Maclaren Volo

*Est. $125
Reviewed
November 2010
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Maclaren Volo

Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • No recline
  • Mediocre weather protection
  • Lack of padding
  • Lower safety rating
  • Maclaren strollers recalled after amputating fingers

Reviewers admit that the Maclaren Volo doesn't have a lot of frills; its seat doesn't recline at all and it uses washable mesh fabric instead of padded upholstery. Like all other Maclaren strollers, the Volo was recalled in November 2009 after reports that 12 children had their fingers amputated in Maclaren hinges. Still, experts and owners continue to praise the 8.8-pound Maclaren Volo umbrella stroller, which now includes protective hinge covers. However, we did find some comments from parents saying their kids find this stroller (without a seat pad) uncomfortable if used for long periods. In addition, the Volo offers minimal weather protection.

Overall, the 8.3-pound UppaBaby G-Lite (*Est. $100) gets more consistently good reviews among super-light umbrella strollers. If you're buying a stroller for a young baby or if your child likes to nap on the road, the top-rated Maclaren Triumph (*Est. $170) has a reclining seat and more plush padding. If you just want an inexpensive umbrella stroller to throw in the car, the Kolcraft Tour Sport (*Est. $50) gets good marks in the budget category, but it can only accommodate kids up to 35 pounds (the Maclaren Volo's capacity is 55 pounds).

As strollers go, the Maclaren Volo receives a huge amount of coverage. We found expert reviews of the Volo at ConsumerReports.org, Which? magazine, Baby-Gaga.com, About.com and in the popular baby-gear book "Baby Bargains." We also found numerous evaluations from owners posting to Amazon.com and Epinions.com. The Consumer Product Safety Commission gives important information about the hinge recall.

     
 
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Where To Buy
 
 
Maclaren Volo Stroller, Black

 (6 reviews)
Buy new: $130.00 $121.24   4 New from $118.88

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

 
 
 
 
 
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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

The editors of ConsumerReports.org evaluate dozens of traditional and other strollers after testing for safety, ease of use and maneuverability. The Maclaren Volo is included in the ratings chart.

Review: Traditional Stroller Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

2. Consumer Product Safety Commission

This government website publishes official information about the Maclaren hinge recall, including which models are affected and how to get protective hinge covers if you already own a Maclaren stroller.

Review: Maclaren USA Recalls to Repair Strollers Following Fingertip Amputations, Editors of Consumer Product Safety Commission, Nov. 9, 2009

3. Which? magazine

This highly credible British consumer publication acknowledges that the Maclaren Volo is a "very basic" stroller with a single seat position, but names it a best buy for its light weight, ease of folding and maneuverability.

Review: Pushchairs: Best Buys, Editors of Which? magazine

4. Baby Bargains

In a section of their book devoted to second strollers, the Fields discuss the Maclaren Volo and other lightweight umbrella strollers. Ratings are based on hands-on testing, parent interviews and manufacturer reputation.

Review: Strollers, Denise and Alan Fields, Eighth edition

5. Baby-Gaga.com

Baby-Gaga.com reviews strollers according to safety, convenience and comfort, based on hands-on tests and parent interviews. The Maclaren Volo earns top grades for sturdiness and maneuverability. Unfortunately, this site loses credibility as the reviews become increasingly outdated.

Review: Maclaren Volo, Jan. 18, 2006

6. About.com

About.com's guide to pregnancy and childbirth takes the Maclaren Volo out for a spin and praises its "vibrant colors" and "great portability." Robin Elise Weiss especially likes its 9-pound weight and soft, padded handles, but notes that it's not appropriate for newborns because of its lack of a fully reclining seat. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Maclaren Volo Stroller, Robin Elise Weiss

7. Epinions.com

More than two dozen owners comment here on the Maclaren Volo, and they have overwhelmingly favorable things to say, citing this umbrella stroller's light weight and durability.

Review: Volo Umbrella Stroller -- Carbon, Contributors to Epinions.com

8. Amazon.com

Parent reviews here for the Maclaren Volo are very mixed. In about 20 reviews, about half give the Volo 4 or 5 stars out of 5 -- but the rest find it so-so or worse.

Review: Maclaren Volo Stroller, Contributors to Amazon.com

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