Strollers go head to head: Maclaren vs. Keekaroo

The first thing a newly expecting couple thinks to purchase is an infant stroller. The perfect mode of transportation for your new bundle of joy. And the perfect infant stroller for mom and dad. So what makes the perfect stroller? There are hundreds available, all with pretty much the same features. So how can you decide between them all? Research!

Currently available in most stores and on-line are two compact stroller brands; Maclaren and Keekaroo. The Maclaren Techno XT and the Keekaroo Karoo have been battling it out to see who will land on top. The Maclaren XT has been available for many years. Maclaren strollers have a reputation of being the cream of the crop in infant strollers. Maclaren strollers were the first lightweight strollers introduced to the market in the 1970s. Since then, the market has been saturated with lightweight strollers. However, not until the Keekaroo Karoo has there been a relative match for function, style and features.

So let's break down the two strollers and see how they stack up:

FEATURES	Maclaren Techno XT	Keekaroo™ Karoo™ Stroller
5 Point Safety Harness	√	√
4 Position Recline	√	√
Compact umbrella fold	√	√
Carrying Capacity	55 lbs	55 lbs
Lightweight	14 lbs	16 lbs
Accessories Include:	Hood with Window, shopping basket, head pillow, comfort harness	Hood with Window, shopping basket, head pillow, comfort harness
All wheel spring suspension	√	√
Swivel Front Wheels	√	√
One Touch Rear Brake	Not Available	√
Adjustable Leg Rest	√	√

So all in all, the two lightweight strollers are making for some fierce competition. So what makes one better than the other? Some say Maclaren is a known brand and known for quality, while Keekaroo is newer to the industry. Some say Keekaroo offers better customer service over and support over Maclaren because they are a smaller company solely focused on the customer's needs.

But the true test of which chair is best comes down to price, right parents? Who wants to pay an arm and a leg for a stroller? Granted it will last through the years and abuse, however price matters. Comparing the two brands and seeing how close in quality and features they really are, price really plays a large part here. So let's get down to the nitty gritty.

Maclaren Techno XT retails for $280.00.

Keekaroo Karoo retails for $139.95.