The Quattro Tour Deluxe stroller is the luxurious version of the Quattro Tour stroller – this stroller offers over-the-top quality from the seat fabric to the canopy and to the heavy-duty frame. The stroller manufacturer, Graco, claims that the Quattro Tour is the SUV of strollers – and I believe them. The Quattro Tour stroller comes chalk-full of features… I’d call it the Swiss Army knife of strollers.

Key Features

With Quattro Tour’s folding system, you can easily collapse the stroller – it locks automatically – it’s ready to carry, store or transport in a matter of seconds. The Quattro Tour stroller’s form factor is pretty compact – it easily fits in your car’s trunk.

The Quattro Tour Stroller is compatible with Graco infant car seats. Infants are protected from the elements with dual canopies that completely cover your infant passenger. The Quattro Tour is compatible with Graco’s SnugRide 32, SnugRide and Infant SafeSeat Car Seats.

The feature list continues – the Quattro Tour offers a swing-away child snack & drink tray. The tray has 3 compartments for snacks, a cup and toys.

The Graco Quattro Tour stroller also has a large under-seat storage basket which provides lots of space from baby gear to groceries. The best part of the storage basket is the drop-down feature that gives you easy access to your gear.

Comfortable Ride for the kids

The padded stroller seat offers head support for infants. The seat has 4 reclining positions that range from fully-reclined to fully upright.

The Quattro Tour stroller has never-flat rubber wheels which, in turn, gives your little one a smooth ride.

Five Point Harness

The Quattro Tour has an adjustable 5-point safety harness that can be changed into a 3-point harness. The 5-point harness set-up is ideal for young children that require extra safety. And the 3-point set-up is for older children who are too big for the 5-point set up.

Easy Steering & Handling

The Quattro Tour has six large rubber wheels – four swivel wheels in the front and two stationary (non-swivel) wheels in the back. The swivel front wheels helps you turn the Quattro Tour stroller on a dime. Parents can opt to lock the front wheels which is a great option to have when you are negotiating uneven terrain.

Protective hoods

The Quattro Tour’s full sized canopy rotates 180 degrees to protect your child from the elements. You can check on your baby without disturbing him or her because the Quattro Tour’s canopy has a tinted plastic window. The window also has a zippered flap which offers maximum protection from the elements.

Wheels

High performance never-flat rubber tires ensure a smooth ride. These tires, which come standard on all Quattro Tour strollers, make a big difference to both the rider and the parent – especially on uneven surfaces.

Additional Features

• Heavy-duty all-aluminum frame
• Accomodates children up to 50 pounds
• 180° Rotating canopy with peek-a-boo window & zippered flap
• Drop-down storage basket
• 4-Position, flat reclining seat with infant retention
• Pivoting child’s tray with cup holder
• Removable padded head support
• Combination 3 or 5 point safety harness
• Front swivel wheels with locks
• One-touch brakes
• Compatible with Graco SnugRide and SafeSeat infant car seats
• Rear wheel brakes
• Suspension system
• Canopy with peek-a-boo window
• One hand fold, lockable swivel wheels
• Drop-down storage basket
• Cup holders and child & parent organizer / trays

Optional Features

• The Graco Quattro Tour stroller is available in numerous material patterns and colors
• The Quattro Tour stroller is available in the luxurious and sporty models – the Quattro Tour Deluxe and the Quattro Tour Sport respectively

Dimensions & Construction

• Weight: 26.1 lbs
• Handle Height: 41″
• Handle Width: 16.9”
• Length (wheels front to back): 30″
• Width (open): 24″
• For infants and children who weigh less than 50 lbs
• Maximum child height – 45 inches
• Safety harness – 3/5 point combination
• Seat – 4 position recline

√ Pros

• Infant seat compatibility
• Easy, one-hand fold
• High-quality materials: seating and canopy fabric and all-aluminum frame

X Cons

• No height adjustable handle bars
• At 26 pounds, weight might be an issue… this is not an umbrella stroller

Recommendation

The Stroller Shop recommends the Quattro Tour stroller for parents who are looking for a full featured, full-sized, stroller. We especially recommend this stroller to parents with infants… what a great value. You’ll use this stroller for years.[ad#ad-1]

I recently reviewed the Quattro Tour stroller, the single stroller from Graco. I found that this stroller is packed with features that parents really like, from the easy-fold, the drop-down storage basket, to the ergonomic handles.

Today I ‘m reviewing the Graco Quattro Tour Duo and I’m finding that, like the Quattro Tour single stroller, parents are gravitating to the Duo model because of the same strong set of features and because of the practical pricing. The Quattro Tour Duo is a great stroller for the money – it has great value.

The Quattro Tour Duo is not a light stroller. In fact it is Graco’s heaviest stroller. Weighing in at 39 pounds, the Quattro Tour Duo isn’t for the faint of heart. Let’s see what you get for these 39 pounds…

Like the single seat model, the Quattro Tour Duo has comfortable, washable, seats – parents have many color / pattern options to choose from.

The key difference between the Quattro Tour and the Quattro Tour Duo is obviously the seats. The duo is a tandem stroller that accommodates 2 children. The rear seat holds children who weigh as much as 40 pounds and the front seat hold children who weigh up to 50 pounds. Both seats can recline and both seats can accommodate the Graco Infant car seats. Let’s take a closer look this capability.

Additional Features

• Easy one hand fold
• Ergonomic handles
• Front wheel suspension
• Large drop-down basket for easy access
• 3- and 5point safety harnesses
• Rear wheel brakes
• 360 degree swivel wheels
• Front locking wheel mechanism
• Washable seat covers
• Cup holders

Optional Features

• Travel Bag
• Stroller seat covers and canopies come in a wide variety of colors and patterns

Dimensions and Construction

• Weight: 39 lbs.
• Height: 44”
• Width of Handles: 15.8”
• Wheelbase (wheels from front to back): 28.9”
• Width (wheels from right to left): 22.3”
• Folded Width: 15”
• Folded Depth: 21”
• Folded Height: 38”
• Rear Seat Features
  • 3-position recline
  • Compatible with Graco SnugRide and Infant SafeSeat infant car seats
  • Accommodates children up to 40 lbs.
  • Removable canopy
• Front Seat Features
  • Includes cup & snack holder
  • Compatible with Graco SnugRide and Infant SafeSeat infant car seats
  • Accommodates children up to 50 lbs.
  • Removable canopy

Pros

• Easy Fold – The Quattro Tour Duo is very easy to fold for transport and / or for storage. Being a large tandem stroller, the Quattro Tour Duo is heavy and bulky – but it folds just like a standard sized stroller. You can easily open and close this stroller with one hand… you’re basically one click away from your stroll.
• The drop-down, easy access, storage basket is HUGE. You can store / retrieve items in / from the sides of the basket you can do the same with rear part of the basket, and you can also use the drop-down feature to lower the rear part of the basket to store / retrieve large larger objects such as diaper bags or groceries. When open, the drop-down basket looks like a feeding whale… this basket is indeed ‘large’.

Cons

• The Quattro Tour Duo only compatible with the Graco infant car seats. This stroller would be more popular if it accommodated a wide variety of infant car seats – seats that come from various manufacturers such as Peg Perego, Britex, etc.
• Maneuverability… Many parents have complained about the weight and the difficulty pushing and steering this stroller. Fully loaded you could be pushing around 150 pounds. Think about this carefully when you’re looking for a full-sized, full-feature, twin stroller… Can you manage the ‘work out’?
• Because of the weight, many parents have reported that it’s difficult to load the stroller into their cars. This is another item to consider when you’re looking for a twin stroller: Features & durability versus weight.

Recommendation

If you are familiar with Graco products, you know that they offer practical, reasonably priced, strollers. The Quattro Tour Duo is a full-feature stroller that is built to last. It comes with lots of features… and given Graco’s prices, if you’re ready to handle the heavy weight, you should seriously consider the Quattro Tour Duo for your twins.

If you’ve read one of my Phil & Ted stroller reviews you’ll know that Phil and Ted have quite an innovative way to upgrade and expand the effectiveness, the utility, if you will, of their strollers. Phil and Ted have developed an impressive line-up of stroller accessories. If you haven’t read, for example, about how you can expand a Phil and Ted stroller into a twin tandem stroller, check out my review of the Dash stroller.  In that article you’ll also read how you can significantly expand Phil & Ted strollers’ storage capacity.

When you take a look at Phil & Teds accessories list you’ll see an impressive list of Infant add-ons, storage, seat liners, stroller covers and travel accessories. To help you navigate all of these options, I’ve created a summary of the stroller accessories:

Especially for Infants

Snuggle & Snooze sleeping bag is made from rip-stop material, it keeps your child warm and cozy in cold weather. When the weather has taken a turn for the worse… your child will be warm and cozy in his or her sleeping bag.

Peanut is a convertible bassinet which can be converted from a at-home bassinet to an integral component for your Sport, Dash or Hammerhead stroller. When your stroller has its seat fully reclined, the Peanut safely snaps into position for a snug ride. The Peanut works with both a custom fit rain cover and a UV mesh sun cover.

The Cocoon is an ultra-light carry cot and stroller bed in one. Place it into a fully reclined seat – it fits into all Phil & Ted inline and twin strollers. It has a pair of carry handles, so leave your stroller outside and carry your sleeping child into a restaurant or shop without waking him or her.

Stroller Storage & Bags

Bac Pac x is a clip on stroller storage bag that can be easily removed and converted into a back pack.

Blazing Saddles is a strap on stroller bag that mounts onto the sides of the strollers. These side bags are just like the saddle bags you see behind a cowboy’s saddle. The Blazing Saddles bags have a large internal pouch, an internal pocket and an outer mesh pocket.

Shop & Drop is parcel tray storage bag for small miscellaneous items, and toys. Clip-on buggy storage & clip off back satchel Attaches to any buggy and can double as an adult/child day back pack. Includes nappy change mat…

Hang Bag & Belt fits onto your Phil & Ted stroller handle or it straps onto your waist…. its a fanny pack.  It holds items like snacks, toys, keys and a couple of bottles.

Base Bag is an axel mounted drop & go storage container for Phil & teds inline strollers.

The Tote is a thermally insulated container that holds up to 4 bottles. It keeps your drinks and / or your food hot or cold. It has 4 zipper pouches and an extendable shoulder strap.

The Mini Diddle is a compact-sized storage bag that doubles as a back pack. It has padded sides which make it ideal for carrying laptop computers. In addition to having the ability to safely your laptop, it can carry a change of clothes, diapers, cell phone, keys, books, etc.

Stroller Add-Ons

The Tandem Stroller Conversion / Double Kit – allow you to attach a second seat behind your front stroller seat. It easily attaches so two children can comfortably stroll.

The Food Tray works with the inline Vibe stroller. The Food Tray zips over the Vibe stroller’s pull bar.

Thirsty Work is Phil & Teds frame-mounted clip-on bottle holder. It slides up and down the stroller frame for you convenience and it holds up to 1.5 L of your favorite beverage.

Seat Covers / Liners

Sponge Ted is a soft & absorbent seat liner for your stroller and car seat.

Wooly & Warm is a luxurious lambskin seat liner. It keeps you child cozy in cool to cold weather.

Buggy Bunny is an all-weather seat liner. It’s reversible – fleece on one side and cotton on the other… Buggy Bunny keeps your child comfortable throughout the year.

Stroller Covers

Stormy Weather is a custom fit all-weather cover that protects your children when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Stormy Weather is both windproof and waterproof.

UV Sunny Days is a custom fit mesh stroller cover that protects your little ones from insects and, because its UV protected, it keeps your children safe from the harmful rays from the sun.

Travel Accessories

Up & Away is Phil & Ted’s stroller travel bag. What makes Up and Away unique is that it works like a wheeled golf travel bag… just grasp the handle and roll it along – the strollers rear wheels double as the travel bag’s wheels. Remove and store the wheels inside the bag when it’s time to check the bag at the airport.

Travel System lets you move your child from to and from your car / stroller without waking your child.

Summary

So to summarize, Phil and Ted have invented some really cool, very innovative strollers… and they didn’t stop to rest on their laurels. They’ve invented / designed very innovative… very clever, actually accessories that will let you customize your stroller to meet your specific needs.

The Phil & Ted Dash stroller sports the same keen functionality as their more ‘entry’ level strollers – the Classic and the Sport… but the things that set this stroller apart from Phil and Teds other strollers are its higher-end features including the addition of a padded covered bumper bar, extra storage and the high-end water resistant rip-stop materials that’s used with the canopy and seat.

Phil and Ted call this stroller the “Active Urban Inline Stroller” because the Dash stroller is really a hybrid between a stroller and a baby jogger and, as the name implies, the dash stroller is built for parents who “dash” about with their children.

Phil & Ted Jogging Stroller

The Dash stroller from Phil and Ted has 3 large wheels, for stability, and it has never-flat airless rubber tires that insure a smooth ride. The Dash stroller also has other great features like a large under-seat storage basket, a behind the seat storage pouch and a sturdy steel frame. When combined, all of these features give you a lightweight stroller that you can use around town, in shops and on crowded sidewalks, and these features also give you a stroller that you can use on your morning runs.

A feature that comes standard with good quality baby joggers is a hand operated brake that, very similar to bicycle brakes, uses a cable system that slows the rotation of the wheels. This feature might not seem like much, but if you’re jogging down a hill and if your baby jogger starts to roll faster than you can run… you’ll thank your lucky stars that you have this ‘simple’ hand brake.

Phil & Ted Double Stroller

And, finally, like most of Phil & Ted’s strollers, the Dash stroller has the single to double stroller upgrade capability. This feature lets you attach a second seat to your single stroller – this is an ideal upgrade for a growing family. The second seat add-on, which is sold separately, comes in a kit with detailed instructions – so it fairly easy to securely attach the second seat to your Dash stroller.

Why is having the upgradable seat option so important? Because, all too often, young families have to replace their original single stroller when their second child arrives. Phil & Ted strollers is the ideal, innovative, alternative for these families, instead of replacing their single stroller… they simply add the second seat – this is, by far, the most economical choice.

About Phil & Teds Strollers

Phil and Ted strollers are located in New Zealand where they build cribs, high chairs, baby carriers and strollers.  Given New Zealand’s diverse terrain and weather, it’s the ideal place to test and refine baby products. Phil and Teds team has a great sense of humor – and a great sense of design. Their accessory list is quite impressive.  And Phil and Ted take their baby product very seriously:  “we’re dead serious about creating the best baby gear for today’s parents and their little hobbits.”

The folks at Phil and Teds believe that children’s products need to meet the needs of modern parents without compromising comfort, safety and style. Phil & Teds modular strollers, for example, look great, they are quite practical and easy to use and they can be easily converted from a single stroller into a double tandem stroller. It’s this type of breakthrough innovation that will distinguish Phil & Ted for years to come.

Key Features

• Height adjustable handles – with two positions
• Reclining seat – with 4 positions including a fully reclined position
• Sturdy steel frame
• Bumper bar for child’s safety
• Bumper bar cover
• Hand operated brake
• Removable canopy with PVC Peek-a-boo flap
• Removable machine washable liner & “cushier cushion”
• Storage on seat back
• Plastic foot well
• Water resistant rip stop Nylon seat and canopy
• Infant car seat compatible
• Second seat kit compatible with Zip layback recline
• Storage basket
• Removable / upgradable seat liner

Stroller Specifications

• Single seat carrying capacity: 55 lbs.
• Double seat carrying capacity:
• Front Seat – 44 lbs.
• Rear Seat – 33 lbs.
• Weight: 23 lbs.
• Folded dimensions: 30” x 20” x 9

The Phil & Ted baby product company, based out of New Zealand, has assembled an impressive line of products that include high chairs, travel cribs, baby carriers, travel systems and baby strollers. Phil & Ted are known for their fun and exciting products that make sense.  “Make sense” what does that mean? Let me explain.

Picture yourself the mother or father of one young child with another child on the way. You already have a single stroller and you’re wondering “what on Earth am I going to do?” “Sell this stroller and buy a double stroller?”, “Keep this stroller and buy a second stroller?” So what makes sense?

Phil and Teds have built a really cool looking strong / durable single stroller that can be easily converted into a double tandem stroller.  Problem solved. Let me elaborate… When you buy a Phil and Ted Stroller, in addition to getting a boat-load of accessory options, you get a second seat kit option. This second seat is easily installed behind the front seat… turning this single stroller into a double tandem. With the Phil & Ted Sport stroller you don’t have to worry about trading in your first stroller and you don’t have to buy a second stroller. Now that makes sense.

Some of the key features you’ll find in the Sport stroller are a fully reclining seat that is compatible with infant car seats, this stroller also has a removable canopy that has a peek-a-boo window and flap so you can keep one eye on the road and one eye on your little one. In addition to these features, the Sport stroller from Phil and Ted has height adjustable handles, a compact fold, dual foot actuated rear brakes and a sturdy steel frame. Lets looks at a couple of these features in more detail…

Reclining Stroller Seat

The Sport Stroller has a seat reclining system that can be adjusted with a strap – it gives you finite control over the angle of recline, from fully upright to completely flat. When fully upright your toddler can take in the view and can enjoy the ride, and when fully reclined, your toddler can snooze his or her little heart out. What’s great about the fully reclined position is the Sport stroller’s ability to accommodate infant car seats that securely snap into position for a safe stroll.

Height Adjustable Stroller Handle

Not all parents are the same height… this is obvious. So why should all strollers be the same height? Well, they shouldn’t and Phil and Ted have thought of this. With the Sport stroller you get a handle that can be configured into eight height positions which makes it ideal for most parents – short or tall.

Phil & Teds Sport Stroller – Key Features

• Double Rear Footbrake
• Height Adjustable Handle
• Infant Car Seat Compatible
• Reclining Seat
• Removable canopy with breathable side mesh and a Peek-a-boo flap
• Add-on Second Seat to Convert Your Single Stroller into a Tandem Double Stroller (sold separately)
• Rubber Airless Tires for a Comfortable Ride
• Bumper Bar for Child Safety
• Add-on Food Tray (sold separately)
• Sturdy Steel Frame
• Fabric foot well
• Second Seat Includes Zip Layback Recline
• Storage Basket

Key Benefits

• Phil and Teds Sport stroller grows with your family – from single infant, toddler, child… and to your second child
• Parents with varying heights can stroll with ease with the Sport stroller’s eight position height adjustable handle
• Get the most value out of your Sport stroller – start using it with your infant car seat carrier and use it for years
• Your child will be very comfortable in the Sport Stroller’s reclining seat
• When you’re not strolling you can easily fold, carry and store your Sport stroller

Specifications

• Single seat carrying capacity: 55 lbs.
• Double seat carrying capacity:
• Front Seat: 44 lbs.
• Rear Seat: 33 lbs.
• Weight: 23 lbs.
• Folded dimensions: 30.9” x 20” x 9

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Joovy and the Caboose stroller… Joovy builds great, high quality, strollers – their innovative Caboose stroller has been making families happy for years. Now Joovy has taken stroller comfort to the next level with the Ergo Caboose.

Like the Caboose stroller, the Ergo Caboose accommodates 2 children.  I call these Caboose strollers ‘a stroller and a half’ because it’s not a big, heavy or as bulky as double strollers. The key feature that sets the Ergo Caboose stroller apart from the rest is the sit and stand capability which is ideal for your older child who’s 1-3 years older than your toddler.  While your toddler rides up front, your older child can either sit or stand in the rear.

The front seat on the Ergo Caboose is ergonomically engineered – it’s built specifically for children who weigh under 45 pounds and who’s height is under 44 inches. This seat, which looks like it belongs in a race car, offers children an extra comfortable ride.

For your newborn infant, Joovy provides and infant car seat carrier adaptor (a standard feature) that accommodates a wide variety of infant car seats. This allows parents to start using the Ergo Caboose stroller from day-1. The positioning of the infant car seat is fantastic, your child is placed in the back of the stroller facing you – you’re right there to attend to your child’s needs – the way it should be. When your child outgrows his or her infant car seat, he or she can move into the extra comfortable Ergo Caboose seat – you can use this stroller for years.

Safety first – In addition to giving you and your children all of the creature comforts, the Joovy Ergo Caboose comes with standard safety features that can’t be overlooked. The front seat has a 5-point safety harness while the rear seat has a 3-point set-up. For the rear standing passenger there are padded handles that are positioned just right so that your child can hold on for their fun ride.

For storage and traveling… you’ll really appreciate the pneumatic wheels. With a push of a button you can pull the wheels off. This is ideal when you are loading the stroller into a crowded trunk and it’s especially convenient when you are traveling. Pop the wheels off and store your stroller, and wheels, into the Ergo Caboose travel bag (sold separately) and off you go.

The Ergo Caboose has all-rubber tires and when combined with the front swivel wheels that have sealed ball bearings, you get a smooth riding stroller that’s easy to maneuver. Even though this is a stroller built for two… it’s actually ideal in crowds and on uneven surfaces.

A canopy system on the Ergo Caboose stroller can’t be beat. Made of rip stop material and reflective stitching, the removable canopy can be placed in a variety of positions to meet your specific needs. The canopy is extra large and has large see through windows that offer your children maximum protection and a great view.

Additional Features

• Patented Stand-On Tandem
• Revolutionary Stroller Design
• Ergonomic Front Seat – for a comfortable ride
• Multi-Function Sun Canopy
• Swing arm Front Tray with two Removable Cup Holders
• Pneumatic Rear Wheels with Tire Pump
• Sealed Ball-Bearing Wheels
• Huge, Easy Access Basket
• Flip Open Rear Seat – gives you easy access to storage basket
• Universal Car Seat Adapter
• Tire Pump
• 3- and 5-point safety harnesses
• Deluxe rip stop material / fabric
• Foam padded handles for both parents and standing child

Infant Car Seat Compatibility

• A universal infant car seat adapter comes standard with the Ergo Caboose. Following is a list of compatible infant car seats:
• Graco® Snug Ride™ Series
• Peg Perego® Primo Viaggio
• Evenflo® Embrace™
• Compass® Light & Portable Infant Car Seat
• Britax® Companion™
• Safety 1st® Designer 22™
• Eddie Bauer® Infant Car Seat  (models 22-625 and 22-626)
• Baby Trend® Latch-Loc & Flex-Loc
• Chicco® Key Fit Car Seat
• Graco® Safe Seat
• Peg Perego® Primo Viaggio SIP
• Combi® Centre Series
• Combi® Connection
• Maxi-Cosi® Mico™

Optional Features

• Sun Filter
• Rain Cover
• Fleece Package
• Deluxe Seat Covers
• Parent tray & organizer
• Travel Bag

Dimensions & Construction

• Weight: 30 lbs
• Height: 42″
• Width: 24”
• Length: 49″
• Height (folded): 15”
• Width (folded): 24″
• Length (folded): 49”
• Maximum child height for front seat: 44”
• Maximum child height for rear seat / platform: 40”
• Maximum child weight for either seat: 45 lbs
• Safety harness for front seat: 5-point
• Safety harness for rear seat: 3-point
• Front Seat – 2 position recline
• Rear Seat – height adjustable

√ Pros

• Extra large storage basket that’s easy to access
• Swing-away cup holders for front passenger
• Maneuverability – with Joovy’s ball bearing wheel system this baby, your baby, can turn on a dime.
• Built to last – Joovy only uses high quality materials
• Ergonomic handles, ideal for parents of carious heights
• Great canopy system

X Cons

• You have to pay extra for the parent organizer / parent cup holders
• There are only 2 sitting positions for the front seat
• It’s difficult for shorter parents to push the Ergo Caboose

Recommendation

Wow, what a great stroller from Joovy, they thought of everything (almost). This is one comfortable ride for your child. Your child will love the front seat. The Stroller Shop highly recommends the Joovy Ergo Caboose stroller – it’s for parents who have two children approximately the same age… it’s for parents who want to go the extra mile to provide an extra-comfortable ride for their little ones.

The Big Caboose from Joovy accommodates three riders. There are 2 forward facing seats that you’d find in a typical tandem stroller and there is a rear facing jump seat that accommodates and older 2½+ year old child.  I call this a jump seat because it can fold up and out of the way so your child can stand on the Big Caboose’s rear platform.

What I find really impressive with the Big Caboose is that it is compatible with a wide variety of infant car seats (see the compatibility list below). Parents with two infants and a child around 3 years old… this is your stroller. Simply snap your infant car seats securely in place, adjust the canopies to protect your little ones from the wind and the sun, secure your older child into the rear seat with the 3-point harness and you’re off and strolling. If your older child gets tired of sitting, he or she can stand.

When your older child stands on the rear platform you can rest assured that he or she is safe. The platform itself is made from non-skid plastic and there are padded handles that your big boy or big girl can hold onto while you stroll.

Once your children outgrow their infant car seats they’ll enjoy the padded seats that recline for a comfortable ride. To keep the peace Joovy has positioned the rear seat higher than the front seat – so all of your children get a great view. And the front facing seats are equipped with removable full-sized child trays

There are a few other points about this stroller that are pretty interesting.  First, the Big Caboose is a BIG stroller, though it folds up quite easily, its folded length is 63” – that’s over 5’ long… measure your car’s trunk or the back of your minivan before you buy this stroller. Second, even though the stroller is really big, it actually maneuvers quite well. And third, the one advantage of having such a big stroller is the storage basket… it’s huge.  You can definitely store all of your baby gear in this basket and what’s more, the sides of the basket have an elastic opening… your stored gear is accessible.

Additional Features

• Two full-sized seats
• Two-position seat recline
• Rear seat sits slightly higher than the front seat
• 3- and 5-point safety harnesses includes reflective material for night time visibility
• Two full-size child trays
• Patented rear platform with a jump seat and a safety harness
• Padded grip handles for standing child
• Padded stroller handles for parents
• Two removable canopies
• Seats and canopies are made with deluxe rip-stop nylon fabric
• Extra large under seat storage basket with elastic sides for easy access
• Includes two universal car seat adapters; accepts most major brands
• Sealed ball-bearing wheels for a smooth ride
• Front and back wheel brakes
• Carries three children up 120 pounds total

Optional Features

• All season seat pads
• Parent organizer

Dimensions & Construction

• Folded length – 63”
• Folded width – 21.5”
• Folded height – 14”
• Weight – 37 lbs
• Height – 44.25”
• Width – 21.5”
• Length – 55″
• Max weight capacity for rear seat / platform – 45 lbs
• Max weight capacity for front seat – 40 lbs
• Suggested minimum child age for platform – 2.5 years
• Suggested minimum child age for front seat – 6 months

Infant Car Seat Compatibility

The Joovy Caboose comes with a universal car seat adapter that works with numerous types of infant car seats:

• Graco® Snug Ride™ Series
• Peg Perego® Primo Viaggio
• Evenflo® Embrace™
• Compass® Light & Portable Infant Car Seat
• Britax® Companion™
• Safety 1st® Designer 22™
• Eddie Bauer® Infant Car Seat  (models 22-625 and 22-626)
• Baby Trend® Latch-Loc & Flex-Loc
• Chicco® Key Fit Car Seat
• Graco® Safe Seat
• Peg Perego® Primo Viaggio SIP
• Combi® Centre Series
• Combi® Connection
• Maxi-Cosi® Mico™

√ Pros

• Smooth comfortable ride
• Durable – built to last
• Easy to fold and transport
• Lightweight

X Cons

• Hard to maneuver
• Bulky when strolling
• Extra long when folded – does not fit into all car trunks… check the folded specifications closely
• One of the most noted problems was the inability to turn it easily when loaded.

Recommendation

First and foremost, if you are or if you are going to be the parents of multiple children – congratulations!  You are at the beginning of a wonderful journey. The Stroller Shop recommends the Joovy Big Caboose for you and your growing family. The Big Caboose is big and bulky but it’s what you’ll need to get your family out of the house. And rest assured that because the Big Caboose is made by Joovy… this is one big stroller that is built for the long haul.

Umbrella strollers typically have small wheels which gives you a lightweight, compact stroller. What you loose in order to get the lightweight form factor is comfort and safety.  Our children typically feel every bump when strolling with hard plastic wheels. And parents’ hearts skip a beat when their stroller starts to tip – due to the small wheel diameter.

Joovy, a stroller manufacturer from Dallas Texas, has come up with a unique approach to solving these problems.  They took a lightweight aluminum frame and built a very attractive ‘cool’ looking stroller and they slapped large removable wheels on it. And even though the wheels on the Kooper stroller are still plastic, the large wheels give you a comfortable and stable ride and because the wheels are removable, the Kooper stroller becomes quite compact for storage and transportation. This functionality is standard on much larger, more expensive jogging strollers – but you won’t find removable wheels on other umbrella strollers.

The Kooper stroller is easy to push – you can push the stroller with one hand. And even though the Kooper has plastic wheels, it provides a smooth comfortable ride. In addition to your child’s comfort, parents can stroll comfortably too, the Kooper stroller has ergonomically designed, foam padded, handles.

In addition to the removable wheels another feature that sets the Kooper stroller apart from umbrella strollers is the infinite position reclining seat. The seat does not recline into a fully-flat position but it does recline enough to let your little one nap on your long stroll. The seat sports a 5-point safety harness that can be adjusted to accommodate growing children.

Above the seat, you can’t miss it, you will find a huge canopy that will protect your little one from the wind and from the direct rays of the sun. This canopy is secured to the stroller frame with Velcro… you can easily remove the canopy or you can rotate it 180 degrees… which gives you and your child an optimum view. i.e., moms and dads can rotate the canopy to keep a watchful eye on their napping children.

The Joovy Kooper, though it sets itself apart from umbrella strollers, has umbrella stroller capabilities when it comes to folding, transport and storage. To close your Kooper stroller you simply pull up on the rear locking mechanism and you push down and forward on the stroller’s handlebars. To lock the Kooper stroller in its folded position you simply hook a rubber strap over a locking button. Because you have to do this last step manually (several parents complained about this), you can’t call this a one-hand fold process… but overall, folding and unfolding the Kooper stroller is quite easy.

Additional Features

• Four quick release removable wheels
• All aluminum frame
• Front suspension
• 1680D high luster fabric
• Cushioned shoulder pads with reflective stripe
• 5-point harness with reflective stitching
• Two mesh pockets in seat for toys, gear, etc.
• Huge, removable canopy
• Two cup holders and zippered pocket
• 1680D high luster fabric
• One-step link parking break
• One-hand, multi-position reclining seat
• Large, easy to get to basket
• Ergonomically designed, foam covered handles

Optional Features

• Kooper Rain Cover
  • Protects your child from wind and rain
  • Custom made for the Kooper stroller
  • Ventilated for breathability
  • Convenient storage bag
  • Easily hooks onto the Kooper stroller
• Kooper Travel Bag
  • Durable 600D fabric
  • Custom made for the Kooper stroller
  • Inner storage pocket securely stores swivel wheels
  • Adjustable padded shoulder strap

Dimensions & Construction

• Weight – 18 lbs.
• Folded Height – 13”
• Folded Width – 13.5”
• Folded Length – 45”
• Height – 40”
• Width – 21”
• Length – 31.5”
• Max weight capacity – 50 lbs.

√ Pros

• Large removable wheels
• Maneuverability
• Huge canopy

X Cons

• No automatic locking mechanism when the stroller is folded
• Stroller handles are not height adjustable
• At 18 pounds the Joovy Kooper stroller is pretty heavy for an umbrella stroller

Recommendation

Joovy builds strong and durable strollers and the Kooper stroller is a great example of how Joovy can blend strength, durability and great looks into a stroller. As with all Joovy products, The Stroller Shop highly recommends the Joovy Kooper strollers for parents who need a little more out of their portable stroller.

The SnugRider infant car seat carrier / stroller from Graco is an affordable solution for parents who want a lightweight stroller that accommodates an infant car seat. An example of a typical SnugRider owner is a new mother who had a cesarean section – a mother who is restricted from lifting anything over 13 lbs.

I point out SnugRider’s affordability because it costs less than $70. An alternative to the SnugRider is the Maclaren Techno stroller – a lightweight umbrella stroller that works with a wide variety of infant car seats.  The Techno stroller is quite the stroller and is a great option for new parents – but it sells for $350…. a bit more than the SnugRider carrier to put it mildly.

The Graco SnugRider infant car seat carrier is basically a stroller frame – a stroller without the stroller seat. Graco designed the SnugRider to be ultra-lightweight – they also designed the stroller so it could be folded up into a very compact form factor.

The Graco SnugRider stroller works with the SnugRide and Infant SafeSeat infant car seats. SnugRider, which only weighs 12.5 pounds, is a great accessory for parents who own Graco infant car seats. Parents simply open the folded stroller which locks in its open position, they place their infant car seat on top of the frame and it automatically locks into place – it’s that easy.

Key Features

One feature that I really like is the height-adjustable handles. SnugRider’s handles can be adjusted to help parents of different heights stroll in comfort.

SnugRider’s ability to help parents safely stroll with their infants is priceless. Graco’s infant car seats easily and safely attach to the SnugRider stroller. The infant car seat snaps securely into the SnugRider frame – three secure snaps / latches lock your infant car seat in place for your child’s safety and for your peace of mind.

The SnugRider stroller has a large under-seat mesh storage basket that can be used to hold everything from a diaper bag to groceries.

When you take a compact frame, you trim the weight down to less than 13 pounds and when you slap on swivel wheels… you get a highly maneuverable stroller that turns on a dime.  The front wheels also lock in a straight position which makes it easier to stroll over uneven surfaces such as gravel.

SnugRider features a foot activated parking brake – the same high quality brakes that come standard with all Graco strollers. The brakes are easily locked by stepping on the brake and they unlock with a simple flick of your foot.

Graco is really good at building strollers that are easily folded and unfolded. The SnugRider infant car carrier is no exception. I wouldn’t say that you can open and close it with one hand but I will say that it’s super-easy to open and close the SnugRider. High quality locking latches secure the stroller in its open and closed positions.

Additional Features

• Engineered exclusively for the Graco SnugRide and Infant SafeSeat!
• Lightweight frame and one hand, compact fold for maximum portability
• Two parent cup holders
• Extra-large storage basket
• Height-adjustable handles
• The SnugRider infant car seat safety locks
• Automatic storage latch
• Front swivel wheels with locks and suspension
• Adjustable Handle Height
• One hand fold
• Lockable swivel wheels
• Washable seat cover
• Storage basket
• Cup Holder

Optional Features

• Infant Car seat
• Travel bag

Dimensions & Construction

• Stroller Weight: 12.5 lbs
• Overall Height: 39.5″
• Width of Handle: 16.25″
• Length (wheels front to back): 19.5″
• Length (wheels left to right): 19.5″

√ Pros  

• Being less than 13 pounds the SnugRider stroller is ideal for carrying infants in their car seats
• Being light weight, and given SnugRider’s swivel wheels, the SnugRider stroller is very maneuverable.
• The SnugRider stroller folds (and opens) quite easily

X Cons

• Stroller basket is not large enough
• Cup holders could be larger

Recommendation

The Stroller shop recommends the Graco SnugRider stroller / infant car seat carrier to price-conscious new parents. SnugRider is lightweight and its ability to accommodate infant car seats makes transferring your child to and from your car a breeze. And finally, with SnugRider’s maneuverability and easy fold and open capabilities… you can’t go wrong with Graco’s SnugRider infant car seat carrier.

The Maclaren Volo stroller is an ultra-light, umbrella stroller that’s built to last – I know, I’ve owned one for several years. I went through numerous inexpensive umbrella strollers before I stumbled upon the Volo stroller. Other strollers use cheap frame material, cheap bolts, cheap seating material and they use cheap plastic.  This is not the case with the Volo stroller, in fact this stroller from Maclaren is the exact opposite – Maclaren uses top-notch materials throughout their strollers. Maclaren has somehow figured out how to build ultra-light strollers without sacrificing quality.

A bit about the manufacturer Maclaren… Maclaren strollers are built in England, they have been building strollers for over 40 years. The founder, Owen Maclaren, actually invented the first lightweight umbrella stroller. Prior to building strollers, being an aeronautical engineer, Mr. Maclaren designed the under-carriages for high performance aircraft… no wonder Maclaren builds such great strollers.

Key Features

The Volo stroller is a dream to fold & carry, store, or transport. The fold process takes seconds and can be accomplished easily with one hand. I kick a lever on the frame with my foot and I pull up on the carry strap. The Volo stroller automatically closes in a locked, ready to carry, position. Since I have the carry strap in hand I continue to lift the stroller… the carry strap gets draped over my shoulder and off we go. The stroller unfold process is just as easy to accomplish.

Earlier I mentioned the quality of the materials that Maclaren uses to build their strollers – let me elaborate. I’m not an expert when it comes to materials, I can’t tell the difference between nylon, rayon, or rip stop materials., but I can tell you that the material that Maclaren uses on their stroller canopies and seats looks great, reviewers say that they like the “vibrant colors”, and the material looks and feels quite durable. I’ve owned my Volo stroller for over 4 years and the seat & canopy look brand new.

Maclaren also uses amazingly lightweight aluminum tubing for the stroller’s frame and this tubing is very strong. When combined with a great construction process… Maclaren builds strollers that last for years.

The Volo stroller is Maclaren’s lightest stroller – it weighs less than 9 pounds. One would think, however, given that it’s such a lightweight stroller, that you’d have to be careful not to over-load it. Most strollers’ maximum carrying capacity is 40 pounds – this is true for both umbrella strollers and standard strollers alike. The Volo, however, can carry up to 55 pounds!

It should come as no surprise that a lightweight & sturdy umbrella stroller has great maneuverability. You can push the Volo stroller with one hand and you can literally turn it on a dime. The wheels can swivel that gives your great maneuverability and the wheels can be locked straight – which is ideal when strolling over uneven surfaces such as gravel. The Volo stroller also comes standard with foot actuated brakes for safe parking,

Additional Features

• Height adjustable 5 point safety harness
• Breathable mesh seat
• Removable washable seat cover
• Stroller folds into compact form factor
• All aluminum frame
• Frame in Silver or Black depending on color with matching components
• Mesh shopping basket
• Carry strap or handle for easy portability
• Lockable, front swivel wheels
• Foot-operated linked parking brakes
• Ergonomically designed padded handles
• Water resistant canopy with storage pocket
• Rain cover
• Sovereign Lifetime Warranty™
• Maclaren Recycling Program†

Optional Features

• Maclaren strollers are available in a variety of vibrant colors
• Packaway Footmuff
• Reversible seat liners
• Comfort Packs (head rest and shoulder pads)
• Mosquito net
• Sun Parasol
• Organizer / stroller bag

Dimensions & Construction

• Suitable for children from 3 months to 55 lbs.
• Stroller weight: 9 lbs.
• Wheel size:  4.5”

√ Pros

• lightweight
• extremely maneuverable
• easily fold, carry, store and transport
• High quality materials and construction

X Cons

• small basket
• plastic wheels

Recommendation

Given the quality of the stroller materials, the superior construction, the fantastic maneuverability and the ultra lightweight form factor, The Stroller Shop highly recommends the Volo stroller for travel, day trips, errands and everyday use. You can’t go wrong with this stroller.