BabyRecommend.com

In the quest for the perfect stroller, many parents will end up eventually buying more than one baby stroller. The first (and typically their main stroller) will be purchased around the birth of the baby, perhaps the best selling Maclaren Techno XT Stroller or the fashionable but expensive Bugaboo
Cameleon Stroller. These baby strollers can provide a single-stroller solution for many parents. However, it is becoming increasingly popular to also buy a more lightweight stroller for shopping, day trips, etc. A lightweight stroller can also be kept permanently in the trunk of the car.

Lightweight baby strollers are typically not appropriate from birth as many will not be able to fully recline the seat. However for a 6 month plus baby, they can offer a convenient and lightweight solution. However, there is a balance between strength, practicality and weight.

When looking for the perfect lightweight stroller, we looked at the following key features.

• Lightweight - easy to hold and carry
• Small size when folded - can easily fit into a typical sedan trunk
• Low cost - offers value for money as a second stroller
• Strong - being light should not compromise the strollers quality

Please keep in mind that our ratings are based upon these criteria, and its use as a second stroller.

• Jeep All-Weather $28.75 (discounted price on Amazon.com)
• Graco LiteRider $53
• Chicco C6 $60
• Chicco C5 $90
• Maclaren Volo $100 to $130
• Britax Preview Onyx $140

We have tried to cover a wide price range, helping to determine if the very cheap strollers are actually good value, or spending a few dollars more will get a significantly better stroller. We have identified standout stroller from our testing, and 2 close runners-up.
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One of the criticisms of the many strollers is the lack of convinient pockets. The best selling Maclaren Techno XT does include 2 small pockets at the rear, but if you store the included rain cover in one, then other pocket is very small, and just big enough for a mobile phone.

The Maclaren Universal Organizer offers a convinient may of adding additional storage to your stroller. One of the best features of this organiser is that it is not designed just for Maclaren strollers. It attaches using strong velcro straps to the handles, therefore allowing it to fit a wide range of strollers.

The organiser includes 2 cup holders, conviniently positioned close to the stroller handles. The real problem with the organiser is the size of the cup holders. They are not very large, and can only hold small cans or bottles. They can also hold baby bottles, but you would typically store these in an insulated bag. The main pouch is very large, but you will need to be careful with storing heavy items. As with many strollers, carrying a bag on the back can make the stroller tip easily.

Overall, there is nothing particularly exciting about this product. It serves a purpose and can be helpful if you want to store a couple of small bottles and some extra things. For day trips when you do not want to carry lots of bags, it can help to store more things on the stroller.

[Update] - I have updated the images in this review to give a clearer indication of how the Maclaren Universal Organizer attached to a stroller. After using the product for an extended period, I can confirm some of the points I raised above. The cup holders will only just fit the larger style bottles, and if you have different sized containers (we have a few water bottles) they may not fit as they are too wide. We also found that when loaded with a couple of full bottles and some things in the pocket (perhaps a couple of books or magazines), the extra weight will cause the stroller to easily tip backwards. With a lighter baby, this can be very unsettling, as you are concious to always keep a hand on the stroller for support. I can see how such an accessory can be handy, but think that it may not be suitable for lighter strollers. My 3 star rating is unchanged.

Recommended

The Maclaren Techno XT is one of best selling and most popular all-in-one strollers. It is the number one stroller in the UK (Maclaren are an English company) and Australia, and Maclaren are a fast growing and increasingly popular brand in the US.

Some key features are:

• Fully reclining seat, allowing the stroller to be used from birth
• Sturdy front swivel wheels with rear foot brake
• Lightweight frame, easily folded umbrella design
• Front and rear suspension

When looking for an all-in-one stroller, it can be hard to find the perfect fit. The Maclaren comes close, and for many families it can the only stroller they own. If you do not require a more rugged jogging stroller with pneumatic tires and full-travel suspension, then the Maclaren Techno XT should definately be on your shopping list. It may seem an expensive stroller, but its rugged construction and range of features actually make it good value for money, as it may be the only stroller you buy. Many families end up buying two strollers, and the Maclaren is definately worth a look if you are looking at purchasing only a single stroller. Many strollers that offer similar capabilities do not have the ruggedness or practicality offered by the Maclaren. Highly recommended.
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