Good stroller for toddler for HK terrain?

M

m2cw2mhk

Registered User
Hi all,
We are moving to Hong Kong in just a few weeks with a 2 year old. I'm so excited to get there. I'm trying to figure out what baby gear is coming with us. Part of that is strollers. Does anyone have thoughts about what makes a good stroller for a big toddler and Hong Kong terrain? Right now I have a Combi, which it seems like a lot of people like, but we've used it pretty hard and it's getting pretty raggedy, and I have a really hard time adjusting the straps and they just don't seem to fit my very tall 2 year old very well any more. So I was thinking about getting something else, maybe something even more lightweight and portable and something will work well for city streets and hills (we'll be living in the Shouson Hill area.) Do I need bigger cushier wheels, for example?

Any suggestions? I've searched the archives but most of the stroller posts are about new babies.
 
I'd go for a Maclaren. Don't spend a lot; you'll probably find you won't use a stroller too often, especially if you have a car.

Although my daughter is a little younger; at 23lbs, I still find it MUCH easier to use a carrier (Ergo) or a hipseat for short trips.

HTH.
 
Strollers & Carriers

Hi m2cw2mhk,

I concur with Kashismum. I would consider a child carrier an essential item, the Ergo and/or a frame type backpack- whatever is comfortable for you.

For strollers for a two year old, go with the lightest-weight umbrella- style you can find. Maclaren makes good ones, there are also other ultra-lightweight ones from Silver Cross with very good wheels, and I think Graco and Combi. I would go for quality for sure- mine goes up and down steps all the time, over bumpy curbs, and gets folded and unfolded frequently, thrown in and out of taxis, across sand, up and down escalators. It has held up very well. Also consider sun and rain protection options as you need both most of the time.
 
I would definitely go for a Maclaren - we have a Quest and it has been excellent - like others have said, needs to be v hard wearing - mine gets bumped down steps, put up and down all the time. It has survived v well so far...
 
My son is using the Maclaren Quest at 2.5yrs.old and I have found it to be v. sturdy and mre. spacious than most other brands here. If you are planning to go on lots of walks on bumpy streets then you might consider the Maclaren Techno XT which has bigger wheels but is heavier.
 
My vote is for the Maclaren Techno XT, although we do a lot of walking with our dog so require the slightly heavier duty Techno than Quest. Have not met anyone else who can say anything again the Maclarens.

Welcome to HK!
 
I also agree, the Mclaren Techno is very versitle. We use it for both my 2.5yr and 5mth. Handles the bumbs well, and even though it is 2 yrs old now, it's still going strong. Downside is the weight and trying to lift it and the bub, which is why we also have a Graco city sport. It's only 4kg and easy to get on/off buses by myself, but it is on the short side and doesn't come with its own rain cover (a must here).
 
I find it depends also on where you will be living. If you're in mid-levels area where there are a lot of steep hills and will be walking a lot it's much easier to go without a stroller. There are steps everywhere and it's hard to get through doors and shopping asiles with a stroller. If you don't have a car and will be using bus/taxi you will have to take it in and out continualy. I use a carrier though yours sounds a bit big for that.

If you really do need one, I think you might find a better selection here. I'm also from the US and was surprised at how many great European and Australian brands are here. I love ones with inflatable wheels as it makes it easier to push and minimizes the bumps. A hand brake is nice on the hills. The combi is probably not sturdy enough for Hong Kong.
 
Since you are ready to get rid of yours, I would say buy one here after you figure out what type works best for you. Like mommysara said, it is going to depend on where you live and how you get around. Going to be a big switch from VA.
 
We have a Mclaren Triumph, fairly lightweight with small wheels but it does the job and I have been EVERYWHERE with it - all over HK and the NT.

It folds right up and has a shoulder strap. Also it only weighs about 7 KG so if I have no other choice I can hoist my boy onto my arm and pick the stroller up with the other without too much hassle. I rarely have that situation though.
 
Thanks!
We still have the combi and it is holding up okay over our first few days in town. One thing I'm still glad I have is there is a bar that stretches across the front that is very handy for carrying up steps and that sort of thing.
I guess I'll see how it continues to hold up!
 
following up...
one thing I'm struck by is that it is not particularly easy to get around with a stroller - lots of stairs, bumpy roads, steep roads. But my two year old is HUGE - over 30 pounds and 34 inches tall - and not always content to walk. in fact she loves riding in the stroller but it is a real hassle to drag that thing in and out of taxis and on and off buses.

How do you get around town with a toddler? I can't carry her half the time which is what I am sure would happen if we did not have the stroller. We never got fully comfortable with baby carriers, and she is awfully big to be riding on my back.

I guess part of the answer is have more adult only outings but we don't have a helper yet. ah well.
 
m2cw2mhk said:
How do you get around town with a toddler? I can't carry her half the time which is what I am sure would happen if we did not have the stroller. We never got fully comfortable with baby carriers, and she is awfully big to be riding on my back.
Buy a Mayawrap. They are good in that you can carry on your front, hip or back, and they are lightweight. We use that a lot more than the stroller and our 14 mo is 23 pounds and about 33 inches. I think the DVD mentions the wrap is good up to 100 pounds.
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