Best Baby Strollers

The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo, as the name suggests, is a total package pushchair with every feature and accessory a busy mum might need. The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo is the Italian manufacturer’s response to parents who asked for all the functionality of the Pliko P3 Classico pushchair with more accessories for various weather conditions.

Like the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico, the Pliko P3 Completo pushchair has a light aluminum chassis with excellent features. The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo has cable brakes (a new feature on this model), all wheel suspension for a smooth ride, height adjustable handles (though even at their maximum extension, the handles are a bit short for the very tall), and an easy one-handed umbrella fold that is freestanding. Handles built into the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo’s chassis make it easy to lift, carry, and load on and off the bus. One of parents’ favorite features of the Peg Perego Pliko P3 pushchairs is the attached footboard that allows toddlers to ride along with their little brother or sister. Running errands becomes an adventure for little ones when they get to stand behind the pushchair and ride standing up.

The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo’s seat comes in an array of beautiful fabrics and colour choices. Particularly striking are the brown and green bambu upholstery and the chocolate and dusty pink camellia. Every mum, no matter what her taste, will find a Pliko P3 Completo fabric that suits her and her baby. The seat fabric on the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo pushchair is removable and washable on the gentle cycle. The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo pushchair also has a large hood that zips apart to convert into a sun canopy. The Pliko P3 Completo’s seat adjusts to four positions, including a flat recline, making it suitable from birth.

One of the things that sets the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo apart from other high-end pushchairs is the plethora of convenient accessories. The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo features an adjustable cup holder for mum, and a swivel snack tray/bumper for baby. When your baby becomes a toddler, the tray can be removed entirely for unrestricted access to the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo pushchair. Also included in the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo pushchair’s design is a large shopping basket and built in adaptors for the optional Peg Perego car seat and Navetta bassinette. These adaptors allow you to simply clip in car seat or bassinette and go, and they are very sturdy. You can lift the entire Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo system from the attached car seat, so you know that your baby is safe and secure.

What really makes the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo pushchair a notch above the Pliko P3 Classico is the included all-weather accessories. The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Completo costs about £229, not much more than the Pliko P3 Classico pushchair and comes with a plush foot muff and rain canopy with incorporated zipper.

One of the few features the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico doesn’t have is a pram mode. Now, with the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette, even that feature is addressed. The Peg Perego Pliko Pramette is essentially a Pliko P3 Classico with addition of Peg Perego’s “pramette” upholstery, an easy to use zippered attachment that converts the Pliko P3 Classico into a comfortable and safe pram.

Peg Perego’s other convertible pram to stroller systems have their fair share of drawbacks. The Peg Perego Uno, while stylish and smooth-riding, is bulky and wide. The Peg Perego Venezia, the company’s first venture in the convertible stroller market, is plagued by quality issues. Rather than design yet another convertible model, Peg Perego made a smart move in creating an accessory that transforms their most popular and full featured stroller, the Pliko P3 Classico, into a pram.

The Peg Perego Pliko Pramette upholstery is a little tricky to master at first, but if you keep in mind the name Peg Perego has given the feature, “zip, fold, zip,” the process is fairly simple. To convert from stroller to pram, unzip the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette upholstery and attach it to the Pliko P3 Classico stroller seat. Next, you fully reline the Pliko P3 Classico stroller seat and pop the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette into shape. By zipping on the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette’s foot muff, you complete the transformation and have a snug but spacious pram. To return the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette back to the Pliko P3 Classico form, you simply reverse the process.

Because the body of the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette is a Pliko P3 Classico, you know you’ll be getting a load of handy features. The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico and the Pliko Pramette have a chassis with full wheel suspension, adjustable handles, built-in car seat adaptors, and cable brakes. One of the best features of the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette and Pliko P3 Classico is the included footrest that serves as a riding spot for toddlers. Convenient features like a cup holder, shopping basket, sunshade, and child snack tray are all included with the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette.

The price difference between the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette (about $430) and the Pliko P3 Classico (about $330) is roughly $100, so you’ll be paying more for the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette than you would for the Peg Perego Uno or Venezia, but in return you get a stroller that is higher quality and less prone to problems. Thanks to the universal car seat adaptor, the Peg Perego Pliko Pramette really covers all the bases of a travel system that can be used from birth to toddler. That being said, the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico does have a fully reclining seat, so if you don’t mind having your baby face away from you and not being fully enclosed, simply buying the Pliko P3 Completo is the most affordable option.

The Pliko Switch pushchair is a brand new Peg Pergo model (available in 2008) that takes all of the features of Peg Perego’s popular Pliko line and adds one that mums in the UK have been clamoring for over the past few years. The Peg Perego Pliko Switch pushchair is reversible, so it can be forward facing or rearward facing. The ability to keep your eye on baby has long been lacking in Peg Perego strollers, so the Pliko Switch is a welcome addition to the excellent Peg Perego line.

The Peg Perego Pliko Switch pushchair is umbrella folding both with the seat facing the mother and with the seat facing forwards, a big plus in my book. Too many reversible pushchairs either require the seat to be removed before folding or returned to one position of the other. The Peg Perego Pliko Switch is extremely compact when closed and can even stand up alone, making it a space-saving pushchair for family’s without a lot of extra room. The Peg Perego Pliko Switch pushchair also features a centralized handle to make folding and carrying easy, even while holding baby.

Height adjustable handles, large shopping basket, cup holders, and hinged front bumper/baby tray make the Peg Perego Pliko Switch convenient for mum. A plush, padded seat with a five-point freedom of movement harness and multiple position recline makes the Peg Perego Switch Pushchair cozy and comfy for baby. Currently, there are only 3 colour combinations available for the Peg Perego Pliko Switch (red and gray “Tango,” chocolate and tan “Mocha,” and Dark brown and green “Bambu”), but all of them are tasteful and modern. The Peg Perego Pliko Switch features removable upholstery that is machine washable. The Peg Perego Pliko Switch’s large hood unzips into a summery sun canopy.

One of the most popular features of the Peg Perego Pliko line is the included footboard for transporting older children on the back of the pushchair. Although I have yet to see or read how this feature will work with the Pliko Switch’s rearward facing seat, I imagine it will be fun for an older child to ride while looking down at his baby brother or sister. Time will tell whether the Peg Perego Pliko Switch still allows the footboard to be used in a practical way.

For those who want a travel system, the Pliko Switch, like all Peg Perego models, includes built in car seat adaptors for the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio car seat. All the other Peg Perego Pliko models have made excellent use of this feature, and parents often claim it to be their favorite thing about the pushchair.

The Peg Perego Pliko Switch pushchair really only has one negative factor at this point: it’s brand new. Because the Pliko Switch has yet to be widely used, there is no guarantee that it will perform as promised. However, based on the excellent quality of the rest of the Peg Perego Pliko line, I’m guessing that if you are looking for a reversible pushchair, the Peg Perego Pliko Switch is a safe bet.

If you want the functionality of a Bugaboo Gecko for less money, the Peg Perego Uno is a good candidate. What’s more, the Peg Perego Uno has more features than a Bugaboo, making it a practical choice for real parents who need storage and accessories in a stroller.

The Peg Perego Uno is a convertible system that changes from a cozy pram to a stroller with a simple adjustment. Like a Bugaboo, the Peg Perego Uno features a chassis with two small wheels and two large ones. When in pram mode, the Peg Perego Uno’s larger wheels are in front, ensuring a smooth, even ride for young babies. As a stroller, the Peg Perego Uno’s smaller swivel wheels are in front, making the Uno agile and maneuverable. Even in pram mode, the Peg Perego features a “Zero Radius Turning” feature that makes turning in tight spaces easy and effortless. Switching between the two modes is simply a matter of adjusting the Peg Perego Uno’s reversible handle in a way that is very similar to the Bugaboo.

While a Bugaboo Frog or Gecko can cost up to $800, the Peg Perego Uno runs for around $450. The Bugaboo strollers are severely lacking in accessories, the Peg Perego Uno comes loaded with all the necessities: large hood/sunshade, shopping basket, warm foot muff, cup holder, car seat adaptors for any model of car seat, and child snack tray. To go from pram mode to stroller mode in the Bugaboo, you have to remove the bassinette (pram) fabric from the Bugaboo frame and replace it with the seat fabric. The Peg Perego Uno has a much simpler transition. The thickly padded stroller seat becomes the pram, so switching modes is truly a matter of seconds.

Of course, the Peg Perego Uno includes all the standard features you’ll find on any Peg Perego model: full wheel suspension, five-point freedom of movement safety harness, cable brakes, removable bumper/child tray, and adjustable recline seat. The Peg Perego Uno can also be used as both a forward or rear-facing stroller, so you can choose to keep an eye on your baby or let him soak in his surroundings.

While the Peg Perego Uno does fold with one hand, it is a little bulky. When folded, the Peg Perego Uno will take up most of the trunk space in your car, so it’s not ideal for traveling or running errands. Some parents complain that the wheel base on the Peg Perego Uno is a little too wide, making it difficult to push through narrow spaces. The Peg Perego Uno is ideal for city or rural dwellers that run most of their errands on foot. Suburban families may find that transporting the Peg Perego Uno is too much hassle.

So, if that Bugaboo is destined to remain an expensive, out-of-reach dream, look into the Peg Perego Uno as a more down to earth option.

The Peg Perego Venezia is plagued with a multitude of problems, making it Peg Perego’s least popular model and a stroller that you should avoid.

The Peg Perego Venezia isn’t all bad; it does have a few features that set it apart from other convertible strollers. The Peg Perego Venezia transforms from a stroller to a spacious pram, making it a comfortable option for newborns. Thanks to its reversible handle, the Peg Perego Venezia functions as either a forward or rear-facing car seat, a feature lacking in most American stroller models. Folding the Peg Perego Venezia only requires one hand, and built in handles make it easy to carry and load the Venezia into a car. Of course, the Venezia is beautiful to look at, like all Peg Perego strollers.

The Peg Perego Venezia’s looks soon fade however. Multiple parents complain that the fabric on the Venezia, while attractive in the beginning, soon begins to show its age. While other strollers are made of more durable (and less attractive) fabric, the Peg Perego Venezia’s “luxury upholstery” snags easily and fades after washing. For a $300+ stroller, you would expect the fabric to be more durable.

Durability isn’t only a problem with the fabric in the Peg Perego Venezia. Many parents complain that the entire stroller is shoddy and easily scratched and damaged. The accessories on the Peg Perego Venezia if not faulty are impractical. The cup holder on the Peg Perego Venezia’s handle is flimsy and incapable of holding a full can or cup. The Peg Perego Venezia’s child snack tray doesn’t attach very firmly and is easy for toddlers to throw across the room. The shopping basket on the Peg Perego Venezia is small for a full-size stroller and difficult to access. There is more than one account of the wheels on the Peg Perego Venezia wearing out in less than a year, sometimes in as little time as six months. Even when the Peg Perego Venezia’s wheels are working fine, they don’t do well over uneven surfaces and are best suited to smooth pavement or mall floors.

Many baby stores are deciding to no long stock the Peg Perego Venezia because of all the problems consumers have with it. Because of this, you can often find Peg Perego Venezias at steep discounts. If you want a Peg Perego stroller, the Pliko P3 Classico is good all-around model. If you like the reversible handle and pram feature of the Peg Perego Venezia, the newer Peg Perego Uno may be a better choice. The Peg Perego Uno addresses many of the problems with the Venezia and has a smoother ride. If you must have the Venezia, look for an older, second-hand model that won’t cost you as much or have as many problems as the newer Peg Perego Venezia models.

While you have to give kudos to the innovators that make a new product before anyone else, there is something to be said for biding your time. Peg Perego has been patiently observing the obscenely-priced luxury stroller market and learning from their competition. If you thought Bugaboo was the best in the business or that Stokke had the market cornered on innovation, get ready for the Peg Perego Skate. Peg Perego has learned from the successes and failures of Bugaboo, Quinny, Stokke, and other high-end baby gear and has taken the best features of all those other models and combined them into one beautiful piece of baby-moving art.

The Peg Perego Skate is designed to be an all-in-one transport system that goes from pram to rear or forward facing stroller in a few fluid moves. Judging from the Skate website, Peg Perego has thought of just about everything. Unlike the competition, the Peg Perego Skate doesn’t require multiple accessories to go from pram to stroller. The Peg Perego Skate folds in a single piece, a huge blow to Bugaboo’s clumsy folding.

The Peg Perego Skate is truly designed to meet the needs of your baby from infant to toddler. The Pram mode begins completely flat, but can be adjusted to a more upright, sitting position, and thanks to a unique tilt feature, reclining the Peg Perego Skate is smooth and unlikely to wake a sleeping child. Like the Stokke Xplory, the Skate’s seat can be adjusted up or down so baby can be close to mom or a toddler can climb into the lower seat on her own. I like the idea of raising the seat/pram in the Peg Perego Skate when your baby is small so you don’t have to bend over deeply to get her in or out of the stroller.

Another blow to the minimalist luxury strollers out there is the Peg Perego Skate’s accessories. The Peg Perego Skate comes with a large, functional hood, a rain cover, a storage basket (a rather skimpy one that can be improved with the optional Borsa Skate bag), and removable cup holder. Ultimately, Peg Perego has done a good job of balancing style and convenience.

Of course, no stroller is perfect. While the Peg Perego Skate has yet to see any street use (the Skate isn’t available until January of 2008) I can already see some potential problems. The first is the Peg Perego Skate’s nearly $900 price tag—even a Bugaboo looks affordable in comparison. Furthermore, the Peg Perego Skate weighs a whopping 33lbs! I’m not keen to be hefting that much bulk in and out of a car, but I’m guessing suburban moms like me aren’t the Peg Perego Skate’s target audience. The Peg Perego Skate has an adjustable height feature in addition to adjustable handlebars. It seems to me that so many moving parts may make the Peg Perego Skate prone to breakdowns. Of course, until I get my hands on a Skate model, there is no way to tell for sure.

If it weren’t so darn expensive, I might be tempted to give the Peg Perego Skate a try. The Skate is certainly the most appealing high-end stroller I’ve seen so far. Peg Perego has learned, unlike Bugaboo and company, that you can have practical solutions to real-mom problems without sacrificing style and fancy configurations. Is the Peg Perego Skate the next Bugaboo? Only time will tell.

If you have given up on finding a stylish, modern stroller for less than $300, don’t despair! The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico may be just what you are searching for. Peg Perego is an Italian company with production facilities in the US and Canada among other places. Started in 1949 when Giuseppe Perego decided to create his own pram, the Peg Perego brand has grown to include high chairs, car seats, and motorized toys. Peg Perego hasn’t forgotten their roots in strollers, and with the Pliko P3 Classico, they have created what just might be the perfect ride for your baby.

The Pliko P3 Classico checks all the boxes. If you are tired of clunky, juvenile strollers, the modern European styling of the Pliko P3 Classico will thrill you. The Pliko P3 Classico comes in nearly a dozen hip color combinations, ensuring that everyone from the most conservative soccer mom to the trendy diva will find something they love.

If, like me, you are more concerned with function than form, you’ll love the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico’s convenient features. Adjustable handles ensure that anyone will be comfortable pushing a Pliko P3 Classico, and a cup holder, large under-seat basket, and child snack tray will ensure that everyone is happy and well supplied for long trips out and about. Toddlers can hitch a ride on the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico’s included rear footrest, making this an ideal stroller for moms with multiple kids. The Pliko P3 Classico has a 4-position adjustable recline seat and 2-position footrest, so your child will be comfortable no matter what size she is.

Peg Perego, in the tradition of other European stroller makers like Bugaboo and Quinny, makes strollers with smooth, easy rides. Peg Perego’s Pliko P3 Classico is no exception. Parents rave about how easy it is to steer and maneuver the Pliko P3 Classico, even with one hand. Full suspension on all wheels makes the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico ride smooth as silk, so sleeping babies won’t notice bumps or jolts. Folding and unfolding the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico does take some time to master, but once you get the hang of it, you can collapse the stroller with one hand and use the built in carry handle to haul it around.

The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico is quite light for a full-size stroller, only 16lbs., and it folds compactly into a freestanding unit, making the Pliko P3 Classico easy to store at home or in the trunk. The only consistent complaint about the Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico is that the under-seat basket can be hard to get to when the seat is reclined. All things considered, such a minor inconvenience can’t outweigh all of the Pliko P3 Classico’s many assets. Best of all, you can get a Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico for around $300, a bit pricey for an average stroller, but a steal for something off the trendy European market. The Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico comes with hood/sunshade, cup holder, storage basket, removable and washable seat fabric, car seat adaptor, and toddler ride-on bar.

A step up from the Pliko P3 Classico, the Peg Perego Centro Completo is a posh, deluxe stroller designed to appeal to hip, modern parents who also happen to be savvy when it comes to paying a reasonable price for baby gear. Unlike so many other European strollers, the Peg Perego Centro Completo has all the bells and whistles for less than $250.

One of the things that set the Peg Perego Centro Completo apart from the slightly more expensive Pliko P3 Classico is its extra accessories. Unlike the Pliko P3 Classico, the Centro Completo comes with a cozy foot muff and an all-weather rain shield, making the Peg Perego Centro Completo a good choice for families in colder climates. The Peg Perego Centro Completo also has a huge storage basket that is more functional than the ones on other Peg Perego models, making the Centro Completo a good choice if you plan on taking long trips with lots of gear.

Like other Peg Perego strollers, the Centro Completo comes with all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride. The most common comment in praise of the Peg Perego Centro Completo is how easy it is to push and maneuver, even with a toddler riding on the included footboard. Some parents even find the Peg Perego Centro Completo to be more maneuverable with a toddler on the back. The Centro Completo has Peg Perego’s trademark 5-point freedom of movement harness that holds your baby securely in the stroller while still giving him the ability to stretch, reach, and move, so even squirmy toddlers will be comfortable and unrestricted.

Alas, there is no such thing as a perfect stroller, and the Peg Perego Centro Completo does have its share of drawbacks. Perhaps the most worrisome problem is a faulty design in the seat recline. Multiple parents have complained that the Peg Perego Centro Completo’s seat can get stuck in the recline position. The mechanism that controls the Centro Completo’s recline is made of plastic, and requires some finesse to adjust. A smaller negative is that the Peg Perego Centro Completo only comes in two color combinations. Fortunately, the brown and tan “toffee” fabric appeals to conservative moms while the bright orange and gray of the “soleo” model is attractive to those with a funkier taste.

One last thing worth mentioning is the Peg Perego Centro Completo’s ability to accommodate virtually any make of car seat with the included car seat strap. So many stroller manufactures try to increase sales by making strollers that are only compatible with their own models of car seats. It is refreshing to see that Peg Perego’s first concern is for parents. That being said, the Centro Completo comes with fold out car seat adaptors that can be used with a Peg Perego car seat, which is much easier than using one from another company.

The Aria OH Classico is Peg Perrego’s entry into the lightweight, compact stroller market. Peg Perego makes quality strollers, but the Aria OH Classico tends to get mixed reviews. Most of the naysayers complain about the Peg Perego Aria OH Classico’s $250 price tag. Most people don’t want to spend that much on what is essentially a second stroller or travel stroller. However, when you consider all the features of the Peg Perego Aria OH Classico, $250 begins to sound more reasonable.

Most travel strollers have several problems in common. First, many models don’t have a recline feature in the seat or have only two positions: flat or upright. The Peg Perego Aria OH Classico has a fully reclining seat with multiple positions, giving it an edge in the light stroller category.

Another issue with many light strollers is the lack of storage. Most models have virtually no storage at all, making them a challenge to work with during a long day of running errands. Granted, the Peg Perego Aria OH Classico isn’t going to hold all your gear and baby’s too, but the under-seat basket will accommodate a normal-sized diaper bag, and both mom and baby have cup holders.

One of my pet peeves is when a stroller doesn’t include a sunshade. So many of the hot new European strollers lack this essential feature, but Peg Perego has included sunshades on all its models, including the Aria OH Classico, their most compact stroller. I love the Peg Perego sunshades because they are huge and offer protection to your baby in all the seat’s recline positions.

In addition to all these features, the Peg Perego Aria OH Classico comes with some unexpected features in a travel stroller like full suspension on all wheels and built in car seat adaptors. What’s more, the Peg Perego Aria OH Classico works with any brand of car seat, making it a great choice for a second stroller if you are still using the infant car seat from your travel system. The Aria OH Classico has a large comfy seat for a compact stroller and comes in four beautiful color combinations.

The “OH” in Aria OH Classico stands for “one-handed,” and true to its name, the Peg Perego Aria OH Classico folds easily with one hand, even while holding a baby. Unfolding is even easier, making the Aria OH Classico an ideal choice for packing in the car.

All things considered, the Peg Perego Aria OH Classico is a top notch stroller with gorgeous styling and a lot of features. While $250 is a lot to spend on a second stroller, there are few light strollers that offer as many features for the same price.

The Bumbo is the best baby seat on the market bar none. I began using a Bumbo baby seat when my son was only 10 weeks old and I still occasionally use it as a booster seat now that he is nearly 2. I like the Bumbo baby seat so much that I give it to every new mother I know.

The Bumbo baby seat is designed to help babies sit up on their own as soon as they can hold up their heads independently. Each Bumbo is made of a single piece of lightweight low-density foam, making it very easy to travel with. The Bumbo seat is specially designed to conform to a baby’s body, holding her in such a way that sitting upright is natural and easy. The Bumbo baby seat’s bottom is lower than the leg openings. This position allows the baby to sit up and relieves pressure on the lower spine. My baby would sit happily in his Bumbo for up to an hour at a time.

The Bumbo baby seat is extremely convenient for moms. If you have a baby with reflux, the Bumbo is a godsend because it allows your baby to sit up after eating, keeping food down in baby’s stomach where it belongs. The Bumbo baby seat is also a good way to help your baby strengthen his core muscles and prevent flat spots on his head. Best of all, the Bumbo is like an extra set of hands. Instead of having to carry your baby everywhere, you can sit her in the Bumbo baby seat while you do dishes, get dinner on the table, or just take a few minutes for yourself.

The Bumbo baby seat is also a dream to travel with. I always take my Bumbo to restaurants so I don’t have to worry about germy highchairs or booster seats. My relatives have a beach house, and the Bumbo baby seat was great on the sand. The Bumbo also serves as a travel high chair, making it easy to feed baby while on vacation.

While I was using my Bumbo baby seat there wasn’t any sort of tray attachment, but now Bumbo makes a play tray that easily attaches to the Bumbo and lets your child entertain or feed herself. The lack of tray was my only complaint about the Bumbo baby seat, and now I can’t even whine about that anymore.

The Bumbo baby seat is easy to clean and store because it is so compact. The only danger with the Bumbo baby seat is that it can lull parents into a false sense of security. Never leave a baby unattended in a Bumbo, and don’t use the Bumbo baby seat on high tables or counters unless you are sitting within arms-reach of it. Bumbo adds that the Bumbo baby seat is not for use in the bath, but that seems pretty obvious since it’s made of foam and clearly floats.

I don’t hesitate to call the Bumbo baby seat an essential piece of baby gear. Every mother needs a Bumbo, and so does every baby.