Peg Perego Aria Twin Stroller: Love It!

So I promised a review about my new stroller so here goes. First, off let me explain that I am addicted to strollers and I honestly (I hate to admit it) have a total of 6 strollers. Yes, I said 6! So each stroller serves it purpose and actually this is the only double stroller I have. I did have the Phil & Ted double stroller that was handed down to me from a friend, but I just couldn’t get used to it and didn’t like it. I really did try to love it, especially since it was free and it is supposedly such a good stroller, but I always felt that my youngest was uncomfortable since he was sitting low and in the back of the stroller and it was heavy to push.

I actually got the Peg Perego Aria Twin because I meet my grandma a lot and she hated pushing the Phil & Ted stroller so she said she was taking me stroller shopping. We went over to Babies R Us and I was surprised that they really did not have a lot to choose from as far as double strollers, especially side by side ones. I decided I wanted a side by side stroller because the tandem strollers are just so long that I always feel like I am running over peoples feet ahead of me and I thought my boys would like to sit next to each other and play together.

Now let me also say that I am not one to spend a lot of money on baby items because I know the limited use you get out of them. I also hate when others spend a lot on my kids because of the same reason, but my grandma was very determined to find me a better stroller. She is also from Norway, so she likes European style items and the Peg Perego brand is actually from Italy.
So let me just say first that I love love love this stroller!

• Each seat has its own large canopy that adjusts independently and really blocks the sun

• Dual 5-point harness called “Freedom of Movement” which allows each child to move around. I usually just snap the waist though for my toddler.

• Stands alone when folded and has a carrying handle. I actually love the handle as it makes it so easy to switch it to different cars and I have carried it down an escalator before since the elevator was not working.

• Centralized brake-cable releases the rear wheel lock. All you do is pull up on this piece on the side and the stroller is locked and then twists it to unlock. No more kicking your foot and trying to activate the brake.

• Large underneath basket. The basket is surprisingly big and does hold my diaper bag and the kid’s jackets.

• The four wheels all swivel with ease and go in the direction you want them too!

• Fits through doorways. I have used this stroller in malls and stores and I have yet to encounter a doorway that I can’t fit through.

• Weighs 20 lbs. It actually feels like it weighs less though. I also noticed when stroller shopping that most of the double strollers weighed 30-35 lbs. and when you add the weight of two kids, I can’t even imagine pushing it!

• Both seats have their own adjustable backrests.

• Removable, hand-washable upholstery. I haven’t had to remove it yet to clean though as it wipes clean very easily.

• Has a handle bar the length of the stroller so you can easily grip and push the stroller.

• Comes with a bottle/cup holder but it basically is only for a bottle of water as it is hard to get a can in and out. It is also small and open so it can’t even be used as a pouch for my phone/camera. I don’t even use it and replaced it with a pouch that has 2-cup holders and pockets.

• Each seat comes with their own tray that you can remove, but they don’t hold much. It says it includes a cup holder for your child but it doesn’t as I have yet to find a cup that would fit and stay on this tray. I only use the tray for snacks. I would have also liked it if the trays opened and closed so my toddler can go in and out himself, he can’t right now.

• The 5-point harness does not stay well and my toddler can wiggle out of it.

• You do need both hands to close the stroller, but it does then fold pretty flat.

• You can use this will Peg Perego carseats, but I had a Graco carseat so it wouldn’t fit.

So overall I do think the benefits outweigh the flaws. I use it with my two boys, 10 months and 27 months and they love it. They both seem comfortable in it and I love that I can recline one and not the other and that the canopies come far enough down to give them some shade for sleeping. I also cannot stress just how light and easy it is to push. I was so amazed as I thought pushing a side-by-side stroller would be a challenge and I think it actually is the easiest stroller I have ever had. So far I have used this stroller for 2 months and it is still my favorite. It is just so durable, yet functional and stylish. I would recommend it if you don’t mind the cost, It was around $350, but I then used a 15% off coupon from Babies R Us.