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Monday, September 8, 2014

Safety 1st Wanderer Pram Review and Giveaway




To be completely honest, I've never actually gone shopping for a pram. I did spend years lusting after a Bugaboo though. While I was battling infertility I noticed pretty much every baby that came through work and a good percentage of them were in Bugaboo's. Being exposed to them so often it automatically became my dream pram without ever actually researching any other prams. Of course I never thought I'd get one being that they're so expensive. I fully intended on shopping around for a pram once I got pregnant. It turned out though that when the time came my grandma offered to buy me a pram. I told her I wanted a Bugaboo (as a joke) and to my complete surprise she agreed to buy me one. Yea I nearly fainted. It was probably a blessing though because I had no idea where to start with any other prams. I had no idea what features I wanted, or needed, I just knew that I didn't want a 3 wheel pram. 

In June I was invited to attend a bloggers breakfast hosted by Dorel as part of the Pregnancy Baby and Children's Expo. I was super excited to be able to attend this year as I couldn't go last year because I was 36 weeks pregnant, suffering really badly from PSD and couldn't walk properly. Dorel manufacture a wide range of children's products, you probably have some of their products in your home without knowing. Their key brands include Mothers Choice, Safety 1st, Maxi-Cosi and Quinny. After breakfast we got to see all of the latest Dorel products in action. It really opened my eyes to all the other great products available that I'd never considered before. When the opportunity came up to review products I jumped at the chance (because who doesn't want to try before they buy right?).

I initially wanted to review the Stellar pram, but it won't be available for a few months so I was offered the Wanderer. I hesitated at first, due to my dislike of 3 wheel prams, but then decided to give it a go. Over the past few weeks bub and I have been putting it through its paces and here's what I think.




My aversion to 3 wheel prams came from a media report outlining the risks of them when they first came out a few years ago. It was long before I thought about having kids, but for some reason it stuck with me. Because of that I automatically discounted 3 wheel prams completely, without ever researching them. Now that I've actually used one I don't know what I was worried about. There are so many things I love about this pram and I haven't had any safety concerns at all.

For some reason this pram makes me feel like I should be jogging around a lake somewhere. It just looks so sporty and actually motivates me to exercise, believe it or not. I've dubbed it my walking pram because since I got it I've gone walking so much more. Which is great for #operationlosebabyweight (which should've started a long time ago). I now walk down to the local shops all the time instead of popping in on my way home from somewhere. Its about a forty minute round trip up and down a hill and the pram handles beautifully. It moves like it has power steering and the suspension means it makes short work of both the (poorly) paved footpaths and dirt sections of our walk. I love that there's only one foot brake, it makes it so much easier than having one on each wheel. There's also a huge amount of storage space so I can load it up for the walk home.

Safety 1st Wanderer pram storage space

Underneath there is a huge storage basket. I have to specially order bubs formula from the chemist down the road and it comes in 10 tins at a time and they all fit perfectly in the open basket section. I've never been able to walk and get her formula before as I can't fit all the tins in my other pram. Best bit is there's still the zipped storage basket free to hold anything I pick up from the bakery or fruit shop as well. I still take my nappy bag with me (more out of habit), but all the contents could easily fit into the zipped section. There's another zipped pocket on the back of the sun canopy too which I put my phone and keys in for easy access.


Safety 1st Wanderer pram reversible seat

Another feature that I really like is the reversible seat. For some reason I thought all 3 wheel prams only had front facing seats, because that's all I'd ever seen. I was so happy when I saw that I could rear face her in the Wanderer. To be honest before I tried this pram I'd never forward faced her. I loved being able to see her the whole time (yes I know separation anxiety much). I bit the bullet and turned her around and she loves it. Obviously looking at the cars, plants and houses as we walk is a lot more interesting than looking at boring old mum. The good thing for me though is that this pram has a sneaky way I can spy keep an eye on her while she's front facing.

Safety 1st Wanderer 3 wheel pram extendible sun canopy

Hello hidden viewing window. The sun canopy on this pram is awesome to begin with, but it also extends down even further by unzipping the viewing window. Its great for the walk home because the sun is always directly in her face by then. In addition to allowing me to see her, it also allows for good ventilation while the canopy is down so low so she doesn't get hot. The pram also comes with a rain cover included although we haven't had to use it yet.


I love that the pram comes with a front bumper bar. It gives me extra peace of mind knowing that there's a bar there should I accidentally not clip the straps in properly. It also gives me a place to hang a wrap over her if its a bit chilly (without blocking her view). Pram toys can also be attached easily to entertain her when we're out for long periods of time. If you don't like having a bar across the front its easy to remove by unclipping it at the side. 


I'm seriously amazed by how easily the Wanderer folds down. Literally all I have to do is recline the seat and then pull the two red discs on the side and voilà the pram collapses on itself. The front wheel can be removed if needed to get the pram into a car boot, but I don't need to remove it. The pram also has an added safety latch on the side that automatically clicks into place when its folded down. I can fit the pram in my hatchback quite easily with a fair bit of boot room around it. It's just shy of being able to lay flat because of the thickness of the wheels, but lays flat in our sedan. My other pram folds into two separate pieces and takes up a lot more room in the boot so the fact that this one is quicker and easier to put away and leaves more boot space is a real winner.

There are so many other features I love about this pram including the adjustable handle and the fact that it comes with a seat liner and foot muff included instead of having to buy them as accessories. There are only two things I'm missing with this pram that I wish I had and that's a cup holder (for me) and an attachable tray (for feeding while out). The cup holder is just me being precious because I've got one on the other pram and I've grown quite accustomed to drinking hot chocolate while I'm exercising at the shops. I've seen the attachable food trays on friends prams and they look like an ingenious idea.

For the price ($499) and the numerous list of features this pram has I'd say its more than value for money. If I had to go shopping for a pram right now I'd definitely buy it as opposed to other brands (even my beloved Bugaboo). It isn't missing many features that my original pram has and there's a massive $980 difference in the price. See what I mean, definite value for money! If you're currently on the market for a pram or are looking to upgrade you should definitely go to the shops and have a sticky at the Wanderer. 

UPDATE: The Wanderer was originally $499 and has since been reduced to a RRP of $399.


Disclosure - I was gifted a Wanderer by Dorel after attending the PBC Expo bloggers breakfast. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post and all opinions expressed are based on my experience with the pram.

Would you like to comment?

  1. I have had my eye on this pram and love the fact that all the accessories like the pram liner, foot muff and belly bar are all included. Prams can be an expensive investment, especially if you have to go out and buy add-ons in order to use it safely. Suffice to say im loving the value for money the Wanderer provides!

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  2. I like how it doesn't take up to much space in the boot. That is a big issue I have with my small car most prams dont fit! It seems to have tons of other great features -power steering, back/forward facing, large sunshade

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    1. megan what type of car do you have ? I have a holden cruze and I am struggling to fit it in :(

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  3. Looks amazing. I've been looking for a good pram for when I go for walks and this would be perfect for Izzy

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  4. What a great prize! I'm a bit beyond needing a pram, my youngest is now 13.

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  5. I think the forward and rear facing feature is the best. I always looked for this in a pram as the rear facing mode in the newborn phase helped keep strangers' sticky hands away from my daughter.

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  6. I think this pram looks fantastic! Love the option to face forwards or rear facing, it's the one thing my pram doesn't do that I wish it did! As a consequence my eldest hated the pram for months.

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  7. Dani Dee -
    Love that it folds flat!

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  8. Great review of it Toni. Kt

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  9. Love how easy it is to collapse this baby! My current pram is a nightmare - it has to recline in exactly the right position with the wheels correctly aligned and even then its a bit hit and miss. If it doesn't recline fully due to something being unaligned the damn thing won't fit in my boot! You make this pram sound like a dream, but most especially I am sold on the reclining. Thanks for a great and thorough review xx

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  10. Elsa Soldado (Booty )

    I loves reading this review I'm actually looking for a new pram as the one I have hasn't been very good even tho it's a good brand the breaks are broken and it makes the most horrible sound every time we try to push it !
    As you mention before most moms are looking for good looking branded prams including me :( without even know the features of it I've been saving to get a stokke pram or a bugaboo but after reading this you've got me thinking ! So thanks for that ! I will definitely love to win this pram ! Reading all the features of it and the price makes it a winner ! So fingers crossed

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  11. I would love a pram that has big wheels that glide and manouvre easily. Reading that it 'moves like it has power steering and the suspension' would be a dream. I'm using a stroller with tiny wheels that seem to swivel and spin in the wrong direction and I am forever pulling it backwards to release it from its swivelling position. As a result I have had to lock the wheels so now I have to tilt the front end slightly to change direction. It's a pain! I would love the freedom of movement without feeling like I've snagged something in the wheels yet again.

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  12. I've owned a fair few prams in my time - the first one I ever bought when I was pregnant with Maya was a 3-wheeler with a fixed front wheel, we had no money at the time so I laybyed it and I was so proud the first time I took her for a walk in it. With the gremlins I went from a side-by-side 3-wheel Mountain Buggy to a side-by-side layback stroller to a Phil and Teds that I still used when I had Chiara. Then with Rosie I had a Steelcraft Agile. I never used it after about 3 months tho, once she outgrew the capsule that came with it, I wore her in a sling or carrier most of the time.

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    1. Isn't it great when you save up for something and pay it off, such a feeling of achievement. You seem like more of a pram expert then me Emma :)

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  13. Great giveaway! I just purchased a double pram for when my new baby is born. This one looks perfect for just one little one. I can't wait to start using my new pram :) Maria x
    www.mummygoesmad.com

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    1. Yea double prams seem to be the go once you have two. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Cant wait for your bub to arrive.

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  14. Great giveaway looks like a awesome pram with so many features

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  15. I love the idea of the reversible seat. My bub would love this.

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  16. I love the window and my kid would just look so cute in it

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  17. The fact that it has a reversible seat! I would love to be able to go for a walk, or to the shops or just out and about, and seeing my little ones face smiling back at me! Would make life so peachy!

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  18. Love this pram so much!!

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  19. I love the reversible seat. I hate not being able to have bub facing me when they are tiny.

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  20. Such a great pram, and yes to having lots of storage space!! Thanks for linking

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  21. This pram looks great. I love the viewing window and that it can be rear or forward facing too. This would be a fantastic prize for someone :)

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  22. It's so important to have a good pram. We made do with a secondhand one that was dodgy as all heck, it made my life a misery!

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  23. I loved my all-terrain jeep - it survived all three of my kids and was so easy to put down and lift (particularly after my c-sections). It didn't look as sexy as your Bugaboo or the Wanderer but it was a great pram...oh, the memories!

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  24. To be able to walk, run, stroll or hike with the Wanderer is my favourite feature. My current pram is on it's last legs and hasn't had a long life (especially for the amount it cost) and it has been nothing but disappointing. I would love an all terrain pram for my little miss so I can kick start my lose excess baby weight goal. I also love that the handle can reverse so you can look at bub while walking.

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  25. Being able to stow the shopping in it.. Grommit might be lucky to get a go ;)

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  26. I know the perfect recipient to receive this pram as a gift! Deb Harrison harrison_deb@hotmail.com

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  27. My friend will love the reversible seat! Deb Harrison

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  28. The front bumper bar for little miss 2
    A must for me as I have errands to do
    Hates being constricted and loves sitting up tall
    Without the bumper she would surely fall.

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  29. I love all the features, but the reversible handlebar is excellent for both bub and parents.

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  30. Great review, Toni. I loved our 3 wheel City Jogger. Interesting to know there was a media report about the hazards of 3 wheel prams, though.

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    1. It was years ago Grace when 3 wheel prams were only just starting to come out. It was after some lady's pram rolled off into a lake, but Im not sure if the brakes failed or if she just forgot to put them on, but it was basically warning against all 3 wheel prams (as the media tends to exaggerate things).

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  31. Reversible seat, makes it like two prams in one. Great for all conditions, and moods too.
    - Diana.

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  32. I love that it folds flat. Not having a big boot this would no longer be a struggle.

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  33. I love that is looks sturdy and lightweight. Fold up flat perfect since I dont have much boot space. I could finally do a normal grocery shop!! There are so many that I love about this pram!!

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  34. I love the extendable canopy that allows you to see your child as well as provide extra coverage. So many prams just don't offer enough protection from the sun so its refreshing to see.

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  35. I love the reversible seat that can be front or rear facing! For those days when she's sick of looking at my face, she can look at the traffic instead!

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  36. I love the zipped storage basket. Fitting everything in there :)

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  37. I must say I'm a fan of the fact it folds down so easily. I sold my old pram and will have to get a new one for our second and will never forget the embarassing and frustrating moments in car parks when I couldn't for the life of me fold down my truck of a pram. I remember one time I was so angry with the pram I literally shoved it in the back of my car (still folded out) because I just couldn't get it to fold down...all why two guys waited for my carpark (god knows why they didn't just drive off, I know I wanted them to!). So yes, the fact that it folds so nice and easy would be a huge peace of mind for me, especially considering I'll have two children!

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  38. This wanderer is quite the pram with it's folding ease and the switching view, it's certainly everything a mum would love. The thing I love most of all though is the storage space! That there is something that will come in so handy, especially with the amount of things that you need for bub!

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  39. That sun canopy is an awesome idea, I'm surprised I've never seen it before.

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  40. The large, easily accessible under basket. I would use and praise this feature several times a day! - Lisa Shulman

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  41. I love the sun canopy it's great that it extends to cover bub when out and about

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  42. I'm pregnant with baby #2 & need a pram that has big chunky wheels like the wanderer so I can walk child #1 to school each day. We live in the middle of nowhere with no footpaths & gravelly / dirt/ stone roads that are terrible on the average pram with dainty little wheels. This looks perfect for me! Also, love that there is lots of storage to throw the shopping in - since I don't drive, I only walk & use public transport, the easy fold up option would be fantastic too! Oh & the adjustable handle since i'm a shorty & my hubby is tall! Can you tell i'd really love this pram? lol :)

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  43. Extendable sun canopy with viewing window is a brilliant design. Through this particular window, I can check whether my baby is ok anytime and my baby will feel safe if she sees me.

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  44. Its excellent suspension and steering appeal to me. I don't like struggling in tight spaces with a pram that has poor maneuverability. So frustrating.

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  45. I love the reversible seat! I too thought all 3 wheel prams could only face forward (like my old one), and when my bubbas were tiny they hated facing forward and not seeing me. Being able to face them towards me when they were little, and then swap to forward-facing when they are older and more interested in seeing everything is a winner for me :)

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  46. I love the sporty look of this pram and therefore the motivation to exercise! With a 17 month old and another on the way this pram would be ideal. I could babywear the newborn whilst my son is comfortable in the pram. The choice of reversing the seating position and the big canopy is a plus in my book. nothing worse than the blaring sun directly in your childs face without the option to completely shade or turn them around to face you. I hate prams where you cannot turn the seat around. Great review :)

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  47. I love that the seat is both forward and reverse facing. That's the #1 thing I look on my list - my mother keeps saying to me "Babies need to be able to see their mama and toddlers need to be able to see the world". So to keep her happy (and she's probably quite right!) I wouldn't consider a pram without this feature.

    compacc123@gmail.com

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  48. I love that the seat is reversible. When I shopped for my first pram I didn't even know about reversible seats and when my first was born I'd see other mums at mums group walking with theirs. I was drooling at that function as the mums could walk their pram and look at their bubbas.

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  49. I LOVE 3 wheelers and am very impressed that this one is reversible!
    Pram walking is the best, easiest, baby friendly exercise for us mums and it works!

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  50. Love the reversible seat not many prams have them, want to be able to see my bubba when out and about, especially when seeing new things love seeing her reaction.

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  51. Great review - it sure sounds like a great pram! It actually reminds me a lot of my BOB running pram. And funnily enough that was my first big purchase (until I started doing some research into running prams I had no idea just how expensive prams really were)!!! And even funnier, I don't even have kids myself yet!

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  52. I love that you can easily reverse the handle bar to have bubs facing in with you or outwards.
    As a very concious on looker to our babies and very paranoid like me - I like to have close watch on my little girl like in her cot we have heart monitors I like to be able to turn the pram into look at me when she has fallen asleep in our long walks around shops or outside exercising.

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  53. Nice one! looks like a great stroller! thanks for linking for Sunday Brunch again this week always lovely to see you xx

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  54. I absolutely love the removable bumper bar. We had an incident in Perth last week where I had my 4 month in his pram not strapped in & as I raced into the house to go to the loo, my 3 year old pushed the pram along the grass in the front yard & the pram toppled over & my little boy fell out :( I felt like the worst mother in the world. A bumper bar would have prevented him from falling out. I'm also a runner so I dig 3 wheelers :)

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  55. By the way, it's Anita from http://fitmotherhubbard.com

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  56. Fab giveaway! I love the storage! My pram (bought second hand and looking the worse for wear) has no storage. None. All that storage makes me smile!!!!

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  57. I love the see through bit in the visor so you can keep an eye on the baby, little things like that are awesome...
    Kim


    galwayst@hotmail.com

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  58. I love this pram too! It's so easy to use! Great giveaway!

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  59. Awesome review Toni and what a fabulous prize some lucky mama or papa will win! xx

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  60. Loads of Storage space, you can never have enough storage space!

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  61. Such a versatile pram!
    A+!
    Absolutely love the reversible seat feature! So handy from newborn onwards. There are only a select few prams with this feature. Definitely a great selling point along with all the other features included, such a steal for $499!

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  62. Forward facing or around the other way...its great to suit the age of the child in the parm! Love that!

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  63. There are so many great features its hard to chose one! I love that it is all terrain. We live in a small country town and my current pram is unsuitable as the paths that we have arent great and there are areas where there is only grass/dirt (and horse poo to dodge) It would allow me to get out and exercise more and then I can become a healthier mummy to my kids

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  64. I love that you can switch to forward facing.. so handy!

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  65. The ease as to how it collapses and stores away in the car boot

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  66. I love the pneumatic tyres and rear wheel suspension for a smooth comfortable ride. Nothing worse than a bumpy pram ride for baby!

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  67. The reversible seat such a handy feature!

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  68. Definitely the big basket! I don't drive so having a decent sized basket is a must! being able to fit 10 cans of formula in there is super amazing!!

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