I have owned 5 strollers for 2 children - not because I enjoy shopping for them, but because it has taken me this long to find one that I like and that is truly functional in many situations. We have a preschooler (3.5 years), and our little guy is currently 8 months old (as of February 2006).
In September 2005, I bought Peg Perego's Pliko P3. Since purchasing this stroller, we have used it in many places. From smooth shopping mall floors, to the sandy beaches of Puerto Plata, the Pliko P3 has performed beyond our expectations. Here's what we've found about the Pliko P3:
AGES OF USE
-The P3 will take any Peg Perego G-Matic Primo Viaggio car seat, so it can be used as a travel system from birth and beyond. The seat of the stroller reclines almost fully to 160 degrees, so infants will be happy laying flat. The seat also sits fully upright, so older children can sit well supported and look all around.
-BONUS feature of the P3 over other strollers is that it has a rear foot rest for an older child to ride along. It functions great as a 2-kid stroller, and takes the weight with no problem. I have a HUGE infant (30 pounds at 8 months), and a large preschooler (another 42 pounds) and the P3 doesn't creak or show any sign of overload.
-Overall, the P3 could be used well into the preschool years from birth.
STEERING
-Easy to push. I can push one-handed, with or without my preschooler riding on the back!
-The wheels run smooth, and are large enough to navigate bumpy terrain, snowy paths, or smooth mall floors. *NOTE- it is important that you lubricate the wheels occasionally, a normal maintenance step for any make of stroller
COMFORT OF RIDE
-5-point safety harness system is excellent, can be adjusted
-Seat padding is plush and supportive
-4 recline choices, from full recline to full upright
-Canopy pulls fully over the child to protect your child from the elements (you may purchase an optional rain or bug netting shield depending on your needs, and this will zip directly to the canopy!)
FOLDING AND TRANSPORT
-This stroller DOES NOT fold with one hand. You must pull up on both handles to release the lock mechanism, and then pull up on the handle to fold. It folds super easily and without struggle
-The P3 stands on its own when folded, which keeps it from rolling away or being scratched and bumped on the ground
-We took the Pliko P3 to the Dominican Republic in January 2005, and it was lightweight and a pleasure to travel with
STYLE
-The design is sleek, the aluminum chasis matches the fine fabrics very nicely. Not a cheap plastic stroller, like many others out there. The wheels are plastic and rubber, and are durable and longlasting. The colours available for the stroller are contemporary, and this stroller turns heads wherever it goes.
WEAR AND TEAR
-This P3 has been tossed on and off airplane cargo holds, in and out of car trunks, and pushed through sand, snow, rain and salt. It still looks like new, with minor scratches to the finish. Nothing has broken off the chasis, wheels have been very abused and still are attached and rolling smoothly. The fabric has been washed and looks amazing (even after being barfed upon and spit-up on).
BOTTOM LINE
-Don't waste your cash on other brands. Head straight to the Peg Perego section, and test drive a Pliko P3. It will cost you a bit more initially, but save your sanity and energy over the long run. This is a great stroller that will take you and your kids from birth to 45 pounds and beyond!