Micralite - Toro Newborn Stroller System

Comments about Micralite Toro Newborn Stroller System:

The Toro has a lot going for it and with only a few exceptions, we've been really happy using it from birth up to 5 months old. First class materials - fabrics are high end and well-sewn, frame is aircraft aluminium. The whole package feels very solid. The fold is brilliant - super easy to do, and the upright position it stands in when folded allows for perfect storage inside a small closet when not in use. Also, unlike the Bugaboo, it folds with the standard seat still attached. Also on the list of pros is overall ease of use: it's light and easily steerable with one hand. The three-position recline is great too. We use it with a Maxi-Cosi Mico car seat, which clicks onto the frame using the same adapter pieces that allow the bassinet unit to attach (ther's also Graco adapter you can buy if that's the carseat you choose). \n\nNow for the cons: one consequence of the brilliant fold is that the stroller is a bit back-heavy, meaning that you can't put too heavy a diaper bag on the handle bars without risking a tip over. This isn't a huge issue when there is a kid in the seat - even 5-10 pounds in the seat is enough to stablize things. You just have to remember to take heavy bags off the bars before unloading the kid (otherwise, it will tip back). Another consequence of the fold is that the under seat basket utility is compromised (there's a canvas strap that is part of the fold mechanism that runs across the basket, making it hard to access. You'll definetly get more stuff into and get it out easier in the Bugaboo basket. \n\nMicralite seems to have put the fold ahead of other concerns, and that's apparent in the change-over procedure between modes of use (car seat, basinet, and toddler seat). When you're using the bassinet and a compatible car seat only, it's no problem - leave the adpaters in place and you can switch between the two without issue. It's when you move to the toddler seat that things get slightly more onerous - unlike the Bugaboo, which has a seat permanently mounted to a frame which clicks in and out of the main stroller frame, the Micralite toddler seat has no frame of its own, and instead attaches to the main stroller frame with straps, clips, snaps and zippers. It's really pretty easy to put on, and once on, it is every bit the equal of the Bugaboo or any other high end stroller seat in all respects. It's just that if you want to go from the car seat mode to the toddler seat mode (or vice versa), you can't just click and go, you have to take off the car seat adapters, and then buckle, zip, clip and snap the seat in place (or do the reverse). It's pretty easy, it just takes a minute or two to do. This design has some definite advantages too, though, first and foremost of which is compact storage: when you're not using the toddler seat, because it's just fabric, it folds up really compactly (unlike the Bugaboo seat, which beacuse of its internal frame, is pretty bulky). Also, becuase the seat uses the stroller frame, the whole thing folds up with the seat in place - something I'm sure I'll appreciate even more as we transition away from using the infant car seat feature. \n\nAvailable accessories have pros and cons too. We bought everything available for the Toro. Strangely, they do not make a rain shield for the bassinet, so we bought a non-branded one of those. Rain shield and sun shield for the toddler seat, though, are great, and zip onto the sun shade with no problem. All terain wheels have their plusses and minuses. Pro = on tough terrain, cracked pavement, or snow/ice they really improve the ride. Con = they are fixed position wheels with no steering mechanism, making the stroller very difficult to control unless you are on a slick or sandy/gravelly surface. Still, if you plan to be on such terrain, you'll want these.\n\nOverall, we're very happy with the Toro. We would especially recommend it to people with limited storage for the stroller in their house or apartment - the upright fold is really the thing that sets this stroller apart from the crowd and makes it an excellent choice.