Finding the Perfect Stroller {A RIVA Flex 6-in-1 Travel System Review}

**Product received for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.

From the first moment we see that line on the pregnancy test, our to do list seems to grow! There is so much that needs to get done and so many decisions that need to be made before a new baby makes their appearance. 

Among them? Finding the perfect baby gear! 

To be honest, I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with baby gear shopping. On the one hand, it's so fun to see all the fantastic options that are available these days. They are ever changing, with options being added what seems like every day. No matter your style or your needs, chances are there is a great product out there to meet them and more. On the the other hand... there are a TON of options to choose from. With all of these options, how are we supposed to know which one is the best? This is especially true for first time moms. When my son was a baby, finding the perfect stroller was a serious struggle. We went through about 4 before we finally found the one that met all our needs. By the time my daughter came around, I'd learned that it was important to decide exactly what I needed from a stroller BEFORE making that big purchase.

So, what were my must haves for a great stroller?

• Versatility
• Grows with Child.
• Easy to Use
• Easy to Maneuver. 

Today, I'm excited to share with you a stroller that not only does just that, but that is also locally made AND better for the planet too!

Safety 1^st recently launched the first stroller made and built in the USA from a blend of recycled materials, including its own recycled car seats. The RIVA Flex 6-in-1 Travel System is made and assembled in its zero-landfill US factory in Greater Indianapolis. The high-quality car seat and stroller combo was inspired by parent feedback and is part of the brand’s growing commitment to sustainability and domestic manufacturing initiatives – made in its Columbus, Indiana facility, which has been manufacturing car seats since 1978.

 

Now as an Indiana girl, I found it very cool that these truly are made local to ME. With the growing group of parents looking for products made in the USA, this is great news too. Even better though is the use of recycled goods. Think about this: every car seat expires in around 10 years, after which point they are not able to be used. So, what happens to all of those carseats? I love that Safety 1st is giving them new life rather than them just filling up landfills. That's a product that I can feel great about all around!

Still, as great as that all sounds... we still want a travel system that works as we need it too. Thankfully, RIVA Flex Travel System does that too. I was recently given the chance to try one out for myself, but first let's take a look at some of the features that make it great:

• Incredibly lightweight stroller frame
• Easy-off, machine-washable fabrics.
• High-impact frame made from recycled materials, which is rigorously tested to ensure sturdiness and reliability.
• American-made Safety 1st onBoard® 35 FLX infant car seat with side-impact protection for children 4-35 lbs.
• Generous storage basket and canopy with peek-a-boo window.
• Two innovative parent cup holders that can double as viewable cell phone holders.
• One-hand Lift-to-FoldTM closure that is compact, auto-locks, and stands on its own when folded.

First up, let's talk about the versatility. To be honest, I don't know that I've ever seen any other stroller/travel system that is as versatile as this one. It can be used with or without the infant carseat, facing forward or facing backwards, laying down or sitting up. There truly are so many options to choose from. While I love them all, I most love that option of which direction they can face. Most strollers just face forward, which can be great as babies get older and want to check out the world around them, but I love being able to see my little ones as we walk too, especially when they're itty bitty. This stroller covers it all.

And it certainly covers growing with the child well too. The carseat fits infants from 4 pounds to 35 pounds, and attaches to stroller. This is GREAT for sleeping newborns! Just pop it in and out of the car and you're set. Once baby has outgrown the infant seat or for a change of pace, they can use the regular seat options too. 

Next up, the ease of use. All of these options sound great, but not if it's going to be complicated to figure out. This one is very easy to switch from position to position and even to open up to start with. I love too that it will stand on its own even when folded. I cannot tell you what a pain that has been with previous strollers we've tried in the past, but with this one, I don't have to worry about it falling over in the parking lot while I try to get everything situated. On that same note, both the car seat and stroller frame are very lightweight. Being quite petite, that's a huge plus for me. It makes them easier to haul around and get in and out as needed.

That lightweight also aids in maneuverability as well. Now, I'll admit I haven't had a chance to try it out on rougher terrain so I cannot speak to how it will work there, but for general every day use, it's a very smooth ride... easy to push and get around.

If you're looking for a great stroller to add to your registry, the Safety 1st RIVA Flex 6-in-1 Travel System is a must see! 

What do you look for in an ideal stroller/travel system? How can the RIVA Flex Travel System meet those needs?