Maclaren Volo Stroller Review

The Maclaren Volo is a top-notch lightweight stroller. Having a reliable lightweight (umbrella) stroller is an instant sanity saver for parents… I’ve had mine for 4 years and I use it almost every day.

How do I use my Maclaren Volo?

1. Light Traveling- Traveling with a baby means a lot of extra stuff. I say depending on where your destination is (and how old your child is) ditch the heavy stroller and go with the umbrella stroller… especially with an older baby, or toddler, since they are less likely to nap on the go. The Volo is so light and easy to travel with; the fold is fast and easy and the carry strap allows you to carry it like an over-sized purse.

2. Quick Errands- The Volo is a lifesaver when it comes to quick trips to the grocery store or errands that require getting in and out of the car many, many times. It’s already frustrating enough getting a toddler in and out of the car seat… the last thing I want to do is bother with a heavy, complicated fold/unfold on a stroller 10 times (that’s 5 errands) in less than 2 hours.

3. Amusement Parks/Large Family Outings- I actually have to think about this one before I pick my stroller of choice (big stroller vs. Volo). If I don’t need a ton of storage and if I know my toddler will want to walk or go on rides, then I definitely take the Volo! I can’t stand pushing a large empty (heavy) stroller while my toddler walks runs in another direction.

Here’s my complete review of the Maclaren Volo…

(Our Maclaren Volo is a 2007 so there are a few slight changes, which I will note below)

Assembly

• Aside of snapping on the front tires, there is no assembly for the Maclaren Volo. It arrives in one piece and ready to go!
  

Folded Maclaren Volo with Universal Organizer attached

Unfold- Unfolding the Volo is so simple; I can do it with one hand (and a toddler on the other hip!). Here are the steps to unfold the Volo:

1. Release the storage clip/side lock.
2. Hold the handles and push the front wheels towards the ground or give it a shake to open the frame (that’s what I do).
3. With your foot, push down on the brake pedal on the back (center) of the stroller frame.

Pull up on the carry strap as step one to fold the Volo

Folding- Folding the Volo can also be done with one hand… and one foot. Once you get it down, the fold can be done in about 5 seconds. You can fold the Volo with or without the carry strap attached. I prefer to leave my carry strap attached so I can use it as part of the fold process (see the picture above). Here are the steps to folding the Volo:

1. Pull up on the Carry Strap or push up on the Brake Pedal located on the back (center) of the stroller frame.
2. With your foot, push down the secondary lock lever located on the back right side of the stroller frame.
3. Push the stroller handles forward towards the ground.
4. Push the stroller down until you engage the storage clip on the side of the stroller.

The Maclaren Volo with Universal Organizer and a Skip Hop diaper bag in the basket

Size

The Maclaren Volo is a lightweight and compact umbrella stroller weighing in at less than 10lbs. There is nothing bulky about the Volo so transporting or using it is super simple. The only thing I can think of is… if you are a shorter parent, it might be a little uncomfortable for you to use the carry strap. I’m 5′ 5″ and the stroller’s back wheels come to mid-calf on me when I’m using the carry strap to carry the stroller.

When folded, the Volo measures 41″ long, approximately 10″ at the highest point, and approximately 14″ wide. It fits with no problems in every car I’ve ever driven. I even tested it in the trunk of my grandparent’s Mini Cooper and it fit just fine.

When unfolded, the height from floor to top of handle is 41.5″. The handles are not height adjustable but they are ergonomically designed and have foam padding. My husband (5’9″ tall) and I (5′ 5″ tall) have no problems pushing this stroller with ease.

The Ride

Even though the Volo doesn’t have a single handle bar, I’m able to push both my children (age 18 months/22lbs. and age 3.5 years/28lbs) with one or two hands. The weight of the stroller, being that it’s SO lightweight, allows for the one-handed maneuverability. Now, once your child gets close to the 55lb. weight capacity, you probably wont be able to push the Volo with one hand.

The Volo is not an all-terrain stroller and does not have a suspension or air-filled tires. Both rear and front tires are 4.5″ plastic tires. The front wheels do have the ability to lock allowing the stroller to roll over thicker grass, uneven pavement and other not-so-flat surfaces. To lock the front wheels, press down on the half circle brakes directly above the front wheels. To unlock the front wheels, lift the same brakes upward. I’ve had no problems taking this stroller to the park, on flat trails and even on packed sand. It will not roll on loose sand… I tried once. I ended up carrying my baby on one hip and carrying the Volo (using the carry strap) over my other shoulder. I then set the stroller back up (in the sand) and my son had a perfect place to sit and eat his lunch.

The Brake

The new models of the Maclaren Volo have a brake pedal. The brake pedal is located on the back of the stroller between the two rear wheels. You push the left side of the pedal with your foot to engage the brakes and the right side of the pedal to release the brakes.

Older version of the Maclaren Volo buckle

5-Point Harness

This is the part that has changed since 2007. The 5-point harness in my pictures is not the same as the current 5-point harnesses on the new Volo strollers (actually all of Maclaren’s current strollers have the newest 5-point harness).

I will talk about the new 5-point harness since I have experience with it. The newest model is a non-padded fully adjustable harness. Fully adjustable means that you have three height options on the seat, both shoulder straps adjust individually and the crotch strap adjusts as well.

Adjusting the harness to a tighter or looser position is not the easiest thing to do but you know what? I’m okay with that because that means it doesn’t slip/loosen on it’s own or with the aid of a child.

The buckle is great– no child will be able to figure it out, not even the smartest Houdini of a toddler. To buckle the harness, insert both waist clips in the clasp by lining them up* with the clasp buckle. *This takes a little getting used to– the whole lining it up perfectly thing– but once you get it down (and it comes quickly) its second nature. To release the harness, press both the front circle and the back circle at the same time and the waist clips will pop out. It takes some pressure but again, your child will not be able to figure this one out!

The 3.5-year-old is 37" tall

The Seat

The seat on the Volo is a fixed seat and does not recline or adjust. Because of this, the Volo is made for age 6 months and up. In the 4 years (and 2 kids) that I’ve had my Volo, I’ve never wished it to be a reclining stroller.

The Volo has a sling-style seat meaning it has no structure or hard seat bottom/seat back– It cradles your child’s body. The breathable mesh is easy to clean and holds up very well. If the seat does get really dirty, it is fully removable and washable.

The seat back is actually close to a 45 degree angle so if your younger child happens to fall asleep, they won’t be completely uncomfortable in it. The seat is 18.5″ tall from seat bottom to the seat top so an older child that is on the tall side probably wouldn’t be all that comfortable falling asleep in the Volo.

The seat bottom is very roomy at 13″ wide. The seat back to seat edge is 9″ and is stationary meaning your younger child’s knees probably won’t bend at the edge of the seat until they are taller or older.

The 18-month-old is 33" tall

The Footrest

The footrest is a non-adjustable, sturdy yet flexible plastic. My 3.5-year-old is 37″ tall and his feet rest perfectly on the footrest. My 18-month-old is 33″ tall and he rests the balls of his feet on the footrest (or puts his tippy toes under the footrest and plays with it).

Maclaren Volo Sun Canopy

The Canopy

This is one of the best canopies I have seen on an umbrella stroller. There is no way my children’s heads will ever reach the top of the canopy– it has a seat back to canopy measurement of 27″! The canopy provides good sun coverage for your child’s face and upper body. The canopy has locks on each side and are easy to use– push down to engage, pop up to fold the canopy. The OCD in me likes that when the canopy is in use (and the canopy locks are engaged), it adds a clean line to the look of the stroller.

Back of the canopy blocking wind and rain

The canopy is completely waterproof and easy to clean/wipe down. The back flap on the canopy provides coverage from wind and rain while in the down position.

Back of the canopy up allowing airflow

For warmer days, you can un-snap the canopy from the seat and roll up the back of the canopy to allow airflow to pass through the stroller.

Maclaren Volo with canopy removed

The canopy is also fully removable and easy to remove and attach. There are two sliders on each side of the frame– the canopy slides on and click in place but can also be slid off and removed. A snap on each side attaches the canopy back to the seat.

Removable Mesh Basket

Shopping Basket

The mesh shopping basket is on the small side but I’ve managed to fit lots of stuff in it! It won’t fit a large diaper bag but can fit a small to medium/slim diaper bag or purse. The basket is removable and washable.

Maclaren Universal Organizer on the Volo Stroller

Accessories

The Volo comes standard with a rain cover.

If you are going to purchase an additional accessory, I say go with the Maclaren Universal Organizer. I use this organizer for everything– a place for my keys, cell phone, sunscreen, sippy cups, water bottles, and loose toys… The only think you have to remember is that when the Volo is folded, it blocks the carry strap so after I fold the Volo, I flip the Organizer up, through the handles and tuck it in the sun canopy so that I can use the Carry Strap.

Universal Organizer flipped up and tucked into the canopy allowing the use of the carry strap

The Seat Liners are a nice way to customize your Volo and keep it clean but they tend to sag down in the seat. I think Maclaren should come up with a way to secure the seat liner to the top of the seat (or frame at the top of the seat) to prevent this from happening. I rather use our Volo without the seat liner because of this.

A Tip From My Son... Store toys in the basket under the seat!

Mommy Loves Coffee Tips:

• If you lock the wheels when the stroller is in the folded position, you can actually lean it against a wall (or any surface) and it will stand in place.
• If you unlock the wheels while it’s in the folded position, you can pull it (by the handle bars) behind you or push it (by the handle bars) in front of you. That’s if you don’t want to use the carry strap (or if you choose to remove the carry strap).
• Do not hang anything from the handles. Because this stroller is lightweight, it will tip the stroller backwards.
• A small portion of the shopping basket can be reached from the front of the stroller. My son likes to store his toys, balls and favorite things in that spot so he can easily get to them.
• There’s no child tray accessory but we use links along with snack bags/snack containers to keep snack and toys close by.

Maclaren Volo Features:

• 5-Point Harness, Fully Adjustable
• Washable Mesh Seat
• Compact Umbrella Fold
• Foot Operated Brakes
• Removable Mesh Shopping Basket
• High Performance Aluminum Frame
• The Raincover is Included
• Water Resistant Canopy
• Weighs Less Than 10lbs. Total
• For Children from 6 Months Up To 55lbs.
• Stationary Seat– No Seat Recline/No Adjustable Positions
• 4.5″ Plastic Wheels (with lockable front wheels)

Bottom Line:

• The Maclaren Volo is a lightweight umbrella stroller for every day use with children over the age of 6 months. I believe that a reliable umbrella stroller is an essential for every parent.

Maclaren News:

• Maclaren announced their newest Object of Design, Dylan’s Candy Bar Maclaren Volo !
• Maclaren provides the purchaser with a Lifetime Warranty.
• Maclaren also recycles all used Maclaren strollers if you bring it or ship it to their recycling center.

Important: If you own an older model of any Maclaren stroller, please take this opportunity to order your free hinge covers from the voluntary recall. All new models of Maclaren Strollers include hinge covers.