Baby Trend Expedition: We're going on an Expedition around the block!
Written: May 21 '01 (Updated Jun 25 '01)
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Pros: Great jogging style stroller that collapses easily. Fun for baby & mom/dad!
Cons: Hand Brake Tricky to install - not sure if it really works.
The Bottom Line: Great jogging style stroller for someone who takes lots of walks over lots of different terrains including grass, pavement, bumpy sidewalks, gravel etc. Folds up nice too!
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| marytara's Full Review: Baby Trend Expedition |
Being a stay home mom in the summer time, is lots of fun. But I'm an active person, and everywhere I go - my baby goes. Since the weather has finally gotten nice out, that means running errands in the stroller, taking daily afternoon walks, and evening walks/day trips as much as possible.
I live in your every day run-of-the mill neighborhood, with bumpy sidewalks, that are a bit uneven due to tree growth. My other stroller Graco Sterling LiteRider is a wonderful stroller, but it just didn't cut it on bumpy terrain. I found that after a few weeks of outdoor use it was starting to get pretty beat up. So I retired it, and keep it in my car trunk for use at the mall, stores, etc. Its smooth, and has great maneuvering/steering for use in stores.
I asked my husband for a Jogging type stroller for Alex and I to use outdoors. He then commented, "But Honey, you don't jog!". Indeed, he is correct. I don't jog, nor do I plan on picking up jogging. So I told him my reasoning and he agreed. Plus - I think he likes the "look" of these 3-wheeled strollers.
I started surfing the internet and visited a few baby stores looking at these strollers. There's such a variety of what's available. Ranging from under 100 dollars up to several hundred for a super lightweight model. Since I wasn't planning on jogging or running a marathon with this stroller I opted for something middle of the road.
The Baby Trend Expedition met all my needs and my price range! We found this stroller at Babies R Us for 109.99.
The Expedition has most of the features of the Top of the Line jogging strollers for a lower price.
Features include : A choice of 2 colors, Navy or "Outdoor Classic" which is hunter green & tan. We got the Navy one.
The seat and canopy is navy blue, and the frame is black. The stroller has a large sun canopy with a "sunroof" that can be rolled up to view your child. The canopy can be retracted as well. On the canopy, there are also 2 storage pockets -- One is an elastic pouch and the other zips up. Underneath the seat is a large storage basket where you can store important things (like your purse or a small diaper bag) The seat also can be reclined using a nylon strap that can be opened (for recline) or closed (for sitting up). We've mostly only used the sitting up position. I'd advise you though that if you do want to change it from sitting to reclining to not just undo the clip - this will startle/wake up your child. You will need to support your child's back while to gently ease them into the recline.
This stroller is very safe, thats one of the main reasons I liked it. It comes with an adjustable 5 point harness restraint system. I like this because it can grow with my child (now 5months) as he gets bigger. The Expedition accommodates a child up to 50 lbs. It has a very large fender on the front wheel that will protect your child's feet. My son's feet don't even leave the seat yet, but when he gets bigger that will be a plus. The stroller has both wheel brakes (on the back wheels) and a hand brake that controls the front tire. I haven't use this much, it was tricky to install this part as well. But the reason for this hand brake is because if you are going downhill and running this could very easily get away from you. For that reason this stroller comes with a tether strap/leash that you can put around your wrist as well.
Another plus of this stroller is that it folds up nicely. In fact, its smaller folded up than my Graco stroller was. To fold it up you just push a button on the right hand side and press down with your thumbs on the hinge and it folds smoothly and almost flat. The biggest part of this stroller are the wheels - which are 12" rear wheels and a 16" front wheel. You will need to put air in the tires every one in a while.
So, you get all these features for around 100 dollars. Whats the catch? Well, its a bit heavier than the aluminum frame strollers. This frame is made of lightweight steel. Its still very light though! And its a smooth ride, over a variety of surfaces.
Note: This stroller is NOT the stroller to use at the mall, or indoors. Not only is is big - the steering is not what you need for inside. In order to steer a jogging stroller around turns you need to "pop a wheely".
This stroller is perfect for long walks over sidewalks, bumpy roads, paved paths, and even grass. I'm really looking forward to racking up the miles on the Expedition this summer. Great way for Alex to get out in the fresh air, and for me to lose some weight!
Information about the company, and its products can be found at http://www.babytrend.com
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 109
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months
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marytara
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Location: Jersey Shore
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