Valco Baby Runabout TriMode Stroller: Flexibility and expandability

by guest reviewer Lisa

During my second pregnancy, I realized that I needed a stroller to contain both children in if I had any hope of going shopping. With a daughter who was about to turn 3, I felt a double stroller was not necessary, so when I learned that the Valco Baby Runabout TriMode is the one of the few single strollers with an optional toddler seat, my mind was made up.

The Valco Baby Runabout TriMode is an all-terrain stroller with the three wheel design of a jogging stroller. It's called TriMode because the front swivel wheel can be locked in three different positions. Full swivel is for complete maneuverability in tight spaces, like department stores or busy areas. Fully fixed locks the front wheel straight so you can even use it for a light jog. The third mode is 45 degrees which is great on long walks where tight turns are not as common and is also recommended for use with the toddler seat.

When it arrived at my home I couldn't wait to get the kiddos in it and take a spin around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, the manual was missing many important steps; it took my husband and I nearly three hours to assemble it because the instructions were so poorly written. There were pieces that had no instructions on where to use them and it took us an hour to figure out where to velcro the hood to the frame.  This is a major flaw and should be corrected.

After we got it all set up, I threw the kids in it and test drove it around my house since it was very cold outside. I couldn't believe how well it maneuvered around the tiny hallways in my home. My Peg Perego Aria would sometimes catch going around a corner in a department store and almost tip completely. The TriMode's wheels turn on a dime.  After the initial test-drive in my house, I've used it at the zoo, mall, and parks; in every situation it handles like a dream. The TriMode's rear wheel shock absorbers lets baby sleep peacefully even if I am walking on rocky trails at the park.

Besides the wonderful maneuverability, what I love most about the TriMode is its appearance. When I opened the box and saw its beautiful black and silver upholstery and frame staring back at me I knew I was in love. It's so chic, modern and even more important, it's super comfy and easy to clean. Unlike the majority of jogging strollers, the TriMode looks more like a regular stroller with the nice curved hood, large basket and lots of pockets, but it just happens to have the convenience of three wheels.  The TriMode folds very easily, but not as compactly as I had hoped. It takes up the entire trunk of my Honda Accord, but if you take off the wheels (which is easy to do- at the push of a button), it fits much better.  It's also on the heavy side (27 pounds) so it's not extremely easy to lift it up into your car.

One of the TriMode's best features is the one-hand recline. You just squeeze the clip and pull on a strap to smoothly adjust the recline and it makes it have an infinite number of recline levels.  The stroller makes a full "flat recline," so your newborn or older child can lay flat. Most other strollers only recline to 15-30 degrees or less.

The optional toddler seat was the main reason I chose this stroller over a double stroller. The toddler seat attaches right in front of the main seat so both children can see everything that is going on around them. Plus, I can remove the toddler seat in a matter of seconds. It just clicks in and out with two snaps so if I only have one child with me I can just pop it right off and not have it in the way; with double strollers the second seat is permanently there. The toddler seat does not recline but it definitely fulfills the need of being able to give your older child a seat.  You can also purchase a fully retractable hood for the toddler seat.

You can also use the stroller as a traveling system with the optional car seat adapters for Graco, Peg-Pérego, Britax, and Combi infant car seats.  Since the car seat adapter and toddler seat fit into the same slots, you can't use them at the same time, which is a bummer.  I would have loved it if I could put one kid in the regular seat and one in the car seat on top.

The standard model comes with head hugger, shoulder straps and five-point harness which make it ideal even for a newborn. All of the material on the TriMode is made of a breathable, easy to maintain material called the AIRGO airflow system. It also has a built-in pouch on the back that zips off for better airflow but also can be used as a mini diaper bag.  The hood also has a section that unzips for addition airflow and so you can see baby. As a short mama, I really appreciate the handle which adjusts to three different heights (also good for tall parents). The basket zippers open in the back to make it easier to find Standard accessories also include a rain cover and tire pump.

I also got the Four Seasons Muff and Hitchhiker board that goes on the back for a child to ride on. The foot muff makes the stroller super cozy.  The material makes it toasty in the winter and cool in the summer. Plus, if you don't need it in super hot weather you can easily remove the top. I was less than thrilled with the Hitchhiker though. It seems like a wonderful thing to have for an older child to just hitch a ride on the back of the stroller but I found that unless you get it on perfectly then it interferes with the back wheels and brakes. Also, it's rather wobbly and I didn't feel it was safe to use.

Other optional accessories include the universal cupholder (which Danielle and Teba have used on their strollers), travel bag (so it doesn't get destroyed on airplanes), diaper bag, universal sunshade for three wheel strollers, and zip-in insect and UV-protected sun shade. You can also purchase a bassinet to use on the frame (after removing the seat) and/or an optional bassinet stand so that it doubles as a place for baby when you travel.

Apart from the minor annoyances, the Valco Baby Runabout TriMode has still proved to be an essential in my daily life as a new mom of two. It definitely will last me the rest of my strolling days.  If you’re looking for a well-built, convenience loaded stroller that can be used for many years, then the Valco Runabout TriMode is it!  It retails for $425 and is available in 5 color combinations (Harlequin/Black, Harlequin/Navy, Sunrise/Navy, Bubblegum and Scarlett).  The toddler seat, toddler sunshade, and car seat adapters are $40 each. The bassinet is $150.  The footmuff is $60.  The Hitchhiker is $70.

The Valco Baby Runabout TriMode and accessories can be purchased at the following online stores who have given CBB Readers the following exclusive promotions- be sure to use the coupon code to get the special deal.  (Please note: You must be buying the Valco Baby Runabout TriMode to get these deals.)
-StrollerMama.com - Get a free coordinating Valco diaper bag and Valco Cup Holder and free shipping with purchase of a TriMode when you use coupon code cbb-07 with the purchase of a Valco Baby Runabout TriMode. (A $64.99 value.)
-LetsGoStrolling.com - Save 10% and receive a free Valco Cup Holder plus free shipping when you use the code CBBVAL10 with the purchase of a Valco Baby Runabout TriMode (expires 4/30/07).
-HipBabyGear.com: Get a free Valco Cup Holder and a $25 online gift certificate toward any stroller accessory at www.hipbabygear.com when you use the code CELEB with the purchase of a Valco Baby Runabout TriMode (expires 5//31/07).
-CarlaPie.com - Save 10% AND get free shipping and a Valco Cupholder when you purchase a Valco Runabout TriMode single stroller and all other VALCO strollers and accessories when you use code CELEBRITY. (You'll also get a 15% off coupon code and FREE SHIPPING on ANY future diaper bag purchase including, Fleurville, Timi and Leslie, OiOi, Paulina Quintana, Skip Hop and many other brands.)
-HappyMothers.com - Get free shipping with the purchase of a Valco Baby Runabout TriMode (no code needed).

To learn more about the Valco Baby Runabout TriMode and their complete line of strollers (which also includes a side-by-side Twin stroller), visit ValcoBaby.com. 

Look forward to Nancy's review of the Valco Baby RAD in early May.

Other stroller with toddler seats
Some readers have pointed out that the Valco Baby Runabout TriMode is not the only stroller with a toddler seat.  All of these models will run you $350 plus.  Other strollers that have this feature include the three wheeled Phil & Ted e3, which we reviewed in January ($379 + double kit $80) and its updated version, the Sport $400 + double kit $90), the four wheeled Bumbleride Queen B ($430 + toddler seat $80), four wheeled Bertini Somerville ($370 + toddler seat $65) and Bertini Bidwell ($350-450 + toddler seat $65).  For those readers outside of  (or traveling outside of) the United States, you also have the Swedish Emmaljunga four wheeled strollers and the New Zealander Adventure Buggy Company's all terrain three wheeled strollers.  (I believe that ABC is owned by Phil & Ted, which is distributed in the US, but ABC strollers aren't distributed here.) 

With the exception of the Phil & Ted models, all of these strollers' toddler seat are mounted above the regular seat.  The Phil & Ted model is mounted above the regular seat when the younger child is under 6 months old, and then moved below the seat when the younger child can sit up on his own.

Additionally, as CBB Reader Angela pointed out, older Valco models take the toddler seat too- IF you can find them.  They include the 2004 and 2005 Runabout and the 2005 Rebel.

Lisa lives in Tennessee with her husband, infant son, 3 year old daughter, and bull terrier. Her blog about her family is called Giving Mommy.

Comments

[Meghan]

The Valco Baby is not the only stroller with an attachable toddler seat, Bumbleride's Queen B also has the option of purchasing a toddler seat. I'm sure they are both fantastic strollers, I just thought I would drop a line to inform other's that they have more than one choice of stroller when it come's to this additional feature.

[Bri]

This reminds me a lot of the Phil & Teds stroller with the optional toddler seat in the back. However, this one looks more cramped. It doesn't look like you compared the two strollers, is there a reason why? Maybe some major differenc I don't know about. Thanks.

[Heather]

Our son just turned 4 and we're expecting another child in September and I've wondered what I was going to do b/c I thought our son was too big for your standard double stroller. I know he's a little older but still at malls, the zoo and places like that we do put him in an umbrella stroller. So I was excited when I saw this post...until I saw the price! $425 plus the cost of the toddler seat!! That's just not practical or realistic for your average family and we're one income b/c I stay at home. Does anyone know of any other double strollers that can hold an infant and preschooler that are affordable?

[Jessica]

I have a Phil & Teds E3 set up for an infant and a toddler right now and I love it. The optional second seat, which I have in front right now, is plenty big for a toddler. The whole thing is super easy to push around. It is expensive but since it is my only double it was still cheaper than getting two different double strollers (one "mall" type stroller, and one double jogger which are typically too wide for taking to the mall). My friend has the same stroller but setup for two toddlers (the optional seat moves to the back for the second child when he/she can sit-up). The kids seem to have plenty of room. And when my oldest is ready to not be in the stroller it is easy to pop off that second seat and just use it as a single stroller! It does look VERY similar to the one featured in this article. We get asked all the time about the stroller when we are at the park or the mall.

[Angela]

Just wanted to add to Meghan's post that there are more than just the Valco and Bumbleride Queen B available with toddler seats. Check out the ABC, Bertini, Lov'N'Care and Emmaljunga brands for toddler seats too.

Also, if are you really keen on the Valco Tri-mode with toddler seat but the cost is too high, you can go with an older model Valco Runabout (2004, 2005). You can still find the 2005s for purchase online and in some stores. They are essentially the same stroller and the 2004/2005 Valco Runabouts will take the toddler seat. There is also the Valco Rebel model (2005) which takes a toddler seat.

[Alison]

Also wanted to point out that the Valco is not the only single footprint stroller with an optional toddler seat, we have the Phil & Ted's e3 and absolutely love it. The newest Phil & Ted's has also been updated to include a reclining toddler seat (the only thing I wish my e3 had that it doesn't). The Phil & Ted's also reclines flat for a newborn, and accomodates a carseat. Our other stroller is a bugaboo frog, and I love our Phil and Ted's just as much. At any rate, I love how all of these strollers (Valco included) offer a double that can convert back to a single.

I think someone brought up a good point when they asked why you did not include other strollers for comparison in this review? I wonder if there is a reason you suggested that this is the only stroller with the optional toddler add on seat?

[Lisa]

That was a typo that has been corrected. Sorry. Also, I didnt do comparisons with other strollers because I do not own any of the other ones so I dont know much about them. I have heard wonderful things about the ones mentioned though but I just happen to own the Valco and love it!

[Linda]

I had the 2005 version of the Valco Runabout with the toddler seat. I too had an infant and a 3 year old and thought that this would be the perfect solution. My husband and I found that the stroller was very difficult to push when our petite 3 year old was in the toddler seat. We also felt that it was not very stable because so much of the toddler weight is over the third wheel. We live in a city and do a lot of walking. When we went over an uneven area of sidewalk we felt as if the stroller would tip. Perhaps they have made improvements with the new trimode version.

[patricia]

Could anyone please tell me if, and where I could get a sun canopy for the toddler seat for E3 Phil and Teds stroller. Thanks.

[LeOgAhEr]

I Love you girls

Buy

[Amanda]

I recently got a Valco Buggster, and I must second the opinion regarding their owners' manuals - they're really terrible, and leave out nearly everything. There's detailed instructions on popping the wheels on (which takes four seconds), but nowhere does it explain how to recline the seat or that if you don't slip the straps that hold the stroller closed *under* the hood, you'll bend the hood in half to the point it's unusable. That being said, the stroller itself is fantastic - it's a really great product. I wish they'd put even a hundredth the time they spent on the stroller into the manual.

[Sarah]

Does anyone know of a light stroller (preferably an umbrella stroller for its ease) with a high/tall seat back? My toddler is
3 1/2 and the ones we've tried, her head doesn't get the support.
I'm considering the Inglesina swift, Maclaren Triumph, and the Uppa G-Lite but I can't find pictures of the strollers with kids actually in them.

[Emma]

I am debating b/w the Valco and the P&T new Sport model and the hitchhiker board was a selling feature for me-gives the older child a bit more options but reading reviews it doesn't sound great. The only other thing I have read that is swaying me, although I love the Valco when I see it, towards the P&T's is that when your toddler is above 25lbs people feel like the stroller will tip when going up curbs etc. Have you found this or a tip as to not have this happen?
Thanks for a great review

[G]

Thanks for all of the helpful information. I was thrilled to find this blog! I am also debating between the Valco runabout, and the Phil & ted's Sport. You offred some very valuable information regarding the older models, and stroller options with toddler seats! I have been unable to find information on a toddler seat on the Lov n care website, and am wondering if anyone has any feedback on this brand? Thanks for the great blog :-)

[mzd]

I just bought this stroller and can't figure out how to attach the wrist strap, can anyone help me with this? Thanks!

Answer from Valco:
To attach the strap, loop the end without the snaps around the handle bar. What looks like it would be the end you put your hand through, is actually the end that connects it to the stroller. Put the loop over the handle bar and pull the other end through it. Ignore the snaps and use this end for your wrist - the elastic enables this loop to fit securely on different sized wrists.

[evonne]

I spent 500 for the valco roundabout w/ toddler seat. i've been extremely disappointed in how it manuevers esp. with toddler in seat. also, I have yet to be able to strap my infant in the main carrier because the 5point seat belt will not detach!!!!
It is upsetting and frustrating that form and function don't go hand in hand in this product.

[evonne]

I've contacted Valco, and they have yet to return my email about the seat belt issue.

[Marcia L.]

It's really hard for a parent to know what really suits best for their children. With a lot of commercial products in the market, choosing from one of them is a headache, then after buying what you thought is the best just turn to be the worst. I hope these products will give the parents all the assurance that they are wanting and needing from the start.

[Lisa]

The pieces that fit together to fit into the buckle? When you go to get baby out you have to press those pieces down into the belt part with the button before you press the button. Its hard to explain but press down with the straps and then press the button and pull the straps upwards. Its tricky and was hard for me to figure out and I had to go get my booklet back out. I hope thats what you are asking!

[Valerie S]

I spent a lot of time researching stroller options and I ended up with the Valco. I love it! Many of my friends have the Phil & Teds, and others have the Bugaboo, Bob and even a Graco. I decided Valco was right for me for several reasons.

First, I love the undercarriage, and the pockets, and all the accessories it comes with. I love to walk and almost every night I pack my son in the Valco to go to the grocery store (about 1~1-1/2 miles) - great exercise for me (still working off those pounds) and he loves getting out. I buy a lot of groceries and I think that Valco is THE BEST stroller on the market with a large undercarriage. I can get a 2-gallon jug of milk, bread, eggs, crackers, fruit, veggies, even flowers, etc. in the stroller. It is amazing! I have even picked up my dry cleaning on our 1-mile walk, and just recently I put a pumpkin on the handlebars.

Second, the stroller handles beautifully. I am not sure about the other reviews discussing the stroller tipping over. I had my 4-year old nephew hitchhiking on the front wheel at a festival and he loved it. It was not the easiest to maneuver but it worked great for me. My husband and I are both comfortable using the stroller - he is much bigger than me. It feels like I am riding a bike.

Third, the stroller is worth the price. Let me preface this with telling you that my husband and I are both full-time students - on a full-time BUDGET!!!! And my husband is a saver - nonetheless when I took my husband to test strollers he actually chose the Valco over the Bugaboo and Phil & Teds and Graco, all of which look cheaply made and uncomfortable for our son compared to those other models. Plus Bugaboo and Phil & Teds have NO undercarriage, and Graco’s is not that deep.

Last, my son loves it. He is very active, always has to be doing something. When I put him in the stroller oftentimes he is so comfortable he falls asleep. I love the reclining feature – very easy to use. Other times he just enjoys the walk. It keeps him cool in the summer (we live in very hot climate) and warm in the winter (of course I also bundle him up!). I have no problems with the 5-point harness. It was a little tricky getting used to but now it is a breeze. And I feel safe with my son in it. Sometimes I don't even use the harness if we are for example walking at a festival. He is fine in it.

I have a lot of neighbors with new babies and when they saw the Valco two (one with twins) decided to buy the Valco. The one with twins has the double stroller. They both love it too. I would suggest researching for yourself – and certainly give the Valco a whirl. My husband and I did and will never regret it.

[Bee]

I was wopndering how you find the toddler seat witht he valco trimode. i ahev a 11kg 2 year old and find that when she is in the toddelr seat it touches the rear seat..meanign the rear passenger has nowhere for his legs to go.. in your photos it looks like their is ample room between the toddler seat and actaul pram seat.. did you make your own adjustments.. I also noticed in photo there are 2 extra black bars coming from the toddler seat over the footplate... did this come with your toddler seat because it didnt come with mine!
Thanks

[Bee]

I was wopndering how you find the toddler seat witht he valco trimode. i ahev a 11kg 2 year old and find that when she is in the toddelr seat it touches the rear seat..meanign the rear passenger has nowhere for his legs to go.. in your photos it looks like their is ample room between the toddler seat and actaul pram seat.. did you make your own adjustments.. I also noticed in photo there are 2 extra black bars coming from the toddler seat over the footplate... did this come with your toddler seat because it didnt come with mine!
Thanks

[Bee]

I was wopndering how you find the toddler seat witht he valco trimode. i ahev a 11kg 2 year old and find that when she is in the toddelr seat it touches the rear seat..meanign the rear passenger has nowhere for his legs to go.. in your photos it looks like their is ample room between the toddler seat and actaul pram seat.. did you make your own adjustments.. I also noticed in photo there are 2 extra black bars coming from the toddler seat over the footplate... did this come with your toddler seat because it didnt come with mine!
Thanks

[Sonya Ramsey]

Thanks for all the comments. I am trying to decide between the Valco Double TriMode and the Bumbleride Twin Indie. Does anyone know anything about these. Please email me if you do at sonyalouise@gmail.com

[john stringfellow]

Where can I buy a "boatwagon" for my grandchildren ?