Customer Reviews

Peg Perego Venezia SNG Carriage / Stroller - Chesapeake

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Looking for the "perfect" stroller was almost as hard as giving birth to my son (and I had him 100% natural! LOL). After much research and many test drives, my hubby and I settled on the Venezia by Peg Perego. The biggest reason was because we really wanted a stroller that had the carriage option. Neither of us are fans of the travel systems with the bulky and hard to carry infant seat aka baby bucket. (I once saw a woman put her baby bucket on a grocery cart at the store...and while she was looking at veggies another cart steered by a 7yr old ran into her cart. The whole cart fell over, the baby bucket fell off the cart and rolled over. Luckily the baby was strapped in and was fine, but after that I swore I'd never use an infant carrier!)

We looked at the Graco Chauffer stroller...great but it weighs close to 30lbs!! Plus the floor model we looked at was all creaky and just seemed flimsy. In contrast, the floor model of the Venezia was still in perfect working order.

I'm going to list the features that I love about the Venezia:
- reclines completely for newborns- We used the stroller as a roving bassinette in our house when our son was very little. He would sleep for hours in the luxurious padding.

- handle reverses- This is a great feature even when your baby is a little older. Sometimes kids just want to look at you! The handle reverses quickly and easily.

- light weight for a full sized stroller- The Venezia weighs only 17lbs. That's lighter than some "lightweight" strollers!

- easy folding- To fold the Venezia, you click one lever with your foot, then click a second lever with your foot. Push the stroller forward and it collapses in on itself. You lock it using two sturdy tabs.

- stands up by itself when folded- Very nice feature that you don't think about in the store, but is convenient when you get it home.

- full boot included- The boot covers the front of the stroller so you can use it as a carriage. It also unsnaps to cover the leg rest when you are using the Venezia as a regular stroller. This keeps your little 'un warm and cozy no matter the weather. Plus it keeps the toys in the stroller!

- mesh "Baby Safe" boot included- The stroller also has an attached mesh that can be placed over the front bar and the legrest when it's in the carriage configuration. This keeps toys and your baby in the stroller (though it's not a subsitute for the 5pt. harness).

- nicely fitting 5pt harness- Easy to take off and put on; fits comfortably on your little one.

- huge hood- The hood is big enough to shelter your baby almost completely even with the stroller is fully reclined. It's very nice to be able to keep the sun out of my child's eyes without having to use a blanket.

- 4 wheel suspension- The Venezia rides like a Caddy! There are shocks on all four wheels, all four wheels swivel and can also be locked. The locking mechanism is very simple (you flick a lever with your toe). While I wouldn't use this stroller in loose gravel or dirt, it does fine on the sidewalks in my neighborhood. And it rides great in the mall. There are also brakes on all four wheels that you push with your foot. Very easy and safe.

- plush interior- The Venezia comes with an extra pad that helps to make small babies comfortable. When your child gets bigger, you take the extra pad out and there's still plenty of soft padding in the regular seat to keep him or her comfy. All the cloth on the stroller is removable and machine washable.

- huge, functional basket- A must for the diaper bag.

- sturdiness- Peg Perego makes great strollers. The majority of strollers that you see for resale are Peg Peregos, because they last a long time! How often to you see a 5 yr old Graco being resold? Enough said.

Here are my nitpicks...the "not so good":

- can't be folded with one hand- But that's ok because you usually end up putting your child down before you pick up your stroller and throw it into the car.

- basket can't be used when carriage is fully reclined- This is a problem with all strollers. If it's fully reclined, it's very difficult to get to the basket.

- fairly expensive- But so worth every penny!

All in all, I would def. recommend this stroller to any new parent who is willing to pay a little extra for quality. It's a great, durable stroller with the features that will allow you to use it from birth to 4 or 5 years old.

You will probably also want to purchase a light weight "umbrella" stroller, but the Venezia is perfect as your everyday stroller.

2003 Review: I spent four weeks researching strollers before I finally bought this one for my six-month old. My research involved going to all of the product websites, reading customer reviews, stopping people with various strollers on the street, talking with friends, and trying them each out in the stores. I had been borrowing an infant car-seat/snap-and-go combo from a friend for the first six months of my daughter's life and knew what I liked and didn't like about that stroller. In a city where your primary means of transportation is walking, a good-quality, durable stroller is critical --so you do need to spend a bit more money.

After seriously evaluating the Evenflo Comfort system, the Graco Metrolite, the Combi TravelSavvy, the Maclaren Volo & Techno, the Bertini M5, the Peg Perego Pliko and this one, I had pretty much narrowed it down to the Peg Perego Venezia and the comparably priced and ubiquitous MacLaren Techno because they were the most durable and easiest to handle of the lot. The MacLaren is lighter and folds up smaller, but only marginally so, and I am forever spotting little sleeping childeren umcomfortably slumped forward in their MacLarens like coach class passengers on an overnight flight: the MacLaren's seats don't fully recline; and that is important when you are on long strolls/shopping trips that run into nap-time. Kids in MacLarens just look less comfortable and cozy than those in the Peg Perego. So after much backing and forthing, I took the chance on the Peg Perego. I'm really glad I did.

I had a feeling I'd made a stellar choice as soon as I took it out of the box. I was able to assemble it without even looking at the instructions: unlike so many items I've bought for my baby, it's operation was perfectly intuitive. It rides like a cadillac on the treacherous New York City sidewalks (pot holes, ice lumps, gravely streets, ramp-less curbs) and handles so well I can steer it with one hand --as easily as the MacLaren. It's not quite as small when folded, but it folds up so compactly into a standing position that it stays out of the way in our cramped NYC digs. It also has plenty of storage space in the lower basket that can be accessed while the seat is fully reclined (storage space is critical to the carless Manhattan resident) and it has much more of it than the MacLarens have. Note also that storage space was a deal-breaker with the Peg Perego Pliko, too: it is completely inaccessible from above --you have to slip items under a metal frame from the side. The Venezia's adjustable handle is nice and high so that you don't have to stoop to walk with it (I'm 5'7"). It's as high as the one on the MacLaren Techno. I also love the bunting that allows it to be used as a cozy baby-carriage in the winter. Another cold-weather plus: the hood folds all the way down to to completely cover the baby in case of a sudden rain or windstorm. The Venezia fabric is by far the classiest and I've gotten many a compliment on it already. Sure, it would be nice to have a parent cup-holder, but the stroller handles so well you can hold a cup in one hand and steer with the other --and it's probably a lot safer than having a cup of liquid positioned just over the baby's head. This is a great stroller, even for the price. I would recommend it to anyone, but especially to the City-dweller.

2005 Edit to this review: This stroller was great until my daughter was 18 months old. After that, it became too cumbersome to steer with the extra weight. I bought a MacLaren Volo and have used that one since. I would still use this stroller if I had another baby, but only for the first year and a half. I still recommend the Venezia, but I recommend buying the Volo when baby gets too heavy and/or when it doesn't need/can't fit in the wonderful bunting the Venezia offers.

Shopping for a stroller was almost as hard as going through labor! It took me several trips to baby stores and endless comparisons and questions before I decided on this stroller, but I am very happy with my decision. I almost didn't get this stroller because my husband did not like the wheels, that they have improved and made more sporty since then.

PROS:

REVERSIBLE BAR-wonderful for baby facing in when they are infants, protecting them from the sun, nats and wind and just turning then around to change the view or entertain theM when they are older if they are getting fussy.

BASINETT FEATURE-helpful when they fall asleep and when they are young infants and backrest folds down completely horizontal

DURABILITY-A girl at work swore by this and that it lasts through a few kids and I must say when I see people with older strollers(usually white ones) almost 9 out of 10 times they are Peg Perego and they are using it on a few of their kids.

COMPACT-Folds down very small and I like how the child tray is tucked away and doesnt stick out like other strollers I see

FOOT REST-I didnt realize how important this feature is until
he was sitting up the footrest can be straight out or folded down and his legs/knees arent long enough even now to fold down that he is a year so I have it straight still until his legs get longer.

BOOT-NET-These are great I used the boot through winter to keep him warm (Even in CA) just to keep toys, bottles and especially shoes in the Stroller.

ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBAR-Great for Short People like me or Tall People Like Grandmas

STYLE-Fabrics are very durable and look great. I love that it looks like an old fashioned carriage

CUSTOMER SERVICE-When Calling the company it is easy to get parts that will convert to your existing stroller, high chair, etc. Like the child tray which they did not have on my 2001 stroller. They are really good at standing behind their product and will replace if anything is missing or damaged too.

****The only thing I would like to see added is a Parent Tray, (I think the reason they dont though is because if you had a hot beverage and it fell and the baby was facing you it could be dangerous?)
And I wish it had a Window to see the baby when it is facing out.

P.S. I dont work for the company but I should with the publicity I give them. I live in CA company is in Midwest too! I cant help give my opinion when people are checking it out at Baby Stores

I chose this stroller because I found it to be easy to open and close after several traumatic hours of trying to open and close the other strollers at Babies'R'Us. I like the reversible handle alot. We've used it in carriage mode exclusively since our baby was born 3 months ago and our son loves sleeping in it. I've used this stroller in department stores and at the airport with some minimal stress. It can be difficult when aisles are too close or jammed with merchandise.

This stroller is not good for:
1. walking sidewalks in neighborhoods with mature trees that force the sidewalk up.
2. anyone not smart enough to figure out how to adjust the wheels when you reverse the handle (this includes me)
3. anyone with back problems -- it's not real heavy, but it's not light either

This stroller is good for:
1. traveling (day trips or longer) because it offers a nice comfortable and flat place for your baby to nap when you're out and about.
2. hauling lots of extra gear - the basket is huge.

This carriage stroller shouldn't be under the "lightweight" heading at all, however, since its a carriage stroller I will review it as such. Its got everything you would need. A large basket, reversible handle, full recline, large canopy for protection from the sun, and a boot too. The wheels all swivel which makes it a dream to steer. It gets through aisles pretty well and can even accommodate an infant car seat with an adapter bar(purchased separately). Peg Perego is a well trusted name and their products are high quality. I think you get what you pay for and with this stroller its alot! Its great for walks outside or in the mall. It does weight a bit more than a lightweight stroller, but with all the great features its fine with me. I have tried other strollers(Graco, Evenflo, etc.) and they just do not compare!

We purchased this product several months ago, I waited awhile before giving my review, b/c I wanted to really test it out and get a feel for it. This stroller has been used in my home area (a small suburb in ny), at the airports, in malls and across nyc, here is what I have found.
Pros:
Reversible handle: wonderful, although you really need to read the instructions as to what to do with the wheels when in the 2 different positions. Basically, the ones closest to you should be fixed and the ones away from you should swivel, otherwise you'd be all over the place.
Comfort: superb, no other brand of stroller produces such beautiful, washable, comfortable fabric. Reclines to 3 levels of comfort, foot rest comes all the way up, so legs don't hang down, when sleeping. easy to maneuver.
Safety: 5 point harness, mesh netting that goes over the footrest which prevents baby from sliding out. safety bar, keeps baby or toddler in stroller.
Extras: child snack tray, weather boot (great for all types of climates, esp nice in windy areas, where blankies often fly away)
hood that comes all the way down, great for winter and rainy months, really helps in keeping sun out of baby's eyes. Adjustable handle, while it doesn't go up and down, it changes to diffent angles, so you can find the best fit for you. Easy 1,2 close system.
Cons:
Basket is very hard to reach, no matter what position the seat is in. Often when closing, the straps fall underneath the seat. so when you open it, it won't open all the way b/c they're lodged near the folding mechanism, it can be a pain to untangle and release. Usually the slots that hold the hood detach when folded or opened, its easy to fix, but again a pain. There is no window to see your child through the hood. There are no cup holders for parents.

Overall view:
There's no denying there are alot of great features to this stroller. From my mom who is 5' to my husband who is 6'3", the adjustable height bar can be appreciated. B/c the stroller is wider and roomier than others in its class, I've been able to put my daughter's eddie bauer infant car seat in w/o having to purchase any extra equipment. We got caught in the rain in nyc and thanks to the weather boot and hood that goes all the way down, our daughter stayed completely dry. This is great for trips to the doctors, malls or walks along your neighborhood. It is very easy to maneuver and provides a smooth ride for baby. And while roomy, its not cumbersome. It fits into cars, trucks and vans easily. The kick bars on both sides are great when you reach bumps in your path (mainly sidewalks), they allow you to easily get the stroller above your obstacle w/o a struggle (great when you're not the strongest person in the world). It is a pain when the straps get caught beneath the seat, as you have to fight with them to get uncaught, so you can open your stroller. It is great for walking around nyc, but I would not recommend it to those who use the subways or buses alot, as this stroller is heavy and bigger than most and was difficult to use while there. I have since purchased an umbrella stroller from cosco (its very lightweight, reclines, has a huge basket, parent cup holders and a hood,...) for trips to nyc. Taking this stroller there was a huge mistake.
Basically this is a very good stroller, it has "wowed me" in many ways and in many others unimpressed me, if you really want the stroller/carriage combo, live in a climate where it is cold or windy alot (as we do), then you will really appreciate this stroller, otherwise don't spend as much and look at the pliko matic also from peg perego, as it has many of the same features for about $100 less. We bought it for my sister who lives in nyc and she loves it. Hope this helps.

If my son could talk, I am certain that is what he would say! And I couldn't agree more!!!! My husband and I are just blown away by how awesome it is!!! We were going to get the Graco Metrolite or CitiLite (can't remember) - and I am so glad that we took the time and the extra money to get this stroller.

We LOVE the handle that can swivel either way to allow you to face your baby, or the baby can face outwards to the world. The wheels are so smart! They can go side-to-side, or you can lock 2 or all 4 wheels to go only forward/backwards. When you are stopped permanently, every wheel locks individually which is a real plus, because many of the strollers out there will only lock the back 2 wheels.

I also LOVE that the fold down is a 2 step process...I was a little reluctant at first for the sake of convenience...but for the sake of SAFETY! I had tried several of the other strollers in BRU, and the one hand lock (can't remember which brand) was disasterous because while I had my baby in the stroller; it started to colapse inward and onto him while strapped in.

I am so excited to take him out! It is supposed to be a blustery day tomorrow; but I am 100% assured that he will be cozy and secure given the hood's design and wrap around cover.

so what if it doesn't have a parent cup/tray...I would give it up anyday for this stroller.

It was WORTH EVERY PENNY! And I am looking forward to it's longevity given all of the reviews!!!!

This is a great stroller with wonderful features. The price is high, but so far I think it is worth it. We used this as a bassinet in carriage mode in our room for a few nights when our little baby came home from the hospital, and now it is a delightful stroller. The reversable handle bars are fantastic, especailly if we want to see our little one or change his view so he's out of the sunshine during our walks. Ample space for mommy's things in the cargo bag below.

I bought the PP adapter bar and my Graco carseat can fit on the Venezia for a great homemade travel system without having to buy PP car seat or giant Graco stroller.

For those having trouble with this on sidewalks, I suggest locking the rear wheels for easier push control on uneven surfaces. This stroller may have more "high tech" options than some, but for a busy mom on the go, I wouldn't suggest anything else.

This has to be one of the best strollers ever. I have the stroller and matching car seat/carrier as a travel system. Easy open, easy close, and very easy rolling (smooth as roller blades). Grandma is 76 years old and has no problem managing this stroller - she wishes she had strollers that rolled this well for her 4 kids. Lightweight for a full-size stroller. Very durable - still looks new after 16 months. Canopy is great for sun and wind. Large, easy to access basket. Boot is great in winter - throw a warm blanket on their legs under the boot and you don't have to bundle them up like the Stay-Puff marshmallow man. The reversible handles are great when your infant has outgrown the carrier but you still want them to face you in the stroller. New snack tray is a great addition, and as always with Peg Perego, new features can be retrofitted to the older models. Worth every penny.

I bought this stroller brand new 1/2 off at Marshall's (use to be a floor sample and the sun shade was broken). I contacted Peg Perego and they mailed me a replacement part for free! I have no desire to purchase another stoller. It is a bit heavy but the comfort my son is in is worth more. The basket underneath is great with a large diaper bag (except when the seat is reclined completely). The wheels maneuver easily even now that my son is 8 months old. As a carriage, I loved it! I had to be on the go early on with a newborn and the smooth ride was wonderful for my son. I came into this website in search of a lightweight stroller for my mom (babysitter); and wish she could handle the weight of this one because no one seems completely happy with their lightweight strollers. Eventually, I will purchase a lightweight for my mom but, I will continue to use this stroller for everyday use. Thanks Peg Perego!