In search of strollers: Graco Mosaic LX, Graco Quattro Deluxe, Peg-Perego Pliko P3
Written by jlz on December 3, 2005 – 4:27 pm -We went over to Babies R Us and checked out some strollers today. Spent most of the time checking out three of them:
There were several considerations we had in mind when looking at the strollers. First is weight. The stroller cannot be too heavy or beeber (my wife) or my mother-in-law would have a difficult time opening and closing it.
Second is safety. It must have enough padding and 5 point harness. The straps shouldn’t be easily twisted and should be fairly easy to put on.
Third is price. I don’t mind spending for the baby but if obviously price is always in everyone’s mind when buying all these baby equipment. If two strollers have similar features and are both safe, why not buy the cheaper one? (I am usually not one to spend $$ on just a brand.)
Graco Mosaic LX
The first one we checked out is the Mosaic LX that I saw earlier in the week. I really liked the looked of it so I figure I should spend a bit of time seeing how it works. The one we saw at Babies R Us is the lotus color like the following image.
The Mosaic weigh about 19lbs and it was very easy to maneuver. I was able to open it with one hand, but required two hands to close it. When it’s closed, it’s very compact and shouldn’t take up more than a 1/3 of my trunk space. The padding was fairly good, but not as good as the Peg-Perego Pliko P3 stroller that we saw. The Mosaic LX can handle the baby up to 40lbs.
The one thing we weren’t 100% happy with was the canopy. It only comes out enough to cover the top of the stroller.
We were hoping that it would come down some more to protect the baby from the wind blowing directly at the baby. This Amazon image seems to indicate that there might be accessories that you can get to cover the stroller. In this image it seems like some type of rain protection.
The seat back can be adjusted using a lever and strap system, which seems a bit cheap, but fairly easy to use nonetheless.
The Mosaic LX is also available in a Travel System format.
We aren’t sure whether we really need the infant seat or not yet since we plan to get a convertible (see my research on In search of car seats). But even with the combo, the cost is around $190. Without the infant seat, it’s about $130.
Peg-Perego Pliko P3
The second one we looked at is the Peg-Perego Pliko P3.
This one is even lighter than the Mosaic LX. It weighs about 15 lbs and can handle the baby up to 45lbs. The Pliko has the most padding and probably will be the most comfortable for the baby. The canopy also comes all the way down to cover the baby. The seat back can also be adjusted to three different positions using a lever. The handle bar can also be adjusted as well, even though that wasn’t really our main concern.
The Pliko P3 seems more difficult to open and close compare to the Mosaic LX. I have to use both hands (plus a foot sometimes) to open and close it. I also didn’t like the fact that when closed, the inside of the baby seat is outward facing. This means if there’s rain or something falling or spilling, it will get into the seat where the baby will be sitting/sleeping.
The one thing we didn’t like about the Pliko P3 is the basket. You cannot put things in it or pull stuff out from the back. There’s two aluminum bars blocking it from the back. You can only reach it from the front. And even then it’s still pretty difficult to use.
The other thing we didn’t like was the price. It will cost me $290!! If we were to get an infant seat that goes with the stroller, that will most likely cost me another $200. I guess that’s the cost of a brand name made in Italy.
Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe
The third one we looked at is the Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe.
This is a full-size stroller, compared to the lightweight stroller like the Mosaic LX. We probably spent the least amount of time exploring this one because of the weight. It weights much heavier (I didn’t even look at the weight number) than the other two. I had hard time opening and closing it. There’s just no way for Beeber and her mom to move that thing around.
We pretty much stopped looking at this after that.
Conclusion
So so far given the 3 criteria I have setup, the Graco Mosaic LX is definitely the winner.
We will have to probably do something about the canopy though. Probably will have to make or buy something that covers the stroller.
Still more strollers to see yet, so no decisions have been made.
Stay tuned…
Posted in Equipment, Strollers |
January 17th, 2006 at 10:27 am
i am just wondering if you have heard of the inglesina zippy and what you think of that stroller. that is my top choice for now from what i have read and seen online, but none of the stores around me carry it so i can’t try it myself.
January 23rd, 2006 at 3:35 pm
I’m stuck between either buying the Graco Mosaic LX or the Zooper Waltz. I don’t know which would be better.
February 18th, 2006 at 4:23 pm
[...] - The Graco Mosaic is going to be discontinued. The Mosaic LX we saw before are still in the market. [...]
April 4th, 2006 at 9:51 am
I have the Zooper Waltz, Dave.
There are a few issues — the basket (same problem as the Pliko3 — aluminum bars in the way), not one handed opening or closing, and outward facing when closed (that doesn’t bother me…).
It’s a great price for a sturdy stroller (my experience with Graco is that they’re not durable…though the Mosaic looks different than the traditional Gracos). Very Lightweight — 16 lbs…steers extremely nicely, has swivel lock wheels, can snap on netting for an enclosed carriage for a newborn, lies down all the way, canopy completely covers baby (also comes with boot, rain cover, sun glare) — MacLaren quality for American price. It also is compatible with car seats like the Graco SnugRide. I got mine from TinyRide.com
If you don’t mind spending a bit more, maybe look at the Zooper Swing. It’s an umbrella-type like the Mosaic, but with the Zooper qualities. It also has adjustable handlebars.
I am VERY happy with this brand.
Elana, most people with the Inglesina Zippy love it…just the price is a bit hefty. I would also suggest looking at the Zooper. It was incredible how I happened to find out about it online.
(When it comes time for a double, I don’t know what to do though
Hopefully there will be a better market by then.)