Stokke Xplory

Bottom Line

Distinct from any other stroller, the Stokke Xplory has a high seat that keeps the baby up and away from the street for easier parent/child interaction on the move. While parents say the Xplory offers "dreamlike" maneuverability on smooth surfaces, it draws criticism for poor performance on mixed terrain, overall bulk, a lack of convenience features and an overly complex operation.

Safety

A mostly stable ride up and away from traffic. The Stokke Xplory's adjustable seat height positions the baby higher than just about any stroller available, keeping the child up away from traffic and closer to eye level with parents. While most parents love this feature, there is some feedback that higher seat placement can lead to less stability, particularly when negotiating stairs or high curbs. For greater stability on uneven terrain, the stroller can be put into two-wheel mode, enabling parents to pull rather than push the stroller. While one trusted product tester says this feature works well, for the majority of parents it does not appear to solve the issue.

The Xplory features linked one-touch rear brakes that most parents say are easy to use. But there are reports that the brakes can lock accidentally when moving the stroller up stairs. The Xplory has a well-padded, adjustable five-point harness that reviewers say is secure and an infant insert for newborn head protection. There is also a bumper bar to protect the child in case of tip-overs.

Ease of Use

An ergonomic handle adds comfort. Parents of all sizes can push the Stokke Xplory comfortably and maneuver it easily with one hand on smooth surfaces, thanks to its ergonomically shaped height- and depth-adjustable handlebar. There is no bar between the stroller's rear wheels, which means that long strides won't kick the back of the stroller. Once the stroller leaves smooth surfaces, however, feedback on maneuverability is mixed. Many users say the Xplory's rubber wheels and higher center of gravity make it bumpy and hard to steer on uneven terrain.

With lots of adjustability -- footrest, seat height and position, recline, handlebars, etc. -- come lots of mechanisms that may take some time to learn, since product testers say that the stroller's mechanisms are not intuitive. For every parent who says that folding the stroller is simple, there is another who describes it as a challenging, multi-step process. At 23 pounds, the Xplory isn't super-heavy. It's not considered lightweight either, but the fold is bulky, with one expert reviewer saying it barely folds at all and is "massive" when folded. Parent reviewers agree, saying it's hard to fit in the trunk of a car. Its size may also make it difficult to take on trains and buses. Since it's aimed at the urban parent, this may pose a problem when using public transport.

Lifestyle Features

Reversible seat allows you to interact with your baby. Built to accommodate newborns to toddlers up to 45 pounds, the Stokke Xplory seat can face forward or backward, which parents like for keeping child-parent eye contact. In the rear-facing position the seat reclines fully for newborns. The stroller accepts a newborn carry cot made by Stokke (*Est. $225) and can be used with an infant car seat with an adapter (*Est. $80). The Stokke Xplory seat is described as well padded and highly adjustable, but when forward facing only has two positions and won't recline deeply for sleeping.

Instead of a basket, the Xplory comes with an under-seat shopping tote that can be removed and used as a carryall. While some parents like this functionality, others say they miss having the larger storage capacity of a basket. The stroller also lacks a child tray for snacks. The Xplory has a large water-repellent canopy that includes a pop-out sun visor and a mesh window for air circulation and visibility. The stroller comes with a mosquito net, rain cover and infant insert. Stokke accessories include a travel bag, sun parasol, cupholder and various protective covers. Parents say the accessories are pricey.

Customer Service

Better-than-average warranty coverage. The Stokke Xplory has a three-year warranty that will see most parents through the heaviest years of use -- at least for one child. Stokke gets good reviews for customer service.