How many strollers do you have? Working for a baby gear company, that’s a question I get a lot. I once read that the average American family goes through about six. That seems hard to believe, but I have to admit my own family was well on its way to that before we got our first Peg Perego stroller, a  Pliko P3, earlier this year. When we got it, I confidently declared that it would be the last stroller we’d ever need.

That’s the great thing about Peg Perego. The quality is so amazing that their strollers last for years. We’ve gotten notes from customers who are still using their strollers after years and years, and sometimes, even decades.

But now I do want another stroller, the Pliko Mini, and here’s why…

New for 2011, the Mini is a streamlined version of its older brother, the beloved, classic Pliko P3. It’s a traditional umbrella stroller, but there’s nothing traditional about it.

I love that Peg Perego was able to get so many features—like a reclining backrest with three different positions, an adjustable leg rest, and a full hood with peek-a-boo window—into a small umbrella stroller. I tested it out (for “Ciao, Mondo!”) with both of my children—Maddie, who is nearly 5 (the Pliko Mini can be used for children all the way up to 45 pounds), and Jack, who is just 16 months—and thanks to all the adjustable features, it fit both of them perfectly.

I also really loved how easy it was to push, thanks to its suspension wheels and telescoping handles. Plus, at just 19 1/4″ wide, 40 1/6″ high, and 33 1/3″ deep, the Mini easily fits through even the tightest of spaces—through crowds, between parked cars, and even in small elevators.

But what really sold me was its compact fold. When folded, the Pliko Mini is just 37 1/2″ in height by 13 1/2″ in width, so it doesn’t take up my entire front hall closet, or my trunk, which is where I intend to keep mine.

Want to get your own Mini? Use our Store Locator to find an authorized retailer near you.

by Emily | Posted in 2011 Collection, 2011 Pliko Mini | No Comments

For the next review in our “Test Drive” series, I thought I would switch things up and try out the Peg Perego Pliko Switch Compact. With its reversible seat, I’ve recommended this infant-to-toddler stroller dozens and dozens of times to other families, so I was looking forward to trying it out with my own.

What sets the Pliko Switch Compact apart from other strollers is its reversible seat. The Switch seat easily removes from the stroller’s chassis and can be positioned to face forward or backward.

I wasn’t sure how my son, Jack, who’s already 15 months, would do making such a “switch.” He’s older now and seems to enjoy looking out at the world. But I have to say, we had the very best morning walking around our local outdoor mall facing one another. I found that I talked to him a lot more, and in return, got a lot more smiles, and even a few attempts at some new words. It was so nice to be out and about with him but feel like it was just he and I, exploring the world together.

Our day was made even better by the thoughtful features that come standard on the Switch, like the adult cup holder, telescoping handles, all-wheels suspension, and a large, practical storage basket. The zippered hood made the perfect sun canopy as the day got hotter. And when it was time to go home, I was impressed with the Switch’s one-hand umbrella fold, which can be done with the seat facing either direction.

So will I keep recommending the Switch? Absolutely! Especially to new and expectant parents, for all the features I mentioned above and the fact that the Switch’s seat can easily be transformed into a carriage, which I think is ideal for younger babies. (Plus, it’s travel system compatible.) It really is the perfect infant-to-toddler stroller!

Have a question about the Pliko Switch Compact? Please ask! Leave a comment or send me an email to onlineassociate@pegperego.com.

by Emily | Posted in 2011 Collection, 2011 Pliko Switch Compact | No Comments

Finding the right stroller can be a daunting task. We understand. After all, we’re parents too.

We do our best with “Ciao, Mondo!” to tell you about all of our strollers and share with you how they might fit into your lifestyle. But don’t you sometimes just wish you could test them all out for yourself?

That gave us an idea … What if we tested them for you? Enter our new series, “Test Drive,” in which we’ll share our own experiences, as parents, with a variety of Peg Perego products. I wanted to start the series by sharing my experience with the stroller I use every day, the Pliko P3 Compact.

The Pliko P3 Compact is the first Peg Perego stroller I ever owned. And yes, it changed my life. Here’s why:

1. At first, it was the little things. In our official product description of the Pliko P3, we say that “it’s easy to fall in love with our compact, full-featured, easy-to-use stroller,” and I couldn’t agree more. With its handy, hinged child snack tray with cup holder, full hood with peek-a-boo window, and telescoping handles, for me, it was love at first sight. And, I fall in love a little bit deeper every time I go to close it. The one–hand compact umbrella fold is so quick, and so easy!

2. Then it was the rear footboard. When I had my second child, my oldest was three-and-a-half and she wasn’t too keen on giving up riding in the stroller. But when I showed her the rear footboard on the Pliko P3, she was thrilled to have her own “big-kid” spot to ride on. It’s especially great when she’s tired, or we’re in a crowded place and I want to keep her close.

3. And then the compliments started to flow. The Pliko P3 really does have it all, including style. I absolutely love its sleek design and color selections. I get compliments on it every time I take it out, and I’m always happy to tell people it’s a Peg Perego.

Have a question about our Pliko P3 Compact? Please ask! Leave us a comment or send an email to onlineassociate@pegperego.com.

by Emily | Posted in 2011 Pliko P3 Compact | 8 Comments