Kolcraft Universal Express Baby Care

The Kolcraft Universal Stroller is an excellent product. We bought the Graco travel system (the 5 point harness Snugride bucket car seat with carrying handle and the accompanying stroller) before the big day. Closer to the big day, a couple lent us their Kolcraft Universal Stroller, that they had used for the year prior (their child was almost 18 months), along with several other items. At first, we had no clue how wonderful this item was. After the first two weeks, Dad went back to work, and Mom had to do the "stuff", out and about with baby, on the bus. Graco went out the first time, was okay, but then, Mom (me) decided to try the Kolcraft Universal Stroller. Wow! What a delight. The Graco Snugride seat sits on top of the frame design of the Kolcraft Universal Stroller, which is essentially just a frame to hold almost any bucket type seat, and has a huge basket underneath, transported by extremely durable and maneuverable wheels, and guided by a comfortable height and cushioned handle, (me being tall, doesn't have to hunch over) and there is a handy tray under the top part of the handle with two indentations for water bottles and a flat part in between. The rear wheels have a lock each, operated by pushing either one down into a gear system (nothing complicated, but it works). The basic colour of the system is dark blue, and operating parts, such as locks, opening and closing systems are orange-red, so are easy to find. There is a strap that comes up from either side of the frame and snaps together above the car seat to hold it from slipping off. The seat is placed on the rack, so baby faces you. The carry basket underneath is HUGE! The basket is supported by a solid bottom, and has strong netting around the sides, with two separate large pockets, at the side closest to the "driver". I have those pockets stuffed with extra plastic bags, prepackaged wipes and snacks, pens, lots of stuff that we might need. Especially handy, because, even when folded up in the car, the goodies in the pockets don't fall out. I do all the grocery shopping, etc., and carry a lot of heavy stuff in the basket. I even will tie a bag or two to the handle if I have to do a lot of purchases, and have had no problem at all with the stroller holding the weight or maneuvering easily. I am extremely impressed with this system. Also, although one might not be able to safely transport their child in their car seat in a vehicle, due to height or weight restrictions, they probably have some leeway with their seat strictly for stroller use, thus making their car seat useful for a few more weeks possibly, until they find a stroller they want for later use.