Editor's Orbit Infant Stroller System Review:
The Orbit stroller breaks all conventional stroller design rules and offers a highly versatile "System" to accommodate stroller needs from newborn through toddler. The Infant stroller system essentially addresses stage I of your needs, with an infant car seat and the Orbit stroller base. At approximately $900 dollars, the Orbit system comes in at a significant price point. Some of the standout features include a quick folding mechanism, multiple seating options, docking system and use of high-end materials, among others. We'll dive into benefits of these features in the review. The Orbit system is a real head turner and flaunted by celebrities like Ben Affleck and Victoria Beckham. Its unique design is very recognizable and will definitely get its share of envy. The Orbit stroller is only available in two color options including brown or black.
The Orbit Infant stroller system consists of 3 parts: Orbit Infant Car seat, Stroller with base and extra base for car. The Orbit stroller's docking system (SmartHub) consists of a circular ring that allows docking from any angle. The infant car seat clicks into position by releasing two levers located on either side of the infant car seat. Because of this unique design, the infant car seat can be positioned in four directions including front facing, rear facing and either side. Rear facing allows you to keep a close eye on your child. Front facing allows them to see the world. We found the side facing feature to come in handy while at restaurants. It allows you to pull the stroller right next to the table and eliminates the need for a dirty/rickety high chairs provided by restaurants. Most babies under 6months don't even fit in high chairs, so this feature really comes in handy babies under the 6 month mark.
The infant car system also comes with an extra docking base to be secured in your vehicle. By having both the stroller base with adapter ring and an adapter ring in your car, you can move the infant care seat from either, without removing your baby. You'll really appreciate this feature when your baby is sleeping. Once docked, we found the connection completely solid, with no play or wiggling. If you intend on transporting your baby in more than one care, you may want to consider purchasing another Orbit Smarthub base.
Frame design is very modern looking and doesn't mimic any other designs on the road. Crafted from high strength and light materials the Orbit stroller should hold up well to any abuse you can throw at it. Our taller users appreciated the height adjustable handlebars as well as lack of rear axle, which helps prevent potential toe stubs during longer strides. This is one of the only strollers we've reviewed with a true one handed fold. The fold requires twist of the handle and a lift. Keep in mind that you can't fold the entire unit with car seat in place. The Orbit Strollers front wheel suspension and air-filled tires allow for easy tracking over uneven terrain and insure a smooth ride for your little one. The Orbit comes with a Cargo Pod instead of basket. It attaches under the seat and keeps your items securely enclosed. You can remove the pod and carry over your shoulder with included strap. We did wish it was little bigger to accommodate a diaper bag.
The Orbit Infant car seat meets or exceeds all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and ASTM standards, this means it's as safe as it get and will accommodate babies up to 22 lbs. Once your child exceeds the 22 lb limit, upgrade to the Orbit Toddler Car seat which still fits on your stroller base. All the materials used on the Orbit Infant Car seat are top notch, including micro-fiber upholstery certified to be easy on babies skin. The Orbits patent-pending design allows for easy upholstery removal for machine washing. The interior of the seat has ample foam padding to smoothen your child's ride by absorbing impact. The Orbit car seat also has built-in handle for easy transport. The sunshade offers better coverage than any we've seen on the market. The regular canopy has the ability to extend over the entire car seat but still allows your child to see out, but prevent others from looking in, appropriately named the Paparazzi Shield. The extended sunshade offers nearly 100% UVA and UVB rays, making it ideal for use in sunny conditions. The sunshade also offers protection from bugs as well as small debris.
The Oribt System is a very flexible and modular system that allows use from newborn to toddler years. The system is expensive but truly is unlike anything else on the market. Because of the multi piece design, the Orbit isn't the greatest travel system. The Orbit Infant stroller system clocks in at 40 lbs! If you plan on doing a lot of flying and want to bring along a stroller, check out the Maclaren strollers in addition to your Orbit. The Orbit is as high-end as it gets and sure to be the envy of any mother. Orbit Stroller System User Reviews & Pricing
Options: Infant Car Seat, Infant Bassinet, Toddler Car Seat
- Twist grip folding, twist and lift, truly one handed fold
- Put into car at any angle and ten rotate into rear or forward facing
- Sunshade extends to cover entire infant car seat, acts as a barrier and bug net
- Patent pending strong arm system, aluminum
- Front, Rear, and sideways facing.4 positions
- Cargo Pod on stroller or on the go with strap
- Adjustable handlebars
- Twist and lift
- Micro fiber washable fabric
- Energy absorbing foam
- Front wheel suspension
- Built in cup holders
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