The Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller: Perfect For Parents on The Run!

September 28, 2015 by Beeb 5 Comments

Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller in Pioneer Courthouse Square

Sample provided.

My newest baby niece is due to be born this week, and we’re all excited! I knew her parents had a jogging stroller on their wishlist, so when we had the opportunity to give the Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller a test run (pun fully intended), I knew it was a solid choice. Chicco is one of those brands that comes up time and again whenever baby products are mentioned. When it comes to durability and quality, Chicco is a trusted name, so I was eager to see how their jogger would measure up.

Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller - front view

The model we received was the Radius, with stylish red and grey trim.

The Tre has a collapsible canopy – perfect for those drizzly Oregon days! – and is made from wipe-able, water repellent fabrics. It seemed clear right away that this was the ideal stroller for Portland parents, since you need something that can take on all manner of terrain and weather conditions. There’s even cupholders to put your Stumptown coffee!

Wheels are an important feature on this stroller, as it is a jogger. There is a 12″ Pneumatic tire on the front with 16″ wheels on the back plus FlexCore™ suspension, which allows you to adjust the ride based on the surface and what you’re doing – whether jogging or just strolling along. The front wheel locks to give added stability for when mom or dad are running, along with a swivel lock, parking brake and deceleration brake.

And of course, the Tre comes equipped with a five-point safety harness.

Once we had the stroller ready to roll, it was time to give it to its new owners! We were heading into Portland for a work project, so we met up with my sis-in-law Jaime and her husband so that we could bring her the stroller and give it a good test.

We met up in Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the proud parents-to-be were thrilled to see the Tre! They had been wanting a jogging stroller so they would have the flexibility to walk, run, and maneuver around PDX on foot, in and out of the car, and on the MAX. As we pushed the Tre around, we were all impressed by its ease of movement. From Pioneer Courthouse Square through the sidewalks and over a parking garage, the Tre was a breeze to push.

The Tre allows you to both adjust the recline and fold the stroller with one hand, making it easier to operate for parents who will inevitably have their hands full! The stroller folds three different ways – a self-standing fold to save space while parked in your garage or hallway, a flat fold to place in the trunk of your car, and a more compact fold for longer-term storage. Jaime was able to easily fit this in her car with no problems, which I thought was pretty impressive given how much space I thought a stroller would take up.

I can’t think of a better stroller for active, urban parents than the Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller! And since the stroller accommodates children from 6 months up to 50 pounds, I know the family will be using this for years to come.

The Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller is available on ChiccoShop.com for $379.99.

Stokke Xplory Video Review – A Stroller Designed to Last

April 16, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Stokke Xplory Video Review – A Stroller Designed to Last

By: Ashley

I received samples for this review. All opinions are my own.

Check out my video review of the Stokke Xplory and make sure you read this review for all the details.

The Stokke Xplory is definitely the crème de la crème of the stroller world. It’s easy to use features, safety, and high quality design make it easy to see why this is the choice of celebrities and real moms alike. To be completely honest, this is not a stroller I ever would have looked at because I felt like it was a little out of my league. Since they offered a sample product for me to review, I decided to go ahead and test it out. With a new baby on the way, and no newborn stroller yet, I’m definitely in the market. The best part is, I can tell you what I really think about it. The price tag is a little shocking… until you realize everything the Xplory does. Instead of buying several strollers that all offer different features, you can invest in a single stroller with the Stokke Xplory and have all your needs met. This will cut down on the clutter in your garage, and maybe even end up saving you money in the long run.

So what’s to love about the Xplory? The better question is what’s not to love. When you first look at the Xplory, it’s obvious that you are seeing a high quality, unique, and modern design. This is not your old school umbrella stroller. The trendy fabric (that comes in a multitude of colors) and sleek lines are appealing to anyone.

While looks are important, I’m a mom that really depends on the versatility and functionality of a stroller. Functionality is something that the Stokke Xplory definitely delivers. First of all, this stroller is safe to use from birth all the way up to 45 pounds! That means I can use the same stroller for at least 3 years! The stroller comes with a seat insert that adjusts the seat depth for smaller infants. As your child grows, remove the insert and there is plenty of room. The five point harness and easy to read safety indicators on the sides let me know that no matter the age, my child will be safe.

Everything about the Xplory is adjustable: the handle height, the recline of the seat, the foot rest, the canopy, the seat height. All of these functions allow you to personalize the stroller to what you need at any given time. With a small infant, the seat can face you and recline, allowing your baby to sleep. With a toddler, you can turn the seat to face outward and up to the active position so they can interact with the world around them. (There are 3 recline positions for back facing and 2 for forward facing.)

Adjusting the height of the seat is an incredible feature. This allows children riding in the Xplory to be closer to you, see more of the world around them, and even belly up to a table (in place of a high chair) if you’re out and about. Children no longer have to be down low looking up at the world if they’re riding in a stroller thanks to the height adjustment capabilities of the Xplory.

The Xplory is not an all terrain stroller, but does handle various surfaces really well. It has a special 2 wheel pull mode that allows you to pull it over especially difficult terrain. In its normal mode, the large rear wheels and front swivel wheels do create a SUPER easy steering system and allow for easy maneuvering over most surfaces (grass, gravel, concrete, mulch, etc.). There’s also no need to worry about the sun while you’re exploring the outdoors with your Xplory. The large hood and additional visor will give your little one plenty of protection from the sun.

The Stokke Xplory offers a ton of additional pieces and accessories. I love that the mosquito net and rain cover are included in the handy shopping bag that attaches onto the bottom. I also love that I can invest in a riding board that attaches easily for my older son to ride on when our new baby will be riding in the stroller. These options help extend the already long life of the Xplory.

This is not a compact, one hand fold stroller. Even when completely folded for travel, the Xplory will take up a little bit of space. That said, it is very simple to break down the stroller and could easily be done when out shopping or taking a trip to the park.

As someone who was a bit skeptical going into the Stokke Xplory, I can say I now see why so many people love this stroller and I am so incredibly happy to have it for our new baby coming in June. I honestly am anxiously awaiting the day I can take him on a walk around the neighborhood with our oldest son riding his bike along beside us.

About Ashley – Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at Momicles and follow her @Momicles2010.

Maclaren Volo Stroller Review

October 14, 2011 by Momstart 10 Comments

Strollers are a way of life when you have a baby or toddler. Even preschoolers still need a break when you’re spending the day walking. I’ve even seen older kids want a turn in the stroller because their little feet were tired. Mine certainly get tired. When traveling with kids and having to tote around so much stuff the first thing I look for in a stroller is the weight.

Maclaren sent us the perfect stroller for our three year old. It’s light weight with a basic weight of 8.8 pounds. The Maclaren Volo Stroller rocks it in four fantastic colors: Charcoal, Deep Water, Scarlet,
Black. And if Miles can’t have blue, he’s quite happy to sport Scarlet (he of course calls it red). Two other things that I look for in a stroller are wheels and age. I like to have strollers that last from beginning to end. The Maclaren practically does.

The Maclaren stroller starts at age six months old and works up to 55lbs. My three year old is around 49 so he’s perfectly fine in it for probably at least one more year. Maybe two. My four year old is the same weight so I would feel fine putting her in it too. Now for babies, you’re probably going to be carrying them in a carrier until about six months anyways so you could just get this stroller and use it once they were six months old. The five point harness should make you feel safe putting them in at any age.

The Maclaren Volo Stroller is eligible for the Sovereign Lifetime Warranty and has a 5 second one-hand compact umbrella fold with a high-performance aluminum frame. Ours came with a rain guard and a bag for storage.

The Maclaren Volo stroller was really easy to put together after I had my husband do it first. I had trouble figuring out how to lock it into position but once he showed me how it was quite easy to fold and unfold. It really is secure and a sturdy stroller. It has a height adjustable shoulder harness which also helps your child grow with the stroller and the wheels are lockable. There is a foot-operated linked parking brakes and ergonomically optimized handles
The hood is water resistant and very easy to put on and lock into place. You can see the photo above where I locked it into place. Finally the carrying strap is what made me really like the stroller more than most umbrella strollers.

Bumbleride Strollers Ride Of Your Life 2010 Flite Review

July 22, 2011 by Momstart 985 Comments

Bumbleride strollers just make children smile!

Ok, yeah, he’s just posing for the camera. But the padding on his bum is about an inch thick, so it looks like a comfy ride to me. He didn’t want to get out of it. With so many different strollers to choose from, Bumbleride is sure to be the “ride of your life”. Check out this “Ride Of Your Life” video:

A while back I had the pleasure of reviewing the Bumbleride Flyer and then I donated the stroller to my MOMS Club. I love working with Bumbleride because they allow me to use the review as a donation instead of returning it to them. Be sure to check out the Bumbleride Flyer. This time they sent me the Bumbleride Flite in red. The material on the stroller also comes in a natural line called “Natural Edition”.

The Natural Edition features a blend of recycled and bamboo fabrics tailored to give your little one an ultra-soft touch. The seat lining of Natural Edition is woven using a soft fiber mix, including bamboo, which has the natural ability to absorb moisture, regulate temperature, and inhibit bacterial growth. The exterior fabric is made with 50% recycled material. This Bumbleride collection was inspired by and designed for the eco-minded parent looking for a more refined fabric and aesthetic. Natural Edition is a product of Bumbleride’s passion for the environment as well as the use of innovative materials. It features a blend of recycled and bamboo fabrics tailored to give your little one an ultra-soft touch. The seat lining of Natural Edition is woven using a soft fiber mix, including bamboo, which has the natural ability to absorb moisture, regulate temperature, and inhibit bacterial growth. The exterior fabric is made with 50% recycled material.

Now for the Flite Stroller Review. We dumped out the box to see what all we had.

Four wheels

The Baby Seat attachment

And the stroller folded up in the compact position.

Attaching the wheels is so easy. You just pop them on, and the front wheels that allow you to change directly, you can choose to lock them if you want. Locking them will make you go forward and backward only, you know you won’t be able to turn. By pushing this gray piece the wheels will then be locked.

(remember that I reviewed last years model so the newer model has a few differences like the SPF 45 sun Canopy, please be sure to review the current product information on their site, and be sure to read which version you are purchasing when you buy one from any store)

Other than the wheels, the only other part that needs assembly is the SPF 45 sun canopy. The sun canopy also snaps right into place and extends over your child as you can see in the picture above with Miles. The seat also reclines pretty far back and I love how easy it is to reline and lock back into place. The harness is a 5 point harness and strapping the kids into place is also a breeze. The best thing about Bumbleride is the simplicity is carried out in every feature of the stroller.

Key Features:

Compact Fold
Independent Wheel Suspension
Reclining Backrest
Adjustable footrest
Rigid Backrest support
Car Seat Compatibility
SPF 45 Sun Canopy

Holds children up to 50 pounds, and is only 13 pounds itself, making travel lighter. Comes with the car seat adapter bar, infant headrest * shoulder pads, shoulder strap, and a cup holder. And if you’ve read any of my other stroller reviews then you know I love a good cup holder.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Tamara B.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

The First Years Ignite Stroller S130 Review

July 14, 2011 by Momstart 11 Comments

I have strollers. I have the original stroller purchased with the mate bucket carseat which was a necessity for an infant. My second stroller is a secondhand double jogging stroller. The problem with both of these strollers in their own right is they’re heavy and bulky. The First Year asked Mom Start to review the Ignite Stroller S130. I was game because I’m at the point in my life where I can ditch my first stroller and downsize in weight and space.

The First Year Ignite Stroller offers comfort for your child and smooth easy strolling for the driver. I have used this stroll walking on both lose gravel and sidewalks and find the driving smooth and easy to control. An adult has to assemble the stroller, but no tools are required. My husband did the assembly and said its 4-steps were “easy”.

Some models of The First Years Ignite Stroller include a bumper bar and/or cupholder. The model sent to me (pictured above) came with a cupholder but no bumper bar. All models have the canopy and a small handy under basket.

The length at which you can use The First Year Ignite will depend upon the size of your child, not the age for your child. The First Year Ignite Stroller is for children 50-pounds (22.5 kg) or less, and standing 40-inches (102 cm) or less.

This stroller is nice looking; you can get The First Year Ignite in the following patterns: Abstract Os, City Chic, Elegance Black Stripe, Fleur, Pink Polka Dotty, Red Stripe, Retro Geo, and Abstract Os Navy. Mom Start has been privileged to use the Abstract Os; shown below with my 22MO on board. Note my green water bottle in the area between the handle bars which is a built in pocket and cupholder. (Ignore Riley’s chocolate face … he just pigged out at big brother’s end of year preschool party.)

You can find The First Years Ignite Stroller for sale on Amazon including FREE Super Saving Shipping – it’ll show up right at your front door – and FREE Returns – if there’s issue contact Amazon!

The First Years is a Learning Curves Brand. Find and “Like” The First Years on Facebook and track them on Twitter @TheFirstYears. You can find and “Like” Learning Curve on Facebook and track them on Twitter @LCToys.

This The First Years Ignite Stroller has been briefly used by Mom Start for this review and will be given to a local baby’s/children’s charity for donation to a family in need with thanks from Mom Start to the Learning Curve Brands and The First Year.

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Guest Post: Bob Stroller Press Release

December 10, 2009 by Momstart 1 Comment

Thanks to rugged tires and state-of-the-art suspension systems, BOB strollers are hardly hindered by wind, rain or snow (evidenced by the video seen here), but holiday shopping, winter walks and other errands can be made whine-free, thanks to a few key BOB accessories well-suited for the chilly time of year:

BOB Weather Shield – Available for BOB’s swivel and fixed-front wheel models, the water-resistant nylon shield helps keep little passengers protected from wind, rain and other inclement weather, yet lets them see the world through a clear waterproof window. Vents allow fresh air to come in, but keep moisture out. Offered for single and Duallie (two-seater) models. MSRP: $50-$65

BOB Warm Fuzzy – A cozy fleece panel that adds warmth to the stroller seat, this plush, padded accessory lets little ones kick back in comfort, and Velcro straps make insert and removal a snap. MSRP: $44

BOB Handlebar Console – This handy, durable console, complete with cup holders and plenty of room for keys, snacks and other store-ables, keeps warm gloves or a cell phone just fingertips away, ensuring parents aren’t left out in the cold. Available for single and Duallie strollers. MSRP: $19-$21

BOB Stroller Diaper Bag – Nothing’s worse than being stranded in unfavorable weather with a cranky baby. Decrease your chances by carrying along the Diaper Bag that can attach easily to any BOB stroller and features plenty of storage space for dry clothes, diapers and favorite toys. An insulated bottle pocket allows for impromptu feedings, and an odor-resistant changing pad lets parents perform diaper duty on the fly. Available in nine vibrant, always-in-season colors. MSRP: $65

I love the BOB stroller and you can win one!

June 17, 2009 by MomStart 3 Comments

It’s good for storing everything you need when out and about.

It’s good for sleeping in!

I live in the woods with roads made of dirt and rocks. When we were looking for strollers we were looking for a stroller with rugged wheels. I mean, i did not want plastic wheels. They would just wear out too fast. So when my daughter was born we found the Jeep jogging stroller. I hated it. Absolutely hated it. The front wheel was stationary. It was locked in place. So turning it was a nightmare and I had issues getting in doors. It was heavy and I would always smash my finger when trying to lock it open or closed.

So when my son was born we decided to upgrade. We needed a double stroller, one that would still be rugged for our neighborhood and on that has a wheel that isn’t locked. Now, when jogging or going fast you need a locked wheel so that you don’t lose control. So we found the BOB Duallie and purchased it.

This thing is lighter than my other stroller was, it folds up even smaller than my other stroller did. Folding it up is a snap. The wheels can come off if you need them to and it takes seconds to disassemble to throw into the trunk of a car. You read that correctly. It will fit in the trunk of a car.

The engineers at BOB are so smart because it fits through single doors. People always think I need double doors opened for me or that I need to go in the door at an angle but nope, it fits perfectly through doorways. I love the pivotal wheel on the front. It does lock in place for jogging or if I need to lift it up stairs, which I have done with my children in it. After having a stroller I really wonder how people that are in a wheel chairs get around. So many places are not handicap inclined.

The kids can sit up straight or the seats recline for napping. The covers extend to cover a great amount of the child from the sun, but there are accessories that you can purchase to keep children safe from sun or from the rain. We have the rain guard because here in Washington it rains all the time. It has the five point harness so we put our newborn in it and felt that he was safe. We just absolutely love this stroller.

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