Buying a
stroller is just as complicated as buying a car. It is a rather big investment.
When pregnant with Big K, the hubs and I were excited over this big ticket
item. The man was obsessed over wheels and envisioned himself zipping the
little one as if on an F1 track. We went to several baby fairs, spoke to random
parents and spent few months obsessing over baby strollers. Truth be
told, we were rather shallow when it came to our selection. To the hubs, it was
Wheels, all wheels. To me, aesthetics. Give me a Paul Frank design or something
funky and I’ll take it!
So we when
we got our first stroller, ecstasy simply rolled in fast and furious. The hub
was delirious when he saw that he could detach the frame and fix the seat. Yup,
it was a two piece. Not very smart. Men and their machines. I thought it was
rather cool too until I had to go out with Big K on several occasions. Not only
did I forget how to detach the fancy machine (due to the many buttons it had),
I even forgotten how to fold it! At one point in time, I had a wailing newborn
in my car and me, fretting behind, trying to close the stroller! Panic clouded
my brain and I called up friends. Clearly I forgot there’s something called
YouTube. Imagine my frustration.
Long story
short, we amassed a total of 3 strollers within 3years and none fit the bill.
Big K didn’t like sitting in any of them and I didn’t enjoy pushing them. Half
the time, I was babywearing Big K. But now that she has grown, carrying her is
such a back-breaking affair! So when I was asked to review the Combi Mega Ride,
I was skeptical.
But alas!
This beauty is a dream come true! The first thing which drawn me to it
was the huge basket beneath.
It was love
at first sight! On a daily basis, to transport a toddler and an infant (to
their caregiver’s place), while carrying my bag, my files, another bag for my
breastpump and parts, Big K’s school bag and folder and Small K’s daily fresh
breastmilk supplies was no mean feat! I had to be an octopus to do this. I was
almost in tears when I thought about the day I had to do all these with the old
strollers which had tiny baskets which probably is only large enough to fit my
wallet?
After using
the Combi Mega Ride for a while, here’s why I love it:
· Super light weight. Don’t be fooled by its size. It weighs a mere 6.8kg.
There’s a one-touch release button which is such an ingenious design for
mothers who are on the go. This easy one-handed maneuvering is a dream!
· Stands up on its own when folded. That’s definitely a plus point as who
wants to place the stroller lying on the floor, posing a hazard to passers-by.
Well, apparently, none of my other strollers could stand up on its own when
folded so Yay to Combi!
· Reversible handlebar. Swivels around to become front-facing. This was
really useful when Small K was first born as we could reassure him that we are
there for him. Bonus point for being suitable for newborns and toddlers! While
I love the option that I can turn the handle around and push with my baby
facing me, I need to get used to maneuvering in that orientation because not
all 4 wheels are free spinning.
· The seat can be reclined horizontally to allow Small K to lay flat or placed
upgright for Big K to sit. Kills two birds with one stone right? The 5 point
harness also allows parents to get extra mileage as the child grows.
The canopy is large enough to cover the entire length of the seat. This
is definitely a plus point as it shields off the unforgiving rays from the
sun.
The little net above also allows me to see what the little one is doing
in his stroller. Big K is happy to go on it as pulling the canopy down and play
peekaboo with me is her favourite hobby of the moment.
· Safety and quality assurance: The hubby was more sensible this time and
said that Combi is known to be great in quality. Don’t be fooled by the fact
that it is lightweight. It’s stable and smooth on various terrains. Both back
wheels have a lock on them, so it doesn’t roll away. Big K is also able to step
in and out of the stroller when I take the swivel arm bar out.
· Aesthetics: I know I mentioned that I love funky colours. But somehow
this shade appeals to me. It’s gender neutral and somehow the hue gives it an
unspoken sense of maturity. Love the size of it and it’s comfy padded seat.
Whilst many might not be inclined to get a big stroller, I am loving the size.
It is actually small enough to pass through escalators, yet big enough to make
a statement. In fact, we’ve been stopped several times on the streets by random
passers-by, asking us what brand and model this is. This inevitably puts a
proud beam on my face!
With all the
superb features, this stroller is here to stay!
*I was gifted one Combi Mega Ride Stroller to review.
No monetary gift was received. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and
written according to my experience in using the products.
