You can save more than 50 percent by buying a stroller used. Three local stores specialize in the consignment of children’s merchandise: Jane’s Exchange (191 E. 3rd St., nr. Ave. B; 212-677-0380), Flying Squirrel (96 N. 6th St., nr. Wythe Ave., Williamsburg; 718-218-7775), and Still Hip (283 Grand Ave., nr. Clifton Pl., Clinton Hill; 718-398-0008). The shops often have Maclaren, Bugaboos, and other name brands, and if they don’t, the first two will call you when one comes in. Perhaps the best resource is Urbanbaby.com, which has a wealth of used buggies. The site lists its classifieds by city, so all options are local. It’s a good thing because the “kicking the wheel” mentality of used-car buying absolutely applies to secondhand strollers. New York City strollers get abused like no others, and the wheels are often the first casualties. This is especially true for the Maclaren, whose wheels are notoriously fallible. The rule of thumb is wheels and other extremities are cheap to replace, but any damage to the frame is a definite no-go. While most retailers outsource repairs, Albee Baby (715 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 95th St.; 212-662-8902) on the Upper West Side has in-store technicians capable of fixing most problems. For Maclaren fanatics, buyers beware. Roger Hayes, the head technician at the Maclaren store in Soho recommends replacing the eight wheels annually—a tune-up totaling $86.70, nearly a third of the retail price.
SEE ALSO:
• Stroller Test Drives
• Baby Slings Versus Strollers