Strollers for New First Time Moms

OMG. After 4 kids, they FINALLY developed THE PERFECT STROLLER. I love everything about it. (I hate travel systems, as they are huge and heavy - not a good use in an NYC apartment setting.) I have had more stroller than you can imagine and I did like the Snap N Go, but not for a walk up apartment setting. Great for a car....not so much stairs.

http://www.chiccousa.com/gear/strollers/liteway/liteway-o... -even watch the video.

Not a thing I don't like about this stroller....especially love that it lies totally flat for a good nap...and folds up effortlessly and latches by itself, WITH a handle on the side to carry it.

If you are going to use an infant carrier car seat, I suggest a snap n go type stroller base for baby's first months. It's much easier to transport than a large "SUV" type stroller. Since you also say you live in NY and have a walk-up, look at a good umbrella stroller for when baby is bigger. Many friends like the MacLaren. I just used the inexpensive one from Babies R Us, but I'm short. My sister didn't like it. If I changed something about our umbrella stroller, it would be a basket underneath. The 5 pt harness is nice but not really mandatory, IMO. I would also try on a few baby carriers and find what you like. I had a Bjorn I liked, and friends had an Ergo and Peg Perigo? I always forget the right name.

I second what AV said, a infant seat and a snap and go, then a good umbrella stroller. We live in queens. We were given a graco travel system, a Uppa Baby vista stroller, and a citymini three wheel jogger. All were really clunky and cumbersome.

Good luck and congrats.

Baby wearing is the way to go! I like the Moby Wrap b/c its versatile. I've gone thought MANY strollers with my 3 kids, and my by-far favorite is the BOB. Its lightweight, so easy to maneuver, and it goes anywhere and everywhere. We use it in the city and in the woods. I love it! The only down side for you would be its not appropriate for infants.
With our next baby, we'll use the sling until they can sit up, and then put them in the BOB.

Chicco makes a very good-quality umbrella stroller which we started using when Kiddo was about 11 months or so. When you are done with the car seat combo, the good umbrella stroller is very easy. Or, if you want an infant stroller, check your resale shops for a Peg Perego or other reversible-handle stroller-- I like these because baby can lie down all the way and you can switch the direction, so you can be in view OR baby can have the sun out of their eyes.

I personally found it easiest often to just wear my son, by the way. Beco and Ergo make some very nice pretty packs for baby wearing.

City mini stroller.... and if you plan on using the car seat get the car seat attachment. It folds easily with one hand. I used to live in NYC I know the last thing one wants in a NYC apartment is multiple strollers! I have the city mini and LOVE it. I think you can use it from birth without the car seat since it will lay flat (but you better check that).

I prefer to wear my baby, especially when they're little. I really like the Moby Wrap for the early weeks. I wear baby on my front and a diaper bag on my back and we're good for the day.