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Valco Baby Ion EX

(Discontinued)

Reviewed

April 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

Extra-large canopy
Comfortable
Maneuverable
Ample storage
Folds compactly

Cons

Expensive
Cupholder is an additional accessory
Must be manually locked after folding

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
5 Amazon Reviews

The Valco Baby Single Ion EX stroller moves at least one expert reviewer to poetry, while other experts and owners agree it's a sturdy, comfortable, highly maneuverable lightweight stroller. Its unique egg-shaped design makes it a good fit for even the tallest toddlers, while the removable head bumper keeps infants secure. In spite of its roominess it folds up extra small -- even smaller if you remove the wheels. It's compatible with a number of car seats and there is a clever optional bassinet that fits right inside the egg.

The drawbacks? The price and the fact that cupholders are an extra expense. It also lacks a few more important features that, for the price, it probably should have, including an easier, one-handed fold and recline. Parents also have to stoop and manually lock it when it's folded. Small quibbles, maybe, but not so small for a parent trying to fold or recline a stroller while holding or holding onto another child. The Ion was discontinued in 2012.

There are a number of expert reviews of the Valco Baby Single Ion EX, with the most recent coming from Hollie Schultz at BabyGizmo.com. Stroller Queen Reviews blogger Janet McLaughlin also reviews the stroller. The Ion, as well as the Valco brand, are covered extensively in "Baby Bargains," a comprehensive book covering baby products by Denise and Alan Fields. The handful of user reviews available at Amazon.com and Buzzillions.com give a helpful overview of the stroller in real-world situations.

Where To Buy

Valco Baby Twin Double Latitude Compact Baby Stroller-Silk Black

(5 reviews)
2 New from $359.99

In Stock.

Featured Stores	Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
	3,901 store reviews	In Stock. Usually ships within 2 business days	$339.99	See It
			See All Stores

Our Sources

1. BabyGizmo.com

Hollie Schultz reviews the Valco Baby Ion, testing its features and ease of use with two children of differing ages. There is also a video review on YouTube.

Review: Valco Baby Ion, Hollie Schultz, Jan. 2010

2. Baby Bargains

"Baby Bargains," the popular baby-gear book by Denise and Alan Fields, offers practical, useful shopping advice even when they don't review a specific model. Brand reliability and customer service are factored into the ratings. In their useful chapter on strollers, the authors discuss both the Valco Baby brand in general and the Ion stroller in particular.

Review: Chapter 9: Strollers, Diaper Bags, Carriers and Other To Go Gear, Denise and Alan Fields, Eighth edition, 2010

3. StrollerQueen.com

Janet McLaughlin tests the Valco Baby Single Ion for comfort, ease of use and maneuverability. Her reviews are subjective and based upon her own experience, but that experience is extensive and she provides a detailed review.

Review: High on the Ion, Janet McLaughlin, Aug. 2009

4. Amazon.com

The Valco Baby Single Ion EX earns 4.6 stars (out of 5) in a handful of reviews, with owners loving the huge canopy, good maneuverability and comfort for their child. There are complaints about the lack of cupholders and trays, as well as the necessity of using two hands to fold and unfold the stroller and recline the seat back.

Review: Valco Baby Single Ion Stroller, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. Buzzillions.com

The Valco Baby Single Ion stroller earns 3.7 stars (out of a possible 5) in a handful of reviews. Owners love the compact fold and maneuverability, but others say it is bulky when folded unless the wheels are removed. One complains about a slow response to the October 2010 recall.

Review: Valco Baby Ion Single Stroller - Raven, Contributors to Buzzillions.com

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