Graco’s Ipo Stroller: A great affordable umbrella stroller

When I think Graco, I envision their extremely popular Metrolite or QuattroTour models.  Even though they classify it as a compact stroller, it’s not compared to an umbrella stroller.  Those models are good when you have a newborn or infant, but once your child can sit up on their own, you’ll find yourself wanting to trim the fat and travel as lightly as possible.  When I visited the ABC Kids Expo in September, I was surprised to learn that Graco DOES have a bonified umbrella stroller and to my even further surprise, I really liked it! 

At a very reasonable price of $79.99, Graco’s Ipo is a really cute umbrella stroller has an adjustable leg rest, 5 point harness, multiple reclining seat positions, holds up to 50 lbs of kid, and has a one-hand compact fold. The basket is large and easy to get to. The seat is removable and washable in cold water (a good thing when your baby gets crackers all over the seat)! You can peek at your little one through the "peek-a-boo window" and shade their eyes with the tuck-away tinted sun visor! As far as weight is concerned, at 17.5 pounds, it weighs about as much as a Maclaren Triumph XT.

My favorite feature is the one hand fold- you lift the handle on the back of the stroller, twist and push forward. It’s SO much easier than any other umbrella stroller I’ve used.

My least favorite feature are the back breaks- I keep accidentally kicking them.  Also, the sun visor is not very large.  Others who are used to Graco may be disappointed that it doesn’t have a cupholder or snacktray but most umbrella strollers don’t have these things. 

We checked out the Latte, in chocolate brown and black, which I found to be very stylish. It comes in two other colorways- Gaia (burnt orange tech mixed with warm sand tan tech fabric) and Greg (black tech mixed back with a pale grey tech fabric).  Each colorway is exclusive to different stores so if you have a preference, visit Graco’s store locator.

If you’ve been coveting a higher end umbrella stroller but can’t afford the plusher models (typically $150 and up), the Graco Ipo is a really good compromise.  It’s a good umbrella stroller at a fair price, which isn’t easy to find, so snap this one up!