Joolz

Joolz, a play on the word "jewels," was started in 2004 in the Netherlands after founder Emile Keunen noticed parents struggling with pushing their strollers over a canal in Amsterdam.

Even though Kuenen wasn't a parent at the time, he sold strollers to hardware stores in the Netherlands and thought there was room for a higher-end stroller in Europe:

“Friends had children and bought branded strollers. I saw that there was still a lot of room in the higher segment of strollers. Then I started designing and developing a brand myself. I had the network and experience with Chinese manufacturers to have my sketches produced," Keunen said in an interview.

Joolz is a premium stroller brand. Keuenen said: "The materials we use are really the very best and we pay a lot of attention to product development. That's why our pushchairs are a bit more expensive than most. Ours are really the Teslas of pushchairs."

Even though Joolz debuted its first stroller (the Geo) in Europe in 2007 and then came to the US in 2010. The strollers are sold in department stores like Nordstrom and online on Amazon other sites.

Flagship model: Joolz Day+

The Joolz Day+ (29.3 lbs. as a stroller, 31.3 lbs with the carrycot) is a modular stroller that includes both a stroller seat and bassinet (or carrycot as it is referred to in Europe). Key features include:

• All wheel suspension for a smooth ride.

• Height adjustable handle.

• Stylish aesthetics—although there are only limited color choices in a rather muted color palette.

• Rain cover.

• Fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles.

On the downside, the stroller is on the heavy side for a modular system the (the Bugaboo Fox 3 is 28% lighter,; UPPAbaby Vista is 8% lighter, for example). And the premium price does not include such amenities as a cup holder or car seat adapters, which are sold as accessories.

The fold on the Day+ is also somewhat complicated—the stroller can only fold as one-piece if the seat is facing forward. Otherwise, if the seat is facing toward the parent or the bassinet is being used, both of these components must be removed first before folding the chasis. Also: the front wheels must be locked to fold the chasis. This multi-step process is more complex than competitors.

Lightweight models

The Joolz Aer+ (13.2 lbs.) is an ultra-compact stroller that features a reclining seat and large canopy that mostly encloses the seat. When folded, the Aer+ is 21 x 17.7 x 8.5", which the company claims is "airplane compatible," presumably for the overhead compartment storage, The UPF 50+ sun hood also has ventilation and the stroller also has four wheel suspension.

Unlike competitors such as the BabyZen YoYo, the Joolz Aer+ has an optional bassinet (carrycot) that is sold as an accessory—this enables the Aer+ to be used from birth. (Most ultra-compact strollers are designed to be used for infants six months and up, since the seats do not fully recline).

The Aer+ folds with one-hand and has a carry strap.