Quattro Tour Deluxe
$170, Graco
Overall score: 3. If you don't mind a bulky stroller, this is a great buy.
Value: 4. For under $200, you're getting a great, solid stroller.
The basics: 26.1 pounds. Good from infancy to 50 pounds. 24 inches at the widest point when it's unfolded. Collapses to 33 by 24 by 9.5 inches.
The extras: The Quattro Tour features a unique one-handed twist-and-collapse fold system. A deluxe parent tray has two cup holders and a storage compartment. The stroller is also compatible with all Graco SnugRide, SnugRide 32, and Infant SafeSeat car seats.
Folding and storage: The folding mechanism on the Quattro Tour Deluxe is amazing. Twist the handle and it collapses in five seconds flat. Unfolding the stroller is just as trouble-free. Storing it, however, is more of a problem. The large stroller is difficult to store in a hall closet, and unless you own an SUV, it's going to take up all your trunk space.
Pros: Testers raved about the ease of folding and unfolding this stroller. Even while a parent holds a fussing child, collapsing this stroller is no trouble. Lockable front swivel wheels and a suspension system yield a smooth ride. "My baby fell asleep every time I put her in it," said one mom. The stroller maneuvers well, even with one hand. For parents who have to take everything with them whenever they go anywhere, the Quattro Tour comes with a massive storage basket. Testers put toys, blankets, diaper bags, and shopping bags in it—all at the same time. Testers also appreciated that the stroller is as snug and comfortable for a 5-month-old as it is for a 3-year-old. The seat reclines to form almost a bassinet for young babies. The adjustable footrest is a unique and welcome feature for older children. All the testers were pleased with the removable and washable seat pads. They also appreciated the large canopy, which can be adjusted to block the sun and wind from any direction.
Cons: While testers loved the way this stroller collapsed, storing it was another issue. Urban testers with limited closet space and no garage were forced to leave it out, taking up valuable living space. Our suburban tester wasn't thrilled with the space the Quattro Tour took up in the back of her station wagon. The weight of the stroller is also an issue for parents who need to take it on public transportation or up flights of stairs. A couple of stairs is troublesome for one person; for two, it's still difficult. Maneuvering is easy, but the width of the stroller made some testers feel like they were knocking other pedestrians off the sidewalk. "Not made for New York City's grocery stores," said a parent-tester. One tester mentioned that she felt the size and weight of the stroller were more comparable to that of a double. "If it had a bench, it'd be perfect for a family with a baby and a mostly walking toddler."
Who will love this stroller? Families that want to use their stroller as a "home base" and have a larger vehicle and a garage to store the stroller in. It's ideal for families with a lot of extras to carry around. If you're big on water parks, zoos, or amusement parks, the Quattro Tour Deluxe will be a good fit for you.
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