The Stokke XPlory stroller is renowned for the way it lets your baby ride up high, close to you, facing in or out.  Now, the XPlory Rider, an add-on to the XPlory stroller, lets your toddler (up to 44 lbs.) ride standing up on a safe and roomy scooter-style platform. Ideal for the parent with two children close in age, the XPlory Rider is the ideal alternative to a bulky double stroller.

Tweet to Win an XPlory Stroller and Rider
Best of all, Stokke is giving away a brand-new XPlory Stroller and Rider ($1,120 retail value) this month. Simply follow @stokke_USA_CAN and then tweet what you like best about the XPlory stroller from the feature list posted below, and include what color stroller you would like to get. Use #stokke on your post. You have until March 21 to enter.

XPlory feature list:

• Xplory® stroller brings your child up from the ground closer to you. This helps create a bond between you and your child.
• Xplory® stroller has 2 way facing and 5-position seating features. It’s ideal for growing baby.
• Xplory® stroller has an adjustable footrest for baby’s comfort and support.
• Xplory® stroller can be used from birth up to 45 lbs.
• Xplory® stroller can be used as a restaurant highchair.
• Xplory® stroller is made from automotive-grade materials for safety and durability.
• Xplory® stroller comes with 3 year warranty

@stokke_USA_CAN will post the winner on March 24.

Chicco Cortina Keyfit 30 stroller travel system

A stroller travel system is often the first stroller you’ll use for your newborn baby. A stroller travel system incorporates an infant car seat with a full-featured, full-size stroller.

These strollers aren’t the lightest weight or most maneuverable on the market, but they provide the convenience of:

• Lots of cargo capacity (as a new parent, you may wind up lugging a fully-loaded diaper bag and dozens of toys)

• A generous sun shade to shield your newborn from sun, wind, rain and prying eyes

• The convenience of transferring baby from the car to the stroller without waking her up

• Color-coordination between your car seat and stroller

Buying a Stroller Travel System
When you purchase a stroller travel system, your first consideration should be the infant car seat it accommodates. You can use our handy Buyer’s Guide for buying an infant car seat (http://www.allreviews.com/car-seats/2010/01/08/infant-car-seat-buyers-guide/) to pick the car seat that best fits your needs. Be sure to read our car seat safety guide, too, http://www.allreviews.com/car-seats/2010/01/09/guide-to-car-seat-safety/ as safety is the foremost consideration with this important piece of baby equipment.

If you can’t decide between a few different infant car seats, the accompanying stroller might be the tie-breaker. As with any stroller, take it for a test drive in the store, making sure it’s comfortable. As yourself the same questions you would ask before you buy any full-featured baby stroller. (http://www.allreviews.com/baby-strollers/2010/03/05/buying-a-full-featured-stroller/).

Buying a Universal Car Seat Carrier

Kolcraft Infant Car Seat Carrier

What happens if you’ve decided on an infant car seat, but don’t really like any of the stroller models it is designed to fit? You can opt for a universal car seat carrier.

In fact, many parents say they wish they’d waited to purchase a stroller and simply bought a less expensive universal car seat carrier until they decided when and how they would use a stroller.

A universal car seat carrier is a lightweight stroller frame that holds infant car seats from a variety of different manufacturers. Most universal car seat carriers (without the car seat) weigh about the same as an umbrella stroller.

Some infant car seats will snap directly into the universal car seat carrier frame, with a snack tray adding support (similar to the way a travel system works). In other cases, the car seat carrier includes a strap that lets you attach the car seat easily to the carrier.

Since you’re not purchasing an entire stroller there’s a lot less to think about.

When you purchase a universal car seat carrier, consider the following factors:

• Does it fit your infant car seat properly and safely?

• Does it offer easy folding?

• Is it free-standing when folded?

• Is the storage basket easy to reach?

• What other amenities does it include?

• Does it feature adjustable handles and, if not, does the stroller height suit both you and your spouse or other caregivers?

• Does the stroller fit your stride well?

• How does it maneuver with your car seat inside?

Again, it’s important to test drive the stroller if possible to evaluate these factors.

As with other strollers, universal car seat carriers come in models for individual babies, twins, or babies of two different ages.

Universal Car Seat Carrier or Travel System: Which is Best for You?

A travel system might be better if:

• it’s important that your car seat and stroller match, aesthetically

• you find a travel system that fits your needs and are confident you’ll want a full-size, full-featured stroller moving forward

• you want the confidence of knowing your stroller is designed to fit your car seat, and vice versa

• you don’t plan to use the travel system with a second child, as infant car seats expire after about 5 years

A universal car seat carrier might be better if:

• You plan to use the universal car seat carrier for future children but want the flexibility to upgrade the infant car seat to a new model

• You haven’t decided upon the best stroller to fit your needs

• You plan to leave the car seat in the car and use a baby sling for most trips, but want a stroller for longer shopping trips or walks

• You don’t care if the stroller is a perfect match, aesthetically, to your infant car seat

Manufacturers’ definitions of an umbrella stroller versus a full-featured “lightweight” stroller vary widely. Typically, a lightweight stroller has more features and amenities than your standard “take-it-anywhere” umbrella stroller – at a higher price point.

Peg Perego Pliko P3

Nonetheless, some of the strollers marketed as “umbrella strollers” today start as high as $40 and have features our parents certainly didn’t enjoy when we were toddlers. Keep in mind, babies under about 6 months shouldn’t ride in umbrella strollers that don’t recline and, often, don’t provide enough head support. However, most lightweight full-featured strollers are good for babies from birth to about 3 or 4 years old. Some models, such as the Zooper Waltz and Peg Perego Pliko P3, accommodate most major brands of infant car seat / carriers safely. Some full-featured strollers have a three-dimensional fold characteristic of umbrella folders, while others fold flat, taking up a bit more room horizontally in your trunk or closet.

The bottom line? If a stroller fits your needs and your budget, who cares what it’s called?

Let’s evaluate the key features to look for in a full-featured stroller. Chris Ryan, Product Manager at Kolcraft, which manufactures Jeep and Kolcraft brand strollers, has some advice for parents buying a stroller: “The first question to ask yourself,” she says, “is ‘Where am I using this stroller?’”

She says that many parents go through four to seven strollers before settling on a lightweight, full-featured stroller, a simple umbrella stroller, or even a jogging or all-terrain stroller. Which one ends up being your primary stroller depends on your needs. For parents seeking a durable, versatile, yet lightweight stroller, a full-featured stroller often fits the bill.

Kolcraft Contours Options 3 wheeler stroller

Questions to Consider When You Buy a Full-Featured Stroller

A full-featured stroller is a big ticket item costing from $100 up to $500 or more. Before you begin your shopping, online or in retail stores, outline your needs and desires. Questions to ask yourself, and possibly discuss with your partner, include:

Where and how am I using this stroller?
Do I want this stroller to accommodate an infant car seat/carrier, or is it replacing my travel system when my baby outgrows her infant car seat?

What is the terrain like?
Do I need a full-featured stroller with larger, rugged wheels, or is all my walking indoors, where I need better maneuverability?

How much space do I have in my trunk?
If you drive a compact or full-size car, rather than an SUV or minivan, you’ll want a stroller that folds up very compactly. You might consider a full-featured stroller with an umbrella-style fold. Likewise if you live in an apartment with limited storage space.

What amenities are important to me?
You might be surprised by the amount of parents who complain about the lack of cup holders on certain stroller models when they write reviews. This may not seem important, but you may miss them if you don’t have them.

If you’re paying more for a full-featured stroller v. an umbrella stroller, chances are, you’re buying it for the amenities. Some features to look for include:

• child snack tray

• generous storage basket (that is easy to access even with a child in the stroller)

• toy attachments

• additional storage on sides or back of seat

• parent tray with deep cup holders

• adjustable handle for caregivers of different heights

• Free-standing when folded

• Padded five-point harness

• Comfortable, padded seat

• Seat that reclines to different levels

What to Look for During Your Test Drive

As with any stroller, take it for a test drive in the store before you make your purchase. Here are the factors to evaluate:

Hand grips / handle: Is it at a comfortable height or adjustable? How comfortable will it be after wheeling it all day?

Maneuverability: How well does it handle corners and tight spaces?

Storage capacity: Can you hold everything you need and reach it all easily?

Folding: If it’s advertised as having a “one-handed fold,” is this true? Can you fold the stroller easily with your child in your arms? How easy, overall, is it to fold? How compact is it? Does it really stand on its own, if it’s advertised to do so?

Harness: Is the harness safe, secure, and easy to latch? Is it padded for comfort?

Comfort: If your child is with you, test the stroller with your baby inside. A toddler can tell you if he or she is comfortable in the stroller. With younger babies, you can gauge their reaction after a few minutes of getting accustomed to their new environment.

Use your judgment, too. Does the stroller recline comfortably? In its upright position, is your child upright enough, or still lying down? Is the seat padded?

Brakes: Are they easy to use and do they work well?

If someone said the words “umbrella stroller,” you may picture a flimsy piece of material pulled over a weak metal frame, a thin three-point harness, and no added features. Certainly, this describes some umbrella strollers on the market today – you can pick one up for $15 – $20 at your neighborhood’s big box store. You might keep one of these models in your car in case you forget your full-featured stroller, or at grandma’s house.

But the definition of umbrella stroller has changed. If you spend just a bit more, you can get a better model with cargo capacity, cup holders, and a comfortable ride. Since you can spend as little or as much as you want on an umbrella stroller, how do you know which one to buy?

Inexpensive Umbrella Strollers

Cosco Umbrella Stroller

Because they are so lightweight, easy to fold, and compact to store, inexpensive umbrella strollers work well in certain circumstances:

• For train or bus rides

• For short trips

• As a spare stroller to keep in the car

• For trips to the zoo or theme parks, where your child may want to walk most of the day

Don’t plan to keep these strollers for more than a season. And they certainly aren’t durable enough to pass on to the next child.

Also, don’t expect back support for your child, a reclining seat or a comfortable footrest. Convenience and price are the key selling points of these strollers.

There’s not much to think about when you purchase one. An inexpensive umbrella stroller should:

• Fold easily (one-handed folding is a benefit).

• Have a safe & secure harness that opens and closes easily

• Have rear brakes that work

• Available in a color or pattern pleasing to you and your toddler

Quality Umbrella Strollers

Kolcraft iBaby Reclining Umbrella Stroller

For just $10 to $20 more (although some models cost $100 or more), you can get a quality umbrella stroller with added features and a degree of comfort.

Many mid-to-high-end umbrella strollers offer the following features:

• Padded seat

• Cargo pockets

• Underseat storage

• Cupholders

• Large sunshade

There’s a bit more to think about when you buy a higher end umbrella stroller. Since you’ll be spending $40 or more, you want to make sure you get a stroller that is comfortable, easy to use, and durable so it will last. “Test drive” the stroller in the store, and ask yourself the following questions.

• Are the hand grips comfortable and at a comfortable height? Many aren’t adjustable, so select a stroller comfortable for you.

• Is the stroller stable, even around turns?

• How well does the stroller maneuver? Maneuverability in shopping malls and other tight spaces is a key selling point of umbrella strollers, so make sure the one you choose excels in this area.

• When you walk quickly with the stroller, does it fit your strides, or do your feet hit the back supports?

• Are the brakes easy to use?

• How much does the stroller weigh?

• Is it durable, especially if you plan to fly with it?

• Does it fold easily, preferably one-handed?

• Does it lock closed?

• Is the harness easy to buckle and unbuckle? Is it easy to adjust? Most importantly, is it secure? Five-point harnesses offer a greater degree of security for younger babies and keep older babies from leaning forward too much.

• How much do you want to spend?

There are other features you may want to look for in an umbrella stroller, depending on your needs.

• Do you want storage capacity, either in an underneath basket or side storage pockets?

• Are cup holders necessary? Keep in mind, you can purchase these, along with cargo bags, separately.

• Some umbrella strollers stand on their own when folded, a benefit for storage.

• How much padding does the stroller offer? How much support?

• Is the sunshade large enough to offer protection against sun and wind?

• Is the seat removable for easy washing?

• Does the seat cover roll back to expose a cool mesh seat for warm weather? (If you’re doing Disney World in the summer with this stroller, or live in very warm climates, this is a huge benefit).

• Do you want other amenities, such as an iPod dock, toy attachments, and a rain / bug shield?

Strollers for parents of more than one child come in two basic styles: tandem (in-line) or side-by-side double strollers. When you purchase any double stroller, you’ll want to consider the following factors:

• Will it fit both my babies comfortably?

Can it accommodate two infant car seats if necessary? (Note: some parents of twins decide to carry one baby in a sling and use the infant car seat for the other baby until both babies can sit in the stroller without the car seat, at about 8 weeks). Nonetheless, some tandem and some side-by-side models like the Graco DuoRider hold two infant car seats.

• Can you fold it easily one-handed?

• Does it stand upright when folded?

• How well does it maneuver?

• Does it fit easily through doors and tight store aisles?

• How well does it fit in the trunk of my car?

Keep in mind, these strollers will not be the lightest weight or the most maneuverable. When you compare strollers, compare them to other similar strollers and not to single baby models.
Tandem and side-by-side double strollers offer different benefits and have different drawbacks. You can read our reviews of tandem and side-by-side strollers to learn more about the features of different models.

Tandem Strollers
Tandem strollers, like our top-rated Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller, accommodate twin babies or two children close in age (an infant and a toddler). Most tandem strollers offer the option to keep one baby in an infant car seat while the toddler sits in a more upright position.

Some European strollers advertise that the toddler can stand on a footboard behind the younger child, but ASTM requirements do not support this.

When you’re shopping for a tandem stroller, look for one with a flexible configuration, where children can both ride facing forward or can ride facing each other. When you take the stroller for a test ride, pay close attention to its maneuverability and how well your children fit in the stroller.

Of course, you’ll want to evaluate a tandem with the same considerations you would have when you buy a full-featured stroller.

Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller

Side-by-Side Double Strollers

Surprisingly, many reviewers noted that side-by-side strollers are actually easier to turn than many of the behemoth tandem strollers. However, a side-by-side stroller is essentially a double umbrella stroller.

Carefully evaluate a side-by-side stroller to make sure:

• The seating is comfortable, with enough padding

• Both seats recline, and can recline separately so one child stay upright while the other sleeps

• Include five-point harnesses for added safety

• Have a generous sun shade

• Offer any amenities you may want, including cup holders and snack trays

Peg Perego 2010 Aria Twin 60/40 Double Stroller - Kiwi

Side-by-Side or Tandem: Which is Best for You?

Side-by-side strollers:

• Are more maneuverable and easier to turn

• Tend to weigh less than tandem models

• May offer the option to recline one seat while keeping the other upright

Tandem strollers:

• Provide more flexibility in how children ride, both facing forward or face-to-face

• Will not be unbalanced with an infant and a toddler

• Typically offer more cargo space

• Are not as wide as side-by-side models

Inglesina Domino Trio triple stroller

Triple Strollers
Many manufacturers offer triple stroller models for parents of triplets or twins plus one. As with any multi-child stroller, you can find in-line or side-by-side(-by-side) models. http://multiples.about.com/od/stroller1/tp/triplestroller.htm) The About.com Guide to Twins and Multiples recommends the Inglesina Domino Trio Triple Stroller as a tandem model and the Mountain Buggy Urban Triple for those looking for a side-by-side triple stroller.

For parents with more than three stroller-age children, the RunAbout stroller is available in configurations of one to six seats.

Runabout® Triple Stroller

Some parents of triplets or three children close in age opt to purchase a double stroller and a single stroller for a less bulky combination.

AllReviews.com top-rated BOB Revolution stroller

Many active parents seek a stroller that’s a step above the typical full-featured model designed for jaunts to the shopping mall or across city sidewalks. For these parents, a jogging or all-terrain stroller offers the best functionality.

But which type of stroller best fits your needs? After all, active parents may jog on city sidewalks during the week, but hike trails with the family on weekends. And then there are trips to the beach, or long, leisurely bicycle rides to consider. Can one stroller perform well in all these environments? Fortunately, the answer is yes. And today’s jogging or all-terrain strollers are also designed with the maneuverability to navigate shopping malls well, too – although you may find some aisles to be a tight fit.

First, let’s explore the difference between jogging and all-terrain strollers. Keep in mind, there’s some overlap in these categories.

Schwinn Jogging Stroller

Jogging Strollers
Many jogging strollers are designed with a front-fixed wheel to permit parents to jog in a straight line without veering off-course. Some jogging strollers have a front wheel that swivels, making it a good dual-use stroller in shopping malls, for winding paths or along city streets with lots of turns.

In jogging strollers, the larger the wheel, the faster you can go. Serious marathon runners may consider a 20” wheel. For average moms looking to drop the baby weight through cardio exercise, a 16” wheel is probably more than enough.

Jeep Liberty All-terrain stroller

All-terrain strollers
The key difference between an all-terrain stroller and a jogging stroller is the tires. All-terrain strollers should have durable off-road tires suitable for any environment, permitting caregivers to easily roll over rough terrain without disturbing the baby. Parents seeking a quality all-terrain stroller should look for larger wheels, and, if they’re doing heavy off-roading, shocks to keep the ride smooth.

While some jogging strollers now come equipped with a front swivel wheel, a fixed front wheel is preferable for rough terrain, including rocky trails and sand.

Many jogging strollers can do double-duty for light off-road use, and vice versa. It is only the most serious runners or off-road enthusiasts whp will want a stroller custom-designed for their purposes.

What to Look for in All-terrain or Jogging Strollers

These are the key areas to consider when you shop for an all-terrain or jogging stroller. As with any stroller, “try” before you buy, taking it for a run around the store and making sure it’s comfortable for you and your baby.

It’s All in the Wheels

Swivel or Fixed: Serious runners or parents who plan to use their stroller for heavy off-road use (think beach or rocky trails) absolutely need a fixed wheel. A fixed wheel not only makes it easier to navigate tough terrain, it will keep the stroller from “tracking” (veering to the side) during serious running.

For casual joggers who intend to use their jogging stroller as their primary stroller for any outing, a swivel wheel is easier to manipulate through tight spaces. Additionally, reviewers loved the front swivel wheel on the BOB Revolution stroller since it permitted them to turn corners without having to lift the stroller onto its back wheels.

Some strollers now come with a wheel that provides a fixed or swivel option. Be careful, though, if you intend to use this type of stroller for heavy running or off-road use. You might find the wheel still has some “play,” causing the stroller to track. Higher quality models like the BOB Revolution typically don’t have this problem.

Materials: Air-filled tires surrounded by rubber—just like bicycle tires–are the norm on jogging and all-terrain strollers. Aluminum alloy wheels and hubs are lighter weight than steel and also won’t rust, making them more durable. Most strollers have alloy wheels, and they’re highly recommended by reviewers and manufacturers alike.

Size: Stroller wheels come in three sizes, each with characteristics that make them suitable for specific purposes.

• 20” Wheels: Serious runners and off-road enthusiasts want these larger wheels. Your child will feel the bumps less and you’ll experience less resistance and superior glide. Go fast, go straight, go over anything.

• 16” Wheels: The perfect blend of convenience, maneuverability and reduced resistance, most parents looking for a jogging or all-terrain stroller will lean toward a model with 16” wheels. These glide easily and handle light trails with no difficulty.

• 12” Wheels: For casual joggers who want a jogging stroller as their primary stroller, 12” wheels provide enhanced maneuverability and are most suitable for streets, stores, parks, etc. If you’re looking for a front-swivel wheel, chances are you’ll find it in a model with 12” wheels.

Do You Need Shocks?
Some better all-terrain and jogging strollers now come with shocks to provide a smoother ride for your baby. For heavy off-road riding, shocks provide a great advantage, but for other uses, probably aren’t necessary, as strollers are designed to offer a smooth ride on most terrain.
Whether the stroller comes with shocks or not, test the suspension system and makes sure it rolls straight at any speed; this is especially important for serious joggers.

How Much Does It Weigh?
Some all-terrain strollers can be heavy. Serious joggers will want to look for a lightweight, aluminum frame. If you plan to use the stroller for everyday use, consider the weight when you think about taking it in and out of your car’s trunk.

Brakes, Five-point harnesses and Other Safety Features
A hand brake provides better control to slow the stroller quickly on downhill terrain or while jogging. A hand strap adds to a stroller’s safety by keeping the stroller firmly affixed to the parent’s wrist, regardless of its speed.. Padded straps provide added comfort.
All jogging and all-terrain strollers should come equipped with a five-point harness. Make sure the harness on your selected model can adjust to fit your child safely

Is It Age Appropriate?
Many jogging and all-terrain strollers are suitable only for babies 6 months and older, because the seats do not recline. However, some models feature reclining seats good for younger babies. Keep in mind, a reclining seat may not recline fully, making the stroller suitable only for babies 8 weeks and older.
Some jogging and all-terrain strollers come equipped with car seat adapters that permit you to use the stroller from birth up.

Even with a car seat adaptor, manufacturer representatives say you should not jog or use a stroller off-road with babies under 8 months old.

Added Amenities
Amenities are nice on any stroller. Some things to look for on a jogging or all-terrain stroller include:

• a cup- or water bottle-holder

• a snack tray for child,

• storage basket underneath for shopping trips

• side cargo bags

• rain / wind guard

• large sun shade

For instance, the Jeep Liberty All-terrain stroller, with a front-swivel wheel designed for light trails, comes with extra deep cup holders for parent and baby, a steering wheel toy, and an iPod dock with speakers. (Batteries required for toy and iPod.)

BOB strollers have a broad range of accessories available separately, letting you truly customize your baby’s ride.

For new and expectant parents, one of the most confusing purchases might be the baby stroller. While car seats come in approximately three basic styles, suitable for babies of different ages and sizes, strollers come in about seven or eight different varieties, a host of price points, and countless colors and patterns. You can spend anywhere from $12.99 to more than $1,000 for a stroller depending on its features and durability. Most parents will want a full-featured stroller in the $150 – $250 price range, and a less expensive ($15 – $40), lightweight umbrella stroller for quick trips.

Our Baby Stroller Buying Guide explains the different styles of baby strollers and then offers tips and advice on what to look for when you go shopping for each type of stroller.

Umbrella Stroller – Named for its curved handles and the way it folds up compactly when not in use, an umbrella stroller is the lightest weight, least expensive, and most convenient stroller. Since most umbrella strollers seat baby in an upright position only, they are designed for babies 6 months and older. (Some have seats that recline, but do not provide adequate head support for newborns under 6 months). An umbrella stroller is extremely convenient for airline travel, quick trips to the mall, and public transportation. (http://www.allreviews.com/baby-strollers/category/umbrella-strollers/)

Lightweight Stroller – A lightweight stroller is like the Cadillac version of an umbrella stroller. Some features may include extra padding, a multi-position seat, a storage basket underneath, cargo pockets, a hefty sunshade, cup holders, a snack tray and more, depending on the price. The perfect blend of convenience and portability, lightweight strollers range in price from $40 into the hundreds.

Stroller Travel System / Universal Car Seat Carrier – Looking for one convenient stroller your baby can use right out of the hospital all the way to the toddler years? A stroller travel system fits the bill. This stroller “system” includes an infant car seat / carrier, typically good for infants up to about 22 lbs. The car seat / carrier snaps into a base in your car. You can lift it out easily (even if the baby is sleeping) and snap the car seat into the stroller. Some can accommodate infants up to 32 lbs., but by the time your baby hits 20 lbs., it gets a bit cumbersome and heavy to carry the car seat with the car seat in it.

A Universal Car Seat carrier is a stroller frame that fits most major brands of infant car seat carriers.
(http://www.allreviews.com/baby-strollers/2010/03/05/buying-a-full-featured-stroller/)

Jogging or All-Terrain Stroller – These strollers are designed for ultimate performance for the family on the go. Most have three wheels (one in front, two in back). They are not the most compact stroller models, but they make up for it in durability. A jogging stroller can turn on a dime, while an all-terrain stroller can handle dirt, sand and rocky trails with ease. Some of these strollers (but not all!) convert into bicycle trailers for one or two children.
(http://www.allreviews.com/baby-strollers/2010/03/05/buying-a-jogging-or-all-terrain-baby-stroller/)

Multi-child stroller – Parents of twins or a newborn and a toddler find it hard to live without a double stroller, sometimes called a tandem stroller. You can purchase double strollers in all the varieties listed above: Travel system, Jogging/All-terrain stroller, lightweight stroller, or umbrella stroller. Some feature side-by-side seating, while others fit an infant car seat and a toddler, later adjusting to fit two toddlers – one in front and one behind. Other models permit a toddler to “stand and ride” while a younger child sits in front. (http://www.allreviews.com/baby-strollers/)

The Kolcraft Contours Options 3-wheeler stroller is all about options — for Mom and Baby. This universal car seat carrier and 3-wheeler stroller lets parents opt to use it with almost any infant car seat from major manufacturers like Graco, Britax, and Peg Perego. Or, use it as a secure and comfortable conventional stroller with a five-point harness and fully reclining seat. Finally, parents can turn the seat around for a better view of their infant.

The stroller features extra deep cup holders for parents, a generous sunshade, and an easy-to-use rear foot brake. The stroller folds quickly and stands on its own when folded. The 8” front swivel wheel and 12” rear wheels, combined with the floating seat and suspension system gives baby a smooth ride on almost any terrain. The floating seat also makes it extremely easy to access the extra large basket underneath.

This stroller is good for children from birth up, and is available in a stylish black, grey and red color scheme.

Many active parents can’t decide between a conventional jogging stroller or an all-terrain / off-road stroller. What’s the difference?

The major difference is the front wheel: Jogging strollers have a front wheel that swivels for maneuverability, while a front wheel that locks into place performs better on rough surfaces, like dirt, sand and gravel.

The Revolution stroller from BOB Gear is the manufacturer’s most popular model, taking parents and babies from the toughest off-road terrain to the tight corners of a crowded shopping mall with ease.

The Revolution stroller’s front swivel wheel provides unmatched maneuverability, but locks in place to handle off-road terrain. The state-of-the-art suspension system ensures a comfortable ride wherever you are. The seat reclines up to 70 degrees from vertical – 25 degrees more than past BOB models.

Manufactured with the same tough construction and durability of all BOBGear strollers, the Revolution has a welded frame and needs no assembly. The two-step folding design provides “stow-and-go” portability.

The Revolution is available in a variety of colors, and in single and duallie styles.

Graco recently announced a voluntary recall 1.5 million models of strollers, the largest stroller recall in history.

The stroller models affected by the recall are the Alano, Passage and Spree strollers and travel systems;  other stroller models remain safe to use. The recalled strollers and travel systems were sold between October 2004 and February 2008 at retailers that include Target, Wal-Mart, Babies “R” Us, Toys “R” Us, Kmart, and Sears.

These specific stroller models with a particular hinge design (shown in the photo above) pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to babies and toddlers. Graco received 7  reports of children placing their fingers in the stroller’s canopy hinge mechanism.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission lists all affected model numbers in a press release on its website. You can find your stroller’s model number and date of manufacture on a sticker on the lower inside portion of the rear frame, above the wheels.

If your stroller was recalled, you should stop using the stroller and contact Graco for a free repair kit, a part that will fit over the faulty hinge. Contact Graco at 800-345-4109 between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday, or visit www.gracobaby.com.

When your hinge cover arrives (in about 2 weeks, according to the Graco website), the video below will show you how to install it.