Monday, October 31, 2016

Top 5 Best Double Umbrella Strollers | 2016 Reviews

Top 5 Best Double Umbrella Strollers | 2016 Reviews

Parents with at least two young children are often faced with the dilemma of how to bring their kids around without making the entire trip (yes, even a trip to the groceries) a hassle for everyone.

That’s where the lightweight double umbrella stroller comes to play.

Just as the name suggests, umbrella strollers are named so as they take the form of an umbrella when they are folded. This basically means that they are extremely compact and lightweight so that they are ideal for trips around the neighborhood, within the city, through crowded and narrow streets and even for road trips and air travel.

The only difference this time is that the ones we have included in our list of the best double umbrella strollers are made for two children: twins, Irish twins or infant-toddler combinations.

However, unlike its single counterparts, you will have to expect that even the most lightweight double stroller is still much heavier. They are made for two children, after all! Additionally, if you want a really light double stroller to work for your family, you will have to give up a few bells and whistles such as huge storage baskets, all-terrain wheels and so on.

To make it a truly compact and light double stroller, choose those that can provide the basics including a 5-point harness and enough sun shade. Otherwise, it might become difficult to get them to fit in the trunk.

So, are you now ready for our list of the best? Below are double umbrella stroller reviews that you might want to consider on your next purchase.

Quick Comparison Table

UPPAbaby G-LINK

Maclaren Twin Triumph

Kinderwagon HOP

Kolcraft Cloud Stroller

Chicco Echo Twin

UPPAbaby G-LINK
Maclaren Twin Triumph
Kinderwagon HOP
Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller
Chicco Echo Twin

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

25 lbs

21.2 lbs

21.5 lbs

21 lbs

31 lbs

Side by side

Side by side

Stadium/Tandem

Side by side

Side by side

UPPAbaby G-LINK

UPPAbaby G-LINK

When it comes to daily use, the UPPAbaby G-LINK certainly does not fail.

What is great about this stroller is that it has seats and footrests that can be reclined and adjusted at different levels independently. This means that you can use it to support your kids’ varying nap times. Aside from the full recline, this double umbrella stroller also comes with extra large canopies plus extendable sunshades for maximum sun protection.

Parents love the fact that they can still see their little ones through the peek-a-boo windows in the canopies. The stroller’s design makes it extremely easy to fold and is lightweight so taking the stairs will not be a problem either.

With its aluminum frames, the G-LINK is strong yet sturdy and can be maneuvered even with just a single hand. Plus, it comes with extra storage at the back of the canopies and below the seats for small items. It also has two cup holders to keep everyone hydrated during the walk.​

This is our Top pick as it's high-quality and even with daily use, this double umbrella stroller will not disappoint you.

Details of the UPPAbaby G-LINK

Weight

25 lbs

Orientation

Side by side

Dimensions

45.5 x 19 x 14 inches

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

50 lbs per seat

5-Point Harness

Yes

Maclaren Twin Triumph

Maclaren Twin Triumph

Pushing two kids around can be very tedious which is why it is a big advantage that the Maclaren Twin Triump is super lightweight. You do not have to worry about constantly getting it in and out of the car and it folds very compact so you can easily store it anywhere.

Parents will love that the seats for this side-by-side stroller work independently so it can be reclined anytime of the passengers wish without affecting the other. Each seat also has a huge water resistant hood (which also has viewing windows) for protection against the sun and wind. When it starts to pour, you can easily don the rain cover on both seats simultaneously so your kids can stay warm and comfortable even as you continue strolling.

The seats come equipped with a five-point harness: the shoulder straps can be adjusted to three different height settings although the crotch strap cannot be moved backwards or forwards. The Maclaren Twin Triumph comes with ergonomically angled handlebars and medium-sized storage baskets great for quick trips.​

The Maclaren Twin Triumph is a quality pushchair that’s compact and easy to manoeuvre. It’s got everything you need from an umbrella double stroller, for twin or siblings, especially in urban settings and rightfully earning the number 2 position.​

Details of the Maclaren Twin Triumph

Weight

21.2 lbs

Orientation

Side by side

Dimensions

35.4 x 24 x 41.1 inches

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

55 lbs per seat

5-Point Harness

Yes

Kinderwagon HOP

Kinderwagon HOP

If you have younger kids (or kids who are smaller for their age) and love taking them around the city with you, then you have found the perfect match in the  Kinderwagon HOP Tandem Stroller.

The Hop is quite unique in that it offers stadium seating for its passengers – this means the rear seat is slightly higher than the front seat – and is thus ideal for kids who are close in age. However, the only downside is that it can only take one car seat at a time so it isn’t recommended if you have infant twins.

This tandem stroller’s stadium seats can accommodate only up to 50 pounds each but they are designed to be shallower than average so a lot of preschoolers might find it slightly smaller for their liking.

If you have smaller kiddos, you can definitely fit them inside. The seats are well-padded and come with a 5-point harness for added protection. Since only the rear seat can be reclined to nearly flat, the usual arrangement is to have the younger kid sit at the back and the toddler in front. When this happens, parents and toddlers often find it a big hassle to get around the bumper bar. Even if kids are big enough to get in and out of their stroller seats, they will need the help of their parents to get out of this one.

Despite these limitations, we do love the Hop as it is quite compact and is only slightly larger than the average umbrella when folded. It also comes with a slightly larger canopy, rain cover, cup holder, six-inch wheels and even front and back suspensions. Surprised? Sadly, its storage basket is quite small and can only be accessed from the sides so if you have a large diaper bag with you, you will have to carry it yourself.

After weighing all its pros and cons, we have come to a conclusion to bring this lightweight double stroller to the third position.

Details of the Kinderwagon HOP

Weight

21.5 lbs

Orientation

Tandem/Stadium seating

Dimensions

118.4 x 48 x 30.5 cm

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

50 lbs per seat

5-Point Harness

Yes

Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller

Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller

If you are in the lookout for a travel friendly stroller that you can easily fit inside the car trunk and not have an issue when checking in for your flights, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller!

This 21-pound double umbrella stroller is so lightweight that you can maneuver it with just a single hand. It also comes with a lot of features and can still fold compact.

Among its numerous features include a suspension system in its front wheels. The all-terrain wheels ensure that your kids stay comfortable and enjoy a smooth ride no matter where you bring them. It should be noted thought that this model cannot be used as a jogging stroller.​

Safety is not compromised with this one, definitely. For one, it comes with a multi-recline feature to accommodate the passenger’s needs. Another is that it has a three-point harness system ensuring that your kids stay safe even during bumpy rides. The three tier extended canopy also makes sure that your kids get all the protection that it needs against the sun.

Basically, the Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller has everything you want in a stroller: great riding experience, maximum safety and protection and compact and lightweight. Its biggest cons, for parents, are its three-point safety harness and lack of storage basket under the seats.​

Sadly, it doesn’t have a bottom storage basket and with the 3-point harness, it is our Top 4th Pick.​

Details of the Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller

Weight

21 lbs

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

31 x 31 x 38.5 inches

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

35 lbs per seat

5-Point Harness

Yes

Chicco Echo Twin

Chicco Echo Twin

Last, but definitely not the least in our list, is the Chicco Echo Twin double umbrella stroller which is packed with comfort and functionality that the passengers and parents are looking for.

This extremely stylish ride is well-loved by its passengers in that it comes with embroidered seat pads, padded backrests and the independent four-tiered full reclines which can be done with just one hand. Its dual canopies, which can be adjusted independently, have zip off rear flaps that help protect the passengers further from the elements.

Parents love its stylish look which includes the European wheel design and the colored rear tubes. It also has a simple cup holder outside, a small storage basket and a detachable design for easy cleaning.

Aside from being sturdy, lightweight and compact, parents also love that the Chicco Echo Twin comes with a very affordable price!The only complaints about this double umbrella stroller is the small storage, lack of accessory pockets and a pretty tight weight capacity at just 40 pounds for each seat, so this strolls into our 5th spot.​

Details of the Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller

Weight

31 lbs

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

85.1 x 78.1 x 105.4 cm

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

40 lbs per seat

5-Point Harness

Yes

Originally posted 2016-07-10 14:21:23.

The post Top 5 Best Double Umbrella Strollers | 2016 Reviews appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Best 3D Printing and 3D Drawing Pen Buying Guide

Best 3D Printing and 3D Drawing Pen Buying Guide

Do you remember clearing your head with doodles when you were younger? Gliding through page after page and making your mark on paper seemed like an aimless activity to the adults surrounding you (“stop doodling,” they told you), but psychologists agree that doodling can be some serious therapy. They say it can also aid in memory retention and enhance creativity. But enough of that, we’re not talking about pen strokes on a piece of paper. Although what we mean to discuss can be as therapeutic and even more creative.

The doodling we are talking about involves drawing in the air. Yes, you heard us. You and your children can now exercise your creativity by drawing up in the air with a 3D printing pen. A 3D printing pen is a new invention that came into the market just a couple of years ago and it lets you create 3D art by melting colored plastic filaments. The melted plastic is then extruded from the pen while you dictate its direction by going side to side – or up and down! The result is stunning, realistic, and useful art. Having a difficult time visualizing it? The technology is actually similar to a glue gun, except instead of glue, you load some colored plastic.

Best 3D Printing and Drawing Pen

For children aged 10 and up, a 3D printing pen is a wonderful tool to enhance their imagination. With some reasonable guidance, most of them can be trusted to handle this hot tool (if they have used a glue gun before, they will catch on nicely) and it will keep them engaged for hours. It is creative and productive all at the same time, and here’s the kicker. You will love that the hardened plastic bits that fall off a design are easy to clean up with a broom or vacuum. Other activities are not as easy to clean.

In addition, we love things that create activities to bond with kids. You and your kids could create some pretty fun things such as pendants and bracelet charms, tiny sculptures, cellphone case decals, little model cars, picture frames or even a 3D little Christmas town. You’re limited only by your imagination.​

What are the features to consider when buying a 3D printing and drawing pens?

Even though 3D printing pens are new in the market, you’ll be surprised that it is quite saturated. A lot of brands have come out with different features – slim, thick, lcd, and what have you – all to try and get your attention. So if you want make sure that you are getting the right 3D printing pen for your purposes.

● Ergonomic Design

Some designs that you can make with a 3D printing pen are not really complicated but making repetitive strokes can be tiring. If you’re thinking of carpal tunnel syndrome right now, well, it’s a definite possibility if you have to work a long time with the same hand position. So when it comes to hours of drawing fun, an ergonomic design is a godsend. Some pens can be thick and angular, making it a pain to hold them for just a few minutes. So you want to choose one that curves nicely in your hands and has the weight that you like. Whether you want something light or a little weighty is entirely up to you. The same goes for whether you want your pen slim or chubby. The good news is that there are so many choices out there to fit every hand.

● Unclogging Mechanism

A 3D pen works by heating a plastic filament and then pushing it out of the pen in order to make shapes. Even with a heating element within the pen, the melted plastic is on its way to cooling down so it can stay in shape. With such a small nib at the end of the pen, you can imagine what sorts of clogging hazards that pen of yours is prone to. Fortunately, second and third generation 3D pens are better equipped to handle clogging so that it hardly ever happens. And at times that clogging does happen, it is now simpler to disassemble the unit and fix the clog.

● Wide Range of Filaments

As earlier mentioned, the plastic filament is the “ink” that you use to create with your 3D printing pen. There are actually two kinds and each one will influence your drawing style:

ABS Filament – is a nice steady material that has been around for a long time. It creates a hard design with some decent “give.” It is a pretty common material and you might have seen it before because it is what Legos are made of. If you are new to 3D printing pens, you will want to get used to using ABS filament first because it is the more user friendly filament.​

Best 3D Printing and Drawing Pen

PLA Filament – is a plant based plastic (as opposed to ABS which is petroleum based) and creates a hard design but is more brittle and, therefore, more likely to break if bent. But it comes in a lot of nice colors and different levels of translucency. If you are an advanced user of 3D printing pens, you might want to try PLA filament, keeping in mind that this plastic is prone to drooping if it is too hot.​

One more thing that you will want to think of when you buy a 3D printing pen is whether or not it will allow you to load filaments that are not of the same brand. If the pen that you want accepts filaments from only one manufacturer, you will want to make sure that they always have a constant supply – you sure wouldn’t want to run out and put a stop to the fun – and that they don’t charge an arm and a leg for them.​

● Power Source

Because it has a heating element, all 3D printing pens must have a power source. For now, most of them have to be plugged in to a power outlet. An advantage of having your unit plugged in to AC power is that you have a constant energy source. Some people though get bothered by the power cord and feel that it gets in the way of their design. If you’re one of those who don’t like the power cord, there are pens that are powered by USB rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries. You’ll just have to plan your art activities around charging times, but at least they are very portable.

● Heating Element or Curing Mechanism

The first 3D pens all applied heat to melt plastic for creating realistic art. There are a lot of advantages to the traditional hot tip pen – the technology has been around longer which makes it better researched and it allows you to draw upwards to create standing designs. A knock on the hot pens, though, is that parents are concerned about letting their young kids use them for fear of them getting burned.

Enter the cool ink 3D printing pen. This 3D pen does not use a heating element or plastic filaments, but instead uses a type of photosensitive cool ink that is cured solid by built in LED lights. As a result, no heat is applied and no burning plastic smell fills the air (although this smell is very faint with traditional heating pens). More importantly, parents might feel better and safer about leaving their children alone using this pen. Another plus is that kids get to choose among different types of ink – glow in the dark, glittering, color changing, and even ink that conducts electricity (for science projects). What it doesn’t do, though, is allow you to draw up in the air. You must first draw your designs on paper and peel them off when they are dry.​

● LCD Screen

Even though you CAN use a 3D printing pen without an LCD display, why would you want to? An LCD display lets you know exactly how hot your material is, how thick your line is going to be, how much more power you have, and so on and so forth. It gives you ultimate control, so much so that working with a pen without an LCD screen is like working blind. So, go for a pen with a screen. You will want the screen to be readable and to be located where you can see it. After all, a screen is useless if you keep covering it with your fingers.

Top 5 Best 3D Printing And Drawing Pens

● Manufacturer

The world of 3D printing pens is really still new in spite of having been around for about two years. This is why it is not uncommon to see pen models such as version 1 and version 2 or named after the year it was released such 2014 and 2015. Manufacturers are constantly trying to improve their technology so you want to go with a trusted brand that has been doing its homework. Needless to say, get the latest version available because it is most up to date. In addition, go for a manufacturer that has good customer and aftersales service.

● Customer Reviews

Because there are so many players in this new industry, customer reviews are an invaluable form of feedback regarding 3D printing pens. Touch base with experts who regularly work with these pens as well as other parents who have given one to their kids. It is as they say, anecdotal evidence makes for very good advice. You can also look at our recommendations page to find out what ParentsNeed HQ experts have to say.

● Maintenance

Most 3D printing pens do not require a lot of maintenance except for the occasional clog. A lot of the time proper handling will prevent most clogging situations, so make sure to handle the pen so that you’re never drawing to close your surface, causing the filament to back up into your pen.

Tips for having fun with your 3D Printing Pen

  • Protect your work surface with paper. You will be extruding hot plastic after all and you don’t really want to find out what kind of damage it might possibly do to your furniture.
  • When your 3D pen arrives, try a few practice strokes before you begin a project. Getting a feel for the pen and the material you are using will make you familiar with the different thicknesses and fluidity of your lines. Doing this will also improve your dexterity and will increase the chances that your first art project will be a success.
  • As with a glue gun, plastic filaments need a few seconds to warm up. If your budget permits, have more than one 3D printing pen so that you and your kids can have multiple colors on standby for non-stop creative fun.
  • Warm plastic filament is very forgiving so have fun with your design. When the plastic is cool enough but still malleable you can use your fingertips to move it where you want. If it has gone too cool, on the other hand, you can use a hair dryer to warm it back up.
  • Not too good at free hand art? Download some stencils on the internet and print them out. Then follow the lines on your paper with your 3D printer pen. Instant success!
  • Prepare a place in your house to prominently display your kids’ art. There’s going to be a lot of it!
7TECH 3D Printing Pen With LCD Screen, Version 2015

Our Recommendation

Doodle, doodle, doodle! We just can’t wait for you try your hand at bringing your doodles to life! But how do you choose among so many players in the 3D printing pen industry? Well, we’ve made it easy. We’ve been busy doing some 3D artwork of our own using different top rated pens here at ParentsNeed HQ. Even though there are so many fabulous 3D printing pens around, we have narrowed down your options to just 5, and you will want to read about why they made it to our list of favorites for the Top 5 Best 3D Printing and Drawing Pens! Our topmost favorite? We love the 7TECH 3D Printing Pen with LCD – it is a nifty little chubby stick that can bring your ideas to life. Click here to find out why we love it so much.

Originally posted 2016-09-01 14:41:37.

The post Best 3D Printing and 3D Drawing Pen Buying Guide appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Top 5 Best Jogging Strollers | 2016 Reviews

Top 5 Best Jogging Strollers | 2016 Reviews

The impulse to quickly shed extra weight gained during pregnancy leads many new mothers to think about buying a jogging stroller. After all, what better way is there to lose the baby pounds than to go running every day?

There’s one big problem: mom may be ready to go for a run, but a newborn baby isn’t. Experts warn that an infant’s neck muscles aren’t adequately developed to be able to handle the shakes and bumps they’ll experience when placed in a jogging stroller. It isn’t until a baby is at least eight months old that its body can endure the physical experience of being pushed on often-bumpy terrain at fast speeds.

But here’s the good news. Eight months is a perfect amount of time for mom to work back into running shape – and shop for one of the top 5 best jogging strollers.

Why even bother with a jogging stroller, when you probably already have an expensive baby stroller sitting right in your front hall or on your porch? It’s because regular strollers aren’t built to take the wear and tear of moving quickly across rough pavement while hitting holes or bumps, let alone braving off-road jogging trails. A baby riding in an ordinary stroller under those conditions could be exposed to severe danger.

There are a number of the features to look for on a jogging stroller, which you won’t find on a day-to-day model. They include large, air-filled tires to absorb impact, a single locking front wheel for stability at high speeds, a seat that’s tilted backward so shocks are spread out throughout the baby’s body and not concentrated on the spinal column, and a good set of shock absorbers. A small child’s body is obviously still developing, and isn’t yet built to take the stress of being run in a stroller. It requires the extra protection found in high-quality jogging strollers.

Naturally, there’s nothing saying that it can’t work the other way around: you can certainly buy a high-quality jogging stroller and also use it as your everyday method of walking baby around the neighborhood, if you don’t mind using one that might be tougher to fold up and to get in and out of the trunk. In that case, you’ll want a stroller with a front wheel that swivels and isn’t permanently locked into place; otherwise, it will be almost impossible to steer. On the other hand, most serious runners would only consider a fixed wheel model.

That’s just one thing to consider, when you see the prices on many of the best jogging strollers in our reviews. Like buying a car seat, the stroller too has a lot of features that you need to consider.

Quick Comparison Table

BOB Revolution Flex Stroller

Thule Glide Sport Stroller

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

Baby Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller

BOB Revolution Flex Stroller/BOB Ironman Stroller
Thule Glide Sport Stroller
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller
Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

25 pounds

22 pounds

24 pounds

26 pounds

28 pounds

Swivel Front Wheel

Fixed Front Wheel

Swivel Front Wheel

Swivel Front Wheel

Swivel Front Wheel

BOB Revolution Flex Stroller

BOB is the best-known brand name in the jogging stroller market, and has built a well-deserved reputation over the years for stability, durability and a smooth ride. We’re listing two of their models here; the Revolution Flex is designed with a front wheel that unlocks so it can do double-duty as a jogging and general-purpose stroller, while the Ironman is meant for hardcore runners. Most of the features are similar, so we’ll be primarily looking at the Revolution Flex and will mention the differences in the Ironman model at the end of our review.

There’s a lot to like about BOB. The stroller has a lockable front swivel wheel with adjustable tracking (a big plus) to ensure a straight path, strong and adjustable suspension, pneumatic tires (12.5” front, 16” rear), adjustable handle with nine different positions. It folds up to be put into the trunk, although you have to use two hands to fold it, and it’s definitely heavier than most normal strollers. There’s an optional adapter that lets you put a car seat into the frame, and a heavy-duty parking brake at the back. There’s also a one-touch adjustment that lets you set the well-padded seat straight up for normal use or recline for jogging. One slight negative: you have to manually lock or unlock the front wheel at the front of the stroller, without the mode switch seen on the handle of many jogging strollers.

The Revolution Flex glides easily over pavement, bumps and grass, although hills aren’t its strongest suit. Turning is smooth and steering with one hand is easy (as long as the front wheel is unlocked, of course) making the ride as smooth and easily controlled as you’ll find on any of its competitors. BOB’s aluminum frame feels solid, and the fabric is high-quality water-resistant canvas with a very large adjustable canopy with peekaboo window on top. Additional features include a good-sized basket and a large mesh pocket for storage (and a smaller mesh pocket inside the stroller for baby’s toys), and of course, a safety handle.

If you’re interested in the BOB Ironman for jogging only, you’ll find the differences are (besides the obvious fixed front wheel) a front tire that’s 16 inches instead of 12.5, a hand brake to control downhill speeds, and the option to upgrade to a BOB SUS (Super Utility Stroller) with tires designed for tougher terrain.

Both models are terrific, and pricey; the Revolution Flex runs about $400 and the Ironman and SUS will cost a little more. They’re worth it if you’re serious about this category and particularly if you want a dual-purpose jogging stroller like the Revolution Flex.

Details of the BOB Revolution Flex Stroller/BOB Ironman Stroller

Weight Limit

70 pounds

Harness

5-point

Front Wheel

Swivel for Revolution Flex, fixed for Ironman and SUS

Tires

12.5 inches front, 16 inches rear

Suspension

Adjustable

Weight

25 pounds

Folded Size

25 x 44 x 5 inches

Warranty

Five years frame, one year components/fabric

Thule Glide Sport Stroller

Thule Glide Sport Stroller

Here’s an entry in the fixed front wheel (not counting the BOB Ironman) which is a bit lightweight for a serious jogging stroller but doesn’t sacrifice performance.

The Thule’s light weight is primarily due to the fact that even though it’s a well-made and sturdy carriage, both the frame and wheel rims are made from lightweight aluminum and the fabric used is vinyl instead of canvas. The pneumatic tires are good quality and good sized, 16 inches in the front and 18 inches in the rear, with manual tracking adjustment done from the front. The Thule Glide has more-than-adequate rear suspension (which makes it bounce a bit when going over curbs), and a hand brake mounted on the adjustable handlebars. It also folds up with one hand, always a welcome feature.

The ride of the Glide is extremely smooth, although it’s a bit more prone to tipping because the fast roll can allow the stroller to pick up speed quickly. It’s the best option of our top 5 best jogging strollers for grass and hilly ground, in large part because of the stroller’s light weight which doesn’t bog or slow it down. Naturally, turns will be a bit sluggish because of the fixed front wheel; that’s no different than any other pure jogging stroller. There’s a solid feel to the Thule despite its weight, and the canopy (with peekaboo window) is well-made and only a bit smaller than that on the BOB. There are large storage bins and pockets for mom (or dad) and two small pockets inside the carriage for dolls and sippy cups. The interior is more comfortable than most competitors’, with a padded leg rest, a padded seat that reclines to 17 degrees to flat, and good ventilation.

The Thule Glide is a bit less expensive than the BOB at $375, and we like it almost as much – if you like challenging jogs on more challenging terrain, you may like it more. It’s also the best looking of all the strollers we’ve listed here.

Details of the Thule Glide Sport Stroller

Weight Limit

75 pounds

Harness

5-point

Front Wheel

Fixed

Tires

16 inches front, 18 inches rear

Suspension

Rear

Weight

22 pounds

Folded Size

21 x 34 x 9 inches

Warranty

Limited lifetime

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

If you’re suffering from sticker shock after reading our first two reviews, meet the Baby Trend Expedition, a dual-purpose stroller designed for casual joggers and costing only a little more than $100. We have to be honest; anyone who plans to seriously jog with their child regularly should really be looking for something sturdier and built for the purpose. But for walks around the neighborhood, trips across a grassy park and the occasional short jog, this will do the trick at an attractive price.

One reason the Expedition is more of a casual than serious jogging stroller is that it doesn’t have a suspension system, tracking adjustment, adjustable handlebars – and as concerns the most important user, there’s only a minimal amount of padding on the seat and harness. However, it glides nicely, maneuvers extremely well (with the front swivel wheel unlocked) and is quite durable thanks to its steel frame and metal wheels. It takes two hands to fold and you have to bend over to do it, and after you have gone through that routine you’ll find this is a very large stroller to fit into the trunk. The brakes aren’t extraordinary, but they work fine, and the canopy is on the smallish-side with a peekaboo window.

This Baby Trend model has a very large storage area plus a “console” attached to the handlebars with a small storage area and two cup holders; some find the cup holders to be a negative because bottles or cups often fly out and hit the passenger while mom is running. Since this stroller isn’t meant for high speeds, though, that most likely won’t be a problem. There’s also a “two sippy cup” child’s tray holder inside.

The Expedition is not a great jogging stroller but it’s a very good standard one, and a nice choice if you want to be able to jog every once in a while.

Details of the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

Weight Limit

50 pounds

Harness

5-point

Front Wheel

Swivel

Tires

16 inches front, 18 inches rear

Suspension

None

Weight

24 pounds

Folded Size

23 x 33 x 16 inches

Warranty

6 months

Baby Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

We always wonder about misleading titles, as this “Ultralight” stroller weighs about the same as the first three strollers on our list, 26 pounds. However, we do think this is a very solid product.

This is another swivel model, with the front wheel lockable for traditional use around town. The handlebars don’t adjust, but they’re at a comfortable level for most people. There’s a very good rear suspension system which provides a smooth ride on bumpy pavement, and the stroller maneuvers well with the front wheel unlocked. We wouldn’t recommend the Joovy for extensive use on dirt trails or steep slopes, but it does nice double duty on sidewalks, grass and other non-challenging surfaces. You’ll need two hands to fold it up.

The seat is a comfortable one for the passenger, adjustable to 30 degrees from flat, although the seat is shorter than on most other jogging strollers so your child may grow too tall before hitting the 70 pound weight limit. The canopy is large with a peekaboo window, there’s a console with two cup holders and a storage pouch, and there are pockets next to the child seat as well. There are adapters to use the Joovy with a number of popular car seats.

This is a better stroller for joggers than the Baby Trend and you’ll pay more for it, about $270. It’s also a terrific unit for everyday use. We’d still suggest, though, that if you’re into more serious running, you step up to the Thule, BOB or something similar.

Details of the Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller

Weight Limit

75 pounds

Harness

5-point

Front Wheel

Swivel

Tires

12.5 inches front, 16 inches rear

Suspension

Rear

Weight

26 pounds

Folded Size

25 x 34 x 19 inches

Warranty

6 months

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller

Something similar to the BOB, we heard someone say? The Summit X3 is another good alternative. It’s a swivel model (with the switchover controlled from the handlebars, which we like a lot), great all-wheel suspension, drum brakes and lots of other bells and whistles that boost the price well above the BOB’s, although you can sometimes find it on sale for $400.

Even so, we don’t think it quite justifies the higher price. The suspension and handlebars aren’t adjustable, the smoothness of the ride (particularly on difficult terrain) and the maneuverability aren’t quite up to BOB’s, even though there are drum brakes they’re less responsive than we’d expect, and there is a large canopy but it isn’t well-ventilated.

There are definitely things to like about this stroller, such as infinite recline for the very comfortable child seat, which is larger than that in most competitors so taller children fit nicely. It folds up easily, has a separate weather cover, and fits Graco car seats (a common brand). It’s a stroller that we like and that you may fall in love with, but you probably won’t love the price.

Details of the Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller

Weight Limit

75 pounds

Harness

5-point

Front Wheel

Swivel

Tires

12.5 inches front, 16 inches rear

Suspension

All-Wheel

Weight

28 pounds

Folded Size

25 x 34 x 15 inches

Warranty

One year

Originally posted 2016-05-08 14:23:13.

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