Most Liked Negative Review

Disappointed with Quality and Functionality

I am extremely disappointed with the quality and features of the Graco Modes(TM) Element Travel System. When I received the Graco Travel System to test from the Stellar Review Panel I was so excited. I have other Graco products (a swing and a play yard) that I use every day and absolutely love. Unfo...rtunately, the Graco Modes(TM) Element Travel System falls short of the quality that I expect from Graco. The materials used seem cheap and the infant stroller is difficult to use. The assembly of the travel system was easy. The directions are straightforward. It took me about 15 minutes to assemble. Once the travel system was assembled, I tested it out. I am a first time mom with a 6 week old newborn and primarily use the infant stroller configuration of the travel system for taking my baby on daily walks with my dogs. For me it is important to easily be able to do the following: (1) carry the stroller and infant carrier in and out of the house, (2) open the stroller and install the infant carrier, (3) feel that my baby is safe and comfortable while walking, (4) remove the infant carrier and collapse the stroller. The Graco Modes(TM) Element Travel System did not meet my needs. Infant Carrier Assessment: My baby was not comfortable in the infant carrier. The liner on the infant carrier is rough. The seat back and bottom meet at a sharp angle, which caused my baby to sit in an awkward position with his legs folded up toward his chest. The handle is a slippery plastic with no grip. Infant Stroller Assessment: When folded the stroller does not have a handle or gripping point, which makes it difficult to carry. Opening the stroller requires the use of two hands to undo the latch and pull the stroller open. Likewise closing the stroller requires two hands to push down buttons on either side and then manually fold the stroller. For me it would be ideal to go in and out of my house with my baby in the infant carrier in one hand and the stroller in the other. But that is not possible with this travel system. Additionally, the infant carrier is difficult to get in out of the stroller. I had to jostle the infant seat and push/pull hard to get it in and out of the stroller. The commotion woke my sleeping baby in the carrier. Once set up, the infant stroller handles well and gives my baby a smooth ride on sidewalks. The large storage basket underneath is great for carrying extra blankets, a diaper bag, etc. However, I am 5'2" and found the handle bar too high and uncomfortable for my wrists and shoulders. Also the compartments in the parent tray were too small to hold my 24 ounce water bottle and my phone. The concept of a travel system that grows with your child from infant to toddler is excellent. But the Graco Modes(TM) Element Travel System was designed poorly. The infant stroller just did not work for me. Pros: - easy to assemble - light weight - stroller basket is spacious and easily accessible - stroller is easy to maneuver Cons: - requires two hands to open and close stroller - no handle for carrying the stroller when collapsed - infant seat is difficult to get in and out of the stroller - folded stroller is bulky - have to engage locks on each wheel separately - stroller handlebar height is not adjustable - have to put seat in upright forward position before collapsing the stroller - does not include body support for toddler seat - rough material on seats in stroller and infant carrier - handle on infant carrier is slippery plastic with no grip - the seat back and bottom meet at a sharp angle in the infant carrier, causing my newborn to sit in an awkward position with his legs folded up toward his chest Bottom Line: I do not recommend this product. I received this travel system from the Stellar Product Testing Panel.