Graco - Alano Travel System, Berkley 4.7 5 100 119
Super cute pattern, great Graco bargain This pattern is really sweet for a little boy. The background is pale blue, the stripes are multi-browns, the dots are actually little stars. The little patch on the headrest of the stroller is a puppy dog.Like all Graco travel systems, this came pretty much assembled right out of the box. My husband only had to attach wheels and parent tray. He did this in under 10 minutes with only a glance or two at the instructions.The Alano series is a great bargain. With the Alano you still get the same great top-rated Graco infant carrier, along with a stroller that is a little smaller and lighter but still considered full size, with most of the most-desired features. You do sacrifice some of the latest "bells and whistles" however you are getting a great long-lasting top-rated Graco travel system for under $200.This is my 2nd child, I had a Graco travel system with my 1st until he was 4 years old. It received a lot of wear and tear and NEVER gave me trouble. After reading all the user reviews for some of the other more affordable brands, I have decided to stick with Graco again.Having researched all the travel systems out there, following are my observations when comparing this travel system to the others currently available (in the under $300 price range):The parent tray: this has 2 nice, DEEP cupholders however the storage compartment inbetween the 2 cup holders is an open tray (for cell phone, keys, wipes, etc) rather than with a lid. It does not have a dedicated baby wipe holder.The child tray: It has one nice deep cup holder and a large play/snack tray. It does not have an additional snack compartment (I have observed some trays to be divided in 3: cup, snack, play.) The child tray very easily unlatches and swings away to get child out of the stroller. No fumbling.Seat reclining: the stroller seat reclines with a strap system rather than with a bar/lever. I have hated this strap feature on many a travel system I have played with in the stores. HOWEVER I have noted Graco's to be quite easy to use, it was the only brand that I did not fumble with when testing it out in the store. On the positive side, I have noted when comparing the "strap mechanism" with the "lever mechanism" on other models that the strap does allow for a more "customized" recline position, whereas with the bar you are limited to "pre-set" recline positions. (I tested one brand in a store that had only 2 positions!) The Alano model does not fully recline "flat", but almost. Should be quite comfortable for a nap, even when still a baby.Child Restraints: In this stroller, there is no "post" between the legs (to keep child from sliding down under the tray), you would have to use the straps. I'm not particularly thrilled with all the straps. My old Graco had a piece of padded fabric that came up between the legs to which the seat belts buckled, seemed more comfortable and easier. At least this stroller is supposed to convert from a 5-point harness to a 3-point harness so there IS the option to do away with some of the straps if you end up not needing them and they're in your way. (However I have not tested this feature myself.)Storage basket: There is the typical large storage basket beneath the stroller same as most others. One of the latest features is the ability to "lower" the basket so you can get to it with the stroller seat fully reclined and not disturb your child. Graco needs to improve this feature. It is quite difficult to lower the basket (on ANY of the Graco models), and when it does it "snaps" quite loudly and shakes the stroller. (I'm thinking this would definitely disturb a napping child...) HOWEVER I have also noted that even when the seat is fully reclined there is still PLENTY of room to get to your belongings in the basket underneath. It is likely a feature you would never need anyway. It is also possible that after using the feature a number of times it will "loosen up" and lower easier.Seat padding: Just an observation, seems the Graco stroller seats are hard. The seat construction underneath the cushion is hard, durable plastic. The padding is good but not great. The seat on most other brands is more of a "hammock" or with some sort of cardboard insert. So I'm sure Graco's is much more durable for long term use, but I do wonder how comfortable it is. My 1st child always enjoyed my old Graco stroller, but I don't remember the seat construction. I have read all the user reviews and nobody has submitted a complaint regarding this. It is just my observation.One hand fold: This stroller folds up SO easily! No bending over. And it stands up by itself once folded. When folded, the seat and child tray do not drag the ground. Very nice. I have tested them all in the store and love how easy the Graco Alano model folds up in comparison to others. And once folded, it is relatively easy for me to pick up and put away. (In comparison to the larger models, it is quite easier. In comparison to an umbrella stroller, of course it is more cumbersome.)The stroller looks great, rolls great, all the features are very easy to use. The Alano has most of the features I really needed, some of the bells and whistles I really don't need/can live without are omitted, but the tradeoff was a more affordable price.My baby is not here yet therefore I am not sure about long-term use, I can only assume it will last as well as all the Gracos.I gave this travel system 5 stars in all areas except features I gave it 3. Primarily due to the strap reclining mechanism and the strappy child restraints and less parent tray storage (although I'm sure in the long run I will never miss these things).I have not mentioned the infant carrier because it is the same infant carrier that comes with all the Graco travel systems. It is top-rated and easy to use/install in car and stroller. It also comes out of the stroller quite easily.Good luck! 02/15/2009
Beautiful! I was really shocked to see how easy everything was to assemble. The car seat is put together completly and the stroller just really need the wheels attached. I was so excited when I got it out of the box because it was well worth the wait of ordering it online! No one around has one like this! The only complaint I had was that the head rest in the carseat is not fit for a newborn at all. Its not sturdy enough to support an infants head, but luckily I got a really nice head support for a shower present and it was super easy to remove the one that came with the carseat.Carseat is way lighter than I expected and clicks in and out of both base and stroller so easily. I push the stroller around the house just waiting on our little one that is due in August. I would def. recomend this product and plan on keeping it around for all my babies. 06/24/2009
Cute carseat THis carseat is very cute- I haven't used the stroller yet because I have the graco snigrider one that clicks right in and isn't as bulky- I plan to use the stroller when he gets bigger- I suggest getting a better head support for the carseat atleast until the baby can support his own head 04/22/2009
Great Value! This system has exceeded my expectations. the patter is attractive and perfect for my litte boy. the wheels move well and overall its very sturdy.Great value for price! Im a First time mom and someone recommended the Graco brand. Im not dissapointed. 03/17/2009
