Lightweight Stroller for NYC Subway

Ah... the joys of strollers in the subways. I ride the subway every day and I see all sorts of huge strollers in the subway cars, so I don't know if it's necessary to actually purchase a new one just to get on the subway. Either way, it's a pain to get down the stairs, but hopefully you're at a stop (like Grand Central) that has an elevator. I find that a lot of people will help you walk the stroller down the stairs if they see you struggling with holding your baby, a diaper bag and standing at the top or bottom of the staircase. Good luck!

I bought the Maclaren Volo for the same reason. I used to live in Astoria. It was great for traveling via subway. Lightweight, easy to fold up and throw over your shoulder. So lightweight, it wasn't a struggle to hold the baby and the stroller at the same time. I still love it even though I don't live in the city anymore.

We have the McClaren Volo and we love it. I've traveled all over the country with it. It folds easily and comes with a comfortable shoulder strap. I can manage my 1-year-old daughter, the diaper bag and the stroller down the stairs to the subway no problem. I just spent the day in NYC yesterday and we took her in the stroller to the Met and on a couple of buses no problem!

Chicco brand makes a nice one. Has room at the bottom for stuff as well.

I've taken my two year old through the NYC subway system several times in our cheap-o Babies r' Us generic umbrella stroller ($19?), and it's worked PERFECTLY. It folds easily, and it's LIGHTWEIGHT, which is a must. (The subway stations we used were all deep underground, with no elevators...which meant carrying the toddler, AND the stroller up the stairs.)

Anyhow - that's my recommendation! Good luck.

I too recommend the toys r us (or Babies r Us) $19.99 umbrella stroller.

No question in my mind - Maclaren!

Evenflo makes a great light weight stroller and it's cheaper than the McClaren.-I love it and still use it to take my 2 year old on the subway.

http://www.evenflo.com/product.aspx?id=10&pfid=197

I found a cute one for $20 at Wal-mart when we went to Texas on a plane. Worked out great.

Nanc

Y., I have a Chicco C6 and I like it. My sosn is quite big for his age (22lbs at 7 months) and this stroller is quite comfy and roomy. You can fold it with one hand and put it in a little shoulder bag that comes with it. I'd try to test all of the strollers Mom's recommended before buying thoug.
Good luck!

The Maclaren is a great one, but also great and much less expensive is a Combi - any of the single strollers. They have shoulder straps to carry when folded and stand on their own, and they're about 10 lbs. Fantastic strollers for city life.

would you consider a backpack carrier? Tough traveler makes very sturdy backpack carriers that can hold more than 28lbs.

It's a little pricey at about $90 but folks recommend the Maclaren Volo W###-###-#### Stroller. It's relatively lightweight at about 9 lbs. and durable as compared to other cheap umbrella strollers that don't cost much but they also don't last very long, do not offer enough support and have limited weight capacity.

For about $45 - $65, you could also opt for the Jeep All Weather Umbrella Stroller. I think this one is available on Amazon.com.

I just recently bought the generic umbrella stroller from Toys R Us to use while traveling by plane across country. It was perfect & super lightweight. My son is 35 lbs & he sat in it with no problem. I highly recommend this stroller.

McClaren has great light weight strollers. They are a little on the pricey side, but are wonderful. I bought one when I took my 4 year old to Europe and it was a life saver. Not only was it light weight, easy to steer, but it also had a strap on it if I needed to carry it. They are very durable and can hold upto at least 45 lbs.

I have a Maclaren Volo which is ideal - I use it on the subway often. It is very lightweight (about 8lb in weight)and easy to fold, very slimline. It clips shut and has a shoulder strap so you can put it over your shoulder and have hands free for carrying/ holding onto your child while on stairs/train etc. It's also very hard wearing - I have had mine 2 or 3 years and it is as good as new. It's online at www.maclarenbaby.com
I have had 2 kids, have tried various strollers and live in a big city, and this is far and away the best I have used.

hi
at that age i used a little carter's umbrella stroller- super small and light. when my son outgrew it (around 2-2 1/2) we got the volo. it was more than i wanted to spend, but def. lightweight, and the strap is great. i would recommend checking out floor models and buy buy baby or wherever: we got ours for $60. happy subway-ing!

I hear ya! I have ridden the subway with my 13 mo old since her birth and have gone through many options. here are my findings:

Cheapy umbrella strollers are good if you want to carry her up all of the stairs while she's still in the stroller. They are light and least bulky. - still takes some acrobatic skill and weightlifting.

Your bugaboo isn't as bad as you think, because it has good sturdy wheels that can roll up and down those stairs like a furniture dolly.

An Ergo carrier is often easiest because you can just strap her on, but then you are also carrying her the whole way on your trip, add some bags and youv'e become a pack mule.

All options will require a work-out, but there is often a kind stranger at the stairs who will help you carry the stroller - usually another city mom who has been there...

You can also plan your trip ahead of time by going to the MTA website and getting a list of wheelchair accessible stations - these have elevators and ramps, so it's easier for strollers, too - I often walk a little further just to use one of these stations - a trade-off that can be worth it!

Also - If you ever have to take a bus, avoid strollers altogether - They do not allow them on - unless folded and carried, so you have to carry child in one hand, stroller in the other, and any bags and purses -- just not enough hands! - Use a carrier like the Ergo or Baby Bjorn instead (Ergo is easiest on my back).

Hope this helps! Happy trails!

I second the Maclaren sroller. Most models recline all the way back so the baby can sleep and it is very lightweight for the stairs. I live in a walk-up and ride the subway and the Maclaren is great. I too own the Bugaboo Frog and on days when I am feeling sassy and strong I bring it onto the subway.
I also like using my Ergo carrier on the subway as well.

I've been on the subway quite a few times with my baby boy.
Most of the responses you've received recommend the Maclaren Volo which is 8.8lbs (not including the hood/basket). To compare, I would suggest taking a look at the Peg Perego Aria OH. Unlike the Mac Volo, it is a full-featured -- multi-position recliner and hood (covers 50% more), has tray, truly a one-hand fold, large basket. All this and is only 10lbs.

Here is the link:
http://www.pegperego.com/page.php?sid=81416608aa400edfe01...

Umbrella strollers are great, too. I have one that includes a hood. Only 7.5lbs, you don't even have to fold it. Just carry it up in one hand with your baby in the other. It's THAT light. Or you can carry your the stroller with your baby in it. Wouldn't recommend for heavier strollers. Only problem is, it doesn't recline so if your baby is sleeping, she'll look uncomfortable to you (head leaning fwd)... Also, I don't think the seats are very comfortable for long strolls.

Hope this helps.

We were given a red Chicco stroller (from toys r us, I think) 4 years ago, and it's held up and is definitely one-hand-able. Lightweight but you can fit a lot in the mesh storage part; and stands up to our 33-lb 4 year old's acrobatics.

Maclaren Volo. Perfect lightweight stroller.

Another vote for Maclaren. I have taken ours across the country and through NYC many, many times. It is super easy to open and close and very lightweight. Good luck!

I actually love the bugaboo on the subway, but only if you are traveling with another person or only going to stations with an elevator.
I love the McClaren Volo as an umbrella stroller. It is lightweight folds easily, good storage. I have had cheaper fold up strollers, and you get wat you pay for.

Hi Y.,
this is a stroller I am going to get. I have the old bulky one and I really need one that folds easily...(with one hand b/c the baby will be in the other)

I posted it as a link, but I am not sure if it will come through as such. If not, check it out at Babies r us yourself. There is a demo for you to view and there are 35 reviews where everyone just raves about it.

Good luck with your choice!

P.
Here is the link:

Baby Jogger City Mini Single Stroller - Orange/Grey - Baby Jogger - Babies "R" Us

McLaren. I had a bulky one but since I have stairs to climb to get into my apartment we decided to research and the McLaren was the best hands down. It even comes with a rain cover. So light weight and easy to fold. The only down size is there is no tray but they sell extra accessory attachments for it that you can attach to the sides to hold snacks.