We have suffered through multiple strollers over the years with our kids. I’m often left wondering what the designers were thinking when they made the device. Yesterday we bought a Kolcraft Contour Tandem and after using for a day I can say it is the best designed stroller I have ever seen or used. The designers obviously not only have kids but have seen the same problems with many other strollers I have. There are countless features to this stroller that make it unique. Here’s a few that stand out to me:
- Reversible seats: The seats on the Contour are easily switched (I mean easy; a quick push button and you can lift it around) from forward to backward facing. The frame has two steps on either side to help kids easily step up into center facing seats. Each seat has a step built into the front to help kids step up into forward facing seats. There are seven positions in all that this stroller can convert into making it perfect for every situation. It also includes a child seat adapter that can be used instead of a seat for easy car seat use. We found the seats had enough padding and shape for our 3 month old daughter that a car seat was not even needed though.
- Easy seat recline: Each seat has an easy lever built into the top that allows for one handed reclining. No more having to adjust seat backs or messing with adjustment clips. All you have to do is push the lever and glide the seat from fully upright to fully reclining positions.
- Easy storage access: Our last stroller was a nightmare to access the storage area. With the Contour you can easily access the storage area from the back, sides and front. There is plenty of room for diaper bags, blankets, food and more. No matter which position the seats are in the under storage is within easy reach.
- Large handle/Parent tray: Why any stroller comes without cup holders is beyond me. The Contour has deep cup holders that can easily hold most standard drinks (the 74 oz. fountain drink will not fit). The parent tray is big enough to hold a couple pacifiers and some snacks (or an iPod, phone, or digital cam).
- Easy steering/Flex frame: The frame on the Contour is light and slightly flexible in design so turns and bumps are absorbed making it smooth. For any parent with sleeping children this is an important feature. The frame and large wheels also make it very easy to lift the front end over curbs and steps. The extra wide handlebar is high enough for me (6’ guy) to handle and makes steering a breeze.
- Helping hold-on handles: As every parent knows, kids don’t always want to ride in the stroller. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run into this situation… I’m crossing a street with a cup of coffee in one hand, the stroller in a another and a two year old reaching above his head to hold the handle as we cross. The designers also saw this issue and addressed it by adding two hanging handles on either side of the main handle that small children can hold onto as they walk beside the stroller. It may not seem like a big feature but it is one of those things that make it clear this stroller was designed with actual parents in mind.
- Full hooded covers: Many parents will know how much of a pain many stroller hoods can be. They often cover a minimal area and have to be readjusted constantly for sun and weather. The Contour has full hoods that cover most of the seat so even in strong wind the kids were protected. They are made of strong material and tall enough for my 2 1/2 year old.
- Slick design: So many strollers look like something out of a Martha Stewart show. Why do they think every parent loves tan plaid and country design. The Contour is slick with it’s red and black design with aluminum frame. Within the first 10 minutes of buying our stroller and going out we noticed three different people commenting on the looks alone. It is a head turner and people will stop you to ask where you got it.
As I said earlier, this stroller is designed by people who recognize the need for a stroller that is not only great for kids but easy for parents. The only con I could find was that it is huge. Even with both seats removed it barely fits into our car’s trunk. If you have anything smaller than a 2003 Grand Am you will never fit it. I guess there is a price to pay for all the features and storage space. We bought the stroller for $199 (it looks like the standard price) and I think it was worth every penny. It has more features and nicer design than strollers costing three times as much. The Kolcraft Contour is more impressive than other strollers three times the price. I highly recommend it to any parent looking to end their stroller headaches!
You can see a demo of the stroller features here (click on the product demo button)
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