Micralite Toro
$525, $720 with Carrycot Micralite
Overall score: 5. Urban parents are going to freak.
Value: 4.5. Great features, but you're paying for it.
The basics: 19 pounds. Good from birth with carrycot and 6 months without to 40 pounds. 24 inches at the widest point when it's unfolded. Collapses to 39.5 by 14 by 17 inches.
The extras: The stroller features MicraLite's patented Fastfold action. Plus, it's compatible with Graco's Infant SafeSeat and SnugRide, and Maxi-Cosi's Mico car seat. The stroller also comes with a cozy boot cover, a zip-on rain cover, and an air pump for the wheels.
Folding and storage: Like its predecessor, the MicraLite Fastfold FTS, the Toro folds quickly, in less than 10 seconds. Once folded, the stroller is compact and stands on its own—perfect for stashing in a closet or hallway.
Pros: Both urban and suburban parent-testers raved about the light and sturdy Toro. Narrow back wheels make for great maneuverability and for less awkward lifting than comparable models. The result? A stroller that is perfect for taking up and down the stairs of a walk-up or on public transportation. Tight hallways and doorways prove no match for this wonder stroller. Air-filled back tires kept the ride smooth. Parent-testers also appreciated the stroller's durable and easy-to-clean lining: A bottle spill was effortlessly wiped up, reported one tester.
Cons: Parents with extralong strides, beware! Some testers found that they kicked the back wheels as they walked due to the positioning of the wheels. Another issue? The narrow back wheels that allow for such amazing maneuverability also throws off the stroller's weight distribution slightly. When a child isn't in the seat, any extra weight (like shopping bags or a diaper bag) on the back of the stroller causes it to tip backward.
Who will love this stroller? It's a dream stroller for urban parents. Wheels move smoothly over curbs, but aren't set so wide as to knock others off the sidewalk. The included rain shield and boot cover help battle inclement weather. Plus, it's practically made for stairs and public transportation.
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