Maclaren has 5-star quality!
Written: Feb 28 '00 (Updated Jun 08 '00)
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Pros: Sturdy, well constructed, lightweight, pushes like a dream
Cons: Expensive, basket somewhat hard to get into
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| iowamommy's Full Review: Maclaren Concorde LX X268 |
After a disappointing trial of another brand of lightweight stroller, I decided to shell out money for a Maclaren. With all of the good things I had read about the Maclaren line, I thought it was worth a try.
This is our fourth baby, so we've had our share of trying out strollers. With our third child, we purchased a large one with big tires. This turned out to be hard to navigate at the mall and when folded it takes up a lot of room, especially where the wheels are, since they were over-sized. It's nice for walks outside, but not as practical while shopping.
We also have used the $20 umbrella strollers from Wal-Mart. They are fine for limited use and you get what you pay for.
This stroller is wonderful. It has such a smooth ride, it glides nicely across the floor while you push it. The handles are taller than other strollers, and my tall husband appreciates that. There is a removable canopy and a storage basket underneath. The basket is somewhat hard to get into, as with many strollers.
This LX model has a 4 position seat. It doesn't recline fully, so it's not ideal for when your newborn has to recline. The recline feature is easy to operate.
I use my Snap-n-Go LX with my infant seat for the newborn stage, and then my daughter will move into the Maclaren when she outgrows her infant seat or isn't happy to ride reclined any longer. My almost-3-year-old daughter can use this, as well. She fits just fine and likes the ride.
It comes equipped with a five-point harness. I wasn't too sure this was necessary, until I remembered the tough time I had with our Graco stroller. It only had a lap belt and a crotch strap, so our very active third child was constantly leaning forward or side to side trying to wiggle out. She could literally be half hanging out of the stroller while grabbing at things on the shelves when shopping. I never knew if it was going to keep her in there or not. The five-point restraint will solve that problem. Being used to five-point restraints in their car seats, the kids will easily adapt to that in a stroller and feel comfortable. So many parents don't even strap their kids in, and think that bar in the front of the stroller is going to do some good in holding them in. That just makes it easier to grab and climb out! I see it all the time -- kids half in, half out, trying to escape. Please remember to strap them in!
There is an extendable leg rest that is great. When they are older toddlers, they can bend at the knee and sit normally. However, for infants, the leg rest extends out further so the entire leg is supported on the rest, not part of the leg sticking out and not supported on anything because their legs aren't long enough yet to make the bend. I like that feature.
The seat is padded but firm and supportive. It's not what I'd call cushiony by any means, but more of a firm padding. It's removable for washing, which will probably be a feature I'll appreciate. It hasn't gotten dirty enough yet to need washing.
This weighs 11 pounds, so it's light enough to handle easily but not too light that it's flimsy. It folds up like an umbrella stroller, so it requires less room in your trunk. There is a safety release lever that you must move before it folds up, to prevent accidental folding when in use.
The LX model even has little mud guards above the wheels! I'm not sure how much they'll come into use, but they are quite stylish. I haven't taken it anywhere with muddy or slushy ground, so I can't give an opinion on that.
I am happy with my decision. When I figure out how much I'll use this vs. the cost, I think it will be worth it. With my infant being able to use it for the next three or more years, and my toddler still 12 pounds under the 40 pound weight limit, there is much use left for us. I don't think it will be hard to sell this item when we are through with it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 203
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Epinions.com ID:
iowamommy
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Location: Iowa
Reviews written: 144
Trusted by: 97 members
About Me:
Mother of four product testers!
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