My husband and I were so excited to receive our Graco series 470BW stroller at our baby shower. Yes, we envisioned sauntering along showing off our new bundle of joy in this stroller and what a stroller it is. This stroller just screams, "I'm so spoiled and I love it." Ah, but sometimes fashion and comfort has its price and sometimes that price may be a bit of your sanity.

The Stroller
This stroller is really quite impressive looking. The seat has three different recline positions; sitting up; semi-reclined; and reclined. The footrest can be positioned in the up position for little babies and down so toddlers can sit up in the stroller. The armrest is padded and the cloth covering the armrest and the crotch strap can be taken off and washed. The handlebar is reversible so while you stroll you can make googly eyes at your baby. The handlebar also has four height adjustments to make strolling a bit more pleasurable for you. The seat comes with a safety strap which is easily snaps together. For added safety, the foot break locks the rear wheels into place. Also, under the seat is a large basket for storing your diaper bag, purse, and miscellaneous purchases. You know, those purchases you're going to make to spoil your baby even more than he already is.

Difficulties
My first big mistake was taking my son out to the mall on a warm, very warm Indian Summer's Day. I had no problem setting the stroller up. I laid the seat in the reclining position and my son slept the entire time. So far so good, right? Not quite. By the time we get out to the parking lot, the temperature is much, much warmer. I set Junior in the sweltering car, promising to be right back. I cannot figure out how to close this darn contraption. After several minutes struggling, I turn the car on, so the air conditioning can kick in for my little one and return to the stroller. After 15 minutes of trying to close the darn thing and many other people trying to figure out how to close the darn thing, I suddenly get it closed. I had no idea how I did it, but I got it closed and probably lost five baby pounds in the process.

How to close the darn thing
Under the seat itself are two red levers side by side. These levers must be released simultaneously. One lever releases the seat from the locked position and the other collapses the stroller. You have to be careful because sometime the seat lever will only release one side. After a little bit of jiggling, you can usually close it up with minimal effort.

So, what's good about it?
This stroller really does look good. My stroller is done in a blue, green plaid and I have gotten compliments on it. This stroller really is comfortable for my son. He certainly hasn't complained yet and has taken many a nap in this stroller. The seat is quite padded and the cover comes off and is easily washed and put back on the stroller. I also like the fact that the canopy is extra-large or at least looks that way when compared to other strollers. When my son was a baby, the canopy kept out a lot of the bright lights and he slept a little more soundly. The stroller also comes with a removable cloth boot attachment. Simply fit it over the footrest and armrest and snap it in. Along with the canopy, this boot provides extra protection against the elements.

Annoyances
This stroller is heavy and I do mean heavy. I'm guessing it weighs upwards of thirty pounds at least. When I first starting using it, I was recovering from a C-Section and getting it to my trunk was not an easy feat. Also, I've found this stroller less maneurverable when the handlebar is put in the reverse position. The stroller becomes much more difficult to turn which isn't a problem if you're walking in a straight line, but almost impossible when navigating around clothing racks. Also, because this is a larger stroller, it is not the most graceful. Sure the wheels are larger and turn easier, but I find that sometimes you'll need to give yourself a wider berth when taking those corners. I'll admit to having days when my baby sling and baby backpack were preferable to dealing with this stroller. This is definately not a take-everywhere, do-everything kind of stroller. I'd limit its use to stores and malls.

Recommendation
Would I recommend this stroller to a friend? I'm torn. I really do like my stroller, but if I ever had to buy another stroller, I don't know that this would be it. This stroller is comfortable, easily cleaned, has a big basket for purchases and just looks good. However, on the flip side of the coin, fashion and comfort apparently have a price. This stroller is heavy, bulky, sometimes difficult to maneuver in tight areas, and until you get used to it, a pain to collapse. So, I'll be as wishy-washy as I know how to be: Don't select a stroller based on reviews. Sure they can help, but actually get out there and test drive the strollers to figure out which is best. I've talked with other moms in the mall who love this stroller and some who absolutely hate it. I think it's best you make your own decision based on what works best for you and your baby.










Recommended: Yes

Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 months