Average Rating: 
Rating:  - All the Features Every New Parent Wants
My husband and I first considered the Graco MetroLite travel system for its lightweight handling. However, after realizing when that stroller was fully reclined you could not get into the bottom storage basket, we began examining other systems very carefully. Our choice was the Sterling, for several reasons:- Light but strong. Not as light as the MetroLite, but very close, and it feels sturdier with the same level of easy maneuverability. It also has a similar low center of gravity. Other travel systems we tried were very tall and felt as though they could easily tip over. Not this one. - Quickly folds with one hand. Simply slide the red button on the handle to the right and twist the handle away from you. The stroller folds up compactly, instantly. Do the same to open it again while pulling upward...it snaps together immediately with minimal effort. Definitely the easiest folding mechanism out there. Can be opened and closed quickly while holding a child in one arm. - Lots of storage. Easy access to bottom basket when child is fully reclined. Convenient pocket/pouch on back of canopy. Parent's tray (with time and temperature monitor) flips open to reveal a small storage compartment. Two parent cupholders, one child cupholder. (Both the parent's tray and child's tray can be removed, also.) - Sturdy reclining seat. With the MetroLite, the seat reclines with a pulley system, which allows for unlimited positions but it is rather cumbersome to operate. The Sterling has rigid metal tubing that easily snaps into four very secure positions with the pull of a handle. - Saftey features. Five-point harness system and LATCH compatibility. The front wheels optionally lock in a straight, forward position for riding over uneven or rough terrain. Parent window through the canopy so you can see your child. Finally, we were pleased with the color and pattern of the Graco Sterling Clarion, as many systems seem to come only in navy blue. Perhaps navy is better for hiding dirt and spit-up, but navy also absorbs more light and can get hot in the blazing summer sun. The lighter color of the Clarion will remain a bit cooler for baby. In conclusion, this system is an excellent purchase for your new baby for its lightweight maneuverability, easy and convenient folding mechanism, and important safety features.
Rating:  - It's a keeper
I've based my ratings not on firsthand use, but on the store demonstration. I'm a first-time mom due in three weeks, and really wasn't tuned in to strollers/carseats. (A carseat is a carseat right? WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!) After returning from a firestation inspection of my Evenflow carseat this morning (see my review on the Evenflow OshKosh Cozy Carrier) and finding out it was a total bust, I resolved to invest in a quality carseat and stroller system. I know that Graco is a superior manufacturer, and we were shown three Graco travel systems within our price range. I tried to be practical regarding money (this system was [$$$] more than the least expensive system we saw), so I didn't want to be swayed by all the bells and whistles on this model. The 4-reclining positions vs. the three in the other models, the extra storage, and the thermometer/clock were all perks I felt I could do without. I wasn't crazy about the colors, but they grew on me, and of course, every stroller out there is either blue or black, so in the end I liked the originality of the colors on this system. The one major factor that swayed my decision toward this model was that the reclining mechanism was much easier to use than on the other models. I loved how all I had to do was pull the bar, rather than mess with tabs. That, and, ultimately, the "perks" I didn't want to be swayed by (ha ha!) really did prove this to be the better buy. When I registered for my shower I really took the time to make sure everything I asked for was at least 4 stars. But because we were given a carseat by my sister-in-law, and purchased the Evenflow as a secondary back-up, I hadn't done my homework on carseats/strollers. I didn't even register for one! Instead I bought the Snap-N-Go LX stroller frame to go with the Evenflo and thought that was the end of it. Then I saw the reviews on the Evenflo and the firestation test was the final breaking point. The wonderful thing is, now I have a lovely system, and the Graco carseat fits the Snap-N-Go stroller too, so I feel that was still a good investment. Based on the other reviews here, I'm confident that this time I've got the stroller/carseat system we need.
Rating: - what a great travel system!
This is the best system on the market! Very easy to use, even with one hand.Well made. It transfers easily from car to stroller.Highly recommended.
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