
The i'Coo Pluto (*Est. $300) is a member of the increasingly popular family of "umbrella plus" strollers. At 15 pounds, the Pluto is much lighter than a traditional full-featured stroller, but slightly heavier than a true umbrella stroller. Reviewers say that the Pluto is a good option for families who like the convenience of an umbrella stroller, but are looking for more stability and durability. Reviewers comment on the Pluto's sleek and chic design, with one calling the stroller "glammed-up." Vibrant color selections and a chrome-coated frame are a highlight of the Pluto. The stroller earns praise for its wide, padded seat -- a feature you won't find on most umbrella models. The seat also has a deeper recline than most umbrellas, making the stroller suitable from 3 months.
Additionally the stroller features ergonomically designed handles, a footbreak bar (which allows both rear breaks to be engaged in one movement) and an adjustable footrest. The wheels are small, but swivel 360 degrees and are lockable, making for a smooth side. Plus, say reviewers, the stroller can easily maneuver through even the narrowest doorways. A tight collapse is another highlight of the i'Coo Pluto. Reviewers complain that the storage is limited to a moderately sized basket, which is hard to reach when the seat is reclined. In addition, the sun canopy is also disappointing, failing to shade children effectively. The largest drawback of the Pluto, however, is the price. At $300, this is a near-luxury stroller. The little extras are great, but will cost you.
While this German stroller brand has been around for some time, it was only recently introduced in the United States. As a result, i'Coo has not yet earned as much wide-spread recognition here in the states. Reviews of the i'Coo Pluto are limited. Celebrity Baby Blog -- a well-known parenting site that offers many stroller reviews -- provides the most comprehensive review. Unfortunately, CBB does not offer any comparison to other models, nor details about their testing methods. Other reviews come courtesy of the parenting blogs Vancouver Mom and Parent Powered Vehicles. Reviews here are helpful, but brief. There are virtually no user-generated reviews of the i'Coo Pluto. Buzzillions.com offers only one, gleaned from the retail site Strollers.com
Our Sources
1. Celebrity Baby Blog
This popular parenting site offers several detailed reviews of top-selling and new strollers. The review of the i'Coo Pluto is thorough, but more than a year old. Plus, Celebrity Baby Blog does not offer any comparison to other models, nor details about their testing methods. Here, the reviewer looks at the Pluto's ease of assembly, seat, recline, ride, storage and sun-protection features. While the reviewer appreciates the smooth ride and easy maneuverability, the stroller loses points for its limited storage and poor sun canopy. The reviewer concludes that while the stroller is a chic, "glammed-up" umbrella stroller, there is room for improvement in functionality.
Review: i'Coo Pluto Stroller: Chrome or Go Home, Contributor to Celebrity Baby Blog, Oct. 7, 2009
2. Vancouver Mom
This Canadian site offers advice and gear reviews for parents. The i'Coo Pluto was chosen as the favorite stroller by Lusso Baby, a Canadian baby gear store. Vancouver Mom reviewed the store's top five stroller selections. Reviewer Christine Pilkington offers a brief but helpful review of this stroller. The Pluto earns praise for its four-wheel suspension, comfy seat and tight collapse. Pilkington also appreciates the easy-to-engage footbreak bar, which activates the breaks on both back wheels at once. She notes that the handles are large and uncomfortable.
Review: i'Coo Pluto Stroller Review: Lusso Baby's Top Umbrella Stroller Pick, Christine Pilkington, March 2010
3. StrollerReviews.net
StrollerReviews.net is the blog of the popular stroller retail site Stroller.com. Often the reviews are based on general comments made in Stroller.com's consumer-review comments section. The review of the i'Coo Pluto, however, appears to be based primarily on the observations of writer Kristina J. Petrella. Remarks are vague and often contradictory. In her list of pros and cons, the writer lists "seats up to 45 lbs." as a positive and "weight tested to 55 lbs., but only recommended for up to 45 lbs." as a con. Petrella also appreciates the adjustable footrest and easy maneuverability, but notes that this stroller is best used for city shopping, malls and light walking.
Review: i'Coo Pluto Stroller, Kristina J. Petrella, Dec. 23, 2010
4. Parent Powered Vehicles
This blog selects two alternatives to the top-rated Maclaren family of strollers: the i'Coo Pluto and the Macralite Toro. Unfortunately, the reviewer has not actually tested the product. Plus, the review is more than a year old. The reviewer does say that she appreciates the stability of the stroller, the six wheels (four in back, two in front), and the wide seat.
Review: She Said: Maclaren Alternatives, Tara Stand, Sept. 11, 2009
5. Buzzillions.com
Buzzillions.com aggregates user reviews from various retail sites such as R.E.I., BabiesRUs.com and Amazon.com. There is only one review of the i'Coo Pluto. The reviewer gives the stroller 4 out of 5 stars. This first-time parent is happy with the performance of the stroller, saying that the seat is comfortable and that the stroller is well built.
Review: i'Coo Pluto Stroller Reviews, Contributors to Buzzillions.com
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