UPPAbaby Vista

Described by one reviewer as "part SUV, part sports car," the UppaBaby Vista is a big stroller that'll take your baby from infancy through childhood in plush comfort. It's pricey, but like the best SUVs, it comes with all the luxury touches that make a ride more pleasant and comfortable.

Safety

Features that swaddle your child in security. The UppaBaby Vista has a five-point, padded harness and swing-away bumper bar. The bassinet and seat -- suitable from birth to 6 months and from 3 months to 50 pounds, respectively -- attach securely to the stroller base with red/green indicators to assure a safe attachment. For parents with infants, the optional Infant SnugSeat (*Est. $35) insert should be used to safely cradle the baby, making the seat suitable for newborns to 21 pounds. The bassinet and mattress are made from hypoallergenic and antimicrobial materials.

Ease of Use

It has its good and bad points. The UppaBaby Vista is very easy to push and highly maneuverable, and its foam and rubber wheels help it navigate over more challenging terrain. It's not easy to fold, however, and is heavy and bulky once folded, making it hard to lift into car trunks. It does lock when folded, which keeps it from opening back up and allows it to stand. Its two-handed fold may also pose a problem for parents who must hold their baby while trying to fold a stroller.

On the upside, the Vista's seat reverses with ease, and the bassinet snaps in and out smoothly. It also has a five-position, one-handed recline, and the handlebar can be adjusted with a single touch. The seat fabric is removable and washable, and the mattress comes out for airing or cleaning. The stroller's one-touch, linked rear brakes activate with a lever; wheels can swivel or lock, also with a touch of a button. Users find it very easy to get children in and out of the stroller in any configuration.

Lifestyle features

A big stroller, fit for a walking lifestyle. It's hard to say where the UppaBaby Vista fits, lifestyle-wise. The suburban parent who must drive everywhere may find it exhausting to lift it in and out of car trunks while running errands, not to mention that very little else may fit in the trunk with it. The urban parent couldn't possibly take it on public transportation or haul it up several flights of stairs. Reviewers add that the stroller's large size doesn't navigate well in smaller stores, takes up a lot of room in restaurants, and is an even bigger challenge in places like dressing rooms and waiting rooms.

The people who seem to really love this stroller are those who do a lot of walking; apparently they don't live in walkups, and either have a place to park it or don't have to carry it far once folded. While the very large basket has plenty of room to transport packages during errands, the cup holder (*Est. $25) and parent organizer (*Est. $25) are sold separately.

The UppaBaby Vista's rubber wheels and front suspension make it a great choice for maneuvering over grass, playground materials or bumpy sidewalks. Its huge canopy with extendable sunshade protects a child from the sun, and the included rain shield and bug shield keep away bad weather and mosquitoes. The bassinet is fully vented for comfort, and the canopy with its mesh peek-a-boo window even adjusts for smaller or larger children. The stroller can accommodate a number of car seats with the optional infant car seat adapters (*Est. $30-$40).

An adjustable handle makes this a good fit for shorter or taller parents. The stroller also fits children from very small to very large, up to 50 pounds. With an optional RumbleSeat (*Est. $100) and/or PiggyBack (*Est. $90) standing platform, it can provide brief travel for two or even three children. However, it isn't considered a double or triple stroller.

Customer service

Limited warranty for a three-figure stroller. The UppaBaby Vista is covered by a two-year, limited warranty.

Bottom line

The UppaBaby Vista is a beautiful, luxurious stroller that offers a comfortable ride for years. Its versatility, durability and maneuverability means it won't be exhausting to take on a long walk, for either the parent or the child. Parents with limited upper-body strength who have to drive everywhere may not find this to be the best choice, but if the Vista fits in with your lifestyle and fits in your trunk, it may be the only stroller you ever need.