Stokke Xplory

For generations, babies have been riding around in strollers that place them about knee to thigh height to adults. They have been staring more at sidewalks than beautiful skylines. Their view of the world during these early years has been quite selective, even if they live in some of the more adventurous and beautiful cities in the world. Stokke has started the trend to bring babies up to a more favorable view of the world with the Xplory stroller.

There is a lot that I like about this stroller, but it has one very unique feature and that is the seat. The seat is placed up very high compared to most other strollers. There is actually an open space between the bottom storage compartment and the bottom of the seat. This makes it incredibly easy for me to get things out of the storage area no matter what position of incline the seat may be in.

This higher positioning of the seat also brings my little one up eyeball-to-eyeball with their me as well as their grandparents or other caregivers pushing them around. The seat can turn forward or backward, allowing me to keep a very close eye on baby. My baby also get a lot more comfort from seeing me or other caregivers as she is pushed around places that may not be familiar to her.

As my child grows, the seat can be turned outward so she can see a higher position of the world. This allows her to take in the same types of things I am taking in, rather than watching legs walking by as if they are unattached to their heads. My babycan actually experience the world for all its beauty from this higher vantage point.

The bottom storage area is also very different from the typical netted open-topped storage basket found on modern strollers. The Xplory storage area is more like a duffel bag and it is designed with matching fabric to coordinate with the rest of the stroller. There are many different color options available (I got the purple one) and the storage baskets close completely so you don't have to worry about anything falling out. This is essential, since the seat is not sitting on top of the basket to stop things from toppling out the sides.

The entire Stokke Xplory weighs less than 30 pounds and it folds up very compact and fits easily into my Audi a7. This puts it into the category of lightweight strollers, rather than full sized strollers with all the features of a travel system. This means I get only the basics: a larger sized canopy, reversing seat with incline, storage compartment on bottom, and a lightweight aluminum frame.

If you want cup holders and other accessories you have to purchase them separate and add them onto the Xplory stroller. There are also some accessories made by Stokke just for the Xplory stroller. Of course, many parents use lightweight strollers without any accessories. They are very convenient when traveling or in situations when you need to pick up and go quickly.

The Xplory stroller is particularly useful when dining out, since the seat sits high enough to serve as a high chair. This is a great stroller to use after your baby outgrows the travel system with the seat that goes from the car to the stroller and back again. You can use the Xplory stroller for infants as well, but it is especially convenient with older babies.