I bought this stroller when the boy started to outgrow his Graco Citisport stroller.
Although the Graco has served me well and from since he was 4 months old until he’s about 20 months (and will continue to), it is quite a load to carry at 6.8 kg.
Retail price: RM499 (Oct 2007)
As we’ll be doing a lot of walking and using more public transport, I needed a lighter stroller or buggy.
I was introduced to the MacLaren Volo and was pleasantly surprised that it wouldn’t cost a bomb, considering the brand’s reputation as the “Ferrari” or ”Mercedes Benz” of buggies.
Pricing aside, I was keen to know if it offered the same features I’d grew to like in a Graco, at a lighter weight. And I’m happy to say that it has!
The Volo is lightweight at 4.6 kg and once you get used to the mechanism, it is a snap to collapse and expand in an umbrella fold.
The detachable hood and accompanying raincover are useful add-ons when needed. The buggy seat mesh material is airy and cool enough that the boy is comfortable enough to doze off. It also dries up fast as it did once when we accidentally spilled drinking water into it.
The height of this stroller is just nice that his feet rests comfortably on the footrest. Also, the foam-padded handles are comfortable both for his Dad and I to push.
I also find the 5-point harness very secure – really firm locks that even his curious, strong and determined fingers couldn’t unhook. Now that he’s bigger, I don’t use the shoulder restraints, which make for a more comfortable ride for him.
A 12-month guarantee by MacLaren is included with the purchase.
The best part about using this stroller is that men love it! Athough Hubby didn’t mind the “baby-looking” Graco earlier, I can see he’s more excited about pushing this one as he’s a major F1 fan.
I can’t tell you how easily I can get male volunteers to help me with this stroller. Some of the feedback I hear:
“Wow…this is an F1 brand! It’s so easy to push…”
(Excitedly pushing the boy along, although they’re tempted to speed a bit, they’re mindful that it’s a kid stroller, not a racing car)
“Check this out, man, it’s a MacLaren. This is a sportscar stroller, you know, don’t play-play…”
(Bright eyes, excited face…normally not associated with baby gear!)
“How do you close this thing? Ohh…like that. I didn’t know that. Special, huh, this MacLaren? Let me help you carry it. Wow…it’s so light! I thought it’ll weigh a ton. Hmm…these MacLaren guys must be using some sportscar technology on baby stuff now.”
After I show them how to do it, they’re amazed at how compact it folds up.
Now that he falls asleep more in his buggy, I would have liked one with a reclining seat. That way, he’d be more comfortable and I needn’t worry about his head lolling to the side or forward when we push him downhill.
Lastly, while it is quite lightweight, the folded frame is still large to strap over the shoulder for a petite-sized woman.
THE VERDICT
The Volo is good-value-for-money particularly for a product made in the UK. It fit my needs for a sturdy-framed stroller but given a choice for the price I paid, I would prefer a stroller that is reclinable and smaller in size when folded.
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