I loved the big, comfortable stroller I had when my kids were babies. Larger strollers offer some benefits that smaller, umbrella-type strollers don't:
- Larger strollers fold down "flat" so you can use them with a newborn who can't yet sit up ... or an older child who wants to nap.
- Larger strollers have "reversable" handles, so when you're using them with a newborn, you can turn the handle around and keep an eye on the baby ... and when the child is older, you can allow him to face forward and see where he's going.
- Larger strollers have larger wheels, which roll more smoothly, especially if you're at an outdoor event. Back wheels that can either be locked into a forward position or allowed to spiral 360 degrees are worthwhile, especially when you're talking about heavier toddlers.
- Larger strollers provide a storage basket underneath, which is handy for shopping or carrying extra diapers, etc.
- Larger strollers typically are made well and can be expected to last through multiple children.
- Larger strollers typically have removeable cushions that can be machine-washed, whereas umbrella-type strollers are usually just a piece of material slung into a frame, meaning they can only be spot-cleaned.
Yes, they DO take up lots of space in the trunk, but I had no trouble carrying one in a Nissan Sentra trunk -- I just didn't have much space left over. The best ones are the style that fold in the middle: once you have it out of the trunk, it just requires a "shake", and it is set up with one hand.
I did love carrying my newborn in a sling, but as she grew, I just couldn't do it any more -- and although I'm not quite 5' tall, I'm not a weakling.
I did like having an umbrella stroller for quick in-and-out-trips, and once the babies were sitting up on their own, we probably used them more frequently -- for quick, in-and-out type trips. But we continued to love the big, heavy stroller for longer trips. Between the two kids, we used the big stroller for a good six years.