Quality stroller
Written: May 15 '03 (Updated Aug 25 '06)
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Pros: Easy to fold/unfold. Appropriate for newborn infants to toddlers. Stylish. Roomy. High Quality
Cons: Pricey.
The Bottom Line: If you plan on taking your newborn for a stroll right away, this is the carriage for you!
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| ch59's Full Review: Peg Perego Venezia Single SA - Black Sable Standar... |
When I was expecting our first baby, I KNEW I wanted to take him for walks soon after he was born. Prior to purchasing a stroller, I looked at several different brands and started doing my homework.
What I immediately realized is that newborn infants cannot sit up in a traditional stroller. They must be reclined in a carriage-style type of stroller until they are older and can sit up. This left me with a choice of buying two different strollers - OR - purchasing a carriage/stroller combination.
That is what led me to the Peg Perego Venezia stroller. This stroller will accommodate a newborn and will be useful until our baby is 3 years of age or 40 lbs. Yes it is pricey, however if you figure how long it will last-and the features it has, it really is practical.
I purchased mine online at Netkids.com because there is no tax or shipping. They also had the color I was looking for (Metropolis) but couldn't readily get in my local stores. I did test-drive the stroller at my local baby store and made sure it was something I could manage without my husbands' help.
When I got the stroller, I panicked because the directions were picture illustrations. How was a first time mom going to figure this out? However, I soon had things figured out by following each illustration. The stroller is pretty much assembled, but one needs to install the hood/boot/ and learn how to change it into the carriage mode. Also some practice is needed to fold/unfold it the first few times.
Baby and I fell in love the carriage feature. The backrest fully reclines and allows baby to lie flat, or it can be set on different inclines. The large adjustable hood kept baby protected from sun/wind or nosy strangers. The zippered boot keeps baby from sliding out and completely covers the lower half of the stroller. Creating a large, protected cocoon for baby.
The reversible handle is perfect when using the carriage feature. I personally love to push the stroller and be able to look at my baby at the same time. The carriage feature was so comfy for baby that many times after our stroll, he'd sleep in his stroller like a bassinet. The handles also extend easily for taller individuals.
I especially liked the independent movement of all the wheels. This made turning much easier. I found the stroller very easy to push in different types of terrain.
Once baby is big enough, then I can convert the Venezia from carriage to stroller quite easily. There is also a child's tray that can be attached in stroller mode.
The 5 point harness system provides an extremely safe way of making sure baby/toddler does not tumble out of the stroller. It may seem like overkill, but I like the feature.
The storage basket on the bottom is roomy enough to hold a diaper bag and there is also a back footrest.
I'm very petite and really didn't find this stroller to be heavy compared to others in it's category. Ok, it's not like a lightweight, compact umbrella stroller-but for it's roominess and features - it really isn't that heavy. It may be considered on the bulky side if you have a smaller car however.
The Venezia comes in several different colors. The one I have (Metropolis) is a denim, charcoal, brown & white check with black plastic features. The others I saw in the stores were similar, with the exception that the plastic was blue and the fabric was blue and white check or charcoal. This carriage/stroller Italian design is quite stylish.
The hood, boot and all other fabric is thick and padded, it is heavy-weight material. No cheap vinyl or cheap quality fabric.
The 2003 Venezia SNG also accommodates the G-Matic attachment system - this basically means it allows the Primo Viaggio Infant carseat to be attached directly to the carriage to make it a complete travel system. (Because of the carseat I have, I don't use this feature so I cannot comment on it.)
***UPDATE*** I've used the stroller now for over 6 months and wanted to add some additional comments. Some of my relatives had problems figuring out how to fold the stroller. It's so simple for me, but I use it the most.
Here's a tip: Since the handle is reversable, it may be on the wrong 'side' when you go to fold it up. (I always make sure it's on same side as the numbers 1 and 2 before folding). Then I push the hood and seatback forward as far as it will go.
Use your FOOT (not your hands) to hit number 1, then number 2...as you are hitting 2, start to push the handle forward at the same time and everything should fold up.
Takes just seconds.
Also, the wheels can be confusing if you have a tendency to reverse the handle AND lock the wheels. Let me explain. All 4 wheels can turn independently. Great feature if you make a lot of sharp turns, or like to rotate the stroller easily with one hand. But all the wheels have locks (these are separate from the "brakes"). The locks come in handy if you want the wheels to stay in a stationary position for more stable control in a straight line.
When I want more control, I lock the back wheels and leave the front independent. But if I reverse the handle the back wheels are now the FRONT wheels. Does this make sense? So the locks need to be unlocked when reversing the handle.
The reversing handle is something I LOVE! I cringe when I see a baby in a traditional stroller squinting because he's in full sunlight. With this stroller, a flip of the handle turns baby against the rays. The handle also can be flipped out of the way if I need easy access to the stroller to change his diaper or feed him.
Even though my baby can sit up in the stroller now, I still use the carriage feature so he can fully recline for diaper changes, & naps. I can then tilt him up a little more for bottle feedings on the go. This has been a lifesaver as it allows me to feed and change him anywhere.
Also, the flaps that hold his legs up can also fold down to let baby 'dangle' his legs when he is restless. Try and get a diaper bag that is narrow and it will fit perfectly underneath & be easily reached.
Still loving this stroller more and more!
***14TH MONTH UPDATE!
My 'Peg' has seen a lot of action and continues to perform to my expectations. I've been rough with it on many occassion when rushing and tossing it into my car. The basket is still intact even after loading it down with heavy diaper bags, bottled waters, camera gear etc. I added two stroller hooks on the handle - there are times my stroller looks like a sherpa heading for Everest!
I've been using the food tray for some time now. I just unhook the harness from the backrest so baby can lean forward and reach his snacks-he's still restrained but is more mobile. For some reason, he just loves eating cheerios off this tray! It also has a cup holder.
I no longer use the boot enclosure since my baby prefers to sit with his legs dangling. However, I still have the option of putting the leg flaps up if his little legs get tired.
I continue to use the carriage feature for diaper changes, but I do have to move the tray out first. No big deal - it beats a gross diaper station anytime!
No breakdowns to speak-of, fabric wipes clean fairly easily, and stroller still looks new. I have to comment that the one feature I absolutely can't live without is the 5-point harness restraint. I thought it was a bit much when baby was a little squirt. Now that he's a VERY active and curious toddler, I am SO grateful for the harness system.
When adjusted properly, he cannot escape out of this harness or unclip it. It'll keep even the most active baby in place. I didn't realize how important this feature was until I saw a young baby nearly fall off a pier when he leaned out of his stroller. (The stroller only had a lap belt). Without shoulder restraints, babies/toddlers can lean right over the edge and topple out-I've also seen babies hang over the edge of their strollers and touch the front wheels as mama was pushing them!
The harness system alone will bring piece of mind when you're strolling in situations that make all moms nervous: traffic, water, crowded malls etc.
Hope to add an update when my baby turns two. I have a feeling this stroller can easily stand up to baby number two....we'll see!
***FINAL UPDATE FOR 2006***
I wanted to add that my child is now a very tall 3 year-old that prefers to walk everywhere. I only use an inexpensive, lightweight umbrella stroller for outings and have "retired" my Peg as he has also met the weight restriction (40lbs).
This stroller is still in excellent shape. I could easily resell it for over a $100 dollars. The only wear it shows is on the plastic components which have small surface scratches from all the times I tossed it into my vehicle!
The fabric is perfect and believe me, my son thrashed, spilled and smeared all kinds of food in it. Cleans up so well.
I will be passing it to my SIL when she has a baby. It's in perfect shape. I will truly miss this stroller as I have so many memories of my son in it. I can still picture him sleeping peacefully as a newborn as I cautiously took him for his first stroll. It was his second home, a safe and secure cocoon.
By the time he was 2, I was poppin' wheelie's as he screamed in delight!
How time flys! Moms: Enjoy every single minute of the 'baby years', it really does pass in the blink of an eye!
FEATURES:
• Adjustable height/reversible handle. The handlebar is reversible so your baby can ride carriage style (facing you) or stroller style (facing forward). The handles are height adjustable and the front bumper bar can also be adjusted or removed.
• Front/rear swivel wheels with shock absorbing suspension. All wheels swivel and move independently. All wheels have independent locking brakes.
• NEW 5-point restraint belt with adjustable shoulder straps & “Baby Safe” system with harness loop. The new safety strap set integrates shoulder straps with the lap belt.
• Beautiful well-padded upholstery is removable and hand washable.
• Aluminum chassis (only 17 lbs) is easy to open and close.
• Folds compactly for travel or storage.
• Rounded hood is fully-lined and has a zippered panel for fresh air.Protects your child from sun, wind and cold weather.
• A babysafe boot can be placed in front of the stroller to prevent the baby from slipping from the stroller when the backrest is reclined.
• Large fully-supported seat has a 3-position reclining backrest. Adjustable back and leg rests adjust to two postions. The backrest can recline to completely horizontal.
• Adjustable footrest.
• Large storage basket that folds with stroller.
• NEW Child’s tray
• Designed and made in Italy.
• JPMA (safety) certified.
Storage: The 2003 Venezia can easily be folded for storage and can also accept the Primo Viaggio Infant carseat.
Dimensions (unfolded): 39.4' high x 20" wide x 33.6" front to back
Dimensions (folded): 32.3" high x 20" wide x 12.4" front to back
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Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299.00
Age Range of Child: Other
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Epinions.com ID:
ch59
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Member: Shauna
Reviews written: 11
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