I'm always in search of the perfect stroller, and when I realized I was pregnant with child number three, and that numbers two and three were going to be 17 months apart, I realized that I was going to need to replace my double stroller, which was nearing its last legs.

What Appealed to Me

I'll admit it; I don't like spending a lot on strollers. I picked up my Regalo double stroller on clearance at Target for a song, so after not finding anything I liked at Babies 'R Us, I headed back to Target to see what they had.

Graco apparently makes several different models of the DuoGlider, and I was looking for a stroller with stadium seating and a large basket, two key features my old double was lacking.

Sure enough, the Graco DuoGlider 7293 that we found at Target had everything I wasn't seeing in the other DuoGliders I'd seen. This model has a pleasing grey and white plaid print that won't look as worn out as I've learned the dark-colored strollers do. It has removable sun shades on both seats, stadium seating, removable trays on both seats (ideal if you have a larger toddler in the front seat whose knees will hit the tray) with a cup holder on the front tray and a cup holder and snack cup on the rear tray, a large basket and to top it off, Graco includes a plastic rain cover for the stroller.

Basically, I knew I had found my stroller!

Actually Using the Stroller

I immediately put this stroller in use, finding it easier to have this one in the back of the car and my old double available in the garage for quick trips around the neighborhood.

The Graco DuoGlider 7293 handles easily, and turns nicely. The basket is large enough that I can carry a diaper bag and still have room to pick up a few groceries at our neighborhood deli, a feature that my Regalo didn't have. My very tall three-and-a-half-year-old fits well in the front seat, and my 17-month-old can easily still have a good view with his stadium seat in the back. (Note: with double strollers, the heavier child should ALWAYS ride in the front of the stroller to avoid tipping.)

Safety Features

Each seat has a t-strap safety belt. I might prefer a five-point harness, at least in the back for a smaller toddler, but the t-strap does seem to keep my son contained well, and that is no easy task.

The rear brakes can be a bit hard to engage, but once they are engaged, they are very secure, something I've found to be a problem with some other strollers.

The rear seat has a foot rest that can be fastened up when putting the seat into a recline for an infant for added safety as well.

A Few Minor Complaints

Firstly, this stroller is HEAVY. When I was eight months pregnant, I'd literally dread having to take it in and out of the back of the car because of its weight. What makes it sturdy also makes it hard to move.

Secondly, the rear seat does not go into a full recline for a newborn; its still at a bit of an angle. While I have a newborn refluxer, so will probably never need a full recline, this could be a deal-breaker for some parents.

Thirdly, while the rain cover is a nice feature, I spend much more time walking outside when there are scads of insects than when there is significant precipitation. I would have preferred a bug net to the rain cover, and my previous two stroller had bug nets included, particularly with the thread of West Nile to little ones.

Overall

While I have a few minor complaints about this stroller, for the price, it really can't be beat! So far I've had this stroller in use for over six months, and it still looks brand new. I have a feeling this will be my last stroller (or at least I hope!).

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 129.99
Age Range of Child: Other