Peg-Pérego Pliko Switch
$550, Peg Perego
Overall score: 3.5. A good all-around stroller for everyday use.
Value: 3. With its $550 price tag, most parent-testers felt this stroller was overpriced.
The basics: 19 pounds. Good from birth to 45 pounds. 22.5 inches at its widest point when unfolded. Collapses to 42 by 15.5 by 16 inches with wheels.
The extras: True to its name, this stroller can "switch" from a traditional forward-facing stroller to a rear-facing carriage. Telescoping handles, a large storage basket, and a cup holder round out the Pliko Switch.
Folding and storage: Both folding and unfolding the stroller takes two free hands and three steps. It's pretty awkward and takes some getting used to. The seat must be completely reclined in order to fold the stroller. Once it's folded, the stroller is relatively compact, but it's tall. It'll fit in a sedan's trunk, but it requires careful maneuvering.
Pros: Parent-testers loved the simple seat-reversal option and the four easy-to-adjust reclining positions of the seat. The five-point Freedom of Movement harness is straightforward to fasten and keeps even the wiggliest of babies strapped safely in. Infants seem to feel snug and secure in the reclined position. The roomy seat allows plenty of space for older babies. "We'll be able to keep using this one even when he's a toddler," said one tester. The stylish color combinations earn big points. A tester told us that a spilled Slurpee was wiped up easily and didn't soak into the fabric. The seat cover is removable but must be washed by hand. The storage basket, while difficult to access, is large. One mom was able to stash her diaper bag and a batch of clothes for the dry cleaners. The real selling points for Pliko Switch are the large canopy and the rain cover. "Neither of us wanted to leave the park," said one mom. "The canopy and rain cover are the stroller's best features." The rain cover zips onto the canopy and stretches under the footrest, enveloping the entire stroller. Two mesh air vents with the rain guard allow great ventilation and circulation under the cover. Plus, an extracozy blanket is provided for colder weather.
Cons: Parent-testers weren't thrilled with the Pliko Switch's maneuverability. Steering with one hand is very difficult; the stroller veers to one side. Testers also didn't like the idea of pulling over every time the cell phone rings. The stroller's suspended wheels provide a smooth ride across pavement, but the stroller can't handle rough terrain well. Testers also thought that some of the plastic parts didn't look as durable as those of comparable models. Another flaw is the weight of the stroller; it was hard for one tester to carry it down stairs. The large, boxy shape of the stroller makes it unwieldy and difficult to lift, even just into the trunk of a car.
Who will love this stroller? Families that have plenty of trunk space and are looking for a chic stroller that can go from infant to toddler. Families that like to head to the park, zoo, and mall and aren't concerned about having to lift a heavy stroller.
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