Mia Moda Compagno

Experts and owners love the versatility and extra comfort touches of the Mia Moda Compagno, which, unlike most "strollers and a half" as one reviewer dubs them, has a padded back rest for toddlers to lean against while they're standing on the back platform. There are also handles for the standing passenger, and a three-point harness with the back bench seat. The Compagno adapts to most infant car seats to accommodate infants under 6 months. Its six wheels make it highly maneuverable.

However, it may get better ratings from experts than owners, because in real-world situations there are quality and durability issues that can't be identified in short-term testing situations. One respected product-review source expresses concern about the long-term durability of all Mia Moda models. Mia Moda strollers also are not widely available in stores, making it difficult for parents to test in person before purchasing -- an important consideration when paying several hundred dollars for a stroller. Those who think a sit-and-stand stroller would be a good fit for their family may be better off looking at the well-reviewed Joovy Caboose Ultralight (*Est. $230). It costs a bit more, but it's also 13 pounds lighter, has similar features and does not seem to have the quality issues of the Compagno.

The best review of the Mia Moda Compagno comes from Hollie Schultz at BabyGizmo.com, which puts strollers through their paces with children of different ages. "Baby Bargains," the useful book of baby product reviews by Denise and Alan Fields, has a good overview of the Mia Moda brand, with a mention of the Compagno. Owner reviews from Amazon.com and Buzzillions.com are a valuable source for evaluating how the Compagno performs over the long term.