Babies are wonderful but let’s face it, parenthood is expensive. There are so many things that you need, just to get started. Worse,, your baby is growing like a dandelion and it seems like your baby outgrows things almost as fast as you can obtain them. In response to this, many companies have started created baby products that can ‘grow’ with your child, with expanded functionality that you can use when you need it. In today’s article we are going to discuss a popular example, the Graco Modes Click Connect Travel System. So, does it live up to the hype? Let’s get started and we’ll share our thoughts on this innovative stroller and see what you think!
The importance of selecting the right stroller
The right stroller is an important consideration. When baby is introduced to the world at large for those leisurely walks you want something that is safe and holds your baby securely. You want materials that and a design that will help to keep baby dry, as well, when inclement weather can (and DOES) arrive. Locking wheels are a good idea as well, so that you can be sure that the stroller isn’t rolling around when you want to pause and enjoy a nice view with the little one and you want some storage space. Without it, you’ll be lugging around the diaper bag and who knows what else? So, we need baby’s safety, weather protection, a little storage, and additional features are just a little frosting on the cake.
One last consideration is going to be the portability. A lot of models can be collapsed but they forget that a parent only has one spare hand and they are dealing with a willful, wiggly baby. Thankfully the Graco delivers on all of these things and more and we think that you are going to be pleasantly surprised.
A stroller that won’t have to replace soon
This stroller is a bit of a godsend when it comes to growing babies. Capable of handling a baby that weighs in at up to 50 pounds, your child is safe and snug with the adjustable leg rest positions and its 5 point harness system (which you can adjust as your child grows so that you can keep using the same stroller!) and it can recline in 4 different settings. The Graco also features a few things for the parent, like two cup holders, a ‘parent tray’ with a hidden compartment where you can stow your wallet or keys and a basket underneath that can hold your changing bag or some groceries. All in all we think it is a thoughtful design. Another nice example of this is the portability. The stroller is collapsible and the folks at Graco don’t want you to have to perform gymnastics when collapsing the unit, so it folds up with a one-hand push of a button followed by a swift downward motion with the same hand. Opening it up again simply requires that you pull the safety release, yank it back up, and voilla – it’s a stroller again! Locking wheels help to ensure that you won’t be facing any of those ‘movie moments’ where the stroller, unsupervised for a single second, starts racing downhill (which is a lot harder to watch in a movie now that you have a kid, isn’t it? It is for us!. The Graco is packed with features and while It’s not as fancy as some of the more expensive models out there it is durable, efficient, and reliable. We like this model.
It’s a car seat, too, that you can change with your needs
Through the means of the click-connect you can remove and secure a portion of the stroller that will now act as a car seat. It may be adjusted so that you can face your child towards you if you so desire and there are foldable leg rest portions which may be lowered and utilized as your child grows. Being able to use your car seat for an extended period is a blessing, as we all know how quickly the little ones seem to outgrow everything. It’s nice to know that there are at least a few things that you won’t have to replace anytime soon.
The price is right
At a little below $150 the Graco is an excellent deal when you consider all the functionality which you are getting. The demonstration model that we are showing in the article is the ‘Grayson’ variety and as
“Graco has been producing baby products for over 60 years now.”
you can see that while it’s not the fanciest stroller around it is still quite easy on the eyes. That’s because Graco has been producing baby products for over 60 years now and the quality shows. This model will do what you need easily and efficiently and in the end, that’s what you really want, isn’t it?
Some caveats of the Graco Modes Travel System
While we really like this model there are a few minor caveats to address. It is a little bit bulkier than some of the strollers out there, for instance. We suppose that this is understandable, considering it’s multifunctional nature, so it’s hard to blame them overmuch for this. With that bulk comes some additional weight as well. Depending on the model that you select they can weigh up to 23.4 pounds (with the Grayson we’ve listed at 22.75 pounds, respectively). If these items are not a big issue for you, however, then the Graco Modes Travel System might be a good fit for you.
The verdict
The Graco Modes Click Connect Travel system is a fine stroller and since the base model comes in a number of styles there are additional features if you decide that you would like to ‘shop around’ the models a little. This stroller ‘grows’ with your child and as such, we cannot recommend it enough. So while you are throwing or giving away old baby items rest assured that you and baby will be enjoying that Graco for a good, long time!
