Review: Joovy Groove Ultralight Stroller

04/26/2017

Our family hasn’t ever purchased an umbrella stroller.  Our full size stroller seemed to do the trick and although it is big, we have travelled with it on countless vacations in snow and sand over the years.  Until our last trip when the gate check person at the airport told us there might be an extra charge the next time we wanted to travel with that stroller.  Our youngest is two and still needs a stroller when he is tired, or when he decides he is in the mood for running!  With 5 people, anytime we are travelling, a full size stroller is almost impossible now for air or car travel and a travel stroller is a must!  Even if we fly and rent a vehicle, all of our luggage, plus a full size stroller is just too much.  But, what do you do with all the stuff that goes along with three kids without a stroller?  The Joovy Groove Ultralight is definitely the answer.

We received the Joovy Groove Ultralight Stroller and took it on a test drive on our Spring Break road trip around Southern Alberta.  I was leery because most umbrella strollers seem flimsy and tip over easily.  Plus they usually don’t have very high handles, which is tough for parents that are 5’8″ and 6’4″.  There also is often very little storage space and my big, heavy kids are usually at the top of the weight limit.  The Joovy Groove went above and beyond in every instance!

Firstly, we were fairly tight in our SUV with luggage for 5, plus snacks and gear for a week on the road.  This stroller is very compact when folded and fit into the truck without any problem.  Our other stroller wouldn’t have fit!  Both my two year old (around 30lbs) and my four year old (around 40lbs) could ride comfortably when they needed to.  Even loaded down with gear and my four year old, the stroller steered easily.  I had read on some other review websites that it was lacking in maneuverability, but we certainly didn’t find that, even at higher weights.  The front wheels can be locked, but when they are unlocked, it is a perfect ride.  The handles are nice and high and very comfortable for my husband to use.  The stroller is light, but still feels solid and sturdy.

The back reclines nicely, even allowing for naps and I love the oversized canopy.  It was a warm sunny day and we went for a walk while my two year old was still sleeping after walking around the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller.  The canopy fully covered him and he remained sleeping, which was great and it is also made of UPF 50 fabric, so he was protected from the sun as well.  The footrest adjusts up and down making it very comfortable for all ages, even young babies.  The footrest has a mesh piece that you can tuck small babies feet into and they stay nice and snug.

Joovy is known for their great storage and there is lots of storage on this compact stroller.  I really like the split handles, which you don’t always get in a traditional stroller.  Our travel diaper bag is a back pack and it fit easily over the handles.  A regular over the shoulder bag works well too.  There is a nice large basket under the stroller that held jackets and snacks, cup holders and even a zippered pocked.  The small mesh pocket on the back of the stroller was perfect for a juice box, which my two year old thought was great!

The Stroller comes in 4 great colours; black, charcoal, turqouise and red.  If you are looking for a reliable travel stroller, definitely check this one out.  It is at the higher end, price wise, but you definitely get what you pay for.  If you are planning a walking trip, you need more than a regular flimsy umbrella stroller.  The Joovy is a great stroller!

Watch the video to see it in action!

Features Overview:

• For children 6 months up to 55 lbs.
• Fully adjustable 5-point harness with removable shoulder pads; unlimited recline positions to 149
• Removable oversized canopy – sun visor extension protects your little one from the elements
• Essential Parent Organizer – zippered pocket and cup holders conveniently located on the back of the canopy; mesh pockets in seat for kid stuff
• Compact fold – small enough to fit in any car; automatic fold lock and carry handle

Available for purchase at Babies R Us, Canada’s Baby Store and Amazon.ca at around $250 CAD.