Full-Featured Strollers

Designer strollers: Worth the hype?

The top end of the stroller market has really exploded in recent years. And there are many excellent models available, according to reviews. The Bugaboo Cameleon (*est. $900) gets great reviews among designer strollers. This group also includes models such as the Quinny Buzz (*est. $500) and Stokke Xplory (*est. $800 to $1,000) . These strollers, frequently seen being pushed by celebrity moms and dads, have made a big splash, but their high prices put them out of contention for most people. These models are super stylish, but reviews say they aren't necessarily more functional or practical than strollers that cost half as much, such as the Inglesina Zippy (*est. $300) or Peg Perego P3 Classico (*est. $330) .

The Bugaboo Frog (*est. $760) first made a splash when it was featured in the HBO series "Sex in the City." The Bugaboo has won a ton of design awards, both in the U.S. and Europe, and it receives passionate reviews from its devotees on sites like Amazon.com and LilaGuide.com. This stroller comes with a number of components that you can combine to fit your needs. You get an aluminum stroller frame with air-filled tires. Then you can attach either the included bassinet (which can face front or back) or the stroller seat, which can face front or back, and fully reclines. The sun canopy can be attached to the bassinet or the stroller seat. Reviews say the 17-pound Bugaboo Frog steers and maneuvers like butter (and for this much cash, it should). A rain cover, mosquito net and maintenance kit are also included. Despite all the praise we found for the Frog, some parents complain that the sun canopy and storage bag are too small.

Bugaboo has now added other models to their line of strollers. The 18-pound Bugaboo Gecko (*est. $680) is a simpler stroller, with a fully reclining, 3-position seat and reversible handlebars (turning it into a carriage stroller). Reviews have been mostly favorable, but most of the ones we found are from previous Frog owners. Mentioned drawbacks included difficulty folding and unfolding the Gecko and not enough storage space -- complaints that have also been made for the Frog.

The Bugaboo Cameleon (*est. $900) addresses some of parents' concerns about the Bugaboo Frog and Gecko. The Cameleon has adjustable suspension for different terrain and a handlebar that adjusts to six heights. There is also a larger canopy and storage bag. There's no bassinet insert, but the stroller seat itself can double as a carrier with an included handle. The Bugaboo Cameleon weighs about 20 pounds. Still, users mention problems with folding and with the large tires that some say are awkward, especially when used in cities where frequent maneuvering is required.

No one disagrees that the Bugaboo strollers look cool and generally work well. Less expensive strollers do just as good a job of carting junior around safely, but reviewers concede that practicality isn't the reason most people buy a Bugaboo stroller. Rather, these strollers are meant to be seen as status symbols, and in that regard, Bugaboo has succeeded.

Like the Bugaboo strollers, the Stokke Xplory (*est. $800 to $1,000) is notable for its genuinely unique design. The seat on Stokke sits higher up than on most strollers. It can face forward or towards you, and it fully reclines. The seat is actually high enough that it can double as a high chair. Parents posting to Epinions, LilaGuide.com and Amazon.com praise the Xplory for its ease of use and comfort. In the rare professional reviews that appear on this product, there seems to be a split: Some say the Xplory is great and only loses out to other more strollers due to price. Other reviewers criticize the design -- most of the frame and the handles are made of injection-molded plastic instead of aluminum. Also, there's no basket; just a bag that attaches with a zipper to the frame. While the placement of the child might make this stroller easier to use for those with back issues, its high price is twice or three times that of other highly rated strollers. Clearly, the Stokke Xplory is another great looking status stroller that's at least as much about image as about practicality.

Quinny strollers have a history in the U.K. and Australia and are now available in the U.S. The Quinny Buzz (*est. $500) is one of the heaviest single strollers at 26 pounds. The Buzz has pneumatic tires and is distinguished by its single front wheel. The Buzz has an aluminum frame, all-wheel suspension and a reversible seat. It comes with a canopy and rain cover, but storage is limited to a zippered bag on the back of the seat. European reviews say the Quinny Buzz maneuvers well, but its big selling feature is its spring-assist unfolding mechanism, which pops the Buzz open. However, some reviewers say that the release buttons are stiff and that pushing the stroller closed takes some effort. Storage is inadequate, and it's cumbersome to fold unless you remove the seat first. Overall, most reviewers say the Quinny Buzz is another great looking stroller that isn't as practical as it could be -- it's both heavy and expensive compared to the competition.

If you have to have one of these designer strollers, we found the best reviews overall for the Stokke Xplory and Bugaboo Cameleon. However, plenty of other strollers are just as practical and cost less.

Best full-featured strollers overall

Although reviewers seem to have a great time evaluating pricey designer strollers, most agree that there are some very nice, practical and stylish strollers out there that cost far less.

Inglesina, an Italian company, has impressed reviewers with the Zippy (*est. $300) , a 17-pound stroller that walks the line between lightweight and full-featured. In fact, experts say it's the best of both worlds, with plush padding and all the most essential features -- a full recline for infants, removable front napper bar, removable and washable padding, universal car seat adaptor and a rain hood that completely encloses the stroller. But the features that elicit the most comments from pleased parents at Amazon.com, as well as at other opinion sites, are the cool one-hand-fold and carrying strap. While many manufactures claim their strollers can be folded with only one hand, the Zippy actually delivers, according to both testers and users. Flip a lever on the back, and the Zippy folds compactly and can be easily carried over a shoulder with the strap. For parents who'll spend a lot of time in and out of the car, the Zippy's great folding mechanism might be a deal maker.

A handful of parents note problems with fabric tearing on the seat, broken wheels (a problem with nearly all strollers) and unfriendly customer service, but overall the Zippy is highly rated. A few parents say it gets hard to steer with older babies. The Zippy has umbrella-style handles, but it doesn't fold like an umbrella.

New this year for Inglesina is the 18-pound Urbe (*est. $250) . We didn't find much opinion yet for the Urbe, which has a larger seat, larger canopy and extendable leg rest compared to the Zippy.

Peg-Perego really pioneered the high-end stroller market a few years ago. Reviews say Peg-Perego strollers are built better than many other strollers on the market. The Venezia (*est. $450) is Peg-Perego's most full-featured stroller, and it's packed with options like shock-absorbing suspension, a fully reclining backrest, adjustable/removable snack tray with cup holder, removable boot for chilly weather and adjustable footboard. Also, its reversible, height-adjustable handle flips over to turn the Venezia into a carriage stroller. Like all current Peg-Perego strollers, this one includes a universal car-seat attachment that accommodates most infant car seats. Unless you really want to turn your stroller into a carriage, the 18-pound Venezia is probably overkill for most families.

The Peg-Perego Centro Completo (*est. $300) was thought to be the replacement for the Venezia last year, but at present both models are still available. The Centro Completo has height-adjustable handlebars, a feature currently missing on the Venezia. Better yet, the Centro Completo weighs 18 pounds in contrast to the 21-pound Venezia stroller. There are very few reviews of Peg-Perego Centro Completo, but a handful of parents say the Centro Completo stroller feels sturdy, albeit a little bulky.

The Peg-Perego Pliko P3 Classico (*est. $330) gets the best reviews among all Peg-Perego strollers from parents and experts and is very similar to the Inglesina Zippy above. The Pliko stroller weighs 16 pounds, as does the Zippy, and it has many of the same features, including umbrella styling, a 5-point harness, a fully reclining seat, large canopy with window, swiveling child tray, storage basket, removable/washable seat cushion and car seat compatibility. The Pliko has a few features that the Zippy doesn't, such as height-adjustable handles and three-position footrest. Parents posting to opinion sites like Amazon.com say that the Pliko folds up just as compactly as the Zippy; however, the Zippy gets more raves for its one-hand fold. The Pliko is a good option for parents of very different heights, since the handlebars are adjustable.

The Zooper Waltz (*est. $290) was introduced in 2006. At 16 pounds, the Waltz is the lightest Zooper stroller for newborns, with a fully reclining seat. The Zooper Waltz comes with a rain cover, glare cover, under-seat basket, zippered canopy and 5-point harness. Folding this stroller may take some getting used to. Some parents comment that it is easy to fold, while others say it's not as convenient as it could be. The Zooper Waltz can accommodate some popular car seats, turning it into a travel system. The Waltz stroller works with the Graco SnugRide, Peg-Perego Viaggio and Britax Companion infant car seats.

New for 2007 is the Zooper Bolero (*est. $300) , a 20-pound full-featured stroller. The Bolero is similar to the Waltz, with a slightly larger canopy and what the manufacturer calls "breathable performance fabric." The Zooper Bolero also rolls when folded and can stand on its own when folded. We haven't seen any reviews yet for the Bolero.

New Zealand-based Mountain Buggy's strollers are all three-wheelers with prices starting around $330. Although more expensive than some, parents say these strollers are great, with lightweight aluminum air-filled wheels and easy maneuverability. Our report on jogging strollers includes more information on three-wheeled strollers, also called all-terrain strollers. Many parents like three-wheeled strollers, though they are harder to fold and often bulkier than standard strollers.

Also out of New Zealand is Phil & Teds, another trendy baby-gear company. The Phil & Teds Sport Buggy (*est. $400) is a cool three-wheeler covered in our report on jogging strollers . This stroller's neat trick is ability to adapt into a double stroller, with a second seat that installs behind and below the primary seat.

Maclaren is popular brand with urban parents, although this company is known more for its lightweight umbrella-type strollers. Several of Maclaren's strollers recline fully, making them appropriate for newborns. The full-sized, 14-pound Maclaren Techno XT (*est. $300) receives excellent feedback in terms of sturdiness and weight, although some parents had issues with the braking and harness system. You'll find more discussion of Maclaren strollers in our report on umbrella strollers .

Budget strollers

If $300 is more than you plan to spend on a stroller, there are several less expensive strollers that also do well in reviews. We found good reviews for the 18.5-pound Kolcraft Jeep Cherokee stroller (*est. $75). The Jeep Cherokee accepts infant car seats, so the stroller can be used as a travel system. The seat reclines, but not to a full recline. Removable cargo bags and one-hand folding add to convenience. Finally, the Cherokee receives good reviews for being durable and offering a less bumpy ride on uneven sidewalks and other rough territory. Of course, the Kolcraft Jeep strollers aren't going to have the same level of luxury or durability that you’d find in a Peg-Perego or Inglesina stroller, but this is one of the better inexpensive strollers.

Kolcraft has a new standard stroller, the Kolcraft Options 4 Wheeler (*est. $130) . This model also has a car-seat adapter, but additionally has a fully reclining seat, so it's acceptable for newborns. Early parent reviews compliment the nice looks of the Kolcraft Options, and some say that people often mistake it for a more expensive designer stroller. Like some high-end strollers, you can reverse the seat so your child can ride facing you. The drawback is this stroller’s heavy weight of 29 pounds -- heavier than just about every single-occupancy stroller on the market.

Graco's most full-featured stroller is the Quattro Tour (*est. $130) . This stroller can accept a SnugRide car seat (not included), and the stroller's seat reclines to a flat position, making the Quattro Tour a good choice for newborns. Additional, removable padding is also included for newborns and small babies. There's a large basket, good-sized canopy and parent cup holder. The drawback is weight. The Quattro Tour weighs 27 pounds. We found almost a hundred positive comments on the Quattro Tour stroller. Most parents say it's bulky, but also sturdy and easy to maneuver.

The newer Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe (*est. $125) is nearly identical, easier to find in stores and rated for kids up to 50 pounds. The older, non-deluxe Quattro Tour is rated for kids up to 40 pounds. Among less expensive strollers, we found the best reviews for the Quattro Tour strollers. We included the Quattro Tour Deluxe in Fast Answers. You might prefer the look of the Kolcraft Options 4 Wheeler, however, and early parent-written reviews are positive overall.

Important Features: Full-featured strollers

Experts say the following about buying a full-featured stroller:

• Be careful if buying a used stroller. It may seem like a tempting bargain, but worn mechanisms and potential recall notices should make you wary of buying a used stroller, especially if it's a less-durable brand. Imported models, like those from Maclaren, Peg-Perego and Inglesina, on the other hand, are well known for longevity and have a high resale value. Be sure to give a used stroller a good once-over and check for recalls at: http://www.cpsc.gov

• 5-point harnesses are best, but 3-point belts are also safe. A 5-point harness (around the waist, over the shoulder and between the legs) is preferable and is generally the standard for new strollers. Some manufacturers still use 3-point harnesses (around the waist and between the legs), which are also acceptable but not quite as secure.

• Better strollers have wheels made of hard nylon versus soft plastic, and some strollers have inflatable bicycle tires. Larger wheels mean a smoother ride but less maneuverability. Look for shock absorbers if you live in a neighborhood with rough pavement. Air-filled tires are also gaining popularity. Parents say they offer improved ride, but need to be filled periodically with an air pump.

• Look for a balanced frame. An upholstered and padded frame offers the best support for the child. Make sure the stroller doesn't tip backward when light pressure is placed on the handlebar. Don't hang objects on the handles, as this can cause a stroller to tip.

• Infants under six months require fully reclining seats, since they can't support the weight of their heads and need to be able to lie flat. Reclining seats also allow older babies to nap comfortably. Removable seat cushions make for easier cleaning.

• Look for a locking mechanism that prevents the stroller from collapsing accidentally, and check for hidden dangers like sharp edges, protrusions or uncovered hinges. Also, make sure the leg openings on the harness are not too wide. When in doubt, check for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certification sticker.

• Look for a generous canopy. In addition, a cold-weather 'boot' (which protect a child's feet from cold and dirt) is a good idea if you plan to battle Mother Nature; otherwise they're probably a waste of money.

• Use caution when buying a stroller online. Buying a stroller cold -- without ever having handled it -- can leave you at a disadvantage. Variations in height, handling and personal preferences are difficult to consider if you don't actually give the stroller a bit of hands-on testing.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model	Price
3	Bugaboo Cameleon (*est. $900)	details
2	Inglesina Zippy (*est. $300)	details
2	Maclaren Techno XT (*est. $300)	details
2	Kolcraft Jeep Cherokee (*est. $120)	-
2	Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico (*est. $330)	details
2	Graco Quattro Tour (*est. $130)	details
1 each	Fisher Price Infant-to-Toddler stroller , Inglesina Urbe , Peg-Perego Venezia , Peg-Perego P3 Freestyle , Safety 1st Acella, Bugaboo Frog , Valco Runabout Tri-Mode , Bertini Sport , Maclaren Vogue, Maclaren Triumph , Phil & Ted's Sport , , Chicco CT 0.4, Chicco Tuscany, Quinny Zapp , Quinny Buzz , Mountain Buggy Urban Single , Stokke Xplory , Compass S300 Deluxe, Graco Metrolite , Graco LiteRider

Experts are split on the subject of full-featured strollers. The Bugaboo Cameleon receives the most positive reviews, but it’s left out of the top picks due to the extremely high price tag. The Graco Quattro Tour is most often recommended as a good budget choice, as is the Kolcraft Jeep Cherokee. The Peg-Perego Pliko P3 Classico, Inglesina Zippy and Maclaren Techno XT are recommended for parents who are looking for sturdier, more stylish models.

Sponsored links