Phil & Ted e3: A single stroller that accomodates two!
by guest reviewer Vera
I had stroller envy – bad! When I was pregnant, I purchased a stroller that I thought I would use for all my future children. I made sure the color was neutral enough to work for both genders and I ended up getting the cookie-cutter stroller that I am sure so many of you purchased. I forgot that when you have two kids you need a double stroller… especially when my children will barely be two years apart. When I opened up my Phil & Ted e3 I almost fainted. It was so… so… beautiful! I immediately threw my daughter in her seat and jetted off to Target to check out its functionality. Having three real wheels is an added benefit when you are trekking around a city. All the bumps and cracks in the road were no match for my e3. I already noticed a difference from my old set of wheels. The front wheel can lock, letting you go for an occasional run (though it’s not intended as a full-time jogging stroller.)
Not only is the Phil & Ted a great traveling system (you can purchase a car seat kit), it gives you four different positions. There’s the upright position, then unzip the sides to recline slightly, then zip up the sides but unlatch the back for a 3/4 recline and finally, for a completely flat recline, unzip the sides and unlatch the back. With the seat reclined all the way, your child has a completely flat surface to sleep on or to get changed in. I always have such an issue changing my daughter’s diaper in public bathrooms. With this great feature, I don’t have to worry about that anymore. This feature is wonderful for newborns as well. Instead of always having to rely on your car seat, you can place your baby flat in the stroller so they can sleep or play without being so confined.
If you have two children, you can purchase the Double Kit, which is an extra seat that attaches above or below the seat, quickly transforming it from a single stroller to a double one. I love the fact that you can use the same body for both options. I know there will be times when one child will be in school while I need to run errands with the other. With this option, I don’t have to lug around the heavier version without reason. Also, sometimes your older child wants to walk so you’re not lefting pushing a half-empty double wide. A few quick snaps, and the Phil & Ted transforms back to basics. The extra seat is used on top when your younger child is an infant until about 5 months (the older child goes on top). Then you move the seat underneath. It’s important to point out that if you have twins, you should opt for Phil & Ted’s twin buggy. (FYI Patrick and Jillian Dempsey received Phil & Ted’s twinbuggy in anticipation of their twins being born any day now and sentthe company this note: "Thank you so very much for the amazing doublestroller. Patrick and I are so very thankful!")
Other accessoriesinclude a rain cover, mesh UV cover, infant cocoon (a light, portablecarry-cot which makes moving a sleeping child to and from the strollereasy), car seat kit, saddle bags, fanny pack that hangs on the handlesand has two cup holders, diaper bag, carrying bag, two seatcushion inserts, and a bunting (pictured with Anya) for chilly days. Natalie loves when I wrap her up like a pea in a pod. Sometimes she tries to get in when we are inside.
As much as I like the e3, there are a few changes I would like to see made. I’m used to the tray on my traditional stroller, which the e3 doesn’t have. (It does have a nap bar.) Also, the stroller is heavier than I’m used to (24 lbs) but I understand that’s because it is all metal (alloy and steel) instead of plastic. But that doesn’t make me feel better when I am taking it out and putting it in my car. Also, the basket is pretty small compared to my other stroller. I can only fit my baby bag in there. I am someone who spends a lot of time at the mall – so this is an issue for me.
The e3 retails for $379. The Double Kit sells for $80. You can purchase the E3at Babystyle.com and other retailers. The color choices include black, charcoal, lime green, navy, orange, red and sand.
Note: A new Phil & Ted model will be hitting stores in February-March: the SP.
The SP (suggesting "sporty") has some improvements like curved racket handle with new "ratchet" technology that lets you raise and lower it for different height parents, improvements on the hinges for the Double Kit, and a storage compartment in the parcel tray under the stroller forstoring the hinges when not in use, so they are always readilyavailable, no
t being put aside when the stroller is used with just onechild. It will retail for $399. (Shown here is the Blue Camo.)
