Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System
February 19, 2023
I was given the Pivot Xpand Modular Travel System with LiteMax Infant Car Seat with Anti-Rebound Bar as part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel. Overall, I would recommend this stroller as a budget friendly, safe, double stroller. The packaging was very efficient. The box included the entire stroller system, toddler seat, car seat, and accessories packed in a very tight manner not to waste any space. I was able to put together the entire stroller system in under 15 minutes. It was very intuitive as I tried to put it together and play with it first before reading about all the possible configurations. This ease of setup and use is great if a grandmom or second caregiver is borrowing it without a manual and directions. Accessories such as a bottom basket/bin and a drink holder were included as well.
The car seat carrier came with a base, allowing an easy clip in and out when you reach your destination. The car seat could either be installed via a seatbelt or the anchorage system. I utilized the anchorage system and it was an easy install. There is a color recline indicator to assess for safety of install which I appreciated. I love the softness of the infant insert material in the car seat, but the majority of the material in the car seat seems a bit rough and am worried it may cause a little friction or sweating from my infant when used in the summer. I also did not love the chest clip, as it was difficult to open and close. The perk of the clip is it would be safe for infant Houdini's that often get themselves unstrapped: however I struggled to quickly open and close the buckle. Otherwise, the car seat was functional, safe, well padded, and easy to install and check for safety. The anti- rebound bar is another pertinent safety feature.
The travel system easily converts from a single to a double stroller with a simple click of a button. My favorite part of the system is that no adapters or additional parts are needed - which is great if you're switching the system between caregiver cars. Parents have enough to remember when leaving the house so it is a perk that the stroller has this "built in" feature. The Pivot Xpand is an easy open and close for getting in and out of the car and both the car seat and toddler seat clip in easily and quickly. There are so many configurations for the seating with this system, it would be great for newborn twins through growing siblings. The seats can face the caregiver or out to the surroundings, based on child preference. The toddler seats convert to carriages with 3 easy snaps, which is amazing if going somewhere for a lengthy period and the infant needs a safe sleep surface. The seat converts to a flat bassinet or carriage with a canopy without needing an additional piece of equipment.
The canopies are adjustable so as the child grows it can be adjusted to provide for additional height. There is a mesh window for checking on the child, and the footrest is adjustable for multiple positions to baby comfort. The handlebar is also adjustable to caregiver height.
The system came with a bumper bar which is nice to utilize for infant toys as well. It's easy to take on and off, but it's not built in, so this in an additional piece of equipment you would have to remember to bring with you. The cup holder was an included accessory which is great, however it does seem to be a little unstable. The location is a little lower than I would ideally like it or than is typically seen on a parent console; however it appears to be more out of reach for the child as well which could be a bonus.
The system's canopies appear a bit flimsy. It is great that they are height adjustable, but they seemed a little less durable than I would have liked when adjusting them. They appear to provide good shade and protection, but I would be hesitant to adjust them often.
Overall the ride is smooth on both street, grass, and dirt, however when used as a double stroller with a toddler in the bottom seat, it is a little difficult to get up uneven terrain or small edges of a curb.
The system folds easily and quickly and is light to lift into the trunk of a vehicle. My children were comfortable in multiple configurations of this travel system and I loved all of the options provided. My favorite part of the system, as mentioned previously, was that no additional adapters were needed, and that the stroller can be used in both toddler or carriage mode. It is compact and fits easily through a standard doorway with 2 children. It is not the sturdiest travel system I have encountered, but it appears comfortable, safe, adjustable, and easy to put together and use. It has a large height and weight range allowing it to be used for a growing family for several years. I am happy I was on the Product Testing Panel and I would recommend the Pivot Xpand Travel System.
This product review was collected by the manufacturer.