Fisher-Price, Ferrari and Mothercare car seats - A Re-branded Nania

Fisher-Price, Ferrari and Mothercare brand range of car seats are practically re-branded car seats by Nania. So in terms of functionality and design, they are exactly the same. The difference may be in terms of quality of the fabric.

The above mentioned brands has the exact same complete range of car seats which in my opinion covers your kid right from infancy till they are big enough for just a simple booster seat.

Below are the list of groups of car seat for kids of different sizes. All the car seats in each group are practically similar.

Group 0+

Fisher Price Safe Voyage Infant

Ferrari Beone

Mothercare Ziba

This group of car seats are for infants up to 13 kg. However the new car seat standard is no longer based on weight but the height of the child so as soon as your child outgrows the tallest harness position, it is time to change the car seat to the next group.

The seat is secured to the car with the car's 3 point seat belt and the child is seat secured to the seat with its 3-point harness.

The good thing about this group of car seats is that you can remove the seat from the car while the baby is still in the car seat. However, securing the seat to the car with the car's 3-point seat belt can be a challenge and it increases the possibility of improper installation.

Group 0-1

Fisher Price Safe Voyage Convertible

Ferrari Cosmo

Mothercare Madrid

This group of car seats can be converted from rear facing to front facing when it is appropriate.

It being in the group 0-1 means it is suitable for your child from birth when installed rear facing. When your child is able to lift himself up and has outgrown the lowest harness position, it can then be be installed front facing but it is best to keep the seat rear facing for as long as you possibly can (and if your child is cooperative)

The seat itself is attached to a mounting base that allows the seat to be reclined without having to readjust the car seat belting, which is a good thing. There are other convertibles that requires you to re-belt if adjust the recline angle which is very inconvenient and also increases risk of improper installation.

However, the seat retains its seating position so your child do not actually lean back when the car seat is reclined which is similar to the likes of Maxi Cosi Priori range of car seats. This car seat should last you for quite a while until your child outgrows it.

The seat is secured to the car with the car's adult 3 point retractable seat belt or ISOFIX / Latch Tether combination and the child is seat secured to the seat with its 5-point harness.

Group 1-2-3

Fisher-Price Safe Voyage Grow-With-Me

Ferrrari Beline

Mothercare Malmo

This group of car seats are for taller kids that have outgrown the convertibles.

It is practically a booster seat with a high back and 5 point harness for taller kids. The harness and high back can be removed. So if you already have or are going to have this, it will be the last car seat you will ever need for that same child.

The seat is secured to the car with the car's adult 3-point retractable seat belt and the child is secured to the seat with its 5-point harness

Group 2-3

The Fisher-Price Safe Voyage High Back Booster

Ferrari Befix

Mothercare Milan

These car seats are practically the same as the previous group but without the harness so if you already have one of those and your child has outgrown the tallest harness position, you can remove the harness and buckle and you will have the same thing.

Child is secured to the car with the car's adult 3 point retractable seat belt.

Group 2-3

The Fisher-Price Backless Booster

Ferrari Dream

Mothercare Dream

These seat are practically the same as the previous group but without the back rest. So if you have a seat from any of the two previous groups, you can convert them by removing the harness and/or backrest. 

This car seat is for kids tall enough that the car's 3 point seat belt does touch their cheeks when seated on this booster.

Child is secured to the car with the car adult 3 point retractable seat belt.

Hauck Freerider

The Hauck Freerider is a 3 wheeler tandem stroller with the second seat at the back and lower than the main seat, similar to the likes of Phil & Teds.

It comes with the second seat, instead of it being an option. You can opt for the Shop 'n Drive model which is essentially a package of same stroller bundled with an infant car seat.

As with any Hauck user manual, it comes with pictures only. However, fixing up the stroller is not an uphill task. You are only required to fix the 3 wheels and sun shade. The 2nd seat can just be easily slipped on and off with a catch.


Features

The front seat reclines by pulling a metal lever at the back of the seat and it can recline till it's fully flat. To lift it up, you simply push the seat up until it locks to any of the 4 positions available. This is a pretty good mechanism if your ask me as you can operate it with one hand.

When fully up, the main seat is almost 90° so it is good for kids who likes to sit up straight. However, when straight up, the space between the backrest and the bar strap is pretty small, so if you have a big baby, it might be uncomfortable for your kid.

The main seat can accommodate an infant car seat without having to remove it although you will have to raise the incline by one step from flat to allow enough space for the child in the rear seat. The main seat can also be removed totally if you plan to use the infant car seat exclusively, as shown below, though it is not advisable to sit a infant in the car seat for more than an hour at any one time.

The rear seat can on the other hand can only recline further by one step by means of a zip. This limitation is expected.

The calf support and handle is adjustable to a few heights.

The front wheel is lockable while the the rear wheel lock is pretty smooth


Quality

The Good

The thickly padded seats are very comfortable and of good quality.

The Bad

The handle construction disappoints me as it has too much play, making it feels like the stroller is a few years old. This however do not affect the function of the stroller that much except when you place a bigger child in the main seat and the back seat unoccupied. Due to the weight being concentrated at the front, it can be a a challenge when you need to lift the stroller up a kerb.

The wheels are made of plastic. Although most will say that inflatable wheels are much better, not having to pump air can be a plus at times, especially if you keep the stroller in your car most of the time.

The calf support is pretty much hollow with nothing much in between.

The stroller folds up not too bad but the front wheel is not able to be aligned flat and it is the main part that is causing problems when loading up to the boot trunk of the car.

The Ugly

As the sun shade attaches by simply slotting it into a groove on the chassis but without any form of locking mechanism, it always detaches itself each time the stroller is folded.

The extendable sun shade for the rear seat looks good as it covers the rear seat sufficiently but it has no where to be stored. You either use it or remove it as shown below

A similar poor design applies to the main seat backrest mounting. As it do not have a locking mechanism, it always detaches itself on either/both sides each time you fold your stroller.

Again, another poor design is the rear seat rod end cover. It always slips off when you remove the seat. You have to slot it back in place each time you want to attach the rear seat. A velcro should solve this problem so I don't understand why it was not thought off by Hauck designers.

Summary

Overall the stroller is alright except for a few annoying setback. For the price you pay, it is forgivable though if you can fork out more, do it.

Pros
Affordable
Good quality seats
5 point harness on both seats
Main seat suitable for infant from birth onward
Adjustable handle height
Can adapt an infant car seat
Comes with a rain cover

Cons
Poor design for certain parts
Too much play in handle
Sun shade is flimsy. Easily detached itself especially when you fold the stroller.
Main seat backrest mount dislodge each time you fold the stroller
Extendable shade has no place to store into. Either you cover the rear seat or you remove it.
Rear seat rod end cover always slips off when you remove the seat. You have to slot it back in place each time you want to attach the rear seat.

Double strollers

I am expecting a second baby and hence will need to re-evaluate my stroller needs. I did consider all options

1. Two strollers, one for each.
2. Double strollers, duo (side-by-side)
3. Double strollers, tandem (inline)

The first option is the most cost effective as we just need to buy another stroller but that means we will not be able to bring both kids out alone. So this option is out.

For double strollers, a duo is not practical here in Singapore. It will be a nightmare to go shopping with a one due to it being too wide for most places here.

So in the end, looks like a tandem stroller should suit us the best.

There are many types of tandems as well but it all boils down to how versatile the seat configurations are. Standard tandems will have both seats face front. Some allows the seats to face each other. Some allows both seats to face the back. Some have one seat higher than the other. Some allows one or two car seats to be fixed making it a travel system. So it boils down to what you need.

For us, we need one that is able to adapt an infant car seat and at least one seat can recline fully making it suitable for infants. It also have to affordable.

The two requirements of ours automatically strikes many tandem strollers out of our list. For example the Kinderwagon, weighing at only 10kg, making it the lightest tandem out there, is not able to recline either seat fully therefore not suitable for infants.

Another issue is that most stadium or back to back tandem strollers are a lot longer than normal to accommodate the two seats comfortably. Due to this, it can be difficult to maneuver the strollers around. This is another reason why I prefer one with the back seat at the bottom as this means it would not be that long hence easier to maneuver.

So basically I need a tandem stroller that can

- adapt at least one infant car seat
- at least one seat able to recline fully.
- back seat are at the bottom

There are many manufacturers out there that make tandem double strollers with price range that is the like the earth and sky - from affordable to ridiculously expensive.

Phil & Ted are supposedly the pioneers of such strollers and they have a couple of different similar models. The 'Classic' model is what they are popular for. Since then many manufacturers have followed suit.

As usual, options in Singapore is limited. Distributors here will only bring in those that can sell rather than providing choices. They also usually price the strollers much higher than what it really cost.


The following are the available models out there, as far as I know so far.

1. Phil & Ted line of inline strollers

2. Hauck Freerider

3. Graco Trekko Duo

4. Obaby Xi

5. Jane Twone

6. Britax B-READY

The above models varies in cost, weight and flexibility but they all share a similar common traits such as

- removable rear seat to convert it into a single stroller
- rear seat may need to be removed to fold the stroller.
- can adapt an infant car seat.
- basket acts as the foot rest for the child in the rear seats.
- removable wheels
- adjustable height handle

Below are the specification matrix. Take note that some information are based on what is provided on the manufacturers website and may be incorrect

Brand/Model	Product Weight	Dimensions		Seat Maximum Load
		Folded	Unfolded	Main	Second
Obaby Xi	14.45 kg	98 x 62 x 34 cm	116 x 62 x 121 cm	unkown	unknown
Hauck Freerider	12.5kg	95 x 61 x 38 cm	128 x 61 x 112 cm	15 kg	15 kg
Phil & Teds Navigator	11.5 kg (w/o 2nd seat)	76 x 61 x 30 cm	unknown	20 kg	20 kg on front 15 kg rear
Jane Twone	7.5 kg  (frame only)	72 x 62 x 30 cm	79/108 x 98 x 62 cm	15 kg	15 kg
Graco Trekko Duo	13.9 kg	55 x 66 x 125 cm	125 x 66 x 108 cm	15 kg	15 kg

Britax B-Ready

15.7 kg

53 x 69 x 100 cm

119 x 69 x 110 cm

20 kg

15 kg

Double strollers

I am expecting a second baby and hence will need to re-evaluate my stroller needs. I did consider all options

1. Two strollers, one for each.
2. Double strollers, duo (side-by-side)
3. Double strollers, tandem (inline)

The first option is the most cost effective as we just need to buy another stroller but that means we will not be able to bring both kids out alone. So this option is out.

For double strollers, a duo is not practical here in Singapore. It will be a nightmare to go shopping with a one due to it being too wide for most places here.

So in the end, looks like a tandem stroller should suit us the best.

There are many types of tandems as well but it all boils down to how versatile the seat configurations are. Standard tandems will have both seats face front. Some allows the seats to face each other. Some allows both seats to face the back. Some have one seat higher than the other. Some allows one or two car seats to be fixed making it a travel system. So it boils down to what you need.

For us, we need one that is able to adapt an infant car seat and at least one seat can recline fully making it suitable for infants. It also have to affordable.

The two requirements of ours automatically strikes many tandem strollers out of our list. For example the Kinderwagon, weighing at only 10kg, making it the lightest tandem out there, is not able to recline either seat fully therefore not suitable for infants.

Another issue is that most stadium or back to back tandem strollers are a lot longer than normal to accommodate the two seats comfortably. Due to this, it can be difficult to maneuver the strollers around. This is another reason why I prefer one with the back seat at the bottom as this means it would not be that long hence easier to maneuver.

So basically I need a tandem stroller that can

- adapt at least one infant car seat
- at least one seat able to recline fully.
- back seat are at the bottom

There are many manufacturers out there that make tandem double strollers with price range that is the like the earth and sky - from affordable to ridiculously expensive.

Phil & Ted are supposedly the pioneers of such strollers and they have a couple of different similar models. The 'Classic' model is what they are popular for. Since then many manufacturers have followed suit.


As usual, options in Singapore is limited. Distributors here will only bring in those that can sell rather than providing choices. They also usually price the strollers much higher than what it really cost.


The following are the available models out there, as far as I know so far.

1. Phil & Ted Classic

2. Hauck Freerider

3. Graco Trekko Duo

4. Obaby Xi

5. Jane Twone

The above models varies in cost, weight and flexibility but they all share a similar common traits such as

- removable rear seat to convert it into a single stroller
- rear seat needs to be removed to fold the stroller.
- can adapt an infant car seat.
- basket acts as the foot rest for the child in the rear seats.
- removable rear wheels
- adjustable height handle

Below are the specification matrix. Take note that some information are based on what is provided on the manufacturers website and may be incorrect

Brand/Model	Product Weight	Dimensions		Maximum Load
		Folded	Unfolded	Front	Rear
Obaby Xi	14.45 kg	98 x 62 x 34 cm	116 x 62 x 121 cm	unkown	unknown
Hauck Freerider	12.5kg	95 x 61 x 38 cm	128 x 61 x 112 cm	15 kg	15 kg
Phil & Teds Classic	11.5 kg (w/o 2nd seat)	76 x 61 x 30 cm	unknown	20 kg	15 kg
Jane Twone	7.5 kg	72 x 62 x 30 cm	79/108 x 98 x 62 cm	15 kg	15 kg
Graco Trekko Duo	13.9 kg	55 x 66 x 125 cm	125 x 66 x 108 cm	15 kg	15 kg

Hauck Shopper 11

As usual, all Hauck strollers come with pictures only instruction manuals. So while it may take you longer to get up and running, it is not that difficult either.

The Hauck Shopper is considered lightweight at 7.6 kg and a travel system when combined with a Hauck Zero Plus car seat or a carry cot.

Attaching the car seat is simple - lay the backrest flat - which makes it suitable for infants by the way, lift up both the catch on the side of the stroller and the car seat be 'dropped' in until it locks. The front bar needs to be fixed on when attaching the car seat. The seat can also be removed if you only use the car seat. Both the front bar and seat need to be removed when attaching the carry cot though.

The stroller feels very light and is effortless when pushed, thanks the big wheels at 18/19 cm. Lifting it up kerbs is pretty effortless too.

The seat at the most upright position is pretty reclined, so you many not be able to use the shoulder harness if your kids love to sit up straight. Adjusting the seat recline angle is through the strap mechanism which is not that difficult to use though I prefer those with step recline instead.

Canopy is big but too short and high to provide much cover. While you can protect your child from the rain with a rain cover, you cannot do much to protect from the harsh sun. There is no window for you to view the child while pushing too.

The cup holder and tray is useful when out for a long time for those occasional drinks and snacks, so does the back pocket.

Folding up the stroller can be tricky for those with short hands. Getting it right sure does take a lot of practice even for someone who is 1.7 m tall like me. It could be made easier with a handle lever, just like the Mothercare Mino as the folding concept is pretty similar.

To make folding easier, the brakes, which are very easy to operate by the way, needs to be engaged. One thing to take note when folding up the Shopper is to lay the backrest flat. This is illustrated in the instruction manual but is not specifically mentioned that it needs to be done. If this is not done, the two seats catch at the side of the frame will dislodge.

The stroller is still considered bulky when folded as it can only fold flat downwards. As the front bar touches the ground each time the stroller is folded, it is best to remove it or hold on to it while folding, to avoid it getting stained.

Overall this is a good stroller minus the few setbacks.

You can view the video here

Pros
Light when pushed and easy to manourver
Width is suitable for big children
Easy to engage and release brake
Big basket, with pocket for easy access.
5-point harness.
Suitable for infants.

Cons
Front bar touches the ground when folded
Folding can be tricky
Size when folded is still bulky
Seat and basket can only be hand wash

Specifications

Weight - 7.6 kg
Suspensions
Measurements folded (max.) - 90 x 49 x 35 cm
Measurements built- up (max.) - 94 x 49 x 103 cm
Handlebar height - 103 cm
Length of seat and back rest - 15 x 44 x 71 cm
Seat height - 47 cm
Seat width - 32 cm
Removable plastic wheels
Wheel diameter (Front) - 18 cm
Wheel diameter (Rear) - 19 cm
Swivel and lockable front wheels
Adjustable backrest - (104° to 156°)
4 step adjustable footrest
Detachable front bar
Detachable canopy
Big shopping basket with access pocket
Combinable with car seat and carry cot
Detachable and washable fabric
Soft-fix brake
5-point harness system
From 0 month to 15 kg