I know I can't be the only mom who isn't a huge fan of umbrella strollers. And why is this? Well, I have several reasons why I don't prefer to use the umbrella stroller we were gifted when Alex was born.
- I don't like how short it is. I'm 5'5", so I'm not a very tall woman. However, I feel like I need to lose that 5" somehow to be at a good height for the stroller's handles.
- It doesn't look like it's very comfortable or supportive for my kiddos. It's like a tiny hammock on wheels. My kids just kind of fall into it and have a belt at their lap.
- There's nowhere for me to put anything. There is this mesh pocket thing on the back of the seat but what can that hold beside a spare pacifier?
- The optional visor to keep the sun out doesn't work. It doesn't matter what angle I put it at, sun is getting in there and all in my child's eyes. Nice.
I could go on and on about what I don't like but I would rather share with you the answer to those issues. I like how compact an umbrella stroller is and how little "space commitment" is required to store it in my minivan and what I've found is just as compact but is far better than the everyday "umbrella stroller".
The
Ignite Lightweight Stroller from The First Years is what I've been using and loving for the past couple weeks. In a nutshell, I'm loving how there is a place for everything and comfort options for my littles without me having to buy a big, bulky stroller.
It's true! The Ignite comes in a few different colors/styles which is nice, but I was most excited about what the stroller offers a mom like myself since I always have my hands full with something or other. Check out these features and I'll show you how it works/looks throughout the rest of this review.
Durable frame, rated for use to 50lbs
Taller handles and multi-position recline
5-point harness for a safer ride
Large parent console and lower storage basket
Easy one-hand fold, and weighs only 14 lbs.
Dimensions: 34.5" L x 18.5" W x 39" H
This is what the stroller looks like straight out of the box. There's very little assembly required, which is good. All I had to do was attach the wheels to the frame and I was ready to roll. And don't worry, the wheels were very easy to attach.
The front wheels have the swivel lock option to keep the stroller from moving around, should I need it. And to lock the wheels, I just have to turn the wheel to line it up and then push the red ring up. It's as easy as that and unlocking the wheels is just as simple. Speaking of locks, the rear wheels have brakes that go on and off with a simple push of the foot. Nothing sticks or is difficult to do/undo which means that I can quickly do whatever it is I need to do.
This photo is to show off the frame of the stroller a bit. There's support at every angle to offer the safest and most comfortable ride for my kiddos. And believe me, the hardware on this stroller is sturdy and durable. I don't worry for a moment that it won't be able to keep up with me or my needs.
Mommy has stuff? Mommy has a place to store it on the Ignite Lightweight Stroller from The First Years. The photo on the left shows the caddy that is positioned between the strollers handles. Yes, that is a cup holder next to a zippered pouch perfect for holding keys, a cell phone, a wallet, hand sanitizer, and more. And the green stripe on the front of the caddy actually is the top of two mesh pockets. Pacifiers, Kleenex, Band-aids, and other items like that are perfect to store in these pockets so that they're always handy for the multi-tasking that comes with being a mom. Also, there is a nice sized basket beneath the stroller's seat. No more wishing I had somewhere to put that purchased item as I head on to the next store or next stop.
Here's a look at the 5 point harness in action. It's easily adjustable for when Eliana isn't riding in the stroller but her brother is. And when Eliana's little legs get a bit longer, she'll have somewhere to rest those feet of hers. For now, she's still very comfortable and never gives me a problem about riding in the stroller.
And here's a look at the canopy. It easily locks when being used and unlocks when not needed. Do I think this will always work to keep the sun out of Eliana's eyes? It could if I reclined her back a bit. I think, though, that this is the one area of the stroller I would improve if I could. Even to have an option to extend the canopy by unfolding a lining that is beneath the canopy and pulling it outward would be nice.
I apologize for not having a photo of the reclining option on the stroller. It is very easy to use, though. To recline the seat back, all I have to do is pull on the clip on the back of the stroller. This makes it possible to recline my child back to many different angles. And to put the seat back in it's upright position, I just hold the cord in one hand while grabbing the clip in the other hand, gently pushing the clip toward the seat while pulling the cord.
We're all very happy with the Ignite Lightweight Stroller from The First Years and are so grateful for a solution to the option-less, uncomfortable, umbrella stroller we were using before receiving this review opportunity. This is my go-to solution for heading out with both children. Even the hubster gives it a thumbs up! {Yes, I asked him to push it around a bit and tell me what he thinks.}
BUY IT! You can purchase the
Ignite Lightweight Stroller from The First Years in "Abstract O's" {the style I have}, City Chic, Pink Polka Dotty, Red Stripe, or Retro Geo for only $59.99.
THE GIVEAWAY!! Now Closed
Yes, indeed! The First Years has a stroller in "Abstract O's" for one lucky winner. {This is a lovely, neutral style perfect for a boy or a girl.}
To enter: Simply visit
The First Years and let me know one other, specific item that you would like for the little one in your life. {Please include your email address for your entry to be valid.}
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Please leave a separate comment for each entry. This giveaway will run until March 25th at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be selected by using random.org and will be contacted and announced on or around March 26th. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours of initial contact, I will randomly select another winner. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Open to US.
**Thanks to the PR Firm, on behalf of Learning Curve, who supplied the items to facilitate this review and giveaway. I wasn't compensated in any way. In this post I share my thoughts and opinions of the item mentioned. Others may have a different experience or opinion.**
I could go on and on about what I don't like but I would rather share with you the answer to those issues. I like how compact an umbrella stroller is and how little "space commitment" is required to store it in my minivan and what I've found is just as compact but is far better than the everyday "umbrella stroller".
