Evies Blog

InStep Run Around 2 LTD Double Jogging Stroller Teal/Brick Description:

Busy parents can stay in shape and bring the little one along. This indoor/outdoor jogger is at home on the sidewalk, in the park and even in the mall. Perfect for short runs or long walks.

• Color: Teal/Brick
• Brand: InStep
• Model: 11-KS-480
• Released on: 2008-11-01
• Dimensions: 29.75″ h x 8.25″ w x 34.25″ l, 36.40 pounds

Features

• Assembles and folds easily
• Safety features include five-point harnesses, a hand brake, a parking brake, and a tether
• Canopy visor offers additional shade for children
• Features a convenient parent tray plus spacious under seat storage for cargo
• Under seat storage basket for a diaper bag and toys

Customer Reviews:

Enough bang for the buck, but a little rough around the edges.
Firstly I would like to say that I am writing from a very jaded and spoiled perspective as my other stroller is a Peg Perego Pliko… which has all the bells and whistles and soft luxurious seat padding, soft belts and sturdy buckles. But the Pliko is absolutely rubbish to push on any surface other than perfectly smooth surfaces, like a concrete sidewalk or the mall… And my five year old (yes I am one of those annoying people who bought a double stroller to put a baby and a five year old in)has total stroller envy and refuses to walk more than five minutes before whining and ruining our peaceful walks. So I never anticipated buying a double jogging stroller… but it was more of a need that arose out of the fact that I need to exercise, I dont trust gym people to watch my kids, my time with my kids is precious, and really our walks with the single stroller were more of a pain than a pleasure.

The stroller arrived in four days even though I opted for the free super saver shipping. It arrived in a very small box, which made me worry about exactly how many hours I would be sitting and putting menial pieces together, but actually the only pieces you have to assemble are the wheels, and the front wheel hub/footrest. You will need a bicycle pump to pump up the tires. You will be pleased to know that it folds relatively flat, and the wheels are all detachable with one snap, so you could bring this on vacation with you. It does fit in the back of my 06 Subaru outback, and I could fit in my five year olds scooter and helmet on the side. It is a bit cumbersome to get back into the car, but that is the trade off for how easy this has made exercising for me!

It comes with the under seat storage (which is large enough to hold my daughters scooter) and a little storage bag/drink holder on the handlebars. I can put in two water bottles and a sippy cup, cellphone and car keys. I thought those were great little extras.

The things I dont like are the finishes. The fabric is not as soft as it could be. For younger kids there are lambskin inserts you can buy for relatively cheap. But maybe that is the trade off for durability? The kids did not complain at all about it, it was just my observation. The buckles/ belts were not smooth like on the Peg Perego Pliko. More scratchy and cheap feeling. The finishes on the canopy are rough (can see stitching, unlike the Peg Perego where its all hidden and beautiful). The separately reclining seats are wonderful. The baby falls asleep within 5 minutes of being in it. And the five year old wants to see everything. They both fit in well. My five year old is 42 lbs and my 11 month old is 24lbs. The stroller weighs 37lbs. They both fit in well under the canopy.

I have been on a walk four times in the three days I have owned it and I must say I love it even more. On the first day I was having a bit of buyers remorse because as a parent you always want to make smart choices and buy only what you need, not just what you want, and my husband was not that happy with me buying a stroller for a five year old. But it really serves the purpose well. I give the 5 year old my mp3 player and then I can walk all over our neighborhood until I am exhausted. I could not do that before. The 20lbs of extra fat around my stomach can attest to that. I feel so liberated. So even if I use it for this summer and have it on craigslist next summer and buy a single jogger, I dont think I have wasted the money. I bought a fixed wheel jogger because of the stability issue. All you do to turn around corners is lean a bit more of your weight on the handle and it turns easily. For tight corners you just lift up the front wheel and it can turn easily. The pneumatic wheels make the ride so smooth. I have used it on grass, on asphalt and on a gravel road. All times it was perfect.

I would have given this jogger 5 stars but really the cheap buckle put me off. I wish it had some padding on the straps and buckles that release a bit easier. But for the smooth ride, the convenience, its good looks, and it ease of use, I still am really happy with my purchase. For under $200, I have freedom and I am happy, but more than that, my kids are happy and we can all be together when I exercise.

Its so easy
This stroller is so easy. I can hold my 4 month old with one hand try to hold my toddler between my legs and still be abel to close the stroller with the empty hand.

Amazon.com Product Description
The InStep Run Around 2 LTD Double Jogging Stroller is a highly affordable, durable, and lightweight stroller, ideal for parents who want to get out and about with their children without breaking the bank. The Run Around 2 LTD is designed to offer both parents and children the most comfortable ride possible, to pack up and stow easily, and to cover bumpy terrain at fast and low speeds with ease.

Designed to fit the needs of runners, but well appointed for everyone, the Run Around 2 LTD has a stable 16-inch fixed front wheel, and 16-inch rear wheels offer optimum size for serious runners and walkers, particularly on rough terrain. A handbrake makes it possible to stop on a dime when you need to. With a rear-wheel suspension system, the Run Around 2 LTD ensures a smooth ride for the kids and makes the stroller easy to push even with the weight of two children.

Built for convenience, the Run Around 2 LTD features a large under-seat basket as well as a parent-console for drinks and other items so you can run errands and tote plenty of supplies with you. Easy to fold, the stroller features a new one-hand fold feature that makes it a snap to store and throw in the back of the car.

The Run Around 2 LTD has a reclining seat option, particularly useful for small infants. Loaded with safety features, the stroller is equipped with a five-point harness, a handbrake, a parking brake, and tether strap to prevent the runaway stroller nightmare. On hot and sunny days, the generous canopy keeps young skin protected, and a vented cabin offers breathability. The Run Around 2 LTD has all the features you need for a safe, easy to operate, comfortable, and storable double jogging stroller, and will be a great fit for any active family.

Specifications:

• 16-inch front fixed wheel
• 16-inch rear wheels
• Sturdy steel frame
• New one-hand fold design
• Seats two infants or toddlers
• Max weight limit: 100 pounds
• Rear wheel suspension
• Reclining seat option
• Canopy with a fold-down visor
• Vented cabin
• Parent tray
• Under-seat storage

Size Specifications:

• Folded dimensions: 36 x 32 x 23.75 inches
• Assembled dimensions: 54.5 x 41.25 x 32 inches
• Assembled weight: 37 pounds

Safety Specifications:

• Five-point harnesses
• Handbrake
• Parking brake
• Tether
• ASTM Certified

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DwellStudio Baby Gio Crib Set, Aqua Product: DwellStudio Baby Gio Crib Set, Aqua Review. List Price: $360.00 Amazon Price: $336.58 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on DwellStudio Baby Gio Crib Set, Aqua

Set includes Bumper, Play Blanket, Fitted Crib Sheet and Crib Skirt. Play Blanket face is solid aqua brushed canvas, reverse in plus pattern. Bumper features gio pattern on brushed canvas. Fitted Crib Sheet features plus pattern. Crib Skirt features solid aqua pattern in brushed canvas.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10433 in Baby Product
• Color: Aqua
• Brand: Dwell Studio
• Model: B520-20-01
• Dimensions: 8.00″ h x 28.00″ w x 52.00″ l, 15.00 pounds

Features

• 100% cotton
• Machine wash cold, do not use bleach or detergents containing bleach; tumble dry low
• Bumper 10″ x 160″, fitted sheet 28″ x 52″ + 8″ drop, crib skirt 28″ x 52″ + 14″ drop and play blanket 36″ x 50″
• Warn iron if necessary

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Kidkraft Limited Edition Toy Box White Toy Box Description:

• Dimension of the Box: 33L x 18.5W x 28.75H
• Dimension of the Seat: 18H
• Finish: White
• Material: Wood
• Limited Edition Kid’s Toy Box/Toy Chest in White Finish
• Our Limited Edition Toy Chest keeps rooms tidy with style.
• This chest would be a great addition to any kid’s room
• Features:
• Convenient storage
• Doubles as a bench for extra seating
• Flip-top lid has safety hinge to protect young fingers from getting pinched.
• Helps teach the importance of getting organized
• Functions as toy chests, toy shelves
• Item also available in Natural, Cherry, Honey and Black
• Assembly required

• Amazon Sales Rank: #973585 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: KidKraft
• Dimensions: 51.90 pounds

Features

• Some assembly may be required. Please see product details.

Customer Reviews:

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DaVinci Kalani Combo Dresser in Espresso Product: DaVinci Kalani Combo Dresser in Espresso-Retail $499.00! Sale Only $399.00! List Price: $499.00 Amazon Price: $399.00 Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

Compare Prices on DaVinci Kalani Combo Dresser in Espresso

The Da Vinci Kalani Combo Dresser is attractive as well as the perfect combination of storage for any nursery. Part of the Kalani collection it is designed with clean, simple, but elegant lines so it blends well with many other styles. This combo dresser will become a family favorite and is destined to become an heirloom. Like getting two pieces of furniture in one it combines two storage pieces, a dresser and shelved unit which will service the needs of a baby and young child but be just as appropriate for a teenager. The combo is made of pine wood with particle board. This piece of nursery furniture features 3 long drawers which are perfect for storing clothing and another storage area with shelves behind a door-the perfect place to hide the clutter.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7177 in Baby Product
• Color: Espresso
• Brand: DaVinci
• Model: M5599Q
• Released on: 2008-06-07
• Dimensions: 38.00″ h x 17.00″ w x 54.00″ l, 103.50 pounds

Features

• This piece of nursery furniture features 3 long drawers which are perfect for storing clothing and another storage area with shelves behind a door-the perfect place to hide the clutter
• Metal glide hardware and stop mechanism on drawers, tip proof
• Made of sustainable pine and wood composite
• Lead and Phthalate Free, Non-Toxic Finish
• Available in cherry, ebony, oak, espresso and white

Could be great, but cheap materials ruin this dresser
We ordered this product along with a matching crib (DaVinci Kalani Convertible Baby Crib - Cherry). These appeared to be a nice middle-ground between the really cheap particle-board and cardboard dressers at $200 and the (beautiful) Amish solid wood pieces at $1400+. The crib is wonderful, and aside from scratching easily it is fantastic.

This dresser, however, is another story. In addition to the solid wood frame, the drawers have particleboard frame, and the drawer bottoms are the thinnest, cheapest cardboard you can find. All of the hardware in the dresser is of poor quality, which caused numerous problems during assembly. In one case, the screws pulverized the particleboard and I needed to purchase a new screw, drill my own hole, and hope that I didn’t destroy the wood in doing so.

As other reviewers have mentioned, the drawers also come apart fairly often (once/month). I have been tempted to glue the drawers to decrease this frequency. My concern with that is that the cardboard is so cheap, that I’m not sure it would hold up to the gluing, and I think that might be the end of the drawers.

The entire unit sways a little bit too. Tightening it only makes it worse (yikes!).

Overall a big disappointment. It looks beautiful, but it won’t hold up. We should have either spent less, or more on something that will really last.

We love this dresser!
First I must say, when I purchased this dresser it was listed at $329 (not the current $499). I actually called and inquired to amazon about the price to make sure it was accurate.

I recieved the dresser super quick and my husband inspected the pieces and put it together. He was impressed with how sturdy it is and he is not easily impressed. He realized when putting on one of the final pieces (the small top) that one corner was damaged and the wood was coming apart. I made a 10 minute call to million dollar baby (the manufacturer) and they sent out the damaged pieces (I had a piece damaged on the matching crib) via fed ex. We had them within a week!

Great product, great manufacturer customer service and great price (although I don’t know if I could pay the current $499 price for this dresser).

Great Dresser
This dresser is great and looks very nice in the babies’ room. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because it took 5 hours to put together (have 2 screwdrivers and it may not take you as long ) It is very sturdy and will work great as a changing table also.

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Sorelle Hampton Armoire - Cherry Description:

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9584 in Baby Product
• Color: Cherry
• Brand: Sorelle
• Model: 6940 CH
• Dimensions: 72.00″ h x 20.00″ w x 42.00″ l, 225.00 pounds

Features

• Wood knobs
• Solid birch wood
• A quality product from Sorelle
• Perfect for use in youth or adult bedroom
• Upper portion has two adjustable shelves

Customer Reviews:

From the Manufacturer
The Hampton Armoire is perfect for use in youth or adult bedroom. The upper portion has two adjustable shelves which can hold a TV. The lower three drawers have Euro glide side glides. It comes with wooden knobs and is made up of solid birch wood. This is a quality product from Sorelle.

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DaVinci Kalani Combo Dresser Hutch in Cherry Description:

The Kalani Combo Hutch provides you with all the drawer and shelf space you will need in your baby’s nursery.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12109 in Baby Product
• Color: Cherry
• Brand: DaVinci
• Model: M4749C
• Released on: 2008-08-01
• Dimensions: 45.00″ h x 11.00″ w x 55.00″ l, 51.00 pounds

Features

• Comes with brackets to attach to combo dresser for added security
• Metal glide hardware and stop mechanism on drawers, tip proof
• Made of sustainable pine and wood composite
• Lead and Phthalate Free, Non-Toxic Finish
• Available in cherry, ebony, oak, espresso and white

Customer Reviews:

Not exactly seamless…
The product simply sits on top of the dresser. There is nothing holding the hutch onto the main dresser assembly (with the exception of a small brace on each end). While it looks great, I can’t help but wonder when it will come down on top of my toddler. I re-enforced it.

From the Manufacturer
Kalani is cool and confident. It’s Davinci at its best. With first class engineering, the Kalani Collection gives you a lifetime of style.

From the Manufacturer
Add this hutch to your Kalani or Emily Combo Dresser for extra space and extra style.

Tike Tech Single City X4 Swivel Stroller, Alpine Red Description:

Tike Tech Single City X4 Swivel Stroller Single is perfect for the neighborhood. Luxurious, light weight and durable, the tike tech City X4 stroller is designed to offer you and your baby a comfortable way to stroll the malls and neighborhood. The rubber coated wheels with the dual rear suspension offer a super smooth ride. With generous plush interior, the City X4 is car seat and bassinet compatible and strolls like a dream. The standard features include dual rear parking brake, one touch recline and harness system, and is suitable for newborns and toddlers.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #120191 in Baby Product
• Size: Single
• Color: Alpine Red
• Brand: Tike Tech
• Model: TT-1866
• Released on: 2009-07-01
• Dimensions: 32.00″ h x 17.50″ w x 35.00″ l, 26.00 pounds

Features

• Optional accessories: tike tech single car seat adapter, tike tech Single CityX4 All Season Cover, tike tech Stroller Saddle bag, tike tech foot muff, tike tech bassinet, tike tech single stroller water bottle holder, tike tech infant seat insert
• Frame is aluminum rugged oval shaped, durable and light weight, Back wheels 12″ wide track with push button quick release, Front end-2 6″ rubber coated front swivel wheels Handle bar-ergonomic and fully adjustable
• IFD Shox Suspension, Folding-quick one step fold up design, Seats are fully padded with low ride recline, one touch 5-point harness system, removable and multipositional canopy with large moon roof and removable rear sun flap
• 5 year warranty on frame; standard 1 year warranty on soft goods

Customer Reviews:

All the bells and whistles at a mid-range price!
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R383TC1QJ8IUAW A video review of the Tike Tech City X4 by Hollie Schultz of Babygizmo.com.

From the Manufacturer
Tike Tech Single City X4 Swivel Stroller Single is perfect for the neighborhood. Luxurious, light weight and durable, the tike tech City X4 stroller is designed to offer you and your baby a comfortable way to stroll the malls and neighborhood. The rubber coated wheels with the dual rear suspension offer a super smooth ride. With generous plush interior, the City X4 is car seat and bassinet compatible and strolls like a dream. The standard features include dual rear parking brake, one touch recline and harness system, and is suitable for newborns and toddlers.

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Bassettbaby Cape Cod 4 in 1 Crib, Pine Description:

Bassettbaby is a division of Bassett Furniture, who is known for their outstanding quality and innovation for more than 100 years. Pine finish on Asian hardwoods and beech veneers. 4 N 1 Crib converts from crib to toddler bed to day bed, then full size bed. Metal bed frame is sold separately to attach to headboard only for bed.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6632 in Baby Product
• Color: Pine
• Brand: Bassettbaby
• Model: 5893-0621
• Dimensions: 45.88″ h x 29.50″ w x 56.12″ l, 64.10 pounds

Features

• 4-in1 crib converts to toddler (kit included), day bed and then full size bed (bed rails sold separately)
• 4 position mattress support
• Single knee release side rail, 1 year manufacturer warranty
• Drop side for easy lifting
• Beautiful layered molding with grooved panel

Customer Reviews:

High Quality

This crib is high quality. I saw it at a local store and then ordered it from Amazon so I wouldn’t have to haul it home. It is a solid piece that I feel very comfortable putting my baby in. I particularly like the style for the value.

Cheap looking and feeling
After looking at lots of cribs in stores I decided I wanted a natural pine colored one… which was hard to find. Hence… Amazon. I ordered this and it looks awful. The wood has dark black areas where it wasn’t properly stained and it looks like the wood has weathered in the rain. This is especially true on the backboard - the most visible part - and around the holes where the vertical pieces go in. It just doesn’t look like the nice, country-style crib shown online. I contacted Bassettbaby to see if they could replace it or do anything about it and they said no. The crib is also very light even though it isn’t designed to be a portable crib. When I lift and lower the moving side, I pick up the entire crib with one hand! It just feels cheap. Unfortunately, the box it arrived in was so damaged that I really can’t re-pack it and send it back.I should have looked at one of these in a store. It really doesn’t compare with the quality of cribs I was seeing at BuyBuyBaby. That said, this was under $300 and those were about $600. Maybe you get what you pay for!

Some blemishes…
Nice, sturdy crib, easy to assemble. Some blemishes in the railing and slats, but all around a nice crib.

From the Manufacturer
The Cape Cod 4 in 1 Crib in the natural finish combines a beautiful style, inspired by the architecture of early 18th century New England. This style is combined with the ultimate in functionality and safety. The crib features layered molding on the top rail and a beautiful grooved wainscot panel. The functionality of the 4 in 1 allows the crib to be a piece of furniture you can use for years to come. It converts from a crib to a toddler bed (kit included) to a daybed, and finally a full size bed (bed rails sold separately) that can change with your needs. The Cape Cod 4 in 1 Crib has a single knee-release drop side, and fits standard crib mattresses (sold separately). The construction is sturdy with hardwood veneers. Most importantly, it complies with the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association Certification Progam and ASTM safety standards. The series coordinates with other Bassettbaby Natural Cape Cod furniture items (sold separately).

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Compare Prices on Sumersault Fun Faces Crib Set 4 piece - Pink

Sumersault Fun Faces Blue 4 piece Crib SetEarthtones and textures, appliqué and embroidery are intertwined in this handsome patchwork quilt. It has a distinctly vintage feeling with charming and simple motifs in greens, dusty rich blues, accented by light mocha and burnt coral. The handcrafted feeling of this collection is reflected in some of the accessories which enhance the overall feeling of a vintage heirloom. Fun Faces Blue is available in the following components:-4 pc set: Quilt, Bumper, Sheet & Dustruffle-Blanket - 30″x40″ - Fleece with Appliqué-Sheet - Green-Decorative Cushion - 11″x11″ - Appliqué and Embroidery -Diaperstacker - Appliqué -Mobile-Wallhanging - Set of 3 - 11″x11″ - Appliqué and Embroidery-Wallborder - 6″ high 5 yards long-Lamp with Shade-Valance - 15″ x 44″ Tab Top - Appliqué & Embroidery-Rug - 28″x28″Items in Collection Sold Separately

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30961 in Baby Product
• Color: Pink
• Brand: Sumersault
• Model: FN00 pnk
• Dimensions: 18.00″ h x 10.00″ w x 19.00″ l,

Features

• 4 piece set includes quilt, bumper, sheet, dust ruffle
• Lots of detail and design
• Hand stitched for a rich upscale look
• Appliquéd design
• Machine washable, gentle warm cycle, tumble dry low

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Philips Avent Isis iQ Duo Twin Electronic Breast Pump Description:

Avent Isis iQ Duo Breast Pump The Avent Isis iQ Duo Breast Pump is the first breast pump with an iQ. The Avent Isis iQ Duo features an electronic memory that learns from mom! It is by far the most personal Avent breast pump and, for that matter, the most personal breast pump period! It is the only breast pump designed to respond to the needs of a breastfeeding mother. The Avent Isis IQ Duo is a high performance electronic pump which combines all the features which improve milk production. They are features like natural let down, efficient double pumping and infinitely variable control for precise comfort.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2647 in Baby Product
• Brand: Philips Avent
• Model: SCF294/02
• Released on: 2007-04-15
• Dimensions: 12.76″ h x 8.39″ w x 15.75″ l, 9.79 pounds

Features

• Avent Isis iQ Duo is an electronic breast pump
• First Avent breast pump to features an iQ
• Electronic memory on the Avent isis learns a mother’s pumping rhythm
• Ultra quiet, powerful motor matches vacuum of hospital grade pumps
• Electronic breast pump from Avent features a let down massage cushion which works gently and naturally

Customer Reviews:

a big pro, lots of little cons
I’ve had my new IQ Duo for 2 weeks now. Previously, I was using an Ameda PY, which I used several years ago for my daughter and began using again for my now 4 month old son. I work full time, so use the pump 3 times a day during the week. I bought the new pump because the motor on my PY was getting a little flaky and I was hoping to get more milk with the Duo since I’d had good results in the past with the Isis manual. It does seem to help me get more milk - at a good pump, 6 ounces instead of my usual 3 to 4. So I’m extremely happy with the pump in that respect because right now, my life is all about having enough milk to leave for the next day. I thought I’d elaborate though, so here are my pros, cons, etc…

Pros:

You can adjust the suction strength, length of time the suction lasts, and the “rest period,” all just by pumping manually a few times. This is the exact reason that I splurged on a new pump. With the Isis manual, I would always hold the suction until the milk stopped spurting. The cycle settings on my PY went nowhere near holding suction for that long. And when I made the cycle longer on the PY, the rest time between suctions seemed to increase too. With the Duo, you can make the suction period really long and the rest period really short - or any other combination that works for you. I can almost always get a second let-down, which was very elusive with the PY.

The cord is very long and the plug is a standard plug, not the big boxy thing like on the PY, so it takes up less space on the outlet.

I like the bags they give you for carrying your horn setup. And I like the fact that you can, in effect, seal off the horn assembly with the sealing base and the cover/bottle holder. It makes it very convenient to store them in the fridge in between pumpings (which of course the manual says you’re not supposed to do since they should be sterilized before every use).

Supposedly, the valves don’t need to be replaced for a very long time. The customer service rep I spoke to said with proper care, the valves would last over a year. And they include 2 extra valves in the box.

Avent customer service is great. I called to order extra horns ($9 each) and diaphragms ($15 each - maybe that should go in the cons), and the lady had a long conversation with me about how I liked the pump and offered lots of tips.

Cons:

It takes a lot longer to set up than my PY. With the PY, I always left the tubing and power cord attached. The Duo needs to be unhooked to fit in the bag. I did finally figure out that I could leave the power cord plugged into the pump and still zip up the front of the bag. I suppose I could do it with the tubing and control wire too, but I’m afraid they’ll get bent or crimped so I unplug them every time. There are also a lot of things to connect - the air tubing, (which is a pain to plug/unplug because you really have to yank on it) the control wire, and the electric cord, which comes apart into 2 pieces, so I know one of these days, I’ll be missing one piece of the cord and have to run home for it.

Once you’ve got the horns attached to the bottle, the setup doesn’t stand up by itself. I think it’s the petal insert that makes it top heavy. They do provide the piece that seals off the opening of the horn and doubles as a stand, but for me, it’s just one more piece to forget. And if you’re using the VIA bases, you’re out of luck since they don’t lock into the base stand. The control handle takes a lot of force to pull off- I’m afraid I’m going to be pulling too hard, have it pop off, and then knock over my bottles. The tubing is also fused together about half of its length (from where it connects to the pump up toward the control handle and double pump cap), which makes it very precarious to detach the tubing while holding both bottles so nothing tips. Also, the tubing (with the integrated control wire) is very heavy and stiff, so handling everything is awkward and it seems like there’s more chance for accidentally knocking, dropping, or tipping. And yes, I do cry over spilt milk.

The cooler bags are small and have no handles for carrying separately. And who wants to keep track of 8 little icepacks? I already lost one somewhere in the depths of my freezer. Each bag only fits 2 4-ounce bottles or 2 6-ounce VIA bases. And the VIA bases especially are a really tight squeeze to get in there with the 4 icepacks.

The motor really doesn’t seem any quieter than the PY, which doesn’t really bother me except that the advertising led me to believe it would be quieter, and I can imagine it might be important for some people.

The control button is in a bad spot for anyone who sits at a desk while pumping. I keep hitting it on the edge of my desk, which makes the motor stop. I do like the fact that they put the control on the handle within easy reach, I just think it would have been better placed on the top somewhere. It also seems to be a little harder to lean against the edge of my desk to hold the horns on and continue to type with both hands like I do with my PY. I think the petal inserts make it not suction to the outer part of the breast as much, so they’re harder to keep in place just by leaning against something.

Lack of “custom” parts. I started using the larger barrel diameter horns with my PY, and Avent doesn’t offer (and has no plans to offer) a larger diameter horn. Without the petal insert, my nipple eventually gets sucked all the way to the back of the barrel. I have to keep breaking the suction and reapplying. With the petal insert, my nipple doesn’t get sucked in so far, but I still have milk ducts that are up against the side of the barrel (which also happens with the standard PY horns, and didn’t seem to affect my milk production too much).

The Duo seems a little less comfortable to use than my PY. I tried both with and without the petal inserts, but I seem to get sore no matter what, whereas I don’t with the PY. Or maybe I have the suction stronger- I will have to experiment with that.

Milk gets stuck under the diaphragm part, so when I’m done, I need to remove that part and dump that milk into the bottle. It just makes the whole process take a little longer.

Versus the PY, there are a lot more parts. The integrated air tube/control wire and the control handle are probably expensive to replace if they break. They look pretty durable, but being external parts they’ll be exposed to more wear and tear. Avent customer service couldn’t even give me a price for replacement of those parts, but did suggest that they would work with a customer if there were any problems.

Nit-picky things:

The status light is not visible when the pump is in the bag, so if you want to leave it in the bag while you pump, you need to pull it out a little to see it. You’re supposed to check that the light goes from flashing to constant on before starting, which happens within seconds, so it’s not that big of a deal.

It would be more convenient if the zipper on the front where the pump is stored were a 2-zipper system so you could pull both zippers up from the sides toward the top.

Observations:

I always get more milk from the non-control side, even though I’ve tried the control on both sides. The Avent rep said suction should be equal on both sides and suggested that I check and make sure everything was sealed correctly, which I’ve done but still seem to have a problem.

Worth the Money!
I bought this pump after having a very hard time breastfeeding, but I was determined not to give up. I tried the Medela Symphony which is the best hospital grade pump on the market and after 15 mins of pumping I was able to express about 2-3oz and it was costing me a bundle per month! I saw this one when it first came out and was hesitant after seeing the price tag. So far I am amazed at how confortable this pump is. I have been able to go from expressing 2oz in 15 mins to 4oz in 10 mins. This pump has infinite control, I can adjust this with just the touch of a finger and can double pump comfortably and easily. I work from the house but this is excellent for me to pump and let my husband feed our son and on outings I dont need to take any formula along any more! It is an expensive pump but worth the money considering the suction is hospital grade and it helps build you’re supply as well.

*******UPDATE*******
I have now been using this pump every day for two months. So far so good, I have not had one day of problems with this pump. I keep all the wiring and tubes attached to it and zipped up so that when I need to use it, I only need to attach the pump assembly. My supply is great now and since my baby has started cereal I find it great that I can give him cereal with breastmilk instead of formula or water. The parts are all as good as new with every day washing and serilization. I will say that unless you really need to double pump or you have supply issues like I had, this ump may be too pricey. There now is the Isis Uno which is a single pump but is $200 - $250 cheaper.

Great Pump! Worth every Penny! Love IT!!!!!
I breastfed my son for 15 months and I am now breastfeeding my second child. I work full time and so I MUST have a reliable and easy to use pump. I am also a breastmilk donor and donate milk to a mother’s milk bank for premature babies. So,in addition to feeding my own child I must have enough supply to donate as well.
I used the Medela Pump in Style Advanced the whole time that I was nursing my son. (So trust me after 15 months I know all of its pros and cons) The Medela PIS advanced has a very large bag and is very heavy once you get it packed up with all of your milk and supplies for pumping. I am also a petite female and the strap on the bag for the Medela PIS is so large and long that it was forever falling off of my shoulder while trying to walk to the parking garage. The personal fit horns for the Medela PIS are great except there is a ridge inside that can rub your nipples raw. I loved my Medela PIS at first but towards the end really started to dislike it. I also noticed that the longer I used it, the Medela PIS, the more my supply diminished. I could pump for 20 minutes and then could sit there and hand express 2 to 3 more ounces from each side with just my bare hands.
So this time I decided to try something different. The Avent Isis IQ Duo.
THIS PUMP IS WONDERFUL! A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!
The ability to select your own suction level and speed is great. (You definately don’t have that same option with the Medela PIS) I get 10-12 ounces in 10 minutes versus the 8 I got in the same amount of time with my Medela. I think The Avent duo pump is extremely quiet. I believe it is less noticeable than the PIS ever was. The microfiber bag is perfect and is comfortable to carry, even for a very petite female like me. I believe the set up for this pump is no more complicated than setting up the PIS by Medela.
Overall I would have to say that I LOVE this pump. It is comfortable, quiet, efficient and worth every penny. I only wish it had been around when I breastfed my son for 15 months!

UPDATE!!!
After reading some of the other reviews I wanted to add a few other things:

1. This pump is no more top heavy than the Medela pump in style. The tubing for my Medela was no more flexible than the tubing on the Avent Isis IQ duo. I cannot tell you how many times the tubing for my Medela Pump in style tipped the bottles over spilling my precious breastmilk everywhere.

2. The Avent VIA bases are Wonderful for storing your breastmilk. They work much better than the bags because they do not leak. As far as not having stabilizers to hold the via bases; the lids work perfectly as a base for the via bottles. The bottoms of the via bases fit in the tops of the via lids.

3. Unless you have used a pump for at least six months or more I don’t think you truly realize all of its pros and cons. As I said, at first I loved my Medela Pump in Style Advanced. Now I couldn’t bear to be without the Avent Duo.

Editorial Review