Graco strollers: model overview and selection tips

Graco was founded in Philadelphia in 1942. The name is based on the two names of its founders: Gray and Cone. Initially, the company was engaged in the production of metal parts for cars. However, in 1955, she retrained for the production of children's goods. Since then, the brand's assortment has been made up of all kinds of swings, cribs, playpens, high chairs, strollers of all models.

Car seats that transform into a stroller are in particular demand among buyers. It is very convenient on the road - you can carry your baby without disturbing him while sleeping.

Features of the brand assortment

Throughout its history, Graco has built a reputation as a reliable manufacturer of high quality products. Indeed, highly qualified specialists from various fields work on the creation of each new model of a baby stroller. This is a whole team of designers, engineers, orthopedists and even pediatricians.

Before launching a new model into mass production, the company necessarily conducts multi-stage testing for its reliability. Every detail of the product is carefully thought out and has a specific function. The design of each model is thought out to the smallest detail.

All materials used for production are absolutely safe, as required by international standards. One of the advantages of Graco products over peers from other brands is affordable prices, which make products affordable for the middle segment of buyers.

Each stroller of the brand has an anatomical backrest with protective rails, a comfortable seat that can be removed from the chassis, a shock absorber system, seat belts, and a protective folding hood. True, for some models, according to the reviews of mothers, the hood size is not large enough, but the company's assortment has additional hoods that can be purchased separately. The fabric covers are removable and easy to wash.

All these components allow parents to easily move along the street, being confident that nothing will happen to their baby on the road, and the stroller will withstand any conditions. The products have a convenient folding system that makes them easy to operate even with one hand. Graco's transport mobile systems are also valued for their stability.

Even if the child is very naughty and shakes the stroller, it will not fall.

The lineup

The range of models of strollers from Graco is quite diverse and can satisfy any, even the most demanding taste. All products are versatile, able to withstand both city sidewalks and rural off-road. Depending on the mechanism, strollers are distinguished, folding in the form of a cane and of the type of a book. Each of the options has its own merits.

Cane

The walking stick is the lightest and most travel-friendly stroller. These models are very maneuverable. They fit easily in the trunk of a car and on public transport. The only drawback of the cane is its low permeability on snow or sand due to the small diameter of the wheels. This group is represented by two models of the company.

Mosaic completo weighs 8.3 kg and folds in one move. The backrest has a rigid fixation, but it can be expanded to a lying position, which makes it comfortable for sleeping. For very young passengers, additional safety measures are provided: a soft insert, which can be removed as the baby grows up, as well as high sides that protect the child from possible side impacts. This design makes the stroller look like a cozy crib or bassinet.

Cleo Travel System 2in1. Weighing 8.9 kg, it belongs to the walking type and is ideal for urban conditions. This model has a centralized braking system and a luxury seat. Ergonomic handles provide free rotation of the stroller on the road. This vehicle is equipped with the Kosy pram system, which allows you to adjust the position of the baby in the lying position. The peculiarity of the model is that it has a ventilation system that does not allow the baby to overheat. On the back there is a spacious pocket for various things. The set includes a car seat.

Book stroller

The book stroller has more conditions for maneuverability, so it is more passable. All Graco models in this group have an insulated cover for the winter season. This type of stroller is available in several versions.

Mirage Plus - a great option, suitable for daily use due to its low weight (7.5 kg). Instead of the usual protective bumper, the stroller is equipped with a removable plastic table with a built-in cup holder. The backrest can be folded out to the “reclining” position, therefore it is recommended to use this model from the age of six months. The front wheels are double, they turn around their axis. The model has several colors. Lovers of bright colors can choose red (Red) or orange (Orange).

For those who prefer practical and non-marking colors, gray (Gray) or pale green (Bear Trail, translated as "bear trail") are suitable.

Blox weighs 8 kg, has a front wheel locking system and a reliable braking system. The model is equipped with a comfortable anti-slip handle. The set includes a raincoat and a warm leg sleeve.

CitiSport. This is a whole collection of recreational aids. All of them have a height-adjustable handle with a particularly durable heat-protective foam, weighing from 6 kg. This mass was achieved due to the lightweight frame. Color options: white, blue, sand, orange.

Fastaction Fold DLX TS. This is a 3-wheeled dual-wheel model in neutral blue and gray. The peculiarity of the stroller is the presence of removable adapters for installing a car seat, which is included in the kit. The walking block has a large hood that protects the baby from the aggressive sun. In case of rain and cold, there is a transparent waterproof cover and an insulated leg sleeve, also included in the price of the stroller.

Evo. Another collection of lightweight and maneuverable strollers. The set of the universal stroller Evo Graco includes a cradle for babies, a stroller, a support and cover for legs, a rain cover. The mini model is lightweight and manoeuvrable, weighing 6.2 kg. Despite the fact that this model does not have a bumper, it fully meets safety standards. The Evo Stroller XT variant has a longer wheelbase, making it more stable on uneven terrain. The seat can be installed in different directions.

Symbio. This is one of the tallest strollers available from Graco and is a 2-in-1 universal stroller. The possibility of attaching a car seat is provided. The set includes a sun visor, raincoat, and a spacious backpack.

For twins or the weather

Separately, it should be said about strollers for twins or the weather. All of them are six-wheeled (front wheels are doubled), have a "book" folding mechanism. The walking blocks are located one after the other, so all strollers from this group can easily fit into doorways. Spring cushioning ensures a smooth ride. The backrest can be folded out to the "lying" position, for an older child there is a step for the legs. Consider the following models.

Stadium duo has a weight of 15 kg, two seats for children over 6 months old, the ability to attach a car seat.

Quattro tour deluxe - option 3 in 1, has a weight of 18 kg. At the back of the product there is a cradle for newborns with 3-point safety belts, in front there is a seat for children from six months old with 5-point belts and a removable crossbar.

Phoenix - model weighing 14.6 kg. Has seats for babies from 6 months, a back seat with the possibility of installing a cradle. Includes a protective hood and a warm cape.

Glider duo weighs 13.4 kg. The front wheels of the model are blocked, the rear seat is intended for newborns, the front one is for children from six months. The set includes a tray for parents, a warm foot cover, a cup holder, a sun canopy.

Duo sport has 8 wheels (double). The seats are located side by side.

Ready to weighs 12.6 kg. This option is recommended for children from six months, has the ability to install car seats.

Materials

Graco strollers are very popular in many countries primarily because of their practicality. This quality is achieved through materials. For example, the chassis is made of aluminum, which is considered one of the lightest metals. The body parts are made of high-strength and frost-resistant plastic. Wheels in walking models are made of durable plastic, and in universal transformer models, they can be solid rubber.

The inner fabric covers and liners are made of cotton, which does not cause allergies and is pleasant to skin contact. As for the external parts (luggage basket, hood, foot sleeves), they are sewn from waterproof fabric with water-repellent impregnation. The raincoat uses a transparent silicone material. And all soft elements are made of high quality foam rubber.

Components

Regardless of the model, Graco strollers have a sun canopy, chassis and five-point harnesses. The company is constantly improving the service and adding new parts that previously had to be purchased separately (for example, bags for mom or removable tables). There are also models that include not only nice little things like a raincoat, but also such essential things as a carry cot or car seat. These strollers are in the Evo collection. The Quattro Tour Deluxe TSB also comes with an Isofix car seat.

When purchasing a Graco pushchair, keep in mind that some parts are unique and difficult to replace. Often, similar elements produced by another company show lower wear resistance and, as a result, have a shorter service life than original spare parts.

Therefore, warranty repairs should be done only in special workshops, and after the warranty expires, it is better to ask the technicians to install original parts.

What to consider when choosing?

When purchasing a stroller for a newborn, there are several factors to consider.

Dimensions. If you live in a multi-storey building and use an elevator, check if the stroller you like can get into the elevator and other doorways (measure the width). If your home does not have an elevator and you have to lift the stroller up the steps, when buying, pay attention to its weight, add the weight of the child to it and think if you can lift it every day. In this case, it is recommended to choose a lightweight walking model. There are many suitable options available from Graco.
Equipment. If you live in an area where winters are not too harsh, you may not need a winter sleeve or foot sleeve. But the presence of a mosquito net and a raincoat will be useful. Also, a folding table and a bag for mom will not interfere. In addition, you can take a car seat in addition to the stroller itself. Graco offers a complete collection of these.
Price. The Graco brand focuses on middle-income buyers, but the lineup includes both strollers with a very affordable price and more expensive items.
Wheels. In a city where asphalt predominates, a stroller with a small wheel diameter will suffice. But for walks in the woods, in the sand or in the snow, it is better to choose a model with more traffic. You should also pay attention to the material. Judging by the feedback from parents, even heavy-duty plastic may not withstand very low winter temperatures. Plus, it can slide on ice. Therefore, for winter, it is better to choose solid rubber tires.
Reviews. Many parents are guided by customer reviews posted on the Internet before buying. However, in many cases, such opinions are highly subjective. Therefore, it is better to go to the store and test this or that model yourself. Better yet, come there with the child, if possible, and trust his feelings.
Warranty. Graco provides a six month warranty on all of its products.

Operating tips

The rules of use are simple and the same for all wheelchairs. You can highlight the main tips, following which you can extend the life of any model.

Metal parts and chassis should be regularly lubricated with machine oil, pre-cleaning them from dirt and dust.
The plastic fragments should be wiped with soapy water once a week.
It is important to keep the fabric elements clean. It's easy to do this with Graco strollers - all covers are removable and washable.
It is highly discouraged to lower and raise the stroller unfolded on the stairs, especially with the child in it.
When placing the stroller in the trunk, it is necessary to secure it there in order to avoid impacts when driving.
Do not hang heavy bags on the handle; they can overweight and overturn the stroller. Also, you cannot load the luggage basket in excess of the norm for which it is designed. All this can lead to premature wear of the vehicle mechanisms.
In models with inflatable tires, maintain a pressure of 0.6-0.9 atm.

It is worth remembering the main safety rules for transporting a child in a stroller.

Do not leave your baby unattended in the stroller, even while sleeping.
When walking, be sure to fasten your child and make sure that he does not unfasten.
Do not use pillows, blankets and other items for insulating your baby, other than those provided by the design of the stroller. They can creep, interfere with movement, and in extreme cases can even cause a child to suffocate.