Photos taken shortly after Lucy was born. ❤️ Maxi-Cosi Lila details in red at the bottom of this post!
Mitch here!
When I was a kid, my parents pulled us around Chicago in a rusty wagon, but times have changed. It’s hard to overstate what a big deal it is to buy a stroller today. The stroller is the Mobile Parenting Headquarters, and deciding which one to buy is intimidating.
The problem is that figuring out the stroller puzzle requires a bit of imagination. I mean, sure, my kid is a foot and a half tall now… but soon she’ll weigh as much as a bowling ball… and I’ll need this thing to plow through snow drifts… and then I’ll probably have another kid!
But I think we’ve found the best stroller in the world in Maxi-Cosi’s Lila. And I’ll tell you why.
Tandem vs Side-by-Side
This is a hotly debated topic amongst Chicago’s new parents, and people literally stop me on the street to talk about it. While I hear all you side-by-side families out there, I’m obviously Team Tandem. I’ll break our decision out as a pro/con list below because I’m a dad and this is what we do:
Pro
- Slim profile to more easily navigate busy blocks, hallways, doorways and elevators
- Much smaller footprint when folded up
- Fits in our tiny car
- Versatility to convert back into a single stroller when it’s an option (Side note: Having one kid is so easy. Why did I ever complain?!)
Con
- One kid is far away (Though sometimes this is a pro)
- Getting over curbs requires a little muscle (Though I could use the workout)
So after we made up our minds to go tandem, we quickly settled on the Maxi-Cosi Lila.
Design
The saying goes “Design isn’t how it looks. Design is how it works.” But I’m happy to report that the Lila stroller wins in both of these departments. It both looks and works perfectly. Okay, I’m not proud to admit it, but I was a little nervous about how I was going to look wheeling a double stroller around. But the Lila has this cool-looking vegan leather handle, it comes in four shades of “Nomad” color varieties (we have the Nomad “Sand” here), and it features a handsome silver-colored frame. I love the look of this stroller, and so does Kelly… and she’s a tough critic.
Features
A stroller isn’t just a wheelie thing to move your kids around anymore. Today’s strollers need to have a little something for everyone in the family, and the Lila delivers in spades.
- It has a full-coverage privacy shade. Full coverage! How is this not standard on all strollers?! We use this feature all the time.
- It has “one-hand flat fold” capability. The Lila has taken the art of folding up the stroller to the next level. They call it the one-hand flat fold, which I now say loudly whenever I’m packing up. In all seriousness, though, this is super helpful when you’re holding a crying baby and only have use of one arm.
- This stroller glides like Kristi Yamaguchi on a fresh sheet of ice. The Smooth Ride Suspension lives up to its name. While it’s a double, it feels like a single stroller even with two kids are on board. It’s so much smoother than any other stroller we’ve owned, and we’ve owned a bunch.
- The undercarriage storage is actually a tote. It’s removable, making for some very simple trips to and fro. Kelly often treats it like a purse.
- There are so many other nice attributes: Adjustable handlebar? Check. Memory foam inlay? Check. Child snack tray? Check. Adult cupholder? Ahem. Double check.
Versatility
This thing has eight modes. Eight! How is it even possible for someone to design something that should be extraordinarily complicated into such a simple and easy-to-understand package? It doesn’t compute.
The mode I’d like to highlight here is called “Duo Mode,” which is enabled by the Duo Kit (sold separately). The kit makes it possible to accommodate both the baby and the toddler at the same time. It works flawlessly. When in Duo Mode, the Lila’s seat turns into a basinet at the touch of a button to make both the girls super comfortable.
Also, when we’re in a rush, the Duo Kit works with our Mico Infant Car Seat (sold separately). Lucy loves that thing so much. She passes out almost instantly when we take her on strolls!
The Giveaway
And now for the best part! We’re teaming up with Maxi-Cosi today to give away Lila stroller to one lucky reader.
- To enter, comment on this blog post in the comment section. Tell us why you’d love to own the Lila (or who in your life it would be perfect for!) and leave your e-mail in the following non-spammy format: Kelly [at] kellyinthecity [dot] com.
- For an extra chance, follow the directions in this Instagram post.
Winner will be announced and contacted on November 17th, 2019. Good luck!
Mitch. OUT!
This post is sponsored by Maxi-Cosi, but all opinions are my own. As always, thank you so, so much for supporting the partnerships that keep Kelly in the City up and running!
This would be the absolute perfect gift for one of my closest friends, Katy! As a single gal myself with no kids, I can’t help her much on the parenting advice front, but man I can help supply the gifts as the fun auntie :) this was an awesome review!! I’m always so amazed at how strollers have become so much more ideal for use than what they used to be when I was a babysitter back in the day :) Cooney[dot]meg[at]gmail[dot]com.
Baby #2 is arriving in February. Our 2 boys will be 18 mos apart. We are needing a new stroller. This is definitely a contender.
jmfrench[at]hotmail[dot]com
Having baby #2 in May and this would help us ease the transition into a family of 4!!
Eckiernan[at]gmail[dot]com
I have been thinking about this a lot and the slim sidewalks of my neighborhood in Pittsburgh really make me think the tandem will be much more suitable than the side by side. mcsheedy [at] gmail [dot] com.
My husband and I would love this stroller for our newborn baby Claire. I have watched you guys use this stroller since Lucy was born and love seeing how great you think it is!! We would love to have this for its versatility and ease of use! I was very interested in this stroller, it was unfortunately out of our price range!
Sabrinatredup[at]gmail[dot]com
I was that unprepared mom that bought not just one but two single strollers not even realizing that convertible single to double strollers like this exist for when baby #2 comes (insert eye roll). Plus this thing is gorgeous! cdarlin5 [at] gmail [dot] com.
This stroller has so many great features and I love the design. This would be amazing for my daughter! sonyadmorris (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m expecting baby #3 in March and am definitely in the market for a double stroller since the age gap between kiddos 1 and 2 didn’t necessitate a stroller but this time around it is definitely necessary. aschmit1 [at] nd [dot] edu
One hand fold is key when trying to get things done quickly! Beautiful product that twill grow with our family. Jjeron16[at]aol[dot]com.
I’ll be a FTM in February, but I also like planning for the future, so I know we’d love this stroller which will work for one AND two kids. Plus it’s really pretty. Thanks for doing such awesome giveaways, Larkin Fam! etmcduffie[at]gmail[dot]com
LOVE the full coverage shade. That’s some seriously genius right there. Plus an easy fold will always rock my world. Yay Maxi-Cosi! Killin the stroller game.
Love the MaxiCosi brand! We bought the Rachel Zoe for Quincy stroller After your review online! We love it but are planning for baby number two on the way! Would love to have this set it’s beautiful and so fictional!
Melissaanndesigner[at]gmail[dot]com
Love the quick carriage on top! Is there a rider board??
So we’ve been googling and googling and going to buy buy baby to test and googling some more trying to figure out which stroller option we should go with. I’m 6’4″ and my wife is 5’10” so we need an option that extends, isn’t too heavy and is easy enough to move from trunk to floor when the time comes. Our baby is due 1/6 so this would be a lifesaver! Love your stuff, Kelly
mmacpherson16[at]gmail[dot]com
I would love this stroller! I have one kid right now but hoping to be pregnant again soon! Would love to be able to use it with 2 kids!
Baby number one arriving in May and I’d love to use this stroller for daily walks by the lake near our home.
newlinhr (at) gmail (dot) com
Mitch approves… we will take it! This stroller would make life with a two year old and 3 month old a breeze. We have a sit and stand but big sis would rather be carried. A stroller this nice… how could she refuse?!? Jrives18 [at] gmail [dot] com
We’re expecting baby 3 and surprise 4 – twins! This May and I’ve been researching like crazy how we can handle transporting all the kiddos around (4 under 4!) This stroller would mean the world to us. Love following your social channels I grew up not far from the city and I miss it! Email: aliciaprendergast[at]gmail[dot]com.
I live in Baltimore (lots of cobblestone streets and sidewalks!) and my husband and I are getting ready to try for #2. The slim profile and versatility are clutch for city strollers. Appropriately, Lila is our top girl name choice! Thanks for such a great giveaway.
One of my very best friends and I are both pregnant with our first little ones! We could not believe it when we met for lunch and both had the same exciting news to share – a dream come true! I would love nothing more than to be able to surprise her by gifting her with this stunning stroller.
Sabrina dot DonnellyR at gmail dot com
I think this would be perfect for my baby sister, she’s having her first child. She lives in a major city and this would make taking baby out a heck of a lot easier for her! I’m facinated by all the modes this stroller pulls off. Wish this was an option when my boys were young. ldynascarfan48[at]gmail[dot]com
We would love to stroll our newborn around in this and do not have a bassinet-style stroller. We’re also very much planning to add a sibling soon, so a double stroller would be amazing! I am M[dot]rose[dot]frost[at]gmail[dot]com.
Maxi Cosi is our #1 pick for our first baby arriving this spring! tisher13[at]sbc[dot]edu
They really thought of it all with this design!
Baby #3 is arriving in April, I love the versatility of being able to convert this from a double to single when needed. With the baby, we will still have one that will need to ride in a stroller from time to time. This is a hurdle we still need to cross as we don’t have a double option at the moment.
The full coverage privacy shade is a HUGE pro in my book! I’m seriously in love with this stroller, what an amazing giveaway!
This would be the perfect family stroller for my toddler and baby on the way
bwberger81 [at] gmail [dot] com
I’d love this for our family! We have 3 kids under 4, so it’s a good bet that at least 2/3 of them need caring around. Steph (dot) cto (at) Gmail (dot) com
I would love to win this for my goddaughter who gave gave birth last month. She’s always out walking around and this would be great. erinwins1[at] gmail [dot] com
It’s gorgeous! Your descriptions had me cracking up!! I’m a mom of seven. I absolutely love the baby configurations and the one hand fold!
I would love the Lila for my family, it would make walks a breeze!! This would be so nice!! kjbh815 [at] gmail [dot] com.
I have a new grandson coming for Thanksgiving and would love to have one so they don’t have to cart theirs kathypersons at yahoo. com
I may be the only husband on here so far…and my wife doesn’t know I’m doing this so hoping to surprise her! We have a jogging stroller…great for jogging (which never happens anymore) and for colliding with patrons at our neighborhood coffee shop. I know this stroller would really help my girls get out more often and get around easier. As an added bonus, this stroller would help with my blood pressure next time I hear “Lets go to (insert public place, the pediatrician, etc…you get it)!” Great review, thanks for cutting through the noise and pointing us towards a great stroller – my inner baby-gadget nerd appreciates your attention to what’s really important…especially cupholders for all! galloway[dot]connor[dot]r[at]gmail[dot]com
This would be amazing for our toddler and baby #2! All the options are unbelievable!
abigail [dot] baber [at] gmail [dot] com
Team tandem all the way! I love the different configurations this stroller has, and the fact that you can clip a car seat in it would be perfect for trips to the grocery store. I’m also drooling over the one-handed fold (file that under things I never though I’d say pre-child!) kileykmorgan(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for offering this giveaway! We are due with #2 and never loved our first stroller. I would love something that is more functional and would work well with two – and this seems to fit the bill perfectly! Thanks again. morgan[dot]finch[at]gmail[dot]com
Ok first things first, it has to be said Mitch writes a fantastic review. I mean the Kristi Yamaguchi reference had me LOL. I would absolutely LOVE this stroller for our family. I made the critical mistake of buying a stroller that didn’t go double for our first kid so we are in a DESPERATE need of a double stroller like this. I love all of the amazing features and how it can convert for what your families needs are, takes a car seat, one hand fold (what, what) has extra storage space (always need storage esp with 2 kids) and the shade for all of the Chicago elements. amandamgilmore (at) gmail (dot) com
I have their car seat (love)and am using it for my second newborn right now. I didn’t know they had a double stroller!!! If I had a favorite feature it would be ALL of them!! I don’t understand why all strollers don’t come with extended handles, large canopies, and a cup holder for the adult.
saj3586[at]aol[dot]come
I’m pregnant with my second, and I have been having the hardest time deciding which tandem stroller to invest in. I’d love to just take away the decision process, if I’m being completely honest!
sarah.sweetspontaneity [at] gmail [dot] com
Would love the stroller for Elliott and Remy so we can continue to be on the go with two!!! kierstenderby (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!
My young niece has made the brave decision to have and keep her baby. This would be an amazing gift for her lsheagren [at] gmail [dot] com
Gorgeous stroller! This would be perfect for us. :)
dawn252118120 (at) gmail (dot) com
I’d love to win this for my niece. Flagler1965 (at) gmail (dot) com
This is so perfect! I love it!! We have #2 on the way and I feel like this is such a great tool for managing travel with two! oakandoats [at] gmail [dot] com
I just gave birth to baby boy #2, 2 weeks ago and have a 2 and a half year old, so this double stroller would be perfect for us!
briannacphoto [at] gmail [dot] com
Just welcomed baby #2 and would love this stroller for my two little kids! RMethasani[at]gmail[dot]com
Thank you for sharing this review!! As someone who invested in a jogging stroller with my first baby girl (and let’s be honest – my jogging days are far fewer than they once were!) I have wished we had something that would allow our 15 month old to sit up taller and see the world, and accommodate more than one child! I would love to win this stroller!! galloway[dot]allison[dot]w[at]gmail[dot]com
“This stroller glides like Kristi Yamaguchi on a fresh sheet of ice”… I mean, I’m sold! Lol but seriously, we are currently trying and planning for baby #2 and this would be perfection! I can’t believe there’s 8 different modes – it just sounds amazing!
ashwietor@gmail.com
My husband and I are expecting our first baby in the Spring and I think the Lila stroller would be perfect for our little family!
elliefisher4 [at] gmail [dot] com
Due with baby #2 in February. That means 2 under 2! This stroller would be the perfect fit, love the style!
Hayleygmcnamara [at] gmail [dot] com
I love this stroller! While I am not a mom yet My husband and I are starting to talk about it. Meaning I’ve been keeping my eyes out for the perfect baby things! I love that this stroller is convertible to a double! Anne[dot]Caverly[at]gmail[dot]com
I’m expecting in April with baby number 2 and this would be PERFECT for us as we already own the Maxi-Cosi car seat. Fingers crossed for winning! hlongbot[at]gmail[dot]com.
I would love to own this stroller. Especially as I gear up to start a family in San Francisco, where walking is key and hills require a great, sturdy and reliable stroller! I also love that the duo kit allows the stroller to grow with your fam :)
I’d love to gift this stroller to one of my best girlfriends who is expecting! anb0008[at]auburn[dot]edu
Baby #2 due in January. Just moved back to Chicago and would love to take boys out together :) thank you for wonderful review
Peiting205 [at] gmail [dot] com
Hello! Great post Mitch! I would love to have this stylish stroller for my son. We are eagerly awaiting the day he arrives!
studiopigeon[at]gmail[dot]com
I would love this stroller because I am about to have my first baby in March and I am so overwhelmed about all the things that I need to get. I trust y’alls recommendations on so many products that I am sure this would be the best stroller for my family! ahsteele11[at]gmail[dot]com
Awesome review! Very detailed and helpful as I’m in the process of looking for a double!! Thanks for the giveaway!
Live in Lincoln Park and would love the Lila!! It would be the perfect treat :) jmfasanella (at) hotmail (dot) com
This stroller is STUNNING! We’ve been looking for a while and this is just too beautiful, plus converts for multiple kids, which is important for us. I would loove the heck out of this stroller!
sammiefeyschmidt [at] gmail [dot] com
Looking forward to welcoming baby #2 to our family in the semi-(but tbd)-future… would love to have this ready for] the little monsters!
alicia[dot]k[dot]schmitz[at]gmail[dot]com
I am due in one month and we don’t have a stroller yet! Yikes. This sounds perfect.
mariadianebishop [at] gmail [dot] com
I’m awaiting baby #2 and we will need help toting them around! Abbie[dot]Degesys[at]Gmail[dot]com
I think it looks amazing that there’s so many options and that you can go back to using it as a single stroller as needed. I think it would be amazingly versatile, plus very stylish! edwards[dot]julia1[at]gmail[dot]com
I’m still on the stroller hunt at 7 months pregnant and this stroller is SO stylish but so not in my price range LOL. I’m expecting my first and hope to have a second not long after so it would be nice to be prepared with a stroller that’s made for two kiddos! Thanks for offering this generous giveaway and good luck to all of the entries!
My email is sfjenkins44 [at] gmail [dot] com
I love how the Lila transforms for depending on the need, I
have a 3 month old and know that I would be able to use it now and with our
future second child! Kksward [at] gmail [dot] com
Would love this as we plan for baby #2!
We’ll have 2 under 2 next spring and this would be a lifesaving addition to our baby-stuff collection! Especially intrigued by the fact that the storage comes out and can be used as a tote – how cool!!!
Courtneympelfrey (at) gmail (dot) com
My sister is having a baby in less than two months and this would be a great stroller for her and her husband. With all the added benefits, it’s the gift that keeps on giving!!!
Would be perfect for my active sister in law who has 2 under 2! Britbenedetti [at] gmail [dot] com
This stroller is so versatile and perfect for a family of four! I would love to win this stroller to make our last minute trips headache free without forgetting all attachments that other double strollers require!
Thanks for a great review Mitch!
Nchenko[at]gmail[dot]com
Due in March with first baby. This stroller is dreamy ! Juliann919[at]gmail[dot]com
We are a military family expecting our first child in 2020! Having a versatile stroller that can grow with us and fit in tight spaces on our upcoming move will be a necessity. We would be so very thankful to be able to remove a stroller from our “baby budget” before our move!
kristenhemmelgarn [at]gmail [dot]com
I have been searching everywhere for a stroller and honest review. I’ve been looking for something that will grow beyond out first, fold easily, and has a convertible bassinet option. Searching for your first stroller is the hardest part of expecting! Thank you Mitch and Kelly for this awesome giveaway opportunity!! antoinettelentz [at] yahoo [dot] com.
I would love to win this stroller for my friend who has a new baby and toddler. She could really use it. It sounds amazing by the way.
katiemur [at] gmail [dot] com
Wow, this looks like an amazing stroller! My daughter is now two years old but we still use our stroller quite a bit, and this would be a great upgrade from her worn-out Nuna
It’s like you were reading my mind. I recently gave birth to my second baby girl and my husband and I have been debating the tadem vs. side by side stroller, only for the last 10mo. Your pros and cons list (my husband does the same thing with everything) is just what I needed to make up my mind. This stroller would be perfect for my girls and would make my life easier on the go. I know we would be happy traveling with this bad boy to a beach or the park down the street.
Leah[dot]alfonsin[at]gmail[dot]com
we had our second just a couple of weeks before lucy was born. we have desperately been trying to find the right fit for a stroller which will need to fit in an apt with limited space. currently just using a piggyback board ina. single stroller that does not convert. and more often than not our 3 yr old not strapped in creates so much fun when running errands.
jtmutter[at]gmail[dot]come
Baby girl is arriving any day and with a 2 year old boy who is full of energy and a newborn a double stroller will be essential. I am big into daily walks whether outside or finding a spacious indoor spot to explore. The maxi cosi looks awesome and would solve a lot of potential runaway moments with our toddler. Hope you guys are doing great! Camaraa08[at]gmail[dot]com
Great Review! We are expecting our first baby April 2nd and so excited! We find out the gender this week! I’ve been doing a lot of research on strollers and car seats and this seems like a perfect one, function and appearance wise! My sister is expecting a baby 6 weeks prior! This would be perfect for my mom to use to push both babes when she helps baby sit ❤️
day[dot]lexie[at]gmail[dot]com
I am due in April and this would be great for our growing family! francinekuplic [at] gmail [dot] com
Hi! Wow, what a beaut! The color, the size, the styles, the cute name!! What is there not to love. Oh, and that fact that I have an opportunity to win this makes me love it even more!!! I’m expecting in March and we def need a double stroller for the new baby and our 2 year old cutie! Thanks!
P.S. I love baby Lucy’s little head in the pic and the cushion thingy looking like a halo!
P.S.S. Loving Emma’s head popping out of the side of the stroller.
P.S.S.S. Can’t deuce if I love Kelly’s blogs more or Mitch’s. Keep them coming!
Marolli88[at]aol[dot]com yes, yes, ik I still have aol.
Thanks!
I’m also team tandem and would love a new one for my 2 year old and 6 month old!
This is such a great review. We’ve been looking for other stroller options (it seems like everyone in the city is strictly UppaBaby Vista Stroller owners, so it was nice to see that there’s another comparable option out there.
We’re expecting our first child in January and have been on the search for a good stroller that has smooth ride suspension. Living in the loop, we do a lot of walking and smooth ride suspension will hopefully keep a sleeping baby sleeping! The one hand fold is also appealing! Lephan [at] gmail [dot] com
Sounds like the PERFECT stroller!
This would be perfect for my sister who is about to have baby #3! Luckily her oldest is almost 4, so a triple stroller is not completely necessary, but there will be 14 months between her two youngest. ashley[dot]bernath[at]gmail[dot]com
What a great review! Ive been so back and forth between the two types- so helpful! Would love this as we are welcoming baby #2 in March! ❤️
My husband and I found out we were having twins in June and have been exploring all of our stroller options. I love this stroller and the tandem aspect for navigating through the city. This would be an amazing help as we start our family!
Ahhh!! Looks like a dream!
Alhaugh[at]gmail[dot]com
What a great review ! 8 different ways?! Who knew! We currently have an 8 month old and are about to start trying for our 2nd so this would be a dream to win! Satrotta (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m due in two weeks with my first baby, and this stroller would be perfect!!
this would be great for my sister and her baby. elena150980[at]yahoo[dot]com
My husband and I are expecting our first baby in February and we have been trying to figure out what stroller is best for our family. We’d love to have the option to grow our family in the years to come (and would love to have a stroller that grows with us!)! After reading your review, we’d love to win this stroller and use it with our new baby and in the future as our family grows!
Maren.westby [at] gmail [dot] com
I’m expecting in March and would love to own this beautiful stroller! bagrah02 [at] gmail [dot] com.
I’m due in March and have been doing a lot of stroller research. This is one on my list and it would be so nice to not have to worry about paying for it myself!
Alice[dot]vanhorne[at]gmail[dot]com
I am a nanny for a 6 month old, and have a newborn of my own that tags along . This would be perfect for the winters of the Midwest, as well as the summer excursions planned.
egilbert164[at]yahoo[dot]com
Great review and so right about navigating all the stroller options out there! I Love the one handed fold and ability to tot around two kiddos!
I’d love to win this for my friend’s baby. waytoomanycats (@) gmail (dot) com
Hi! What a fun post! I would love to be able to save this stroller as a walk in faith that my husband and I will get pregnant when it’s our time❤️ We are eagerly awaiting the day!
Hopecbrown[at]icloud[dot]com
I’ve been drooling over this stroller for a while. Currently have a very nice optionally double stroller now but it is SO heavy and I regret not doing more research. Oh, my daughter’s name is Lila, so there’s that too ;-)
hhuntington37[at]hotmail[dot]com
We would love this beautiful and versatile stroller to navigate city streets when our first is born next year. Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation! stradley [dot] m [at] gmail [dot] com
We recently found out we are expecting our first, this would be another blessing!
svidekovich[at]gmail[dot]com
We will be welcoming our second babe in April, and I am totally sold on this stroller! We have the Uppababy Vista and unfortunately, I don’t love it as much as I had expected to, so we’ve been looking for another option. Thank you for sharing your feedback!
Sarah [at] kprbrokers [dot] com
Great review! Thank you for sharing!!
What a great review! Would love to gift this stroller to a very deserving family member. meredith [dot] McComb [at] gmail [dot] com
Oh wow, this would be the most amazing gift to my brother and sis-in-law. They made the cutest sweetest niece a gal could ask for! She was born with a diaphragmatic hernia and had surgery at birth followed by a bit of a stay at the local Children’s hospital. She’s at home and doing amazing now, we love her to bits!! My email is angels[eely]ftw[@]g[mail]dot[com] (Minus all the [][][][‘s of course).
We’re about to expand our family from one kiddo to 2 (this summer!) so this is the perfect giveaway for us!
caryn.steinman[at]gmail[dot]com