Valco Baby Snap

By Published On: June 1st, 2013

The first thing I noticed about the Valco Baby Snap […]

The first thing I noticed about the Valco Baby Snap when it came in the mail was how compact and lightweight it was. I couldn’t believe there was an entire stroller in the small box it came in!
The instruction manual was simple and easy to read (although it was packaged inside the folded stroller frame, so we did have to figure out how to open the stroller before we could find it, ha!). Assembly was super simple. Just a few pieces to snap into place, and we were ready to roll.ValcoBabySnap1
Once assembled, the stroller was still compact. I love how lightweight it is (weighs in at under 13 pounds), and it even has a shoulder strap for easy carrying. It fits great in the back of my SUV, and I’m certain you could easily throw it in a compact trunk as well. Its light frame makes it ideal for traveling.
I was sent the Cornflower blue model, and it’s a great, mid tone blue color. Pretty enough that if Isaac ever has a baby sister, I’ll have no problem toting her around in there too! The material feels very durable and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.
Valco touts this stroller as “infant compatible” because it reclines to a flat position. My little guy is about 2.5 months old and did great in it. There is a 5-point harness that goes around the shoulders and between the legs to ensure baby stays put, though I’d definitely keep your tot in a reclined position until he’s able to support his head on his own. I found it to be great for strolling around the mall at this age. Isaac seemed to enjoy it and slept soundly the whole time. Valco does sell a Universal “All Sorts” Seat Pad that has a head hugger that would add extra support for smaller babies for $25. It comes in a variety of colors. There is also a Car Seat Adapter which is compatible with Graco, Peg Perego, Maxi Cosi and Chicco brands of carseats for $40.00.
The Snap has a generously sized canopy, complete with a peek-a-boo window and ventilation flaps. The wheels are tubeless tires, so they’ll never need to be aired up (yay!). The footbrake is quite possibly one of the best features. It’s designed in such a way that it’s easily engaged and disengaged with one foot. The basket under the seat is adequate, but I found it to be a little on the small side. It fits my smaller diaper bag, but that’s about it. You won’t want to take along a lot of extras with this stroller, but you’ll do just fine with the necessities.ValcoBabySnap2
Now, let’s talk about the folding. Oh, the folding! This thing is ridiculously easy to open and close! I’ve never seen a stroller that does this better. With one click of the release on the handle, the entire thing glides open and closed. You can literally do it with one hand! It locks into place, and has a small handle and a shoulder strap to carry it with—which, since it’s so lightweight, you can also do with one hand!
This stroller is recommended for newborns through 44 pounds and seats one child, although you can purchase the Hitch Hiker  for $90 which allows a toddler to stand and ride at the back. There is also a Snap Dual model for two children. The single is available in Black Iris, Cornflower and Periwinkle, and the Dual in just Black Iris and Cornflower.
Overall, I think the Valco Baby Snap Stroller is an excellent product. I love the compact and lightweight design, and it handles extremely well. It’s not the cheapest stroller you’ll find, but it is high quality, and unique design may make it worth the extra cash. Do keep in mind that many of the “extras” you’ll find on other strollers, you’ll have to buy separately with this one. The bonus with that is that you can choose the features you want, and skip the rest.
Price: $249
To buy: valcobaby.com