Grove Stroller

Do you want to use a car seat with your stroller? That could affect your choices. For less expensive FR fee car seats, Chicco is probably your best bet. But, also it’s good to remember that baby shouldn’t be in the car seat for extended periods of time. The first six months pass pretty quickly, but until baby can sit by themselves at around 6 months, you either need to use a car seat with your stroller or have a stroller that’s safe for babies less than 6 months usually a “from birth” stroller. The kava isn’t able to be used from birth unless you use a car seat or their new bassinet. The bassinet is an added expense, but generally pretty worth it imo! Joie strollers only work with Joie car seats, so that limits your decisions. The whole Joie brand also not FR free. Chicco strollers only work with Chicco car seats, which also can be FR free in the clear Tex line. The Chicco bravo can’t be used from birth unless you use the car seat. The Chicco Corso however, comes in clear Tex and has a newborn insert that means you don’t have to use the car seat. The seat also flips which lots of people prefer for little babies. Not to throw in another option, but Britax is added flame retardant free and is a decent price range. The Britax willow grove SC is a great travel system and the stroller seat can be used with a provided insert for babies 10lbs +! They also have a bassinet option too. If you want to go a tiny bit more expensive, mockingbird is added FR free and you can use basically any car seat you’d ever want with it.

i have the britax grove and LOOOOOVE it! bought the bassinet separately but it’s such a lush pram

It's honestly so good- if you aren't looking to spend over $1000 on gear it would be my number one pick. I really like it. It's got such a smooth push and an extra large storage basket which means you can shove so many shopping bags in there with ease lol. Priorities!

We got the Britax willow grove travel system for our daughter who is 19 months now. It’s fine for daily use but definitely not the best. We’ve had issues with the adult cupholders falling off the stroller itself, and it seems a little rickety on bumpy sidewalk areas or anywhere with gravel. I also had an issue with a squeaky wheel in the first 6 months of use and although it’s somehow resolved itself, customer service was of very little help. That all being said, it is a decent stroller system for the price. It’s easier to buckle and unbuckle and lots of nice storage under the stroller. In the future we would love to have a second baby and will likely keep using this stroller, but if I could go back in time I would probably opt for something that would sturdier on lots of outdoor walks. Editing to add that now at 19 months the toddler stroller seat seems a bit too reclined even in its most upright setting for my toddler, she tries to pull herself up on the snack tray to see out more.

I’m not positive what I would have chosen instead. I also considered the mockingbird but honestly was overwhelmed with the options and not really having a place to test them out in person. There are really no baby stores around me. I chose by reading reviews online and by price, but knowing how often I use the stroller and how long my baby will use it would persuade me to spend more on it if I was to go back to decision time! I would look for something with a more substantial set of wheels for sure if I were to choose again.

Pop by Target and try out the evenflo first - we ended up with the Revv because it was hella easier to turn and didn’t start with kiddo on a slant. I loved the Britax for a single stroller, but it was more substantial than I think you’re thinking of - we have a Bugaboo Bee for lightweight travel that is old (got it off FB Marketplace) but does the job for quick travel.