BabyStroller-Systems.com

Joovy Caboose Stand On Tandem Stroller

Manufacturer:  Joovy

Retail Price:  $199.99

When I first saw the Joovy Caboose Stand On Tandem Stroller I literally said “HUH?” Part Swiss Army Knife, part Transformer, part HUMVEE this thing actually confused me a bit at first glance.  Learning a little more about it though and seeing it in action made me a firm believer in the wonders of this baby stroller.

All aboard

I used to be confused at what parents did with two kids; one toddler and another infant.  Double strollers don’t really accommodate the two sizes very well.  Two separate strollers?  That’s kind of lame…. Therein lays the genius of the Joovy Caboose Stand On Tandem Stroller – perfect for your infant to ride up front while your older one sits or stands on the rear caboose platform.

The Joovy Caboose even comes equipped with universal car seat attachment system that works with pretty much any infant car seat you may come across.  Some other similar baby strollers don’t have as much flexibility with the car seat so watch yourself here.  The back part consists of a platform for your toddler to stand on while you motor them around and when they get tired there’s a padded rear seat they can park themselves on.

Noted Features

• Short wheel base mean more maneuverability for you
• Lightweight yet durable construction gives you convenience without sacrificing quality
• Extra large canopy to provide maximum protection from the elements
• High, deluxe foam handles  for your convenience and comfort
• Joovy’s lifetime warranty protects you against unexpected yet inevitable bumps and uh-ohs
• The 5 point harness has two shoulder height positions and comes equipped with some kind of super highly reflective material for ultimate night safety

Things to watch out for

There are a couple of negative reviews out there but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.  The biggest complaints I could find about the Joovy Caboose are 1) there are no cup holders or parent tray and 2) when the front part is in the recline position the back seat is not really usable.

Product details

• Model number:  408
• Weight:  29 lbs
• Maximum weight capacity:  45 lbs
• Seat back reclining options:  2
• Orientation:  Front facing

 The Final Word

The Joovy Caboose is definitely one of the more popular tandem baby strollers on the market and its not hard to see why.  At under $200 it stacks up equally well against other more expensive tandem baby strollers but, as always, make sure you do your own research before making a purchase.  Not only is it a great value but it looks pretty damn cool too so if you do choose to go with the Joovy Caboose you can expect some nice comments!

Baby Trend Expedition LX Travel System

Manufacturer: Baby Trend

Retail Price: $199.99

Discounted Price: Click here to see Amazon price

As I mentioned in an earlier review of the Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller, jogging strollers are hot these days. While the Jeep baby stroller is one of the better pure jogging strollers available on the market today, it doesn’t do so well as an everyday stroller. Good thing there are stroller systems like the Baby Trend Expedition LX Travel System which serve double duty as a great jogging stroller and functional everyday baby stroller!

Two for One

Most dedicated jogging strollers have a locked, stationary front wheel – great for stability when jogging, bad for cruising around the supermarket or mall. The Baby Trend Expedition LX comes ready for action with a front wheel that swivels for everyday use and locks when ready to get in some mileage. Its steel frame construction makes it both lightweight and super sturdy which means you don’t have to worry about taking full advantage of the all terrain capabilities of the 16” rear tires and 12” front tire. Blazing down the trail or cruising through the mall – these mountain bike-like tires are up for it.

Safety first

Not only is the Baby Trend Expedition LX Travel System functional as an everyday baby stroller, it has enough safety features to keep your baby nice and secure. Along with the stroller itself, you also get the top rated fixed back car seat with EX Flex-Loc base. Tether straps and a fully adjustable 5-pt harness ensure your baby is extra snug. The stroller even comes complete with reflectors to make sure you’re visible for a dusk or evening jog.

Noted Features

• Ergonomically shaped, extra wide padded foam handles to ensure a comfortable, firm grip while jogging.
• Trigger fold for easy storage
• Large storage area allows you to carry everything that needs to be carried
• Adjustable canopy and multi-position padded seat to make sure your baby is nice and comfy
• Large all terrain wheels are removable for easy storage

Things to watch out for

• The Baby Trend Expedition LX doesn’t come with a handbrake as many other dedicated jogging strollers do
• The stroller is on the larger side but come on – its tires are as big as some cars!
• The car seat straps may be a bit hard to maneuver but are easily figured out given time.

Product details

• Model number:  TJ94773
• Weight:  41.5 lbs
• Maximum weight capacity:  50 lbs
• Seat back reclining options:  Multi-position
• Orientation:  Front facing

The Final Word

While there are better everyday strollers and better dedicated jogging strollers, the Baby Trend Expedition LX is definitely worth a look given its ability to serve as both an all-terrain/jogging stroller and quick errand runner. I haven’t heard many negative reviews on it – you can read more reviews for yourself here. For more info and the cheapest price around – check out Amazon and judge for yourself!

See The Lowest Price for the Baby Trend Expedition LX

Quick tips for picking the best baby stroller

It may be hard to imagine just how quickly your baby will gain weight but the little tykes grow fast!  Baby carriers are only good up to around 20-25 lbs so you’re going to need a good baby stroller before you know it.  With so many options and brands of baby strollers to choose from, picking the perfect one that suits your needs and budget can be a confusing and frustrating experience.  Here are a couple of quick tips to help you in your search.

1.  Price

Baby strollers come in all sizes, shapes, and most importantly, prices ranging anywhere from the no frills strollers for $50 on upwards to the Mercedes Benz’s of strollers at around $1000!  Before you even start your search its very important to set your budget – this helps narrow the field so you’re not overwhelmed at all the choices on the market.

2. Type of use

From jogging strollers like the Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller to baby strollers with full all-wheel drive suspension (to borrow a car related term) that allow comfort on uneven ground there are literally hundreds and hundreds of strollers to choose from.  If you’re a runner – definitel

y look into picking up a jogging stroller so you can bring the little guy or girl along with you for your run.  These strollers are also great for non-runners who are looking for a stroller that’s easy to push with large enough wheels you can take off road (hikes, trails, etc).  While great for what they’re made for, jogging strollers are definitely not suitable for everyday use as many have front wheels that don’t turn – great

for running in a straight line but not so great for navigating the shopping market.

3.  Number of children

Have more than one small child?  Well then you may want to look into a double baby stroller.  There are different ones that seat side-by-side that are wider.  Then there is the longer style that seat one in front of the other.  I can’t say that one is better than the other and it’s really a personal preference although I will say that the side-by-side ones look a little better IMO.  Then again, if you test these types of double strollers out and find they’re too clunky or too heavy for you two separate strollers may be the better option.

4.  Frequency and length of use

Are you parents on the go and plan to get your baby out and about right from the get go?  Then you should definitely look for a sturdy baby stroller that can be converted and are suitable for both newborns and toddlers.  Be careful though as some strollers are only made for newborns so they’ll quickly outgrow the stroller investment you just made and you’ll be stuck with a useless stroller after only a couple months use.

5.  Weight

You’re going to be throwing your stroller around A LOT – unloading it from the car; loading it into the car; carrying it up stairs; lowering it down stairs – so you better make sure the stroller you pick is an appropriate weight.  Lighter strollers may be a bit more flimsy but more solid ones will be much more heavy so its up to you to find a good balance in construction and durability with how much you’re willing to carry.

To start your search I recommend heading over to Amazon as they’ve got a great selection with great prices.  Better yet, most of their items have great user reviews so you can read what other consumers like you have to say about any of the products you may be looking at.  I’ve found these reviews to be spot on and some of the most accurate for research purposes.  Happy hunting and good luck!

Evenflo Aura Select Travel System

Manufacturer: Evenflo

Retail Price: $169.99

Amazon Price: Click here to see discounted price

I always love seeing the Evenflo brand as it conjures up memories of Pearl Jam and I can’t help but start whistling away… even flow, thoughts arrive like butterflies…. Anyways, not only does Evenflo bring me back to the good ol’days but they make some serious baby stroller systems too like the super popular Evenflo Aura Select Travel System.

Bang for the Buck

No wonder the Evenflo Aura Select Travel System is a top 5 baby stroller travel system on Amazon as this comes with many of the bells and whistles you’ll see on more expensive baby strollers at a reasonable price.  Large wheels, one handed steering, and full suspension make steering the Evenflo Aura Select a breeze for parents and the stroller harness can adjust between a 3 point and 5 point configuration for safety and comfort.

Noted Features

• Keep the kiddo safe in the car with the Evenflo Embrace Infant Car Seat that come with the EZ carry handle, energy absorbing foam, and 5 point harness.
• The Aura Select baby stroller comes with a retractable tray that pivots when folded instead of smacking the ground like some other strollers on the market today.
• Large, roomy storage area and full size wipes dispenser.
• Easy assembly.  The only tools you’ll need are a pair of scissors to open the box.

Things to look out for

While the Evenflo Aura Select Travel System comes with some solid features, there are some things you may want to look out for.  While folding the Aura Select is a breeze, it is not self-standing and there are complaints that the stroller is a bit awkward to unfold.  More inconvenient is the complaint that the seat won’t fit any of the standard high chair seats you find in restaurant.

Product Details

• Model number: 4851917
• Weight: 38 lbs
• Maximum weight capacity: 50 lbs
• Number of reclining positions: Multi-position

The Final Word

As far as baby stroller travel systems go, the Evenflo Aura Select ranks right up there in terms of features, safety, and value.  While this is indeed a popular choice among many parents as the 4.5 star rating on Amazon suggests, I can’t help but be swayed by the negative comments regarding Evenflo’s durability concerns.  The choice is yours of course but there seem to be plenty of comparable strollers like the Graco Spree Travel System without the concerns.



Graco Spree Travel System

Manufacturer: Graco

Retail Price: $169.99

Amazon Price: Click here to see discounted price

Ever wonder what the #1 baby stroller system on Amazon was if you searched Baby > Car Seats > Travel Systems?  Well, strangely enough, I was wondering the same exact thing last night and what did I find but the Graco Spree Travel System!  I’d expect the #1 spot to have a couple more than 31 reviews but at a 4.5 star average with even more FB “likes” than reviews it sounds like a winner to me!

The #1 Seller on Amazon

So what makes the Graco Spree Travel System so special?  From what I gather it’s the perfect combination between functionality and price; enough bells and whistles and safety features to get the job done, completely affordable at well under $200, and looks good to boot.  Good looks and good functionality at a great price?  Sounds like a winner in my book~

Noted Features

• Easy of use.  Right out of the box the stroller and car seat are both easily put together so no 1,000 page manual or 6-pack of beer needed.
• One handed close.  This together with the self-standing fold feature make handling the stroller while carrying your baby a breeze.
• Lightweight with plenty of storage.  The stroller is light and agile enough to push with one hand if needed and the storage area is big enough to hold a full size diaper bag plus more!
• Fashionable.  The Barcelona Bluegrass is great looking and gender-neutral making it ideal for either girl or boy.
• Safety.  The SnugRide car seat exceeds most safety standards and is a top pick of most leading consumer review organizations.

Things to Consider

There really only seems to be one drawback to the Graco Spree Travel System and that’s the funky car seat strap.  The seat straps adjust separately in back of the seat rather than in the front making it a bit clunky to adjust.

Product Details

• Model number:  1758540
• Weight:  37 lbs
• Maximum weight capacity:  40 lbs
• Number of reclining positions:  multi-position

The Final Word

Well, as you may have noticed I love Amazon reviews and if the good shoppers there say the Graco Spree Travel System is a good product, it’s a good product.  As the overall #1 rated baby stroller system who am I to argue?