Best Carriage for Snow and Sand

When my daughter was 6 months old we went to Florida and bought a big wheel jogging stroller. We took it on the beach, rock walkways and all over the place with us. (We carted it home as check in luggage!) Anyway since then they have change the models in some way. Ours has a fixed front wheel, removable wheels so it folds compact and is of heavy canvas. We could fit it in a big suitcase and when needed take it and hose it off if salty and sandy or dirty from mud or other stuff. The only thing I often complain about is the fixed front wheel. They are now models with a swivel front wheel that seams better. Can't say for sure. They also tend to be a shorter wheel base so are easier to turn. I would say get one with the big, soft, air filled wheels. A swivel or fixed front wheel is up to you. (I would buy the swivel if I bought a new one)The larger wheel and the air filled ones make it easier to get through the sand , snow or whatever. With the air you can also change the pressure in the tires for a different ride. With a 6 month old we wanted the tires softer for a smoother ride and as she got bigger we needed to add a little air. Price also may be an issue. The more "deluxe" the more $$$$. For about $100 you can get a nice, usable one that may not have all the bells and whistles but will be just as useful and good. A.

If you must bring the stroller onto the beach (as another mama said, it will def be trashed with regular use), it has to be one with the big tires. Joggers are best. Most importantly, tip it onto the back wheels, backwards, and pull it behind you. We just moved back to nyc from living for two years at the beach. Don't have any snow recs. I think I just wore him all the time since he was smaller then.

I had the mountain buggy company (urban style) for my triplets. We used it at the beach & snow with no problems. It goes over rocks easily, I always joked that I could go up a mountain with it. It might be pricier that other strollers. I think a single could go up to $300, but definitely worth it.

Check out the Chariot Carriers. They have big wheels that work great on the beach..... I have used it there. And alos they come with a sun visor ..... great for the sun.... a net for when there might be bugs out and then a wind cover for the winter time. I love this stroller and the great part about it is that you can convert it to use with a bike or take the big wheel off in the front and put on stroller wheels to use it in a mall. There are also a ton of other attachments that you can get but these are the 2 big ones. We love it when we go for a bike ride in the summer and the front wheel fits in the back basket so you can take the stroller off the bike, attach the front wheel and you are ready to go....

http://www.chariotcarriers.com/

They are sold mostly at bike shops or on line and you can probably get no shipping and no tax if it is out of state....

when i watched the bugaboo DVD after buying it, it showed a way to convert it for pulling in the sand. supposed to be built for that. never tried it though. in the snow it was so-so, but I was in NYC so it was mostly slush. good luk!

In my experience it is a pain to get a stoller through the sand or snow. I have a bugaboo chameleon which is supposed to be good for everything, but it is still slow in the sand. My best advice is to get a carrier or sling that you are comfortable with and use that to go for walks on the beach or in the snow. I like the Moby Wrap for my 4 month old, and we have a backpack for our 20 month old from EMS. We have used these for apple picking, snow-shoeing, and going to the beach. Then you can just use the stroller you have, and have your husband carry it to your spot on the beach to put the baby in. This will save you a lot of money and you can stay more active with your older children if you are wearing the baby in a carrier that allows you to be hands-free.

What I am planning to do - I just bought one of those cheap umbrella strollers for the beach. They are lightweight and can be clunked around - easily folded to throw in the trunk of the car. For just a few summer weeks, I am hesitatant to spend hundreds of dollars on a stroller that is going to get sand in every little crevice - I seriously may just toss it after our vacation and leave my everyday "good" stroller waiting at home.

The advice about the carrier is obviously good, but may be very hot during those summer days.

My advice if you plan on getting a "good" stroller is to really look at the wheels, practice rolling them up and down steps before you buy them, (imagine those bumpy rocks and plank wood stairs, etc) - I recently bought the Maxi-Cosi Foray and love it. It is simlar to the Bugaboo, but a little less expensive and in my opinion, has a better "shock" system - which I imagine would also be handy to you over those jagged rocks, too.

Have fun - it sounds like your whole family will have a blast this summer!