Joovy Caboose Ultralight
For those parents with a baby and an older toddler (most likely over 2, but probably more like 3 years old), you're going to love the Joovy Caboose Ultralight ($229). At 21 lbs, this is a lighter version of the popular Joovy Caboose ($149 and weighs 26 lbs) and I love the solid color design.
Your older child can choose to sit on the bench - which has a seat belt or they can securely stand on the ride-on board. The quick fold was probably one of the easiest I have encountered (yes, better than an umbrella). At 21 pounds, lifting it in and out of your trunk isn't going to break your back (but leave a lot more space in your trunk for it).
I was crazy about the neoprene "Cool Essentials Parent Organizer" which slides over the handlebars, to give you two cup holders, zip-up pocket (my camera fit in here perfectly) and an open pocket. It held Ben's cup and my water bottle easily.
Since I haven't used a longer tandem stroller, it did take me a little while to get used to it. It definitely wasn't as easy as a true single to get up and down curbs, but I quickly got the hang of it. The storage basket was decent sized, but with a squirming toddler sitting on the bench, too hard to get to. However, a Skip Hop Saddlebag or two would help with this (or hang a stroller bag from the handle). The front seat reclined a little too easily. Since Ben hates to recline, I had to make sure it was upright. Ben did not slump in the seat either. It was cushioned nicely. Since the seat is not high-backed, kids over two may not be as comfortable in the stroller's front seat. We aren't really used to a child tray/bar anymore, so I was thrown off a little by having to remove it to get Ben in and out of the stroller.
You can use an infant car seat in the front seat, a universal car seat attachment is included. Here is a list of compatible car seats.
The sunshade was excellent (which is always important to me). The suspension was also terrific. I also loved the 5 point harnesses in this stroller, one for the front seat and one for the bench. They adjusted quickly and properly.
But, by the time your younger child is two or 3, your older child (who could be 4 or 5 at that point) may not want to ride or walk anymore (but the good thing is that you have a step and a bench just in case they get tired).
I am impressed with the Joovy Ultralight. I didn't expect all the features it had and it was the weight of one of my singles - (21 lbs is so light for a stroller for two children!!).
I wish that Joovy could have put a regular (and then removable seat on the bench for the younger toddlers with siblings). At 2, Ben isn't ready to sit on a padded bench, facing away from the action. But at 3, he may be!
For parents with two young kids and an older one, you may want the triple stroller, the Big Caboose ($). There are two full seats, a padded bench and a ride on board. Each seat and bench will take up to 45 pounds.
Joovy also has some more great strollers. Their side by side double stroller, the Groove2 umbrella stroller has gotten good reviews, as their single umbrella stroller, Groove, and their upcoming offering in the jogger category, the Zoom. I hope to have more information about these strollers in the future!
To find a list of retailers, go to Joovy.com or click here.
I am so glad to see this review. I had posted a comment on the double stroller round up about just this stroller just one week before this review was written.
Almost six months later and we still love our Joovy Caboose.
Kirsten
Posted by: Kirsten | January 22, 2008 at 09:12 PM
I am so glad to see this review. I had posted a comment on the double stroller round up about just this stroller just one week before this review was written.
Almost six months later and we still love our Joovy Caboose.
Kirsten
Posted by: Kirsten | January 22, 2008 at 09:12 PM