My Personal Review of 6 Types of Strollers

As a mum of three and a closet #strolleraddict, I have found that there is no perfect stroller that fit all of our family's needs AND budget. The lightweight ones are usually not sturdy enough and the heavy-duty ones are more expensive and not easy for travelling (though I've done it a few times!).

As a result, I found myself getting different types of strollers over the years to fit our needs! Big and small, I've used most of them all 🤣

I have been asked by some readers to review my strollers but as I have so many, I really haven't had time to do a post for each one. I have used about 9 strollers during my 9 years of motherhood and at one point had FIVE strollers in my house! (Now I still have FOUR because we threw away our oldest, 6-year-old stroller) *laughs* 

Here's my personal review of SIX TYPES of STROLLERS and their pros and cons:

[1] Umbrella Strollers

Main Features:

• Handles look like the handle of an umbrella and the stroller sometimes closes like one, hence the name
• Usually folds vertically left and right to the centre
• Double strollers available; seats are usually side by side
• Some models may be able to add a carseat with purchase of additional adaptors

Common Brands: Peg Perego, McLaren

My Strollers: Ferrari & Peg Perego Plinko Mini

Left: Ferrari stroller (S$169) for my oldest girl;

Right: Peg Perego Plinko Mini (S$369) for my boy. 

We really love both of our umbrella strollers; we've used the Ferrari for 3.5 years and the Peg Perego for 6 years! We have travelled almost everywhere with them by air, road and sea and have had no problems.

PROS

• Closes vertically, hence does not take up much space in your car boot/ storeroom / etc
• Lightweight
• Easy to navigate and push
• If reclinable, can be suitable for infants 0-6 months
• Relatively inexpensive (cost about S$200-500)

CONS

• May have a smaller canopy and/or basket, depending on the model
• Cannot push with one hand
• Cannot be closed with one hand
• The seat only faces front
• Not cabin size
• May not be able to stand on its own when closed
• Require a baby insert to support infants younger than 6 months
• Usually not suitable for children heavier than 15kg

[2] Full-sized Lightweight Strollers

Main Features:

• Handle is in the shape of a semi circle and goes from one side of the stroller to the other
• Usually folds from handle to foot rest (like a caterpillar when it moves) 
• Double strollers available; seats are usually front and back
• Some models may be able to add a car seat with purchase of additional adaptors

Common Brands: Combi, Capella, Graco, Britax, Joovy

My Stroller: Bon Bijou Lucas Lightweight Stroller

Left: Easywalker MINI buggy XS (my bro-in-law's);
Right: Our Bon Bijou Lucas Lightweight stroller bought at Baby Fair for S$199. 

We like it for the huge canopy and ease of use

Among all my strollers, I probably liked our Bon Bijou the least but to be fair, we did buy the cheapest model with the least specifications (they have better models at a higher price point). This model is not a 'four-wheel drive' and comes with a 5-point harness that requires a PhD in order to buckle them. It's also very bulky when closed.

However, the stroller is very simple to close (one hand also can!) and easy to push. Perfect for my petite mum-in-law 🙂

PROS

• Lightweight
• Easy to navigate and push
• Can be pushed with one hand
• Easy to close; some models can be closed with one hand
• Some models allow for seat to face either front or back 
• If reclinable, can be suitable for infants 0-6 months
• Depending on the model, may be able to handle a child up to 20kg

CONS

• Usually has a small basket
• May not be cabin size
• Can be bulky when closed
• May require a baby insert to support infants younger than 6 months

[3] Full-sized Sturdy Strollers

Main Features:

• Handles are usually adjustable to fit your height (great for taller folks!) 
• Frame of the stroller and/or wheels are usually larger than average
• Seats are generally removable so that you can customise the type of seat based on the child's age/size (e.g. bassinet for infants) 
• Double strollers available; seats are usually front and back
• Some models may be able to add a car seat with purchase of additional adaptors

Common Brands: Stokke, Bugaboo, Baby Jogger

My Stroller: Baby Jogger City Select

My Baby Jogger City Select
(RRP S$1399 for a double) 

I've done a full review of my Baby Jogger City Select here. Of all my strollers, I love my Baby Jogger the most because of its functionality! I know it's not as light as other strollers but it has the best functions (read my review for more details)!

Having said that, I've ever packed this double stroller in a luggage and brought it to Melbourne. We have also loaded it into the boot of our sedan car and brought it on a road trip to Malacca (see it in action here). It was so useful as it could comfortably support both my kids as well as all our barang. 

PROS

• Easy to push; height of stroller is comfortable for taller people
• Some models can be pushed with one hand
• Large canopy and/or basket
• Very sturdy and does not topple easily
• Usually allow for seat to face either front or back 
• Suitable for infants 0-6 months as a bassinet can be added or the seat can be reclined 
• Usually able to handle children heavier than 15kg

CONS

• Not lightweight
• Not cabin size
• May be difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces
• Cannot be closed flat; can be bulky when closed
• Cannot be closed with one hand
• If seat/s can be removed, it may require some practice to open and close the stroller
• Can be expensive depending on the model

[4] Travel System Strollers

Main Features:

• Most full-sized stroller listed above can add a carseat with additional adaptors to turn it into a travel system stroller. 
• Useful for carrying baby in and out of the car without waking the baby

Common Brands: Cybex, Quinny

My Stroller: Quinny Zapp

Quinny Zapp with additional Zapp Xtra seat bought at only S$180 on Lazada

Before and after adding the carseat

All Quinny strollers are directly compatible with Maxi Cosi carseats (adaptors are included with purchase of the stroller) , hence we decided to buy one to match our existing Maxi Cosi carseat that we got from a friend. We compared the older, most basic model of the Quinny Zapp with newer models and felt that the older model fits our needs best as it was cheapest and the least bulky.

I have to say, I used to think Travel System Strollers are a waste of money because the baby can only sit in the carseat for at most till 14 months old. However, now that I have a baby who is a light-sleeper, I really appreciate the fact that I don't have to wake her when I move her from the car to the stroller or vice versa! It's really very convenient if you have a car or travel by cab/private hire cars.

PROS

• Easy to navigate and push
• Very sturdy and does not topple easily
• Suitable for infants 0-6 months
• Very convenient; able to move the baby in and out of the car without waking the baby

CONS

• May require additional adaptors to convert existing stroller to a travel system, which may cost extra 
• Older siblings will not be able to sit in stroller when the carseat is fitted on the stroller
• Not lightweight
• Not cabin size
• Cannot be closed flat; can be bulky when closed
• Cannot be closed with one hand
• If seat/s can be removed, it may require some practice to open and close the stroller
• Can be expensive depending on the model

[5] Compact Strollers

Main Features:

• Folds flat and small, sometimes even small enough to fit into your bag
• Double stroller not available

Common Brands: GoodBaby Pockit Stroller, Babyzen Yoyo

My Stroller: CocoLatte Pockit Stroller

My Cocolatte Pockit stroller
(Bought in 2016 for S$199) 

How the stroller looks like when opened

When closed, it fits nicely into my recycle bag

I've done a full review of my Pockit stroller here.

When I bought this stroller in 2016, they only had strollers that can't be reclined. In recent years, GoodBaby and Cocolatte have released newer models that not only can be reclined, but, depending on the model, may also fit a carseat if you add the necessary adaptors. However, this means that the price of the newer Pockit models is almost double of what I paid ($350+ vs $199). Nevertheless, I think it's a good investment if you commute via public transport or travel overseas a lot. It's so compact and light that you can carry it with one hand when its closed! I love to bring mine for our overseas trips! 😊

PROS

• Very lightweight
• Cabin size
• Usually small enough to fit into your backpack/ big totebag
• Does not take up space in your car boot/ storeroom/ etc
• If reclinable, can be suitable for infants 0-6 months

CONS

• Usually has a small canopy and/or basket
• For the Pockit, it cannot be closed with one hand and requires some practice to open and close the stroller
• The seat only faces front
• Handles usually cannot support weight, e.g. diaper bags
• If seat cannot be reclined, it's not suitable for infants 0-6 months
• Require a baby insert to support infants younger than 6 months
• Usually not suitable for children heavier than 15kg
• Can be expensive depending on the model

[6] Toddler-Only Strollers

Main Features:

• Basic stroller that can't be reclined and does not have a 5-point harness as it is meant for toddlers

Common Brands: Seababy, Jiji

My Strollers: Latido, Seababy

Our Latido and Seababy strollers bought in 2012-2013

I personally don't like toddler-only strollers as they are difficult to push and not very safe (usually only 3-point harness). I think we sold these two away not long after the mum-in-law got them as we found pushing my very heavy, preschool-aged, oldest girl very difficult. I'm sure they have made better strollers since then but I will still only buy full strollers.

PROS

• Very lightweight
• Does not take up space in your car boot/ storeroom/ etc
• Relatively inexpensive (usually cost less than S$200)

CONS

• Small canopy and basket
• Seat cannot recline; hence not suitable for babies younger than 6 months
• Depending on the model, may not be able to close flat
• Handles usually cannot support weight, e.g. diaper bags
• May be difficult to navigate and push
• Not suitable for children heavier than 15kg

~~~~~~~

There are two types of strollers I've never tried:

1. Jogging (because I hate jogging) 
2. Car Seat Carrier, i.e. car seats that convert directly into a stroller, e.g. Doona (I have no need of this as I have a travel system stroller) 

~~~~~~~

Hopefully this was helpful to you! Happy shopping for the right stroller/s for your family! 😄

Labels and Stuff from Bright Star Kids

You know how I love putting names on my stuff so I really like the customised name labels that we got from Bright Star Kids. They also came just in time to label my girl's school stuff for her first year at Primary School.

The set of labels and height charts that we choose

There were many labels to choose from so I'll share those that we liked and therefore ordered. There are other combinations of course so do browse and choose the ones you like.

[1] Pre-School & Daycare Labels Kit (170 Labels)

Although the name says "Pre-School", I found that the labels included in this kit was suitable for my girl's primary school needs. The 170 labels consisted of Large, Small, Tiny, Feet Shoe and Iron-On Clothing Labels.

The process was pretty simple. Just type in your child's name, choose the colour and font and a sample of the label will be displayed on the right.

Choosing a colour from the list of colours

I later changed the colour to baby pink because I thought it suited my girl better

It's added to the cart!

The actual product (Baby Pink) is a lot pinker than what I chose on the website.

The actual label kit consisting of Large, Small, Tiny and Feet Shoe labels

Large, Small and Tiny Labels

Labelling my girl's primary one textbooks

The tiny labels were perfect for her stationery

I also used the tiny labels to label her shoes as the insole was too bumpy for the shoe labels

Feet Shoe Labels

The shoe labels come with a transparent seal that provides an additional protection for the labels

We bought my girl's school shoes from her school's bookshop, which meant almost everyone in her school had the same pair. To differentiate hers from the rest, we stuck the Shoe Labels on her insoles.

Iron-On Clothing Labels

You can also choose the font and colour of the Iron-On labels. My girl chose purple =)

It takes a bit of practice trying to iron something so small but was still manageable for me. I ironed a label for all of her uniforms.

[2] Essential Label Kit (90 Labels)

This kit differs from the previous one in that it does not have the Shoe and Iron-On labels (my boy did not require them). We chose Baby Blue for my boy because this mama loves stereotypical colours for my kids (whatever, I'm the mother ^_^).

Typing the name and seeing how it looks on the labels

I like the Baby Blue of my boy's labels

Labelled his new bag and water bottle

Oh yeah, I didn't just get labels for my kids; I got a kit for me too! I've been labelling all my stuff since Secondary school and I still do it because let's face it, my stationery will not find its way back to me if it's not labelled (people won't know it's mine you see). Besides, I love to see my name on my things! *grin*

My labels in Dark Pink

I was hoping for it to be more fuschia (my favourite shade of pink) but it was darker than fuschia. I still love it though =)

Labelling my work laptop so that I can distinguish it from the rest of my colleagues who have the exact same laptop =)

The hubby and I have the exact same electric toothbrush and we always get them mixed up. My label ensures that we always know which one is MINE!!! *laughs*

The Tiny Labels are perfect for stationery like pens

Love my kit! Why should my kids get all the good stuff and not me? =)

[3] Personalised Height Charts

Although their main business is labels, Bright Star Kids also sells other personalised products such as bags, water bottles, wall stickers, etc. They also have personalised height charts, which I thought was perfect to track my kids' growth without drawing it on the wall like we used to do at our old house.

My kids' personalised height charts

Initially I thought it was sticky at the back like wallpaper but it wasn't. I had to use 3M tape to affix it to the wall. I thought it could have been better if it was a wall sticker.

Left: Putting up the height charts in my kids' room;
Right: I got the vehicles design for my car crazy boy and a fairy one for my girl.

Marked their heights from a previously used height chart

The height charts can measure up to 172cm, which meant that you can track their growth till adulthood (at least I think I can for my girl.. my boy will likely be taller..). They are a really cute addition to my kids' room.

Do note though that it used to be that you only need to spend S$150 to qualify for free shipping but now you have to spend S$250. Hence, try to spree with a few others if possible to save on shipping.

Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the quality of the labels and height charts, although I feel there could be more variety in the label design. If you like personalised stuff, why not consider Bright Star Kids' extensive collection? I'm sure you'll find something that you like =)


Disclosure: A gift card was received from Bright Star Kids for the purposes of this review. No monetary compensation was received; all opinions are my own.

CocoLatte Pockit Stroller

I've been wanting to write about our latest stroller but haven't had the time till now. It's by far the only stroller that we've ever owned that can fit into my backpack!

Yup, it's the legendary Pockit, the world's smallest folded stroller.

There are two brands (that I know of) that produces the Pockit stroller: Goodbaby and CocoLatte. I bought the latter because it 1) was cheaper (I paid only S$199), and 2) was not out of stock.

The key difference between the two is probably the material and colour of the seat (CocoLatte does not have as many colours) but it does not affect the functionality of the stroller so I'm not bothered by it.

CocoLatte Pockit Stroller
(ordered on Qoo10)

Look at how small it is!

The smallest fold as seen above requires you to fold the two back wheels in but you can also choose not to fold it in (it's a faster close).

Here's a video of how the Pockit works (by GoodBaby):

I bought it when my boy is about 1.5 years old and he rides in it till now.

My boy testing out the stroller for the first time

Yay the World's smallest folded stroller (which I bought online) is here!! Just in time for my Tokyo trip hehe! Plan to put it in my backpack when I don't need it. Let's see if it is really good for travelling.. #madpsychmum #pockitstroller #madpsychmumtravels #allreadyfortokyo #babyboyjlee

A photo posted by Madeline Heng (@madpsychmum) on Dec 4, 2015 at 1:24am PST

I brought it to Tokyo and packed it into my backpack as I had planned to bring onboard the plane. It was the first time that I was able to bring his stroller onboard the plane and use it the moment we landed.

Left: Pockit stroller kept in my backpack;
 Right: We brought both our lightweight strollers for the trip so that both kids can nap whenever they wanted.

The seat can't be reclined though so your child may have difficulty sleeping. My kids sleep anywhere as long as they are sleepy so it didn't pose a problem for us (as you can see below).

My boy sleeping soundly in the stroller while we had our dinner

I sometimes carry it around in a big recycle bag and it works too. Because it is so easy to carry around, I've taken a bus with my two kids and the stroller alone and had no problems =)

The Pockit stroller fits nicely into my recycle bag

In summary, the pros and cons of the stroller are:

PROS

• Small enough to fit into your backpack/ big totebag
• Does not take up space in your car boot/ storeroom / etc
• Lightweight
• Easy to navigate and push
• Relatively inexpensive (cost about S$200-300)

CONS

• Very small canopy and basket
• Seat cannot recline
• Require some practice to open and close the stroller
• Cannot hang heavy things on the handle
• Not suitable for babies younger than 6 months
• Not suitable for children heavier than 15kg

Overall, if you're looking for a toddler stroller that's compact and light then I highly recommend this.

If you need a stroller that can serve as your trolley or baby's bed but still lightweight then you might wanna consider my Peg Perego Pliko Mini (will write about it soon as I love it just as much! =D). If you need a heavy-duty double stroller, you can consider our Baby Jogger City Select, which is great for when both kids need to nap.

Yes I know, that's a lot of strollers in one house! (*laughs*). We have owned at least 5 strollers in the time that we have become parents and these are the ones that I really love =)

Happy stroller-strolling everyone! =)

MiaMily HIPSTER Baby Carrier

It has been a long time since I had reviewed a carrier. However, I couldn't resist trying out the MiaMily Hipster, which has been tested and approved by The International Hip Dysplasia Institute and Baby Carrier Industry Alliance as a hip healthy product. I've often gotten feedback that Hip Carriers are not good for baby's hips so this intrigued me to give it a try.

MiaMily Hipster
(Retail price: S$199)

Swiss brand MiaMily's 2-in-1 Baby Hip Carrier

I was given the ruby red, which was really striking and great for carrying both boys and girls.

The MiaMily Hipster, laid out horizontally

The hip seat, which can be attached to the double shoulder strap

Small pocket on the waist belt for putting tiny stuff

Inner portion of the waist belt is well cushioned for your comfort

Front pocket of the double shoulder strap
(it'll be better if the pocket has a zip on top though otherwise things such as cards or phones might drop out)

The pocket can be removed to give your child greater ventilation
(but that would mean no pocket for your things)

A simple white hood for projecting your child's head

These white strap pads aren't the prettiest but they get the job down by protecting your straps from a teething baby or giving you additional support on your shoulders should you need it.
Would be better if they were of a nicer colour or design though.

The MiaMily Hipster comes with a foldable bag to put your carrier when you don't need it and folds up when you do. I thought that this was something very useful that other hip seat carriers do not come with.

This is not my first time using a hip seat carrier so I'm quite familiar with all the different ways that you can carry your child with it. There are 9 different ways you can carry your child with a MiaMily Hipster but these are my favourites:

1) Front Face-to-Face

Carrying my boy at Koh Samui International Airport while waiting to clear immigration

2) Front-Facing

I know this position isn't the best for his hips but my super active boy loves it as he gets to see things other than my chin.
I try to limit carrying him in this position for short periods of time.

3) Back

Carrying him like a backpack.
Great on the shoulders for me but not so comfortable for him because my hair keeps flying into his face
(you can tell he's not really happy about it)

When using the MiaMily Hipster, I did notice that it does provide more support for my boy's legs as compared to my other hip seat carrier (which causes my boy's legs to droop more). However, I also acknowledged that the support is still less than other cloth carriers so do weigh the pros and cons when deciding between the different types of carriers. Do also note that hip seat carriers are not suitable for very young babies who are not able to sit up by themselves.

Well as you can see, all my favourite positions require the shoulder straps as I prefer to go hands-free. However, you may prefer to use it without the straps as some kids don't like to be strapped in.

With my boy getting more and more active and climbing out of our strollers even though we had strapped him in, it's useful to strap him tightly into a carrier so that he can't get away (this is especially useful if you're shopping in a store full of breakables and you don't want your hyperactive toddler to destroy anything). One of the reasons why I still put my boy in a carrier even though he's getting almost too big for it.

The other reason is that I really love having him so close to me! I really miss the days when he used to breastfeed and sleep in the carrier! Nowadays he's only in it when we need to restraint him. Ah well, at least I can still carry him in the MiaMily Hipster. I think that I will really cry when I can no longer carry my boy in a carrier any more. They really grow up too fast!! *sigh*

P.S: Follow My Baby Carrier Reviews as I personally put various baby carriers to the ultimate test! Do also keep yourself informed of Babywearing Safety tips when buying or using baby carriers =)

~~~~~

Disclosure: A complimentary baby carrier was received from MiaMily for the purposes of this review. No monetary compensation was received; all opinions are my own.