Maclaren Techno XT Stroller

Many parents who want a lightweight umbrella stroller must wait until their babies are old enough to sit up on their own because this type of stroller does not recline. However, the Maclaren Techno XT solves this problem by having a 4-position recline feature so that even newborn babies can lie comfortably and safely with the included 5-point harness.

What else makes the Techno XT so special for young babies? This model also has a seat extender for additional leg support so your little one can fully lay down. This is one of the best umbrella strollers you can get for infants to adequately meet their needs at this stage of life.

The similarly featured Techno XLR has everything the Techno XT has, however the XLR is wider and slightly heavier so as accommodate a car seat, turning the lightweight Maclaren umbrella stroller into a travel system. The XLR would be the one to check out if you need a travel system.

The Maclaren Techno XT stroller is loaded with features while maintaining a light weight of only 15 pounds. A child weighing up to 55 pounds can ride in this stroller, which is remarkable considering the fact that other umbrella strollers this size can only accommodate a child between 30 and 40 pounds.

Maclaren Techno XT Features:

• Lightweight with carrying handle
• Four position reclining seat
• Seat extension for smaller babies
• Reflective accents for night time safety
• One-hand collapse and fold
• Storage basket under seat
• Storage pockets on back of seat
• Rain covering included

• Lockable front swivel wheels with suspension for a smooth ride
• Adjustable 5-point safety harness with childproof release
• Foot operated parking brakes
• Removable washable seat
• Sun Visor with UV protection and peek-a-boo window
• Extendable canopy for extra sun protection and ventilated sides

Lightweight, yet strong

Weighing just 15 pounds, the Maclaren Techno XT is certainly considered lightweight but not to the point that you feel it's going to be flimsy or wobbly. The frame is made of high performance aluminum keeping the weight down. However the strength of this frame will enable this stroller to hold a 55 pound weight limit. That's going to be your child plus all the shopping you can fit in it!

All about the seat

The seat is one of the best features on the Maclaren Techno XT. At 13" wide with an 18" seat back, your child is going to have plenty of room to grow. Your child is quite cozy sitting on quilted and pillowy softness on a seat with a four-position recline. Even the youngest babies will have adequate recline because the seat lays nearly flat at its farthest position. However please note that despite the fact that the seat reclines this flat, it does not take a car seat. The XLR model is the one you want to buy for a travel system.

The seat boasts a leg rest seat extender, which is essential for small babies to lay flat and give support for proper circulation and comfort. The position is either up or down and when it's down the extender gives additional support to little legs. One mom mentions in her review that this stroller is perfectly suitable for her four month old.

If you feel you need some more padding, choose from 40 different Maclaren seat liners to change and customize your Techno XT's look. They're a lot of fun!

What are the safety features on the Maclaren Techno XT?

The 5-point safety harness adjusts with your child as he or she grows taller. And moms really appreciate the buckle because it's easy for adults to use, but near impossible for children to figure out, kind of like a child-proof cap on a medicine bottle. The buckle requires that you press on both sides to release the belt, simple yet effective.

Additional safety features include reflective accents, including the wheel hubs and canopy, for better visibility under low lighting or nighttime outings. The rear parking brakes are engaged over each wheel to keep it solidly in place.

Tell me about the sun canopy

In the latest models, the canopy has had some modifications that add lots of comfort and protection. The Techno XT has a sun visor that flips down from the inside portion of the canopy, and while the visor is clear, it does provide UV protection. At the back of the canopy, you can unzip and extendable panel section bringing the canopy even further down for better sun blockage.

Air vents in the sides of this extended panel on the canopy keeps your child from getting too hot. If that's not already fabulous, you can adjust the height of the canopy up and down to block the sun angle just right or to accommodate a tall child in the seat. Oh, and you get a free rain shield included with the purchase. What a deal!

What about the maneuverability?

Parents rave about the durability of this stroller; the smooth ride on the 6 ½-inch wheels and dime-turn maneuverability make this stroller a pleasure to take on long walks. While not meant for off-road use, the front swivel wheels can be locked into place for rougher terrain, giving you better stability. Parents comment that they can take their Techno XT through tight spaces

Tell me about the fold

What are the handles like?

Tall parents love the handles on the Maclaren Techno XT because they don't have to stoop down, as they do with other strollers the same size and they don't kick the back of the stroller while walking. The ergonomic foam handles start at a 42" height and telescope up to 44" giving you two inches to find just the right place for optimal comfort.

Storage and convenience

The storage basket underneath is large enough to carry the extras you need to take with you on your outing. The basket is one of the few things that consumers find to be a bit of a disappointment, but most realize that with any umbrella stroller, a storage basket isn't going to be as big as what you get on a standard-sized stroller.

The rain cover that is included can be kept in one of the long storage pockets on the back of the seat or it can fit a beverage bottle.

How much should you pay for the Maclaren Techno XT?

Looking around different web retailers online, the average price for the Techno XT is about $320. However the black color seems have a shortage of stock for many online stores, but Amazon carries it and it's going for about $350 because of this temporary shortage of stock. BabiesRUs has it for cheaper right now, but for how long the black will be around is hard to say.

The new Bittersweet Red or Crown Blue. colors are selling for about $315-$320.

What others are saying

The Techno XT gets impressive 4½-star reviews and receives the most positive feedback for its light weight and compact size once folded. The recline feature is a clear winner with this stroller and reviewers feel it is sufficient for napping babies, although some wish it could recline completely flat. The seat extender is appreciated, too, as a necessary component for a full recline.

Christina, a mother from Philadelphia, researched many strollers before she finally bought the Techno XT. She wanted something that fits all her requirements such as lightweight, stylish and easy to fold. Christina remarks that her Maclaren stroller is quite attractive and she often receives compliments on it.

This stroller is a popular choice for traveling families going to theme parks where they have to get in and out of shuttles often, and also for families taking an airplane and don't want to gate-check their stroller. Urban-dwelling parents taking public transportation will also find the Techno XT a clear choice.

An Atlanta, Georgia mom who gave the Maclaren Techno XT a 4-star review just got back from a week at Walt Disney World. Her family put this stroller "through its paces" navigating the four Disney World theme parks and feels that although expensive, the Techno XT is high quality and therefore made her family's experience more fun.

Consumer Reports rated the Maclaren Techno XT at 76%, and it received "excellent" marks for both maneuverability and ease of use. It rated "good" for safety, so you can be assured that you're purchasing a quality product.

Disadvantages

Most reviewers who have given one or two-star reviews don't like the storage basket size. Moms wish it was bigger and they also want cup holders. Many purchase the Maclaren Universal Organizer, which has a netted bag-like storage compartment and cup holders that hang off the handles.

Many moms who must hang their bags off the handles say that the stroller tips backward, as happens with most umbrella strollers, so be aware.

Parents remarked that they cannot access the storage basket at all once the seat was reclined, even a little bit.

Where can I get the best price on the Maclaren Techno XT?

Normally Amazon has the best price, but recently the black color has been short on stock with many retailers. Right now the best price is at BabiesRUs for about $320. At the moment you can find the black Techno XT on Amazon, but it is slightly more expensive. Let's hop the price comes down again soon when there's more stock on hand.

You can also find a decent deal for the newer models in a Bittersweet Red or Crown Blue. These are new colors, so the price may come down as we get later into the year, but Amazon seems to have the best deal when using my price comparison tool.

Related Articles:

Umbrella strollers: This type of stroller is different than lightweight strollers, generally with fewer features, lighter weight and vertical fold with separate handles. You're also going to want to see the five best umbrella stroller reviews.

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