UPPAbaby Cruz

It took me forever to decide on the perfect stroller for my son. I wanted the product to look chic but include all of the basic safety features. I also wanted a product that maneuvered like a full-fledged Cadillac stroller but was in reality as easy to navigate as a lightweight find. I knew that having the best of both worlds would prove to be a challenge. But as soon as I had the chance to review the UPPAbaby Cruz Stroller, I knew I found everything I would ever need.
Assembly is a breeze with the Cruz. The product comes in the box mostly ready to go. You just pull out the body of the stroller and only need to attach the wheels. It was completely operational in less than 10 minutes. The instructions were clear and easy to understand. One person could definitely put the stroller together without the assistance of a partner.
The features of the stroller are almost unbelievable. My favorite part is that the seat is reversible. When baby is at his smallest, I can turn the seat to face me and recline it back to act as a carriage pram, so I can keep an eye on baby as we walk and not miss a single one of his sweet coos. Handy buttons on the side of the stroller allow you to recline with only one hand. As baby gets older, I can face him up and out so that he can take in the world around him. The stroller is suitable for use from birth up to 50 pounds, so there is no need to buy a new stroller for the toddler years.
The Cruz also boasts with some fantastic extra features. It comes complete with a large canopy and, as an added bonus, you get a rain shield and bug shield to help keep baby safe from the elements. There’s also a peek-a-boo window in the back to use when baby is turned away from you. The handlebars are easily adjusted to various heights, a feature that comes in handy for a mom and dad of differing stature.
Safety is a concern with every baby product I consider, so let’s talk about it. First, the brake system: To engage the brakes, you simply step on a bar at the bottom of the stroller. Easy peasy! Additionally, you can also use the Infant SnugSeat Accessory for added protection for your newborn.
The most recognizable feature on the Cruz is its sleek, standout hue and modern design. The stroller comes in four eye-catching colors. It also happens to be one of the quietest strollers I’ve ever come across. Really, it’s as quiet as a mouse! There is absolutely no sound made when the stroller is pushed to and fro. Its compact design makes it completely lightweight and easy to fit through doorways. It’s a dream in comparison to big, bulky strollers. The big basket at the bottom of the stroller gives mom plenty of room to store all of her baby goods—large diaper bag included. And the stroller can fold with one hand into a folded position where it can stand unassisted. It’s great for storage in a car or closet or even in the corner of your room. You can also buy a car seat adapter that makes the stroller compatible with almost all car seats.
The Cruz is a brand-new stroller for 2012 and is a budget-friendly alternative to UPPAbaby’s Vista. It can’t take a rumble seat or a bassinet like its more expensive older sibling, but it sure offers a lot of bang for your buck. If you’re like me and looking for a stroller that delivers everything you ever wanted wrapped in a lightweight, easily maneuverable package, then you have found your perfect match. The UPPAbaby is the sleekest find to hit the market in quite some time.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best features:

• Full-size reversible seat
• One-handed recline
• Infant car seat compatible
• Suitable from birth with Infant SnugSeat accessory
• Easy one-step fold—with or without seat attached
• Telescoping handlebar
• Large canopy with extendable SPF 50+ sunshade
• Adjustable canopy to accommodate taller children
• Compact design allows for easy maneuvering through tight doorways
• Large basket (2.7 cubic feet!)

Price: $460
To buy: uppababy.com