HAUL

1. Stroller

I will start by saying that I think choosing a stroller is a super personal decision and highly depends on your particular needs. I encourage you to go to a store that carries lots of strollers and try a few options out before making your decision.

Since I only review items I tried and use myself, my stroller experience is limited. I will share my thinking process and decision, and suggest more options based on friends and family's experiences.
After tons of research and a major debate between the UPPAbaby Cruz and Bugaboo Chameleon (since then, the Chameleon model was discontinued, and replaced with the Lynx), I ended up going with the Cruz.

I am super happy with my decision. It rides like a dream, and is easy to navigate on the bumpy and narrow streets. The storage basket is HUGE and the wheels are nice and sturdy. I got it in Jordan (Charcoal Melange) and love it!

The main advantages I saw over the Bugaboo were:

• height: the UPPAbaby seat is much higher, making it easier to pick up and put down baby, and also allows baby to sit closer to table level in the stroller when going out.

• size: the UPPAbaby, especially with the newborn bassinet, is more compact than the Bugaboo, making it easier to navigate in tight spaces.

• ease of use: the Bugaboo handle is annoying to adjust.

Another HUGE plus is UPPAbaby's amazing customer service (I don't have experience with Bugaboo's. but UPPAbaby's customer service is absolutely superb). My bassinet was broken during travel, so I contacted them and they sent me a new one within a few days, without charge!

I think they only cover travel damage if you purchase their travel bag, but it's definitely worth it!

As much as I love the Cruz, if you're planning on having two kids relatively close together, I would recommend checking out the UPPAbaby Vista model, which easily converts into a double stroller, and can even carry three children using the PiggyBack attachment. You'll notice a not-so-small price difference between the Cruz and the Vista, but note that the Vista comes with the newborn bassinet, while the Cruz does not (it costs a couple hundred dollars seperately).

Love​: navigation ease, height, storage size, outstanding customer service.

Could be better: bassinet attachment could sit even higher, more customization options (frame, wheel, and fabric colors, like Bugaboo), more accessories (I really want a parasol!), need to remove back wheels to put into travel bag which is a bit of a pain.

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Since I purchased my stroller, a couple of years ago, many new models were released. Here's a complete list of strollers I'd consider:

• UPPAbaby Cruz V2

• UPPAbaby Vista V2

• Bugaboo Lynx

• Bugaboo Fox 2

• Bugaboo Bee 6

• Cybex Mios 2

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Again, I highly recommend visiting a store and trying out several options before deciding which stroller to get. Some considerations may include:

• Do you live in the city or the suburbs? If you will do a lot of walking, you'll probably want a stroller with big, sturdy wheels. If you live in a city with narrow streets, you'll prefer a narrower stroller, that can make sharp turns and as easy to maneuver.

• Will you be running a lot of errands with your stroller? If so, you'll want a stroller with a large storage basket underneath.

• Do you have a car? If so, make sure it's easy to fold and fits in your trunk.

• Do you travel a lot? If so, will you be purchasing a separate travel stroller for travelling? Or do you prefer one stroller that relatively compact?

• Are you or your partner particularly tall or short? If so, pay attention to handle height and adjustability.

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All the strollers discussed above are full-size strollers. My favorite compact/travel stroller is the UPPAbaby Minu. Two other popular options are the Babyzen Yoyo and Bugaboo Ant. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive review in the upcoming TRAVEL section.