for: walks around the neighborhood, shopping trips, trips to parks.

We visited BRU to test some strollers, and I decided I liked the Combi Cosmo. But we purchased the Baby Trend Trendsport because it was on a sale that was ending that day and I wanted to get it in case I couldn't find anything I liked better. After hearing some advice from other moms, doing a little research, and going back to BRU to test the Combi a second time, I decided against it. The Combi seems very rickety. The Baby Trend, though it is light, has a large storage basket, and has great parent and child trays, seems to get run down very quickly. Even though it is easy on the pocket book, it sounded like it wouldn't last past one child, if even that!

Through research and advice (I looked at and tested Zooper, Joovy, Quinny, Mia Moda, and Uppababy strollers), I narrowed down my choices to the Maclaren Quest Sport and the Baby Planet Solo Sport. I was able to test the Mac Quest at BRU. I really like the weight and the maneuverability, but a common complaint is that it it tippy, something that I hate about umbrella strollers. It also has a small basket and sun shade. I was not able to personally test the Baby Planet, but I read countless reviews and watched a demo video.

I had a hard time deciding between the high-praised Maclaren and the Baby Planet. But the deciding factor was ultimately that Baby Planet is a green company, which fits into my desire to go as green as possible. I love that! And at 17 pounds, it's only about 5 pounds heavier than the Mac Quest, and only 2 pounds heavier than our current stroller. It has a large storage basket and a substantial sun shade. Many reviews said that it is not tippy like the Mac Quest. AND several online sites currently have it at a closeout price between $90 to $100 (regularly $149 - $189)!! So we ordered it in the Charcoal color last night from mystrollers.com for $99 with no tax and free shipping. If we find it cheaper in the next 14 days, they will match the price!

We are tight with our money, but we don't mind spending a little extra money to get a much better quality stroller that will last. I am also happy that our investment is going to a company that cares about the environment.