Best Infant Strollers of 2011

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We Love, You Need: The Best Strollers of 2011. Which One Should You Buy?

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Nancy Johnson Horn on May 24, 2011 at 11:10AM

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UPPAbaby

a Nancy Johnson Horn on May 11, 2011 at 2:31PM

BEST BIRTH-TO-PRESCHOOL STROLLER!
Expert Rating:

Stroller Stats
Weight Range: Up to 50 lbs
Stroller Weight: Frame – 19 lbs, Seat – 6 lbs, Bassinet – 9.45 lbs
Dimensions: Assembled: 35”L x 25”W x 41”H Folded: 32”L x 25”W x 14”H
Type: Single, can be a travel system, and you can add a second seat for an older child, plus a ride-on board
Carrycot/bassinet option? Yes (it's included)
Car Seat adapter? Graco, Maxi Cosi, Peg Perego, Chicco
Price: $679

Get it Now: Baby Earth

Expert Review: The UPPAbaby’s Vista has soared in popularity over the past few years. With a lightweight frame (19 pounds), a roomy seat, an excellent sunshade and huge shopping basket, we can see why. The bassinet is suitable from birth to 6 months and the toddler seat is suitable from 3 months on. The seat has 4 positions, from upright to fully reclined. The seat is roomy and will fit kids up to age 3 1/2 – 4 years old.

Ride: The EVA foam tires provide a steady push and suspension. While it’s not the bounciest ride, it performed really well on concrete sidewalks (including broken ones), gravel driveways, and grass at the park. You can easily push the Vista with one hand.

Accessories: It includes a bassinet featuring an organic mattress and storage bag, as well as a toddler rain shield and bug shield. The sun canopy is extremely large – plus there’s an insert that comes out to give it even more coverage. We were excited to see it covered our little tester when the seat reclined all the way back. A cup holder is available, but not included.

Storage: The basket is huge and the back of it is flexible (so you can get to it if the seat is reversed) and you can fit 3 huge bags of groceries in the basket.

The fold: The fold is pretty easy and you have the option to fold the stroller with the seat forward-facing or take off the seat to fold, if the seat is rear-facing. The bassinet or infant car seat must be removed before folding. The fold is on the larger size, but it will fit in mid-sized trunks and closets.

Why we love it: It’s a lighter-weight, luxury stroller that can take a second seat (for an older child). We love the sunshade and the huge basket and all the included accessories – like a bassinet and a rain cover.

What we wish it had: The suspension could be smoother.

Terrific for: Moms that have at least a mid-sized trunk. The Vista handles itself well over all surfaces.

Bottom line: This is for parents who want a luxury ride that’s lighter weight for her child and the ability to take a sibling along, with either the rumble seat or the Piggyback board.

What our parent tester thought:
"The rear wheel is really easy to engage and disengage -- even when wearing flip-flops!"

"It's a really sturdy, solid stroller -- it looks and feels well-made."

"It has the cushiest, coziest carrycot I've ever seen!"

"I love that I can switch baby around to face front or back easily."

--Kristen, Rhode Island, mom to a 6-month-old baby boy, aunt to a 4-year-old girl