Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Britax B-Ready stroller Review

 B-Ready for Fireworks!!!!!!!

This is how it feels when you find the double you've been searching for, for your whole life, it seems. Pure fireworks. That's the Britax B-Ready. 
It's probably a good thing that it just came out now. Because if I had discovered it years ago, I may never have become Strollerqueen. It was, after all, my quest for the perfect double that led to the path of the Kingdom of Strollerland.

As a single, it's wonderful. Had a nice one-handed bouncy push all over the Strollerqueen Obstacle Course.
But as a double, it's better. (Cue explosions, sound up.)

 There are so many features, this may take a while.  So relax, get comfy, enjoy the show...
 Let's start with the legrest. I just love how high up it sits, to eliminate little legs from the endless dangle.

 There is a napper bar, wheel covers 4-point suspension, and canopies for both seats.
Details are everywhere. Like this soft sueded head pad for each seat.



The harness and crotch strap also has the covers.

The second seat is pretty roomy, for an add-on seat. The seat back is 19", and the headroom to canopy is 23". It holds up to 35 pounds. I have more measurements and weights below.
The snack tray, btw, is an add-on to hold SP 2.0's little cars. It was a long evening! 
 
 But, the B-Ready does come with this awesome console. I could have used that...
 Now, you are not supposed to put it on the handlebar. You are supposed to attach it with velcro, on the rim of the basket, like this.
 BUT, the reason I had it up on the handlebar, and this is way more important than you would think..is that you should NOT attach the second seat with the console on the basket. Don't do it. Trust me, I tried. The second seat will be very unstable, and may slide right off. Something you certainly don't want to happen.
 It is explained in the manual. But, judging on the number of people I see jogging with newborns in car seats, (Totally OT, I know!) many people aren't reading manuals. Uh oh.
You may not need the console anyway, since the basket is huge. So huge, that it has a zipper on the side (oh, that is the official cupholder in the basket).
AND a zipper in front. With the footrest up, it is quite easy to access.

BOTH seats have very deep reclines. Look at the second seat:
And here are both seats straight up.
The second attaches really easily. You just slide these legs into brackets:
 
The legs have a little button you push in, and the seat will collapse all the way down. That is how you can fold it with both seats on. Then you just pull up on the triggers by then handles, and down she goes.
 The side lock is a really nice feature, to help keep the frame together.
 
 There are loads of configurations you can do with the Britax B-Ready, that include the use of bassinettes and car seats. (These are purchased separately, as is the second seat. The main stroller does come with a adapters, cupholder, raincover, and parent console. You can also buy a boot, child snack cup, travel bag, and mosquito net..) But the main configuration is with both seats facing out.
 Now, when you have a little baby, you can have the main seat facing you. There can be plenty of room. But it needs to be fully reclined, with the leg rest up.
Or this is what will result:


The handle is height adjustable. There is a whopping 11" height difference between the lowest and highest position. I felt perfectly comfortable  pushing it at just the "regular" level.
 So as we celebrate the birth of our nation, let's celebrate the ingenuity of companies who bring us not only car seats that save our children's lives (as it did with my daughter in a head-on collision, which is a story for another day), but with strollers that can go from single to double and fold in one piece, easy as apple pie. And it's clever inventions like this that may just have our economy seeing fireworks again for 2011. I'm sure it will mean "explosive" growth for Britax, anyway ;) Happy 4th of July!



Britax B-Ready  

 Weight:  28 pounds                
 Seat Back:      21.5"
Seat to canopy:   26"
Seat Width:   12"
Seat Depth:   10-17"
Drop to footrest:   8"
Seat to ground:  27"
Length:  36"
Width:   25"
Height:   33"-45"
Folded:   34"L x 26"W x 13"H


Britax 2nd seat for B-Ready

Weight:  7 lbs.
Seat height:  19"
Seat width:  13"
Seat to canopy:  23"
Seat depth:  10" 
Seat to ground: 12"
I can help you find the perfect stroller for YOUR needs. Don't let a salesperson sell you a stroller that won't work for you! For more info on consultations, visit strollerqueen.com There are lots more reviews here, and info on how to get the 2010 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, an online video magazine of all the new stroller models. strollerqueen.com

64 comments:

  1. WOW!

    How would you compare the Britax B-Ready to the Baby Jogger City Select and Phil & Teds Sport/Dash/Vibe?

    Thanks!

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  2. hi can u tell me where you got yours b ready most retailers say mid august or september when they have it but i dont want to wait that long .. thanks

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  3. Do you think this is worth trading in my Phil & Teds for? I will have a newborn and an 18 month old in a couple months.

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  4. The red color is coming out everywhere now. The other colors will be in later. But I did see this one today.

    http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/bab/1840808996.html

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  5. That's a toughie. They are all great for different purposes. You can email me and we can discuss it more. strollerqueen@hotmail.com Thanks!

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  6. what is better for a 27 monthd old and newbron? the britax or uppa baby vista?

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  7. I have to admit... I look at a lot of baby stroller reviews, and nobody has done a better review on a stroller than you have. I love the pictures... P.S. You're kid is very cute.

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  8. So where can I purchase this stroller now (and the accessories)?

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  9. If you go to the Britax website, they have a list of all the dealers that carry them.

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  10. Just bought this!!! Can't wait for it to be delivered

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  11. What are the maximum weight capacities for the seats? Do they have accessories to accommodate sit and stand options for older toddlers?

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  12. Awesome stroller review! And I thought that the Phil & Teds was my only double tandem option! Thank you, thank you!

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  13. Hi, can you tell me where the stroller is made? I know the car seats are made in the USA. Thanks!

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  14. Great review, however, I live in Canada, and it has just arrived in stores here. We are very interested in it but are concerned with the durability of the tires on gravel (nature paths) and in snow. I am concerned that the mudflaps would fill up with snow and cause stroller to stop moving smoothly. How bumpy would the ride be on gravel pathways? If this stroller had inflatable tires, we would have bought it already!

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  15. Do you like the Britax B-Ready or the Uppababy Vista? Both are very similiar. I have one problem with the Britax is that the main seat is not 0 degrees like the Uppababy BUT second seat on Britax can recline all the way back. If only one stroller had 0 degree and a second seat that fully reclines!

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  16. Some differences with Uppababy Vs. Britax B-Ready:

    WHEELS - Vista wins. Vista had better wheels. Vista had tread and were more grippery tire like feel. B-Ready had smooth plastic feel to them. I can see that they would get all scratched up easily. B-Ready also had fenders on them which seem to add to bulk. Comparing closely it almost appear one could put Vista's wheels to B-Ready. It's that similar!

    HANDLE - B-Ready wins. Handle on B-Ready was nicer than Vista. It pivoted instead of telescoping (which was what the Vista does). The center was had a grip that was molded for one-handed steering. The arms and wrist seem more comfortable (rested more parallel like on a keyboard). My wife at 5'2 found the Vista handle too high and wished it could adjust lower.

    FOLDING - Vista wins (barely). Comparing the two, the wife like the Vista (it did take several attempts for wife to get the feel for it, as did I ! Once figured out it was ok).B-Ready required two hands as well but you sort of have to use your stomach so that you could pull the levers toward you and have it collapse. We also found that you had to straighten out the B-Ready's handle so that when you fold it, it would stand properly stand up and you could lock the folding clasp. DEFINITELY TRY FOLDING IT YOURSELF IN THE STORE! (just to add an another stroller, the Baby Jogger City Select has really easy folding capability!). Both stands up when folded although you have to consciously stand it up. The sales person always seems to fold it and let it flop to the ground. I doubt one would do that outside.

    Note on second seat folding - The folding of the B-Ready allows the second seat to be on but it was very bulky (and heavy at a total of 35 lbs) and the canopy of the second seat would get dirty. It's better to just remove the seat.

    MAIN SEAT - Vista wins. Vista has 0 degree seat position and B-Ready did not. Vista 2010 added this to address a common complaint. B-Ready is slightly on the decline. So while the B-Ready has a handle that is more ergonomically correct for mom's wrist, it seems the seat upright capability is better for the kid. (previous Vista 2009 owners found the kid pulling themselves forward to get upright).

    SECOND SEAT (REAR) - B-Ready wins . Recline of 2nd child add on - B ready was clearly better since it can recline to horizontal sleeping position. Vista had one position. It was not upright but slightly tilted back. More for a child chilling out and may nit be the best if kid is sleeping. The Vista seat was also closer to the front seat and B- Ready has more room for child in rear. A taller person may hit the B-Ready seat with their stride but I'm 5'10 and its not a problem.

    STORAGE - B-Ready wins (barely). B-Ready is accessible on all sides. Vista's is on the rear only. With the rear seat, this is important. However, the Vista has a bar running across where the kid can sort of step their feet on. The B-Ready has their feet in the entire basket and the kids would probably kick at your diaper bag.

    CONFIGURATIONS - B-Ready wins. B-Ready has 14 configurations vs. Vista's 3 configurations. Most notably are: B-Ready has ability to use two infant carriers at the same time. You can also place infant carrier in the rear (Vista you cannot. You can only put it in the front). B-Ready can use the bassinet with the second seat. Vista cannot use bassinet with rear seat.

    After all this, I am still having problems deciding. For me, it comes down to Vista's 0 degree position but no full recline in rear seat Vs. B-Ready's full recline rear seat but lack of 0 degree position.

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  17. Thank you so much for such a thorough break down. I have been trying to find something like this to compare to the Phil n Ted Explorer. Can't wait to go check this out in person!

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  18. Which stroller would you recommend: Britax B Ready or Baby Jogger City Select? I need a real break down!

    City Select has better tires but B-ready seems to be more maneuverable. City Select has stadium seating but B-ready has padding included in their chairs. I'm confused! Help!!!

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  19. I can't believe I found you! I've been looking for something like this since I got my positive test on my second child! Thanks

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  20. I too would like to get an opinion on the differences pros/cons between the B-ready and the Baby Jogger City Select. I know the tires are different, but not sure which ones comes more recommended.

    GREAT BLOG!!!! especially for new moms ;) and because many of these strollers you can only order online, and can't test out in the store.

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  21. Looks like a number of people are looking for a similar comparison...B-Ready vs. the City Select. I too am looking for some comments as we have our second child due in the spring and our first child will be 22 months.

    Specifically I'm wondering about the following:
    *My husband is 6'1" - will the B-Ready handle be tall enought for him?
    *Some ppl have mentioned that the City Select seats are not tall enough - did you find much difference between the City Select and the B-Ready seats?
    *How does (or do you think) the B-Ready handle on gravel, crushed stone, snow?
    *Did you find any issues with the front seat of the City Select in terms of the child's feet hanging off in front of the stoller?

    We currently have a Maxi Cosi Foray that we are happy with and meets our needs except it can't accomodate 2 children. Any comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance

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  22. I saw this stroller for the first time yesterday and am intrigued! Our baby number 2 is due in the spring so I am in the market for a 2nd stroller. Thank you for posting this review. The two questions I have:

    1. When you have the 2nd seat on did it ever get in the way and hit your shins or legs as you walk with this stroller? Or does the handle project that far out?

    2. The storage basket: When you have the 2nd child in there... do their legs sit inside the storage basket? I am glad you put pics of how accessible the storage compartment is from the front and the sides... just not sure I want my items stepped on by little baby toes :)

    Thanks!

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  23. I was able to use my 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupon on their website to purchase the Britax B-Ready for $399 plus tax and free shipping instead of $499 plus tax. Whoo-hoo!

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  24. You can also use the coupon code "30PERCENT" to get 15% off this stroller at diapers.com. We have this stroller for our twins and love it. It is easy to handle and it looks great too. We get many compliments from the masses, especially the old generation that didn't have anything like this for their kids.

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  25. Does anyone know if you Can you use a peg perego infant car seat with the britax b ready with the car seat converter? I have a peg car seat and am trying to decide if I want to get the Britax stroller vs the peg GT3 for two...and whether or not the infant seat fits in the Britax is one of the main considerations.
    Thanks

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  26. Yes you can use peg perego car seat as long as you purchase the universal adaptor for it. I have a Chicco car seat and it does work on the top of the stroller with the a universal adaptor(it's about $49) What I would like to know is if I purchase the adaptor can I place my Chicco car seat at the bottom of the stroller instead of the top? I know you can do it with a Britax can seat but just want to confirm that other car seats would work as well.

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  27. What color would you recommend for the britax b ready stroller?

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  28. The City Select is sooo heavy comp. to Vista and B-ready. The Vista and City Select have the second seat out in front of the parent where the center of gravity doesn't support the weight of the seat as well. This is quite evident when taking the strollers up the curb. The B-Ready wins hands down! The space between the main and second seat of the B-Ready is better than with the Vista. The green is a deep Kelly green. I wish the main seat were taller and 0 deg like the Vista 2010, but the lack of recline made my son's head bob each time he napped in the seat. Being able to use the second seat for either a young baby or a toddler is a big plus with the B-Ready! I hope this helps!

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  29. One more thing! The break on the B-Ready is so easy and smooth to use. It really beats the Vista. I was told that the Chicco 30 (or any car seat other than the Britax would have to go in the second seat position because the universal adaptor would not work in the 1st seat position. But a couple of comments ago someone posted differently. Will the Stroller Queen please clear this up? Thanks!

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  30. Does anyone know if you Can you use a maxi cosi infant car seat with the britax b ready with the universal car seat converter? and what is the difference between the 2010 britax b ready and the 2011 one?

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  31. It just came out so the 2010 IS the 2011. Until the end of 2011, that is.

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  32. Can you attach a ride board to this without the second seat?

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  33. I got the perego GT3 for my son....it is awful..heavy, rickety, hard to push and steer, always pumping the tires, cumbersome to fold...and on and on....am now looking at the Britax B...it is a night and day difference...I am planning to purchase one shortly.

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  34. I wondered how this would compare with the Bugaboo chameleon (which we currently have) for sturdiness and shock resistance when it's moving? Also, do the seats rotate to recline fully and be upright, like the Bugaboo does? How would it work for super tall men pushing it - my husband is a little afraid that his feet may constantly kick the wheels and his calves/knees always hit the lower seat (he's 6'7").

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  35. Does anyone know how the b ready handles in the snow/other rough terrain? Thanks!

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  36. The uiversal car seat adaptor (the one for the top seat) works on the bottom only if you buy both adapators (the bottom adaptor as well as the universal for the top). Not ideal but better than buying a new car seat.

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  37. Hi
    I went to see the britax b ready and i was 100% certain that it is the dream pram for us. we have a 2yr old and another baby on the way in few weeks time. i felt the fireworks that you described! why has this pram not been around earlier??
    HOWEVER even though my 2 yr old is very very slim, i couldnät actually put the harness around her! why did they make the straps so small that only fits an infant!? that is just crazy.I just looked at your pictures of your gorgeous children - however i also noticed that they are not strapped in! can you strap them around the waste???

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    Replies
    1. To obtain a longer harness length, contact BRITAX customer service at 1-888-427-4829 and they will send you one at no charge.

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  38. We have been struggling with deciding between the 2011 City Select and Britax B-Ready, but have finally been able to make a decision today. We chose the Britax B-Ready for one major reason and a couple of minute details:

    Free Ride Event - With the purchase of a B-Ready stroller you can now receive a free chaperone infant carseat, second seat or bassinet.

    Folding stand - Once folded, the B-Ready will stand on its own. For some that may not make a difference, but for us, it does.

    Fold with second seat - yay!

    Total Cost - Amazon has the B-Ready for $399 (no tax, free shipping) and then we are able to get the free Chaperone Carseat. Accessories included with the B-Ready are the car seat adaptors for the Chaperone, cup holder, bottle/parent console bag, belly bar and rain cover. The same set up for the 2011 City Select had us nearing $800.

    The cost difference really swayed us.

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  39. What color do most choose??

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  40. I just ordered this stroller but I really wanted a snack tray and am not convinced the two cup holders will do the job for a small child. I really liked the UppaBaby Vista but don't need a bassinet. HOWEVER, the UppaBaby snack tray snaps right in to the Britax, FYI.

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  41. >Amazon has the B-Ready for $399 (no tax, free shipping).........

    I just check out Amazon.com and couldn't find anyone selling the B-Ready with either one of the adds-on (infant car seat, 2nd seat or bassinet) for $399!! I would greatly appreciate if you either give me the link or the exact web address for your purchase.

    Thanks.

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  42. I got my b ready on albeebaby.com for $403 and some change with the second seat no tax and free shipping.

    I dont like the console that came with it though and like the one on these pictures. Can you tell me what brand it is and where you got it please? Thanks in advance!

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  43. how did you purchase it off of albee with out having to pay for tax?

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  44. what do you think if i get the blue color b ready stroller? i have one girl now and one on the way...?

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  45. Do the Vista wheels fit on the B-Ready? I just sold my Vista and bought the B-Ready and have no regrets, but would like my old wheels back...

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  46. This stroller is so NICE!! The seats are heavily padded to provide comfort to the little ones, smooth gliding on mutliple surfaces, get handle height for me (5'4") & my husbnd (5'10") nd aa simple fold! The storage basket is nice and large and I love that you can get to it from every side! My 2 year old loves sitting in both seats so that's great for when our new baby makes his arrival.... no fighting over seats! We love this stroller!! Go on, buy yourself one!!!

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  47. Does Peg Perego 2012 Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 Infant Car Seat fit in the Britax B ready with the additional car seat adaptor?

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  48. Hello everyone!!! We just became a lucky owners of this amazing stroller!!! We've order it from e bay seller thestore4you as we are leaving in UK- absolutely amazing purchase!!! Has everything we need- we could not imagine any better stroller for our two boys and ourselves:) thank You so much!!!

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    Replies
    1. I really need to know from someone who owns this stroller...do your legs ever hit the second seat? More so when reclined? Thanks :)

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  49. What brand of snack tray is shown in the pictures? I've only seen "snack cups" for the B-Ready, and they've gotten terrible reviews....

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    1. I've read that the UPPAbaby Vista Snack tray fits perfectly on the B-Ready. I just bought the b-ready and plan to buy this snack tray for it. I saw someone in the mall the other day with it attached and she told me it was the uppababy one. So I looked it up online and everyone said it fits perfectly where the belly bar usually goes.

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  50. Great review - love all the possible configurations with this stroller.

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  51. The kids seemed very reclined. How did they like that? Can you adjust the recline on both seats? Otherwise, this stroller looks like it would be easy to maneuver. I have a Graco double stoller and it's so big and long I can barely take it out anywhere except for the park or for a walk in the neighborhood because I crash into everything. In search of a more compact stroller.

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  52. I've been eyeing this stroller for a while! I love the way it looks and it seems so nicely finished. Folding with the second seat on is great. Love that you can put baby in the 1st seat facing you when they are little, and the 35 lbs weight limit on seat 2 is great!

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  53. My co worker has the b-ready and she says that she loves it...I am thinking of getting one...they look great! Molly Bussler

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  54. I currently have a BOB, but it takes up my whole trunk so now I'm looking for something a bit smaller and lighter. Your blog is a great resource!
    Mireille

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  55. This stroller looks amazing! I love how compact it is as well as being able to hold two children!

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  56. Can you buy a running baby stroller and just use it for everything? That's what I do and it performs really well. Also, our baby stroller is three rolling and it's transformed me for lifestyle. SO much simpler to get around than a 4 rim baby stroller - I'd never even consider anything but the 3 rim.
    Smooth Strollers online

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  57. I really like this stroller, especially for the double option. Is it hard to get a baby in and out of the bottom seat?

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  58. Don't you love the stroller section at Britax B-Ready stroller? Me and my sister had a blast pushing around strollers. I really loved the stroller.
    Smooth Strollers online

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  59. You blog post is just completely quality and informative. Many new facts and information which I have not heard about before.

    thanks
    monpetitbijou

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