Kolcraft Contours Options 3-Wheeler
$160, Kolcraft, Stroller.com
Overall score: 3.5. It's got nice features, but at 27 pounds and 22 inches wide, it's enormous.
Value: 4.5. It's got a lot of the same benefits (and drawbacks) of similar models four times the price.
The basics: 27 pounds. Good from birth to 40 pounds. 22 inches at the widest point when it's unfolded. Collapses to 29 by 24 by 26 inches.
The extras: The seat reverses to face backward and fully reclines facing either direction. The included infant-car-seat attachment fits many brands of infant car seats. Plus, optional drink and storage trays for parents and child are available.
Folding and storage: Unfolding this one is a cinch. Unfortunately, folding it isn't. It requires two hands, and the reversible seat must be facing forward. For parents with younger babies, who prefer to face the driver, this is a major drawback. Once the stroller is folded, it's pretty massive—small closets and small cars are not made for a stroller like this.
Pros: Testers loved that the Option 3-Wheeler looks and feels as sturdy as similar models that cost much, much more. "I wouldn't think of it as being under $200. It looks nice," said one tester. Other testers raved about the amount of storage. The accessible basket is great for a large diaper bag, extra blankets, or toys. Parents liked the addition of optional storage and drink trays for parents and kids too. The big selling point for the Option 3-Wheeler is its maneuverability. One family was surprised with how well it cornered and handled small spaces. "We took it to an outlet mall, and with a few exceptions, it didn't knock anything down," one mom said. Parent-testers were also pleased with the smooth ride: Sleeping babies didn't feel the big sidewalk cracks, and the stroller handled a brick walkway without difficulty. It even rolled over a rock-and-pothole-ridden dirt path without any major disruptions.
Cons: It's huge. At 27 pounds, the stroller by itself is difficult to take up and down just a few stairs. Add a 20-pound kid and it's a backache waiting to happen. "We'd definitely take the elevator with this stroller," said one parent. Public transportation is a no-no with the Option 3-Wheeler. "The weight of this stroller virtually guarantees you'll need another, lighter stroller too," one tester said. Owners of small cars and limited storage space, beware: Finding a place to stash this stroller was tough for our garage-less families. Beyond the size and weight issues, parent-testers weren't thrilled with the canopy, which is small and doesn't keep the sun out of baby's eyes. The seat is also decidedly small. The company says that the stroller is suitable for kids up to 40 pounds, but it would be a tight fit. Plus, while the fabric seems durable, it's a bit scratchy, and it can't be removed for a thorough washing.
Who will love this stroller? Active families that don't mind a heavy stroller, have plenty of car and home storage space, and are looking for a durable and stylish but relatively inexpensive stroller.
Continue: Combi USA Helio
