Hi, I'm Lucy, 37 from Kent. I live with my partner David and our two children Shannon (5) and Samuel (4 months). I'm currently on maternity leave from my post as a maths teacher and I'm really enjoying spending quality time with my family. I enjoy knitting & sewing projects as well as other crafty projects including with Shannon. I love going for walks and am delighted to be testing the Graco Evo. I enjoy meeting other mums at the baby groups I attend with Samuel and I'm also a cloth nappy addict!
Jump to a Month: August 2012 | September 2012 | October 2012 | November 2012 | December 2012 | January 2013 | February 2013 | March 2013 | April 2013 | May 2013 | June 2013 | July 2013 | Final Summary
First Impressions
As the doorbell sounded, a sense of excitement filled the house as we knew this was it. The Graco Evo had arrived! Opening the box, the first thing that struck me was the colour. It is a really nice, bright shade of lime green. It came with matching car seat, hood, footmuff & a raincover.

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 29th 2012
Thank you great British summer! I had the opportunity to use the raincover today. Very easy to slip over the pushchair. There is a section that opens to reach into baby, or possibly to leave open, when rain eases, to enable air flow. The opening section is secured with velcro tabs as opposed to a zip.
August the 31st 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.
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

Stepping out to collect Shannon from rainbows, taking the Graco Evo,
which is my pushchair of choice out of the few I have due to it's ease
of use!
The colour is so vibrant and as we draw towards the winter
months, I'm sure the bright colour will lift our spirits. Hopefully
it'll mean the pushchair is also more visible as the nights start to
draw in. We shall see soon enough!
October the 12th 2012
Walking to Nandos last night with the threat of more rain so the raincover was used. As you can see, the flash has bounced off the reflective strips on the raincover and hood. A great addition to the pushchair as anything that makes it more visible to the traffic at night has got to be a good thing! Only downside being that to be seen by on-coming traffic, it would need to be forward facing! Second pic, this time from inside Nandos, but minus the raincover... Again, the flash shows clearly the reflective strip on the hood.

October the 15th 2012
Cosy and snug in the car seat on the chassis leaving Church yesterday morning. The seat is obviously comfortable as he was awake just minutes before this was taken!


Taking a leisurely walk around the shopping centre. Pushchair really stands out for the bright colour!
Samuel's not been feeling well today and needed a walk to get to sleep. Went for a short walk and thought I'd take a short clip of the rough path mentioned further up the page. It's very bumpy, as you can probably see. The pushchair is fine with it, though it felt rough and bumpy. I generally walk out in the road at this point (it's a layby so off the main road).
October the 17th 2012
Ok, so after reading the other reviewer's page, I thought about the rain cover. It's something that gets overlooked I suppose, I know I certainly did. The front of the rain cover, the bit that goes over the foot end of the seat, has a narrowing and a bit of a lip to catch on under the foot of the seat. The back of the rain cover is wider, has a warning label printed on it & goes over the hood of the seat unit. When in the correct position, the reflective strips should be in front of the seat unit (either facing parent in parent facing mode, or facing the road in the other mode)... This is what I mentioned in a previous update, Graco could have done with including a further reflective strip on the back of the rain cover to improve it's function in parent facing mode.
October the 23rd 2012


October the 24th 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

November the 11th 2012

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.
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!

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
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!
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!February the 19th 2013
February the 22nd 2013
Had lots of fun at the Babyshow today! So much that Samuel fell asleep!
February the 27th 2013



March the 27th 2013Trip 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!

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.

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!
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!
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 2013I'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
Well, I can't believe a year is up already! It's been great having the
Graco Evo to test. Thank you for the opportunity Pushchair Trader!
It has lasted well and I believe gives a comfortable ride. Samuel is 16
months and there's plenty of room for further growth in both the
pushchair seat & the car seat. Having just weighed Samuel, he's only
10.8kg so well within the weight limits for the car seat too.
Plus points:
The chassis folds up nice and small & fits great in the boot of the Hyundai I30 even with a subwoofer in there too!
The basket is amazing! I've managed to cram loads into it when needed,
and even if I don't need to transport loads, if I walk to the shops, I
know that that impulse buy won't be an issue as there's a good sized
space under the pram!
The seat is comfy... Well it looks it & Samuel doesn't try to get out or shift about too much!
It's bright & cheery colour sets it out from the crowd
The raincover does the job it's supposed to & has the visibility
strips on it so as to be seen in the dark or in poor visibility
conditions.
The hood has high visibility strips included which is great if out after dark.
Easy to clip the seat unit in place, or to change to the car seat attachment.
Lightweight
Can be used from birth as seat lays flat (there is a carrycot attachment, but if on a budget, it's not necessary)
Easy steer
Large rear wheels that make steps easy to go up!
Great breaks!
Good value for money
Negative points:
The high visibility strips on the hood & raincover can really only
be seen in world facing view & not in the parent facing mode
The seat unit is quite bulky if you need to get it in the car with the chassis
Using it as a travel system:
The car seat is attached to the chassis using an adapter/frame to enable
you to simply plug & go. It's been a godsend having this. I've
never used a travel system before, not having a compatible combination
of car seat & pushchair, but this really has made things so much
easier.
I bought the base unit for the car seat to strap into the car as I'd
been used to isofix seats. This enabled me to simply 'plug' the seat
into the base, which is already strapped into the car. Again, this made
things easy for us. Particularly me, as I'm somewhat vertically
challenged and have difficulty strapping the car seats into a car
without having to struggle.
I would highly recommend this pushchair.
