If you don’t want to read the rest of the review, here are three huge benefits of the Orbit Baby stroller/seat system that may not be very obvious just by looking at it: base installation, one-hand folding and the locking mechanism.
1. Base installation. It’s the easiest, simplest, safest base installation I have seen. You can install it with the seat belt or with the LATCH system, but in either case you don’t have to stand on the base or pull and tug on belts like a mad man. All you have to do is turn a knob a few times and that’s it. Even the wimpiest guy (myself included) can do it right the first time. The person at the hospital checking the installation commented that he's never seen an Orbit installed improperly. The best thing though is that it fits in my BMW convertible so I don't have to turn it in an exchange it for a minivan.
2. One hand stroller folding. This really is a one hand folding mechanism. One flick of the wrist and the clever mechanism uses the weight of the stroller to fold it and lock it place. You have the other hand free to do whatever you want with it.
3. Locking mechanism. Last, but not least, is the round locking mechanism (I guess hence the name Orbit) between the seat and the stroller or base. When placing the seat on the base in the car, you can approach and enter the door with the seat facing you (sideways relative to the car). This way both hands are extended the same amount and you don’t have to stretch in funny ways over the seat. Once in place, you can further adjust the baby in the seat while facing you. When done, just rotate it 90 degrees in place and you’re done. On the stroller side, the circular locking mechanism allows you to have the baby facing forward, backwards or sideways (great for restaurants if you don’t want the handles to impede the traffic of all the waiters around you).
Other neat features:
Handling. The handles are placed just right that it makes the handling feel like it’s on rails. It may not be a Porsche or BMW, but it comes close.
Ride. The tube tires make for a really nice, smooth ride.
Storage. There is a nifty storage bag underneath the stroller. It can be removed or it can stay in place even when the stroller is folded. It also comes with a neat pump for the tires.
Privacy shade. Shade has a thin cloth extension that can be pulled over the front of the seat. Therefore you don’t need to mess around with blankets and other improvisations.
Bassinet. The optional bassinet is great since it locks on the same stroller base. It also collapses so it’s easy to carry around.
Healthcheck Systems
