In search of a stroller (Aprica, Capella, Combi)

Choosing a stroller seems harder than choosing a baby carrier. Maybe because the prices range widely. A reasonable stroller can range from $100 to more than a $1000. Designs and features range widely too across different brands and models, as they cater to a wide range of requirements.

Having researched a fair bit, I have narrowed my search to 3 main brands: Aprica, Combi and Capella, mainly because they have models that provide reasonable light-weight, reversibility, single hand folding, full canopy, full reclining seat, etc.

In terms of weight, I think my threshold is max 7.5kg. I find anything more than that heavy for me to carry. As we do not have a car and we are not planning to get one, I think it is important that the stroller is light and easy to fold and carried up the public transport (in particular buses). However, being light, it should not compromise on sturdiness. It should still feel safe and not flimsy and unstable. I was advised by my sister to have one with a reversible handle so that the baby could either face outwards or towards me.

I like Aprica Solaria and Optia for the design and lightweight but both are very expensive (>$850) and look small and narrow. Same for the cheaper version Aprica Karoon Plus High Seat and Luxuna Light. While they state that the strollers are for newborn to 15 kg (3 years old), I think it can only comfortably only fit up 2 years old baby. I roughly checked carousell and I noticed a few sellers of Aprica only used their Aprica strollers for <10 times and indicated that their kid prefered to be carried instead of be in the stroller. That made me wonder if babies find the strollers too small for them. Aprica can be found in Robinsons and Takashimaya.

Capella has 2 more recent models for 2016, namely Coni Mini S230L and Adonis Travel S705T, which both are selling below $400 (with discount). Coni Mini and Adonis Travel are wider than Aprica and are able suitable for newborn to 18kg (4 years old). I think both can comfortably fit a toddler up to 3 years old. Coni Mini seems narrower than Adonis Travel, and does not come with the perforated seat cushion which is essential for hot humid weather. Adonis Travel on the other hand is too heavy, which is 8.6kg, which exceeded my threshold. Capella can be found in Kiddy Palace and Isetan for those who live in the west.

Combi has a really light model Combi Mega Ride (6.8kg) which is sturdy and yet is suitable for 1st month up till 48 months. It is rather spacious and I have read other blogs whose toddler really likes sitting in it. The newer version of Mega Ride is Mega Ride Deluxe which is almost the same as the previous model but it comes with an additional handbrake. The weight is 7.6 kg which is still alright, but the price is $220 more expensive. Hence, I am still targeting to get Combi Mega Ride. But I noticed that Takashimaya is already not carrying this model. Robinsons doesn't carry Combi, but Isetan does.

I noticed that there is some price fixation across all retailers as I did my research with various department stores and online shops. Do not expect the prices to vary much. The best rates I have seen so far is during the 11.11 Online Sale from Lazada. You could also get it from Qoo10 which you can utilize the voucher which seller gives ($35 off for items more than $500). But I hope that Department stores will still offer some deals closer to Christmas, or online sale during Black Friday. My last bet is to visit the SuperMom Baby Fair which will be held on 17-19 Feb 2017 at MBS, a month after my baby's EDD.

Update of my purchase
In the end, I got myself a Combi Mega Ride during Black Friday Sale. I wrote a separate post for this. Click here.