The system comes with an infant carrier, stroller and carrier base (which is installed into the car). This is Graco’s lightweight stroller travel system, they have a heavier system called the Quattro, but it is too heavy and clumsy compared to the Metrolite.
The carrier base uses the LATCH hooks that are available in nearly every car made in the last decade and is easy to install. If you are sharing drop-off and pick-up with a spouse, additional carrier bases can be purchased. The infant carrier snaps into the stroller frame so transfering between car and stroller can be done without waking up a sleeping baby.
The stroller is light weight but full featured. It has ample storage in the underneath basket. It folds up easily to put into the trunk or back of the van/SUV. Since this is the lightweight version, it is easy to lift.
There are drink holders for both the adult and the child, along with a snack tray for the child. The stroller reclines all the way to the flat position to allow a baby to sleep without using the carrier. As the baby becomes old enough to support their own head, they can be put in the sitting position of the stroller. The stroller uses a 5 point harness to keep the child safe and secure.
This stroller can be used until the child has reached a height of about 36 inches, at which point their head will no longer be well supported by the backing of the stroller.
Having this stroller travel system has greatly reduced the number of strollers we have needed over the first few years of our child’s life.
Double strollers have two seats and come with several seating arrangements. A traditional tandem stroller will seat the first child with a good view but the child behind can see very little. Tandem seating is like stadium seating where the rear seat is raised above the one in front and there is also face to face seating seating or a side by side twin stroller.
Running (or jogging strollers) allow you to bring your child or children along on a run. Jogging strollers have a triangular wheel base with two large wheels in the rear and one wheel in the front. An added safety feature is a wrist strap on the handle bar to prevent the stroller rolling away when you stop if you don’t get the brake on fast enough.
Triple strollers are unsurprisingly for three children. Seating arrangements can be side by side but most will have tandem or stadium seating.
Umbrella strollers are relatively inexpensive, lightweight and generally easier to fold and unfold and store in a car. They are terrific for short trips to the Mall or short walks but do not work well on all terrains. Umbrella strollers do have a tendency to tip back if anything is hung on the handles.
So called lightweight strollers also come with multiple seating but are slightly heavier than an umbrella stroller but slightly less than a standard stroller. Typically they fold in a single hand motion and look similar to a standard stroller.
Phil & Teds Vibe with Dbls kit
A convertible stroller is changeable from a lie-flat bed suitable for newborns to a sit-up stroller with a lie-back facility for naps.
A stroller travel system is also convertible and suitable for very young or newborns. Unlike the convertible stroller, it also comes with a car seat.
Bike strollers or trailers can also be found as two seated models and have 5-point harnesses to secure the child. They are attached to the rear wheel of the bike and easily converted from a trailer to a stroller.
If you have a very young baby and a toddler, you’ll need the type of stroller that will allow you to take them both out together in safety. Some of the twin side-by-side strollers or a double stroller travel system will do this. Not cheap, but you may be able to find one second-hand. We like the new Bugaboo Donkey, however, it can be difficult to get as it’s new. In the meantime, Phil and Teds Vibe with a doubles kit is pretty good. You can see that by clicking on the picture on the left.
Buying baby strollers is something all parents have to do. However, it is just another worry, especially for first time parents who want to get the safest and best model they can. If you are expecting twins or triplets you have even more to think about and the cost of any stroller or stroller travel system will also be much higher.
BuyingBabyStrollers.com hopes to help you make your decision wisely so please feel free to ask your questions and make a posting.
Whatever your needs, whether you want lightweight strollers, twin strollers, a baby jogger stroller or a stroller travel system we aim to help.
Spammers, please be aware we have software to stop you getting through and our posts are all monitored so don’t do it!
