babyreview.com.au

My Valco Runabout pram was a gift from my sister. She used the Valco Runabout with both her children and showered her praise for the product – she insisted I use it as well. So I thought I’d see if the Valco Runabout would perform as well for me in Brisbane as it had performed for my sister in Sydney’s urban environs.

I took Baby for excursions to the Brisbane CBD as a newborn with the Valco Runabout in the Bassinet configuration. Baby seemed very cosy in the pram’s bassinet and when it was time for her to be in the seated configuration she seemed comfy too. The ground can get pretty soggy in Brisbane, especially with all the rain we’ve experienced this summer. So the ‘all terrain’ wheels came into their own to demonstrate they can perform in some of the most challenging weather conditions.

While it’s still wet, wet, wet in Brisbane, I thought I would road test the Valco Baby Protector Deluxe Raincover. The Protector comes neatly packaged and when I unfold the Protector it is quite intuitive as to how it fits on my pram. I slip the Protector over the pram, put the rear skirt at the handlebars and velcro the sides. I then stretch the elasticised foot over the foot rest and button it onto the frame. Super simple and could be done quickly if it rains unexpectedly. It provides some protection for Baby from UV and insects too.

The Protector is constructed from three main materials, a water repellent fabric which is black on the outside / silver on the inside, a clear waterproof material providing a flexible window for Baby and a stretchy black fabric for ventilation. The components are well assembled, the velcro is securely stitched, the zipper is clearly good quality and the whole product is hemmed neatly with a black edge.

So it’s time for Baby to review the product. I zip open the Protector and place Baby in her pram seat. At first she looks a little surprised to be zipped in but pleased she can see through her clear window. As we head out for our walk it starts to sprinkle, this doesn’t deter us, Baby reclines and takes in the view. I’m pleased knowing the Protector is well ventilated and Baby will remain completely dry. The Protector fits older and newer Valco models, including the Valco Baby TriMode, TriMode EX, Matrix, Quad Strollers and Runabout.

Another neat accessory I’ve found that is made by Valco is the Bevi Buddy. It holds large size cups and water bottles up to 1.5 Litres. It is fairly straight forward to attach the Bevi Buddy to your pram. You wrap the fastening strap around the pram frame, secure the Bevi Buddy cup holder to the fastening strap. It’s easy to attach / detach the holder with a push button. I’ve positioned the Bevi Buddy on the right hand side of the pram, so I can easily access my water bottle during our walks. For additional storage on my pram I have the Vee Bee Universal Net Carry Bag. It’s a sheer mesh bag perfect for carrying Baby’s water bottle, rusks, teething rings and toys.

Once again the Valco Baby Accessories highlight the ‘Versatility’ of my Valco Baby Pram. My Valco pram transforms from fine weather to wet weather conditions, from urban to regional, from bassinet to seat mode and extra storage mode. To find out more about the latest Valco accessories visit the Valco Baby website.