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Why You Don't Need That $800 Stroller

Perspective on the parenting biz

by Heather Cabot | 919 views | 6 comments | Rate this now!

About the Author

Heather Cabot, Founder & Publisher, The Well Mom www.thewellmom.com

6 comments so far...

I completely agree. I run a home daycare and I don't have as many toys in my home (including in basement storage) as some of my client's only children do in their bedrooms!

Though I agree that quality matters in items that are going to last (like strollers), I disagree that there is a dollar-for-dollar connection between price and quality.

In other words, is that $800 stroller four times as durable and comfortable as the $200 one? Short answer: No. It's almost certainly better quality than the $200 stroller, sure, but will it make a qualitative difference to your child's comfort, will it provide enough bang for all those very many bucks to make it worth spending FOUR TIMES the amount? Again, no.

Let's not be deceived. It is not sufficient rationale to spend huge amounts of money for "quality" for incremental gains.

I use three strollers with the daycare:

A single umbrella stroller (four years old), purchase price $23. It will be replaced this summer -- with another of the same price.

A double stroller (10 years old), purchase price: $180

A quad stroller (8 years old), purchase price: $1200.

An $800 stroller for one child? Total overkill.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by MaryP on 24th April 2008
I just spent yesterday convincing my expectant friend that she would not get her money's worth out of an $800 European-style pram!! She wants the best for her baby, of course, but doesn't plan on having any other kids and doesn't realize how quickly they grow!! You can definitely get a lot of stuff used (or borrow it!) because they'll grow out of it so fast!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by biomom on 21st April 2008
Totally agree with everyone. Spend the money where it counts. For all the toys my boys have, they've been more interested in the pots and pans and books and all the things we don't want them to play with!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Amanda on 18th April 2008
We had very little money when my babies were born. I was lucky enough to find good quality items second hand -- and that's another point for buying quality in the first place.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Daisy on 14th April 2008
Hi agree with your point, Dana. There is a ton of absolute junk on the market when it comes to baby and kid gear. (Hence all the safety recalls!) For something you want to use for a long time - like a stroller or car seat - it's good to go for quality. On the other hand, I think Heather is right that new parents feel they should have all this stuff that they really don't need. The $200 diaper bags for example. I say: if you're into fashion and bags and must have a cool diaper bag, go for it! Enjoy! But new moms should realize they don't need an expensive diaper bag and maybe they can manage with their existing shoulder bag and not spend a dime. It's an interesting issue!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Diane on 7th April 2008
Okay, I understand that an $800. stroller may seem excessive, but it's not always the money that dictates but quality. Depends on where you live.
I bought an $800. Emmaljunga stroller back in 1993 and it's still going strong. I call it my 4 Wheel Drive stoller and soooooo worth the money. I had my first living in Boston. It's lasted through 3 kids, it has travelled around the world, made it onto beaches when those plastic $200.00 ones wouldn't and trekked up hiking trails. So my $800. stoller was the best buy for my kids.
There are only 3 purchases for having a baby where money should not dictate and that's a quality crib, a quality carseat and a quality stroller. The rest is junk and will end up in the trash within a year.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Dana Hostage on 6th April 2008