What to Buy: Pliko Switch Compact vs. Pliko P3 Compact vs. Si
Peg Perego offers many compact-folding strollers within the Pliko line that are great for day to day use. But how do you know which one is right for your family?
The basic rule is that the Pliko Switch Compact is the ultimate option within the Pliko line, and its removable, reversible seat is the reason why. Within seconds the seat can switch from rear-facing (where baby is facing mom) to forward-facing (where baby is facing the world ahead!). This easy reversibility is essential as baby grows and gets more curious about the world around him. Plus, it allows the Primo Viaggio SIP infant car seat to attach directly to the stroller’s chassis!
Second to the Switch is the Pliko P3 Compact. This is often referred to as a go-to stroller, because it has so many great features and is easy to push and maneuver. Parents often reach for the P3 when they just need a reliable, dependable stroller that will adapt no matter what the day may bring.
Third in line is the Si. Great for extensive travel, the Si handles public and air transportation with ease but is also fully-featured enough to immediately transition to out-and-about activities.
Lastly, the Pliko Mini is the lightest, most basic option in the Pliko line. It’s ideal for errands, indoor settings, and even public transportation thanks to its ability to stand alone when folded! (Click here to see the comparison chart on the Pliko Mini).
For a quick product comparison, here’s a reference chart for the Switch, P3 and Si:
| Pliko Switch Compact | Pliko P3 Compact | Si | |
| Tagline | The compact convertible stroller | The everyday stroller | The travel-ready stroller |
| Special Features | The removable seat can forward- or rear-face. It can also transform into a carriage! | P3 combines the simple usability of a quick-trip stroller with the luxury of a full-featured one. | Car seat adapter straps allow the Si to hold some non-Peg Perego car seats. |
| Weight | 21.7 lbs. | 18.7 lbs. | 15.8 lbs. |
| Dimensions | Open: 33 1/2″ x 22 1/4″ x 38 1/2″
Folded: 20 1/5″ x 40 1/2″ |
Open: 33 2/3″ x 21 1/6″ x 40 1/3″
Folded: 19 1/4″ x 38 1/2″ |
Open: 34 1/6″ x 20 1/3″ x 40 1/6″
Folded: 14 1/6″ x 41 1/4″ |
| Travel System Compatible | Yes. Car seat attaches directly to chassis. Stroller seat is removed. | Yes. Car seat attaches to stroller seat thanks to our ganciomatic system. | Yes (with included adapter straps) |
| Harness | Traditional 5-point safety harness | Traditional 5-point safety harness | Traditional 5-point safety harness |
| Recline | Adjustable, newborn-ready recline | Adjustable, deep recline | Adjustable recline |
| Fold | Compact collapsible fold with seat rear- or forward-facing | Compact collapsible fold | Compact collapsible fold |
| Wheels | Four, 6.5″ double wheels (8 wheels total) | Four, 6.5″ double wheels (8 wheels total) | Four, 6.5″ suspension wheels with ball bearings |
| Snack Tray option | Yes. Hinged, removable tray. | Yes. Hinged, removable tray. | No, but comes with bumper bar. |
| Accessories | Included: Adult Cup Holder, Snack Tray
Sold Separately: Rain Shield, Travel Bag, Mosquito Netting, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 infant seat |
Included: Adult Cup Holder, Snack Tray
Sold Separately: Rain Shield, Travel Bag, Mosquito Netting, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 infant seat |
Included: Adult Cup Holder, Bumper Bar, Car Seat Adapter Straps
Sold Separately: Rain Shield, Travel Bag, Mosquito Netting, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 infant seat |
| Best Use | Active, suburban or urban families who have nice parks within walking distance but also many activities that require heading out in the car or SUV. | Perfect when you don’t quite know what your day may hold!
Excels on day trips (zoos, etc.) and for general everyday use. |
Great when kept in the trunk for errands and quick trips. Perfect for extensive travel and theme parks, such as Disney. |
I have the old switch and the old pliko, haven’t bought anything new this year, lol. Both are really good on public transportation. I don’t get why that is reviewed on this blog (on other strollers too). I think the person who comes up with this has never taken any of these strollers on public transport, because it is often not the smallest stroller that works best and I have no idea where the writers get that from? Smaller strollers, smaller wheels don’t push well, except in malls and such. If one is a mall shopper only, then the mini is great. If you ever need to stroll outside, you need at least a pliko. A switch is not as good as a pliko on grass and uneven sidewalks (unless there was a great improvement with the new one, which I suspect not, because they offer the easy drive).
The switch is like this awkward sticks that need something to support them, whereas the regular pliko is stabile.
I have also flown with my Pliko without any problems. I have even flown with giant (non Peg) strollers without a problem.
If you want to be able to see your baby, get a switch. It won’t push as well as a pliko, but you can see your baby.
If you need something tiny to pull out at the mall or use only at the airport, get a pliko mini.
If you need something that will come in handy in nearly any situation, get a pliko.
Li,
Thanks so much for sharing this!
I tend to recommend lighter strollers for public transportation because many parents like being able to fold and then carry the stroller with one hand while their other hand holds baby. Lighter strollers like the Si and Mini are better for this. But like you said, the P3 could work nicely too.
Anyway, just wanted to say that I totally see your point, and it’s definitely worth noting! Thanks for your input, Li.
Amanda
Thanks for replying
I still don’t get why a parent would take a child out of the stroller to stand on a bus or subway? That seems very impractical to me. I ride public transport in a large city nearly daily and have never done something like that. It seems it would only take up more space on the train. I also don’t think I have ever seen another parent do that? Sure I guess if you are carrying your stroller, it makes more sense to get a lighter one, but if you are carrying your stroller, why bring it at all?
Not picking on you, because you are just doing your job, but have you or anyone at Peg really ever held a child and a stroller while riding on public transportation?
I feel like often times the reviews here are made by just someone who works with/for Peg and not an actual parent who has ever used the strollers. Again, I am not picking on you, just sayin
Li,
You are more than welcome to write a review of the Switch or P3. We’d love that!
Email me if you’re interested.
amanda
That would be great. I’ll have to remember that. I wanted to add that I remembered other parents tell me about going to amusement parks. They have had to fold up and carry their strollers! So there is a bonus to the Si!
I guess no one is perfect lol.
I do really love my Peg products, I am completely addicted. I do think you guysat Ciao Mondo provide a lot of information that isn’t provided on the website which is why I try to read here too.
There are just a few things on each stroller I would tweak just a little
Thank you for always responding, it makes me feel good as a customer to know someone is listening.
Just FYI in New York City you are required to fold your stroller before getting on a bus.
Thanks for the info Natalie. -Emily
Im looking for the peg perego switch compact year 2011 on the color iris someone wheres to find him????
Hi Nir,
The 2011 Pliko Switch Compact is not available in Iris. I’m sorry about that. If you really want the Iris color, you could consider the Pliko P3 Compact. It is available in Iris. You can find a list of retailers near you here: http://bit.ly/wtb-store-bl. I would suggest calling first to make sure they have the color you want in stock. Or if you prefer to shop online, you can find a list of our online retailers here: http://bit.ly/wtb-web-bl. Please let me know if you need any additional assistance.
-Emily
isnt pliko switch supposed to come with rain& foot cover?
Hi Esty,
The included Rain Cover and Leg Cover is new for 2012. Read all about the updated 2012 Switch Four here. Let us know if you have additional questions.
-Emily
I need to upgrade to a new stroller because my current one is no longer suitable for my growing child. My chief complaint is that when in a sitting position, and feet are on the footrest, the seat is not deep enough causing a gap between his legs and the leg rest. Also, as a 40″ tall 4 year-old, he’s already taller than the backrest. So, I’m comparing the Peg Perego Pliko Switch vs. P3.
1.How deep is the seat on both the Switch and P3?
2.What is the height of the backrest on both?
3.How long is the leg rest on both? (Unless pictures are inaccurate, the leg rest on the Switch looks longer than on the P3.
Hi Anna,
Thanks for your questions. Here’s the measurements I have comparing the Pliko Switch Compact and the Pliko P3 Compact:
Front of Seat to Back of Seat:
Switch: 8″
Pliko: 9 1/2″
Front of Seat to Back of Seat with Footrest Out:
Switch: 15 1/2″
Pliko: 14 1/2″
Bottom of Seat to Top of Seat:
Switch: 19″
Pliko: 20 1/2″
I hope this helps! With a 4-yaer-old, you might also want to consider our Pliko Mini. It’s really ideal for an older child since it’s super lightweight. I love the Mini for my 5-year-old. The Mini measures in at 10″ (front of seat to back of seat), 15″ (front of seat to back of seat with footrest out), and 19 1/2″ (bottom of seat to top of seat).
I hope this helps! Let us know if you have more questions.
- Emily
Wonderful! Thank you. I had no idea the mini had an adjustable footrest. Another option.
I love, love, love the rear footbar for an older child to stand. Is Peg Perego the ONLY line that has this incredible feature, or are there others? Huge selling point, IMO.
Thanks Anna,
Both the Pliko Switch Compact and the Pliko P3 Compact have the rear foot board
And yes, it’s a great feature, especially for siblings. My 5-year-old uses it all the time when her 2-year-old brother is in the stroller.
- Emily
Am I reading the description correctly of the P3? It says it has a max. weight capacity of 90.0 lbs! I’m thinking this must be an error. That would be more than any other stroller I’ve seen.
Target.com lists the P3 Java with 90.0 lbs. max. weight capacity, while they list the P3 Cacao with only 45 lbs. Which is correct?
Hi Anna,
Thanks so much for your question. All of our stroller seats have been tested to accommodate up to 45 pounds. Can you tell me where you saw this listed differently so we can get it fixed? Thank you.
- Emily
Hi Anna,
Thanks for bringing this to our attention. All of our stroller seats have been tested to accommodate up to 45 pounds. The 2011 Pliko P3 Compact (in all colors) does have a rear foot board, which can be used to provide a safe (standing) ride to a second passenger, so perhaps the listed weight capacity is taking that second passenger into account. But again, our stroller seats have been tested to accommodate up to 45 pounds. Thanks again.
- Emily
I am sooooooo disappinted by the pliko switch easy drive!!! It keeps on breaking ,the hood keeps on coming off! Its a real pain!!!!!!
The leg cover attaches to the hood and every time my daughter starts kicking the hoods cones off……
Hi Amalia,
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had a problem with your stroller. Please give us a call at 1-800-671-1701. Customer service hours are Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm EST.
Thank you.
- Emily