Choosing the perfect stroller can be very intimidating, especially if you’re newbies at parenting. It is one of the most important decision that new parents have to make. After all, it’s the child’s only form of transportation. As a first time mom, and a mom of a preemie on top of it, I wasn’t sure what was most important when looking for a stroller. With so many designs and types of strollers, how do you choose?
A baby’s NICU stay is like a roller coaster ride, with ups and downs, triumphs and setbacks so you greet the day of discharge from the hospital with a mixture of joy and worry. It can be so frightening to walk away from the security of the hospital nursery so I did some research. I’ve learned that there are a few questions to ask yourself before purchasing a stroller: How heavy it is? Does it fold and open up easily? Is there enough room for a changing bag and some light shopping? What kind of terrain will you be strolling on? Will it store conveniently at home? Will it need to grow with the family? How much can you spend? So, to sum it all up, choosing your baby stroller comes down to your baby’s comfort, safety and your lifestyle.
5-in-1
I’ve been on the hunt for a stroller for my first baby for quite some time. With the amount we walk, we need a tough, lightweight stroller that is easy to push and can fit a large diaper bag in the bottom. I was recently given the opportunity to try the latest Maxi-Cosi Zelia™ 5-in-1 Modular Travel System and today I’m here to share my review.
With so many items needed for a baby, I love that Zelia 5-in-1 Modular Travel System is like having multiple items. The stroller is stylish looking and incredibly easy to set up. It is lightweight but sturdy, can be folded easily, and is easy to maneuver. It has a large under-the-seat storage basket, large canopy with flip out visor and peek-a-boo window, height-adjustable handlebar, lockable front swivel wheels, a cup holder and 5-point padded safety harness. It’s suitable from birth, thanks to the option to click in the car seat or transform the stroller’s seat into a bassinet. My baby loves sleeping in the bassinet – it seems very comfortable for the baby – the seat is padded and the harness has removable plush pads. The Zelia travel system can be also used with the car seat, or with the stroller seat in either stroller mode or carriage mode. I like the fact, that both the carriage and stroller seat modes can be used in either parent or forward-facing positions allowing my little one to see me during the ride or giving her a view of the road ahead. The Zelia is available in four colour options. This is a nice perk if you are looking for a specific colour. The only thing this stroller is missing is a snack tray for the baby. Also, the wheels are tough and sturdy enough for rolling over smooth terrains however, they are not as good for harsh or uneven terrains.
Safety First
Whether your baby comes home from the hospital right away, or later, after a stay in the NICU, the homecoming is a major event I’ve often imagined. And the most important item for the trip home is a proper car seat. The fact that Zelia comes with the car seat was so helpful. Mico 30 car seat is light and has an ergonomic handle that provides extra comfort while carrying it. The self-wicking premium fabrics and padded 5-point harness covers keep baby comfortable, cozy and secure during the ride. And as a very busy mom I really appreciate the fact that the seat fabrics are machine washable!
Bottom line: The right stroller can make all the difference in the ease and accessibility of your daily life with baby. For most, you will never find that “perfect stroller” that has every single feature you want. The goal is to find the stroller that best fits you. If you’re looking for the best compact stroller that takes up the least amount of space in your life but offers great comfort for your newborn, check out the Zelia 5-in-1 Modular Travel System. It is listed as $599 on the Toys”R”Us Canada website.
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I was given this stroller for the purposes of sharing a review. I don’t receive any commission when you buy it through our links, so our reporting and recommendations are independent and objective.
