From travel systems to umbrellas to joggers, it's often bewildering for first-time parents to see all of the options and wonder what makes one better than the others.
Therefore, of all the things that I've learned about baby gear, I've found that there are some areas that you feel like you can skimp on and have it not matter... and some that you really shouldn't. Just as some people might be intent that one crib mattress is better than the others or that a certain brand of pacifier soothed their baby better than the rest, I believe that there truly are strollers that outperform the pack.
That's not to say that buying a cheap stroller at the toy store won't do its job, because I'm sure it will. But considering the sheer length and amount of times that a stroller is used during the span of one (if not more) child, then it just makes sense to start off with something of the highest quality, amazing functionality and able to accommodate all the way from birth to preschool, doesn't it?
Forget the rest, it just makes sense to start at the top with the Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Stroller System.
Focusing on baby products that feature innovative designs to fit your family’s ever-changing needs, Contours strollers and bassinets strive to make a positive difference in your everyday life, help you embrace the everyday moments with your little one, and allow you to give your baby everything.
And when it comes to having everything, the Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Stroller System is just about as close to being a perfect stroller as I have ever seen.
Right out of the box I was admiring the durable pieces and the high quality construction that clearly went into making this piece of gear... well, bliss.
Thankfully, Contours knows that parents (and parents-to-be) are busy and don't have hours to spend constructing their products and it only took me around five minutes to pop the front and back wheels into place before the frame was ready for use.
Any consumer knows that being able to purchase one product and have it last through multiple years (and life stages) makes sense, so I was immediately pleased with the ease in which the Contours Bliss can adjust for infants up to preschoolers.
For the youngest riders, the Bliss has two options, making it extremely easy for parents or caregivers to decide which works best for their child each time.
First, the infant car seat adapter. By simply popping this attachment into place, it then fits over 20 different car seats so you can create your own travel system. Just click, place your seat, snap the safety belt and you're ready to go right from the car if your little one has fallen sound asleep.
Or, if you're heading out for a walk and you know that your baby prefers to stay comfortable by laying flat and stretching out while sleeping, then you'll absolutely love (I do!) the way that the Bliss seat turns easily into a carrycot. Suddenly your stylish, durable stroller just became a pram without you having to make any separate purchases!
Simply recline the seat all the way back and, with a single squeeze on two levers on the front, the bottom of the seat is released and turns into a carrycot. Couldn't be easier!
However, this awesome feature doesn't end with just being a very comfortable way for your baby to be pushed around in a portable bed (there is even a padded infant insert for extra softness).
By unclipping and folding out the stand at the back, this convertible carrycot can then be used without the stroller as a cozy sleep option. Whether you set it up in your living room or your baby falls asleep while you're strolling and you want to move him/her to the bedroom, just pop this right off and you never have to worry about disturbing that precious sleep.
Hello, incredible!
When your baby outgrows the pram or you would simply like to use this stroller for an older child, the same seat is then raised up and used as a traditional stroller seat.
But, due to the extremely easy push-button right on both sides...
...this seat can be reversed to face either direction in seconds. Absolutely perfect so that you can see your child (and they can see you) when younger, while still being able to turn the seat around to face forward for curious toddlers.
Along with the way that the Bliss is an amazing all-in-one stroller, pram and on-the-go carrycot, Contours didn't skimp when it came to including just about every other feature a parent could ask for in a highly functional stroller.
The 3-position reclining seat allows for multiple angles of comfort just by lifting a lever...
...the large, adjustable canopy provides plenty of protection from the elements when you're out for a stroll, as well as a peek-a-boo window so that you can check in on your child when they are in the forward-facing position...
...the comfort-grip handle is not only soft and easy to hold, but is also height-adjustable so that parents and caregivers of varying heights won't have to slouch or bend to push this stroller comfortably...
...the included foot muff is fantastic for those of us in colder climates so that we can easily snap it into place instead of having to try to push blankets around our little ones (and have said blankets continue to fall from the stroller and get run over)...
...and the large, roomy storage basket underneath is easily accessible from all sides and provides space for a diaper bag, purse, shopping bags, jackets, and just about anything else you might need to bring along with you.
As far as I have been able to tell, the only things missing from the Contours Bliss are a child snack tray and cup holder as well as any sort of storage compartment or tray for the parent. There is one adjustable cup holder right on the side that can fit drinks of all sizes (or your cell phone), but otherwise the large basket underneath is the only storage that this stroller has.
But comfort, ease of use, safety (5-point safety restraint, sturdy rear wheel brakes and more), style, convenience — the Bliss has it all! It is even extremely quick and simple to fold, as the two-finger trigger fold is located right underneath the handle.
Just pull up and the whole stroller folds down (with or without the seat attached). It even has an auto-lock latch system so that it stays firmly closed until you're ready for its next use.
Available in Wilshire Black or Valencia Gold color options, the Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Stroller System has a suggested retail price of $399.99 and can be found in select retail stores as well as online at Amazon.com, BabiesRUs.com and more.
When it comes to an extremely high quality, durable stroller that is made to last from birth throughout many years of childhood (the stroller holds up to 40 lbs!), the Bliss has met and surpassed all of my expectations. I love that one single purchase could make life so much easier from newborn up to big kid!
Want to see a little more of this stroller in action? Check out my quick demonstration of just how easy this system is to use and why it can add bliss to any mom or dad's life!
For much more information and images of the Contours Bliss 4-in-1 Stroller System, visit ContoursBaby.com and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be already on their way to saving up for the most incredible new stroller around, because...
One lucky person will win a $100 Babies 'R Us gift card from Contours!
A big thank you to Contours for providing a Bliss Stroller System for me to review as well as a $100 Babies 'R Us gift card for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.
