Lucy Sheridan 'Living With' the Graco Evo

Using the car seat on the chassis for a shopping trip. Samuel seems very happy in the seat. It clips on easily and detaches easy enough too.

There's an extra frame that attaches to the main chassis that the car seat sits in. You can use it both parent or forward facing. Looks good & feels good!

Thumbs up in this regard. 

Just a quick pic to show the shopping basket of the pushchair easily takes a change bag. There's plenty of room for more too! Fantastic! So easy to get too also.

I'm fed up with prams and pushchairs with awkward to get to baskets or just too small to be any good, so full marks here! 

August the 27th 2012

Ok, so a quick update on how I'm getting on with the Graco Evo... I'm finding the folding action a little awkward to be honest. To clarify, it's not actually the folding that's odd, it's the unfolding! It doesn't seem like a natural action. I feel awkward when unfolding the frame.

It's not as easy as my Graco Stadium Duo that has 2 seats! Also, it doesn't appear to be freestanding either. Once up, it's great. No complaints other than that really.

August the 31st 2012

September the 3rd 2012

I was so happy when I discovered the car seat actually fits onto my Graco stadium duo! Meant that I was able to see my little boy whilst taking him and his cousin for a walk! Bonus!

Took the pushchair down to the riverside today. No problems transitioning from solid ground to the river bank. The hood is so generous that it was really good at keeping the Sun off of Samuel. It's only attached with Velcro on the back of the seat which makes it easy enough to reposition if needed.

September the 10th 2012

I found that with the seat in a sitting position, the shoulder straps just manage to tuck into the hood's hinge so as to keep them out of the way. This makes it so much easier to get Samuel into the seat!

   

Had to pop to the shops in a nearby town to collect my new glasses today, so we took the pushchair chassis and used the car seat. It does make life so much easier to just take the whole seat out and fix it on the chassis. The only problem I have is that I'm so used to using my isofix seat, that I'm not used to having to strap a seat in. This seat does have a compatible base unit, though sadly, not isofix, but nonetheless, I have ordered the base unit to make my life easier! It should arrive any day now, so popping out to the shops will be made even more easy!

September the 12th 2012

The base for the car seat arrived earlier this week so I fitted it into my car to make use straight away. It is easy to fix into the car using the seatbelt, and feels sturdy. The carseat simply 'plugs' into the base unit & is just as easy to remove. No more faffing around with the seatbelt anymore. :-D

I have been using the pushchair with both my little boy & my niece who is 5 months older than Samuel. It's easy to adjust for each of them so that they are comfortable.

September the 13th 2012

I have had lots of comments about how lovely the pushchair looks both in colour and general style. I must agree that it has a great 'stand out from the crowd' feel about it colourwise.

The pushchair is a lot lighter in weight than any others I have owned and I was able to lift it over an obstacle earlier today, with Samuel in it!

September the 15th 2012

The folded pushchair in my Citroen Xsara Picasso. I decided to take the whole pushchair in the car as I wanted Samuel to have the flexibility of the proper seat to lay flat if needed. I managed to just about fit the whole unit in without detaching the seat from the chassis.
Unfolding the pushchair with the seat attached is actually made easier. I utilise the bar that goes across the seat to help the unfolding. Once up, it's quick and easy to take the seat off and face it the other way so that it is parent facing.

Picture to show what the seat unit looks like in the reclined position. Also shows how lovely the colour is in the sun!

  

A pic of the basket. Plenty of space still left after changing bag and raincover are in there.

September the 19th 2012

Took the pushchair out for my usual morning walk & whilst walking I realised there was something I hadn't posted! There's a rough patch of pavement along the side of the local churchyard & I always step down into the road (it's a lay-by off the main road) to avoid taking the pushchair over that section. The reason for this is that when I have gone over that section of pavement, the pushchair bumps so much, that if Samuel is asleep, he soon isn't! I don't have a pushchair or pram with the big suspension wheels so I have nothing to compare this with, but thought it worth mentioning! 

September the 23rd 2012

Got back from dropping Shannon at ballet and had to go for band rehearsal at church so took Samuel straight from car, popped onto wheels, packed my flute, changing bag, raincover, drink and samuel's travel toys into basket and off we went!

September the 25th 2012

I cannot believe what I did! Thought I'd quickly pop down the road whilst Shannon was at Rainbows yesterday. Sat Samuel in his Graco car seat, fixed it too the base and put the wheels in the boot. So far, so good. When we get to the shops, I park up, in to the boot, unfold the wheels, take the car seat out of the base and turn to fit it onto the wheels. So you're probably wondering what's the problem. Well, in my rush, I forgot to put the special frame for fixing the car seat to the wheels in the boot too! Back in the car Samuel went, whilst I put the wheels away then out again so I could carry him! Lesson learned!

When we got back, I got the frame out, fitted it to the wheels and popped Samuel, in his car seat, onto the frame. He'd fallen asleep so I decided to leave him in the car seat whilst we walked to collect Shannon. As it was raining, I used the raincover over the car seat. As you can see, it looks fine, does the job, without the need to purchase one designed for the car seat itself!

September the 26th 2012

Samuel fell asleep half an hour before Shannon was due out of school. I transferred him from his crib to the pushchair and he stayed asleep... A good sign that the chair must be comfortable and snug! I lifted the flap of the footmuff up so that it was kept darker... Very useful! 

September the 27th 2012

Snug as a bug! Samuel was nice and cosy in the car seat this morning at toddler church. With 2 under ones, it's easier to use the car seat to transport Samuel for this group!

 

All relaxed after a trip to the photo studio! 6 months old today! Travelling in style in his Graco car seat on the Evo chassis... And no, I did not make the mistake of leaving the frame behind this time! 

September the 29th 2012

It always amazes me just how quick it is to change from the pushchair seat, to the car seat & vice versa. Got home from Shannon's ballet class with Samuel in the car seat, decided to pop 'round to the Autumn fair at the school so as Samuel was awake, I popped him straight into the pushchair seat & off we went. It was a fairly chilly day & the wind was quite cold, but Samuel was kept well protected in the pushchair with the seat fully reclined.  

October the 1st 2012

Popped out for a little walk as weather was fair. Took a little video clip so was only pushing with one hand, but still easy enough to do!

 

October the 4th 2012

Picture showing the pushchair folded & in my pram cupboard...Yes, I have a pram cupboard!!! It really doesn't take too much space up and I also get the car seat & a tandem pushchair in their too! Not used it for a few days & am missing it. I find it such a nice pushchair to walk out with. It stands out as well as feeling sturdy.

October the 6th 2012

Off to the Church's open day before Shannon's swim class, hence why we're using the car seat on the chassis!

Turned out to be a nice day and went back out with pushchair seat later in the day.

As you can see though, there's a fair bit in the shopping basket and still more could fit in!

October the 7th 2012

All snug in the car seat on the pushchair chassis during a daily outing to the model steam railway.

 

A great day and no gaffing about trying to fit a bulky pushchair in the boot or having to worry about getting Samuel in & out of the car seat if he fell asleep! Also, masses of room for the change bag, picnic bag, drinks, rain cover & wet bag!

October the 8th 2012

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday was lovely weather, not even too cold! Today, the heating is on and it's pouring! But that didn't stop us going for the baby weigh in session... Although it did make us go in the car!

 

As you can see though, Samuel is quite content, and very much dry with the raincover over his car seat.

 

 

October the 23rd 2012

On Saturday I visited my Dad, taking the children and my saxophone with me. It's only a short walk, so instead of using the car (which I would've had to with any of my other pushchairs), I slipped the saxophone case under the seat. Ok, so it sticks out a bit, but it stayed underneath no problem! No room to add the changing bag though... But to be honest, I didn't try!
 

 

 

Nothing like a nice walk to settle Samuel off to sleep! He always sleeps so well in the pushchair too.

Was a bit disappointed when I saw this... I have no idea what has caused the dent, but fortunately it has not damaged the ride in any noticeable way! Good job they're solid wheels!

October the 24th 2012

On our way to see friends. Took a short clip of going down the steps on our route.

 

Although it had been raining, I chanced it without the raincover as it was quite pleasant. I did have it tucked underneath though... Just incase!
October the 29th 2012

Ok, so the last couple of times I've gone out with the pushchair, I've forgotten to take my phone, so no pics! Went shopping today & in the boot of my car we managed to fit the pushchair (used the pushchair seat as we were in my car & I have an iso fix car seat fitted), 6 cases of pepsi max bottles (24 bottles in a case) & 2 large bags of food shopping. Not bad really, just a shame I didn't have my phone so I could actually take a photo of it!

November the 1st 2012

Took Shannon to the fun morning at the gym so Samuel had a ride in the pushchair. Now that he is getting bigger, the seat unit is being used to it's full extent and he is sitting up more. He is very happy to be in the pushchair and was content for a good while whilst waiting for his big sister.

It was somewhat awkward to get the pushchair out of the car and set up, not being used to putting the seat unit in the car as well, I had to fit it in the boot on top of the wheels, which of course is the first bit that needs to come out at the destination! With limited space to manoeuvre in a busy carpark it did make me wish I had used the Graco car seat to make it easier! However, I knew we'd be a while & did not want Samuel in the car seat for that length of time! Besides, when he outgrows the car seat, this it what I'll need to do each time, so, good practice! :-)

November the 2nd 2012

Took the kids trick or treating last night for Halloween. You can't see the pushchair very well as it's so dark out, but in the next picture, the difference the flash makes is great. That's what car headlights would do thus making it more visible to the driver if crossing the road, or even just walking along the pavement.

November the 8th 2012

Taking Shannon to school in the morning is quick and easy. With this cold weather, it's good to know Samuel is kept nice and protected in the Graco Evo. The liner being fleece lined must help with keeping him warm too.

After dropping Shannon at school, time for a quick cuppa, then back out to toddler church, safe in the knowledge that Samuel is nice and warm, having a comfortable ride for the walk to church.

November the 11th 2012

At the Remembrance Day service & parade. What a glorious day, sun shining, not a dark cloud in sight! Of course Samuel's pushchair stood out in the crowd on his first Remembrance Day ceremony. I sat him fully up in the seat so that he could watch the band as they set off.

November the 14th 2012

Off for a short walk to drop big sis at Rainbows. Didn't take long and Samuel was showing signs of needing a sleep.

As predicted, Samuel was asleep within just a few minutes. The ride must have been just what he needed. He stayed asleep for a good while too, was still asleep when it was time to collect Shannon and although he woke briefly, he settled back off to sleep quickly.

November the 16th 2012

Waiting for Shannon to join us for the walk to Rainbows last night. There was a little rain so the rain cover was needed. The two photos show the difference between looking at the seat unit face on & looking at the seat unit from behind. There is a clear distinction between how the front view 'lights up' with the reflective strips. A point I have made before, but ever more important now as the daylight hours are shorter and good visibility should be paramount.

November the 20th 2012

Enjoying a nice brisk walk on this bright, but oh so cold, day! Samuel certainly looks happy, and why wouldn't he... Travelling in style and comfort!

November the 21st 2012

Walking back from the grandparents' house after celebrating Nanny's birthday!

I was in a rush this morning to get the chassis in the boot. Folding the chassis quickly, I hadn't checked wheels were in position and it locked up, wouldn't close. I had to open, adjust the one wheel that was getting caught & then fold again! Wish it would just fold first time every time. It doesn't always happen, but it does always seem to happen when I'm in a rush!

November the 22nd 2012

A short stroll back to the car after Samuel's hospital appointment.

Whilst in the lift at the hospital, one older lady commented on how lovely the pushchair was and how it wasn't as bulky as some you see. I did explain that it was the car seat that just clips onto the wheels. She said what a great idea that was!

November the 27th 2012

On the Woolwich ferry. Samuel enjoyed visiting friends across the river and was definitely comfortable in his Graco car seat as he stayed asleep all the way home!

November the 29th 2012

Walking from the car to Shannon's dance & drama class we take the short cut. This means having to walk across a shingle roadway followed by a muddy pathway. There are 2 gates to encounter too. The pushchair manages fine, although going across the shingles makes the wheels sink in a bit and slows you right down, if they went on for much longer, I'm not sure how well it would hold out.

December the 2nd 2012

Off out early in the morning to take Shannon to her first dance exam. We didn't want to carry Samuel into the hall in his car seat, even though we were parked right outside. So much easier to pop the wheels in the boot & use the pushchair as a travel system! Easy & convenient. What will I do when he outgrows the car seat?!

December the 5th 2012

Have used the pushchair a fair bit recently, walking down to the children's centre, around town and to & from clubs. In these pics we are going to one of Shannon's clubs. Every week on the way to one club, a friend always offers to help lift the pushchair up the steps, but it's so light I always kindly decline.
Tonight, the club is a drive and walk, Samuel stayed awake for the journey there, but on the walk back he fell asleep.

Samuel has recently been diagnosed with hip dysplasia and one of the recommendations is that the car seat should be one that doesn't squash the legs together. This car seat has a wider leg space than his other seat so that's a really good thing & we have been using this one much more frequently & not just when we need to use the pushchair.

December the 12th 2012

Still enjoying the Graco Evo and so is Samuel! Finding it awkward to fold at times. As mentioned before, if the front wheels are in the wrong position, they stop the chassis from folding properly. This usually happens when I'm in a rush! 

December the 18th 2012

The Winter Sickness bug has hit our household so no going for walks for the last couple of days, likely to take a few more days to get over it energy wise. So the pushchair is just sitting in the cupboard waiting for it's next trip out. We have used the car seat today as Samuel had a doctor's appointment. He looked happy sitting in it... probably was glad to be getting out of the house! 

December the 24th 2012

Waiting to see Peppa & George at Peppa Pig World! A miserable day weather wise. Did not affect Samuel's comfort though!

Decembeer the 28th 2012 

Merry Christmas! We've gone to Butlins for Christmas and the pushchair is getting lots of use. I've put a bit of Christmas bling on the pushchair in the way of tinsel wrapped around the handlebar! Lots of people commenting on the pushchair as the tinsel is making it stand out even more!
I have noticed it pulling to the left a lot. Not sure what's causing this. Will investigate when I have time... Maybe the wheels need a clean? One thing I did forget was the frame for the car seat to fit on the chassis! Good job we don't really need it whilst in butlins... Will make it awkward if we want to pop off site to the shops though! Ah well. Nevermind! It's been a great Christmas so far!

January the 5th 2013

Samuel is nice and comfy watching a puppet show on the skyline.
Raincover has had lots of use this week! It can be a little awkward getting Samuel in and out of the pushchair with the raincover on.
Not noticed the pushchair pulling to the left since getting home, but will keep am eye on it.
Happy New Year!

January the 12th 2013

At band practise on Saturday. Despite being right next to the group, Samuel still managed to go to sleep in the pushchair! 

 

January the 13th 2013

At church on Sunday. I use the car seat so that Samuel doesn't need to be held constantly whilst I'm playing my flute go the band.

January the 21st 2013

Snow fun...Taking the kids down the road for some sledging! I stayed on this side of the road whilst Dave crossed over to pull Shannon along. The snow was much thinner this side & therefore easier to manage with the pushchair!
The snow had built up around the wheels. It was not very easy pushing it along in the snow as the wheels kept locking. My Dad told me that I should have pulled it along instead! I tried that on the way home, but it wasn't much easier to be honest!

Dave took the pushchair in the road for the final part of our journey home as it was easier to manage. You can see how well the reflective strips still work in the night too!

Home after a fun & exhausting day. The pushchair with the rain cover on kept Samuel well protected, although I wouldn't advise going too far in the snow with it! 

January the 27th 2013 

Walking through the churchyard on our way to collect Shannon from Rainbows in the week.  Snow still on the ground but fortunately cleared from the pathway.

January the 29th 2013

My poor little man has a touch of conjunctivitis and a cold! Just waiting for Shannon's drama class to start!

January the 31st 2013

 Happy laying in the pushchair on the way to collect Shannon from school.

In the car seat, whilst he still fits, waiting for his consultant appointment. At 10 months, Samuel still has plenty of room... The car seat is suitable from birth until 13kg/29lbs (approx. 12-15months)

Just dropped Shannon off at drama & on our way back to the car. Not the best of pics as we were moving, but there is one of the gates we have to get through each week. The pushchair fits through no problem. If it were a double though... Well that would be a different story!

February the 6th 2013

In the car taking Shannon to drama class... Did I mention this car seat goes up to around 15 months? No rush to get him into the next seat... Maybe even enough time for some more rear facing car seats to become available in the next stage... As it's meant to be safer!

February the 11th 2013

Going home after Church. Having to keep pulling the liner part of the cosy toes up at the back as it slips down very easily. The colour still looks very vibrant after about 6 months of use, so I am  very pleased with the durability of the fabric.

February the 13th 2013

On our way to the children's centre today. Sun was bright this morning so I attached the sun shade I had bought last summer. Not sitting quite right will have to try to adjust it next time.

February the 14th 2013

Happy Valentine's Day!
Popped along to my Nan's with Samuel as it was my Granddad's birthday today & wanted to honour his memory.
Samuel's still a little under the weather but is comfortable enough in the pushchair. I have started to hear some creaking from the wheels, but still a smooth ride.

February the 19th 2013

Off to visit Samuel's Great Aunt who hasn't seen him for over a month! Happily being entertained by his big sister from the rear of the car. The airbag is deactivated by the way! It's nice to have Samuel in the front of the car when I'm driving on my own, but it means that when we go out as a family, I then sit in the back! The reason for this is that I purchased the Graco car seat base that this car seat clips into & I have installed it in the front of the car! It also makes sense to do that as I take Shannon & her friend to a drama class once a week & feel happier with him in the front so that I can be assured that neither of the girls will pass him anything he shouldn't have!

February the 22nd 2013

Had lots of fun at the Babyshow today! So much that Samuel fell asleep! 

 

 

February the 27th 2013

Went to the baby show a second time on Saturday as I'd won tickets (and I got in early as I was given a press pass! Went to many stands that I'd missed on the Friday visit :-)

I stood over by the stage at one point & noticed that someone else had the Graco Evo Pushchair too!

March the 6th 2013

Another rehearsal in Church for the praise service we held at the weekend! Samuel's been a bit unwell recently with teething & must have been exhausted as he fell asleep whilst the whole band were playing!

Ok, so I've not updated this past week because I've been stuck indoors all bar 2 visits to the doctors. One for Samuel & one for me. Poor Samuel had a temperature for a few days, then when I became unwell it went to my throat & I have tonsillitis. At least it's happening now before the next school holiday, and not when Shannon's home too! For this reason, there are no photos for this update.

 

Trying out the new travel gro bag with the car seat.

 

Walking back to the car after visiting some special baby friends! Very cold & windy but with only the car seat, there's not much protection from the elements! Very glad to have had the chassis in the boot though as I couldn't get a parking space close to where we were going.

Trip to Nandos with Samuel's Godmother & her little girl. Samuel stayed in the pushchair for the duration, he was comfortable enough, but I was expecting him to go to sleep... Which didn't happen! Lol 

March the 28th 2013

Yesterday my little boy was 1! So much has happened in the last year & it has gone so fast! Anyway, Shannon had a drama festival to attend after school so we all went along to support her, including Samuel.

Here's Samuel in his monsters inc birthday suit, sitting in the car seat on the chassis of the pushchair!

April the 9th 2013

I'm still loving the Graco Evo & Samuel still fits into the car seat too which means that for now, I can still use that with the chassis for trips to the shops etc. One downfall is how much space the pushchair seat takes up. At the moment, I can put the chassis in the boot of Dave's car & nip out. When Samuel's outgrown the car seat, I'm not so sure the whole pushchair will fit. We shall have to see when the time comes. 

April the 13th 2013

Enjoying a little walk with his big sister!

Not sure if you can tell in this pic, but Samuel has taken to resting his feet on the bar!

April the 19th 2013

Sun in the eyes...Pulled the hood over a bit...Problem solved!

April the 21st 2013

Just driving back from Shannon's piano lesson, via McDonalds! Shannon sat in the back taking photos of Samuel in his car seat.

April the 23rd 2013

8 months in on this testing & here's how the chassis is looking...

It's not bad... This is the underside of the chassis. It still looks good walking down the street. In fact, I'm impressed with how well it is wearing.

May the 3rd 2013

What lovely weather we have been having! Samuel is enjoying the warmer weather in the Graco... Using the car seat attachment still as it's quick & easy whilst he still fits!

 And a Quick trip down the road to collect Shannon from one of her clubs.

May the 6th 2013

A very hot/sunny bank holiday Monday! One trip to the park with 3 children & a baby... Samuel can be seen here getting himself a little more comfy! I had loosened the straps slightly, just for the park, and despite straightening him up a few times, he kept wriggling himself back into this position!
This is where an extra shade would have been useful... Although I have managed to manoeuvre the car seat's own shade well previously, there seemed no real escape from the sun on this occasion.

May the 8th 2013

Waving hello! Just showing that there's still plenty of room for growth before this car seat needs changing... 13 months.

May the 16th 2013

The worst part about these public footpaths through parkland areas is the need to use these daft gates! This particular one has a height restriction just to the left & I have bashed my head a number of times trying to get through quickly, forgetting it was there!

May the 21st 2013

Just strolling along all wrapped up snug... Sun was shining but it was still cold. I like the way the foot muff comes up high and offers an added aspect of protection.

May the 24th 2013

Just waiting for big sis to finish her ballet class! You can see there's still a fair bit of room above Samuel's head. Having had him weighed just a few days before this picture, he's only just 9.2kg so still at the lower end of the weight restrictions for a forward facing car seat. This is good to know, as it's best to keep them rear facing as long as possible! When I was first asked about testing the car seat, I thought I would only get a few months of testing it before he out grew it. I'm pleased to say that he has had tons of use out of it & has certainly been testing it plenty!

June the 9th 2013

A lovely walk on a lovely sunny day, as you can see, the hood gives some protection for the face, but an extra barrier of protection is still needed!

July the 7th 2013

Living with the Graco evo is simple. It's a simple to use pushchair that requires minimal effort to use. It's still going strong after all these months. I have used it for a variety of trips recently & am pleased to say that at 15 months, Samuel is still not too big for the car seat that came with it. Yes, I know that many parents will have already put their child in a forward facing seat. There seems to be a rush to get babies in the next seat these days... as if it's a developmental milestone. But slowly, the trend is changing. I will keep Samuel in the rear facing seat as long as I can... for as long as he is still the right size/weight for it.

July the12th 2013

Cool dude! sporting his new glasses to look cool in his snazzy baby seat :-)

 

 July the 15th 2013

 

Another scorcher of a day... It's a good job there's a decent sized hood, however, I cannot find my shade so I have used muslins & links to create a make-shift shade as there's no escaping this sun! ... Oh, and another new pair of cool dude shades... this time with a velcro strap! lol

July the 23rd 2013

I'm a little disappointed :-(

If you look closely at the previous post from 14th July, you can see in one of the pictures that there's a small hole in the foam on the handle bar (right hand side of centre). Here are two more pictures of close ups from the 17th & then the 23rd July. It seems the heat is causing the hole to increase in size. It's not being picked at, in fact, it's not been touched. Obviously this extreme heat is not good for it.

 

July the 23rd 2013

I'm not sure I've sent a picture of the car seat on the chassis from behind, but this is what it loos like. Pretty stylish if you ask me! And another pic of the ample basket space too.