January 29, 2007

Pity the parent with three stroller-bound tots. If you're not up for hauling one kid around on your back while pushing the other two in the double stroller, you're pretty much a prisoner in your own home until re-enforcements arrive. Hermit no more: Valco Baby's new runabout TriMode twin all-terrain stroller (ATS) fits a growing family.

The TriMode ATS is a side-by-side double stroller with an add-on third seat – which translates to two little ones next to each other and one up front. That means no stuffing your toddler into one of those seats down below, where he can't see anything except the sidewalk and his sibling's backside. And no more kickboard complaints.

This stroller is fully loaded. A three-position front tire system offers varied front wheel functions: fully-fixed, full swivel and 45-degree swivel. Two independently reclining seats fit kids up to 45 pounds, with separate canopies. A toddler seat, for kids up to 45 lbs., attaches to the front of the stroller, without blocking the view or impeding the comfort of children in the side-by-side seats. This stroller weighs in at 33 pounds and can fit through standard doorways. The entire ensemble comes with a rain cover and a tire pump and is available in four colors: harlequin/black, scarlet, sunrise/navy and bubblegum.

We know you were thinking it was time for the Partridge Family bus, but here's a smaller option – one that gives everyone a smooth ride.

Available online at valcobaby.com.