You’d think by that title this Daily Dish would be about the latest butt-lifting jeans, but I’m sorry to say it’s not. Actually, I’m really not that sorry because I’m just as excited about the Joovy Caboose as my own caboose in a pair of Sevens or Hudsons!

The Joovy Caboose is a compact solution to the big problem of strolling more than one child around at a time. I’ve been looking for a stroller to replace my 8-year-old limo-style Graco double stroller and I think I’ve found it. The Caboose is quite possible the most compact, maneuverable tandem on the market and utilizes a patented stand-on design. What most caught my eye was the word “compact,” something I definitely look for in a double stroller.

I received the Caboose in orange and it is definitely sleek and stylin’. Nathan and I pulled the stroller out of the box and had it assembled within minutes””and we barely glanced at the instruction booklet. While Nathan took it for a test spin around the house I checked out how to attach a carrier with the universal car seat adapter. Yes! Who knew this compact (had to use that word again) tandem accommodates an infant carrier as well? So cool! You’ve also got a generous removable canopy, large storage basket, child tray with cup holder, and a 5-point harness in the front. And I made sure to check out the padding on the rear seat (nicely padded), as I know most toddler get tired of standing after a few laps around the mall. Though the rear seat only has a 3-point harness, it is also recommended for children over 2 ½ years, so a 3-point should keep your toddler safe (and if you’re worried he might wiggle his way out, try a little super glue”¦okay, I’m totally kidding”¦sort of”¦)

After getting it assembled I had to fold it up once again just to see if it folded as compactly as it had before the wheels and canopy were added””and yes, it did! Thought not as light as your double umbrella stroller, this baby is a lot more maneuverable and requires less of a hunchback to push (why DO they make those umbrella stroller handles so low?). I am so jazzed about the Joovy Caboose I can hardly wait to sell the ol’ Graco. I don’t think it even knew the meaning of the word “compact.” Oh, and when you get your own Caboose, don’t forget the Parent Organizer. This thing slips on in seconds and has lots of nooks and crannies for holding fruit snacks, keys, and other essentials (including super glue). ““Emily

Note: For those not married to engineers here’s a helpful hint on assembly. The instruction booklet did not mention where to place the six washers included with the parts, so here’s where my husband placed them: One on the inside and one on the outside of each rear wheel, and one on each “spindle” where the front wheels attach.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 28th, 2007 at 9:54 pm and is filed under Daily Dish. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.