Checking Our List #17: Maxi-Cosi Mila Stroller {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Champagne Wisdom!}

Of all the things that I've learned about baby gear, I've found that there are some areas that you feel like you can skimp on and have it not matter... and some that you really shouldn't. Just as some people might be intent that one crib mattress is better than the others or that a certain brand of pacifier soothed their baby better than the rest, I believe that there really are strollers that outperform the pack.

That's not to say that buying a cheap, flimsy umbrella stroller at the toy store won't do its job (before possibly falling apart). But considering the sheer length and amount of times that a stroller is used during the span of one (if not more) child, then it just makes sense to start off with something of the highest quality, amazing functionality and able to accommodate all the way from birth to 3 years, doesn't it?

Forget the rest, it just makes sense to start at the top with the Mila stroller from Maxi-Cosi.
Arriving nearly fully assembled right out of the box, right away I was able to appreciate the unique Olive Oil color of the durable fabric, matching tint to the lightweight aluminum frame and the overall impressiveness of this stroller. Much more than your typical umbrella stroller, the Maxi-Cosi Mila combines the best features of a large travel system into one high quality, compact package.

As I set out to put the Mila together, right away I discovered that installation of the front and back wheels was pretty much foolproof. The front wheels popped right on and the back wheels, which were connected together, were marked with either a red or blue double line.

Looking at the stroller frame, I found that, you guessed it, the base of the back legs also had a red or blue designation.

Sliding the wheels into place and attaching the convenient parent cup holder, there wasn't anything left to do except stand back and admire the overall style and design.

I have to admit that if I had glanced at this Olive Oil color in a store or online, I might have passed it by. But seeing it in person, I really liked the unique, gender neutral, chicness of it. The fact that the frame is tinted to match just made me like it even more!

Checking out the features closer, it was clear that Maxi-Cosi included pretty much everything that a parent could ask for in a highly functional umbrella stroller. For starters, with just the push of a button the leg rest adjusts to make the fit perfectly customizable. Then, the wide, nicely padded seat easily reclines to an almost flat position to easily accommodate a sleeping infant or toddler.

With only one hand, simply slide the clip located right on the back of the seat to the desired level and the seat leans back. When it's time to be upright again, just slide the clip tighter and you're done. I love simplicity, especially if it is going to make naptime on-the-go more comfortable and convenient!

Speaking of convenient, the Maxi-Cosi Mila is full of things to make your life easier when using, storing or traveling with it. The large, roomy basket underneath is easily accessible from both sides and provides space for a diaper bag, purse, shopping bags, jackets, etc and there is also a smaller pocket right on the back of the oversize canopy that is perfect for slipping in things like your phone and keys when you head out for a walk.

And even though that canopy is plenty large to keep out most of the elements, I appreciated the fact that the Mila comes with its own separate rain cover for times when you're caught out in a shower. By attaching it with Velco to multiple places on the frame, you can rest assured that this will stay in place and keep your baby dry... but that the air holes allow plenty of oxygen to keep flowing.

Another aspect that I thought was a huge benefit to this stroller is its ability to not only accommodate the Maxi-Cosi infant car seat, but it does so much more than have it just rest on top. By removing the canopy (which is very easy to do) you can choose to either recline the seat or remove it altogether.

Next, simply snap on the car seat adapters and you have a way to safely move your newborn's car seat directly from the car or house into a safe and secure spot when its is time for a walk.

Finally, when it comes time to fold this stroller, its unique way of condensing in on itself makes it extremely easy to do. Just release both levers near the handles (which are ergonomic and very nice to hold) and pull up on the handle in the back.

Instead of folding down to the ground, you don't even have to bend over with the Mila because it just folds inward. Even better, for storing it in the garage, closet or entryway, it stands upright on its own. I really love not having to find a place to prop this up or have it end up sprawled out across the floor like most other strollers and think it's great that Maxi-Cosi included that ability!

All in all, the Maxi-Cosi Mila definitely is a luxury umbrella stroller. Available in several great color options, by adding a corresponding car seat you can turn an already comfortable and convenient stroller into a travel system. The lightweight, easy to open and close frame is perfect for traveling and its safety features like the one-touch rear brake and padded 5-point harness make it an even better ride for both the child and the adult.

In fact, every time we have used this stroller, I can't get over just how smooth and easy it is to push. The wheels glide over smooth or bumpy terrain and almost feel as if they are self-propelled. As for the comfort, each instance that Little Sister B has had to sit or ride in the Mila, I end up having to park it somewhere in the house because she doesn't want to get out. It's just that nice in there!

From 0 - 33 pounds, the Maxi-Cosi Mila is plenty strong and durable enough to last through all of a child's stroller-riding years and look and work great. Retailing for $249.99, this is more expensive than many other strollers of its size, but the quality more than makes up for the difference. This season, any mom or mom-to-be would be overwhelmingly grateful to receive this as a shower or holiday gift.

And, thanks to the generosity of Maxi-Cosi, one person will be able to provide the ultimate in baby and toddler transportation for themselves or a thankful recipient, because...

One lucky person will win a Maxi-Cosi Mila stroller of their own!
ARV $249.99!

To enter to win: Visit Maxi-Cosi and tell me another of their high quality products you would like to own.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win a $300+ Safety 1st prize package including the Complete Air 65 Convertible Car Seat, Naturals Baby Care products and ProGrade Home Safety items!
1 Extra Entry if you Like Maxi-Cosi on Facebook and 1 more Extra Entry if you leave the following message on their wall: I just entered to win an amazing Maxi-Cosi Mila stroller at Thanks, Mail Carrier! What an amazing holiday gift! http://bit.ly/9eNdQA
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the Holiday Gift Guide giveaways (Checking Our List giveaways ONLY) running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Checking Our List 17: #WIN a Maxi-Cosi Mila Stroller (ARV $250) for high quality travels! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/9eNdQA #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you have our Checking Our List {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Maxi-Cosi. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on December 10th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Maxi-Cosi for providing a Mila stroller for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.