When I first became a mom, the most important thing to me was the "stuff." OK, that's not EXACTLY true. In fact, I was thrilled to be a mom and have a baby and love her to pieces, but I was also just enamored with fancy strollers and cute baby clothing that was brand new and sparkling. I couldn't wait to be a mom in THAT way. Now, six years later, I know how silly I was.
That $600 stroller my parents bought for me was awesome. I loved it. But it's beaten down now and sits in our car, waiting to either be thrown away or sold. Was it worth it? Meh. Kind of. But I could have spent $300 less and had the same results. So when I hear about a Viktor & Rolf for Bugaboo stroller for $1,775, it gives me pause.
Why does anyone -- even rich people -- need a stroller that high end?
Look, I am on the materialistic side. I have the designer hand bags and the Frye boots. I love shopping and being spendy on the right things. But a stroller? Is not the right thing.
Expensive strollers aren't a new concept and posh moms have been pushing them for years. But they're pointless. They're also a status symbol that can make poorer moms feel like they're depriving their babies.
More from The Stir: Popular Strollers Recalled After Several Kids Lose Fingertips
A woman I know who is definitely not wealthy dug for hours through Craigslist ads because she NEEDED to have a Bugaboo for her kid. Why? Because it was the one all the rich people had. Her baby had to have "the best."
If you can afford a $1,700 stroller, great. More power to you. But if you can't, then let it go. Buy the stroller you can afford. Sure, the fancier one may have more bells and whistles. It may handle better or have better storage, and if you can find it used, awesome. But if you can't, there is no shame in a lower priced stroller. It's more practical.
In the end, five years later, all of the strollers end up in the same place -- gathering dust in one's garage. Save the money!
Do you think this is outrageous?
Image via Bugaboo
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Kanye West is Gay?! 
Comments 14
For the record, I have a Bugaboo stroller and think it's horrible. It's a colossal pain in the butt to fold and get in and out of the car with it. Seriously...not worth the money in my opinion.
I work at a baby retailer & we sell many high end strollers, including the Bugaboo. I've sold pehaps 5 in the 2 years I've been working here. Most people go with Graco or Chicco travel systems. And I have a City Mini...$250 (well, I paid $145 for mine b/c of my discount) and it's absolutely amazing! My son is 4 and we still use it. The Bugaboo does a lot of stuff & it can be customized in many way, but I still do not see the value in it. And b/c I live in a suburban area, it makes no sense for most people who live here to own a Bugaboo...it's kind of absurd. If you can aford it, more power to ya...but a lot of my guests put things into perspective, "That's a month's rent/mortgage!" And when it's put into those terms...it seems just frivolous to purchase such a stroller. I would put that money towards more important things.
@Seniahmom, I'm with you. Over a grand for a stroller? Seriously? It's just a "hey look at me" thing, in my opinion. I guess to each his own, but to me it's all about appearances.
Do you think that there aren't people out there combing through Craigslist looking for a used designer purse because it is what the rich use?
FYI, I have used cheap strollers and high end strollers. The high end ones tend to hold up better and can be used for multiple children and still look good. Can't afford an expensive stroller? That's fine, buy what you can, but it doesn't negate the fact that some people can afford the expensive models and shouldn't be made to feel ashamed about it.