Our goal is to bring you the most in-depth review of the Willow 360 pump available on the internet (after all—$499 for a pump is no small investment), but if you want to skip ahead, use the links below:

• How we conducted this review
• Which Willow pump is the best for you (with some clarification regarding which pumps are currently available, as of 2024) 
• How does the Willow 360 pump work?
  • What’s Willow 360 care?
• Pricing and where to buy
  • How to save!
• First impressions: considerations & benefits
• Willow vs. the competition 
• Our verdict
  •  The awesome 
  •  The wish-it-were-different 
• Willow FAQs

Editor’s note: Is Fathercraft the best site to write a review on breast pumps? Fair question. We want to create content that’s helpful for all parents. So, for gear like the Willow 360 breast pump (which we can’t test personally), we get help from trusted friends of Fathercraft. This review is written by our friend, Jodie, who’s been compiling years’ worth of Willow feedback from multiple testers in the Fathercraft community. Also, Fathercraft is reader-supported, meaning, at no cost to you, we may earn a commission if you buy after clicking an affiliate link. Learn more.

How we conducted this review

I pumped for a year with my first daughter using a Medela Pump, and I pumped for a little less than a year for my second daughter until she started refusing bottles. 

I brought my pump to work every day, sat near an outlet in the early morning and late at night, and washed all of the parts each night.  Frankly, it was always a production.

Enter the hands-free pump.

All of a sudden, I started hearing about hands-free, cordless pumps. Over the last several years, they haven’t just gotten more popular—they’ve also continuously improved as a new models are released.  

We’ve been following Willow for a while.  So, to update this Willow breast pump review, I spoke with Brooke—a second-time mom who used the Willow 360 with her second child in 2024. I used Brooke’s experience (along with the opinions of some of our past Willow pump testers) to make sure this review is as up-to-date and helpful as possible.

Which Willow breast pump is best for you?

There are currently two Willow pumps to choose from when you shop the Wilow site. Both are wearable: 

• Willow 360 ($499): This used to be called the Willow 3.0, and it’s their third-generation pump. Willow recently re-named it to be the Willow 360, highlighting its leak-proof capabilities. The freshly named Willow 360 also comes with an updated app experience and access to Willow 360 Care (more on that below).
• Willow Go ($349.99): The Willow Go doesn’t have the same “smart” capabilities as the Willow 360 and isn’t leakproof from every angle—but it holds more milk. Also, it’s only compatible with reusable containers, unlike the Willow 360, which gives you the option to use bags. Read our Willow Go review here!

Note: The Willow 2.0 is no longer available through Willow’s website. 

This review focuses on the Willow 360. Since its launch, Fathercraft has asked a few friends to test the Willow 3.0/Willow 360, with our most recent tester using it in the spring of 2024. 

How does the Willow 360 pump work?  

The Willow 360 Pump is a completely hands-free, base free, cord-free breast pump that fits in your bra and goes where you go. Named appropriately, the Willow 360 pump advertises a 100% leak-free fit from any angle and access to “360 care,” which provides personalized onboarding and coaching. 

With this Willow wearable, you have the option of pumping either directly into Willow freezer bags or the reusable cups:

• If you use the freezer bags, they can go directly from the pump into your refrigerator or freezer. They are not reusable. 
• If you use the reusable cups, you pour the milk into your own storage containers after pumping. 

Some of our past testers preferred the Willow freezer bags for their convenience. Plus, I felt like they reduced spills (have you ever spilled breast milk? I won’t lie, I cried). However, Brooke—our most recent reviewer—saw the bags as an additional cost to keep up with, especially since the only milk bags compatible with the 360 pump are Willow-branded bags (and these are more expensive than the generic brands you can find on Amazon).

That said, we all found the ability to choose between the reusable cups and the bags to be a perk. 

The Willow 360 uses smart technology and an app to track your milk production. Here’s a bit of info on how to set it up:

Setting up the Willow 360 pump

The Willow 360 pump uses an app to give you information about each pumping session. According to our most recent tester, setting up the app was easy and only took a few minutes. 

During initial setup, the app guides you through all directions on using your pump for the first time and inserting a pump bag into the pump, which our reviewer found helpful. 

After that, you can use the app to see how many ounces you’re pumping in real-time—and even how much milk came from each side. Our reviewer loved this feature! 

What’s Willow 360 care?

Officially launched in March 2024, Willow 360 care is a complementary online service that provides personalized onboarding and support throughout your pumping journey. According to Willow, moms can get help with sizing, pump set-up and cleaning, and feeding milestones (e.g., establishing breastfeeding, learning to pump, supply management, introducing formula, combo-feeding, and returning to work).

So, when you purchase the Willow 360, you also get 24/7 access to Willow’s coaches and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)… which is pretty cool. If you’ve pumped before, you know the right fit and proper usage can make a huge difference in your production. I personally liked the idea of 360 care because if I’m going to spend money on a pump, I want to make sure I’m getting the most of out of it that I can.

Willow 360 pricing and what’s included:

The Willow 360 pump retails at $499.99 and includes the following:

• 2 Willow 360 Pumps
• 2 24mm Flanges
• 2 21mm Inserts
• 2 Flextubes (these are the things that carry milk from pump to bag) 
• 24 BPA-free 4 oz. Milk Bags
• 2 Cleaning Brushes
• Nipple Sizing Guide
• 1 Charger
• 1-year warranty
• Access to 360 care
• Access to the Willow app
• Apple watch compatibility

At minimum, you’ll need to replace the Willow pump bags if you choose to use them. These retail at $23.99 for a pack of 48. 

Willow also recommends replacing your pump parts every three months to maintain your pump’s performance. That cost breaks down like this:

• 2-pack of reusable containers $49.99 (replace every 3 months)
• 2-pack of Milk Container Inserts $19.99 (replace every 3 months)
• 2-pack of Flanges $29.99  (replace every 3 months)
• 2-pack Flextubes $29.99 (replace every 3 months)

Finally, if you need to replace your charger, that will cost you $29.99. 

It’s worth noting that our testers didn’t necessarily replace their pump parts as often as recommended. But if you start to notice your output decreasing after three months, it’s worth looking into pump parts as the cause.

How to save money on a Willow pump:

Let’s face it—$499 is pretty stiff. But Willow offers several ways to save. 

1. Insurance verification program

Willow offers an insurance verification service to help you get coverage or reimbursement on the pump. You may have some out-of-pocket expenses, but depending on your insurance, you may be able to get up to 40% of the cost covered. Definitely worth a shot!

You can also work directly with your insurance to determine how much they’ll cover for Willow. It’s also worth figuring out what else they may cover (for example, you’re likely eligible to get a corded pump 100% free… so you’ll have to decide if paying a bit extra is worth it).

2. HSA/FSA

If you have a health savings or flexible spending account through your employer, you may be able to use these funds to purchase your Willow pump or pay any out-of-pocket expenses after insurance.

3. Preferred pricing

If you’re in one of the following professions/careers, you’re eligible for 10% off:

• Teacher
• Military
• First responder
• Health care
• Airline employee
• Personal care
• Early childhood educators
• Real estate
• Veternarian 

4. Refer a friend

If you refer a friend, your friend gets $100 off, and you get $40 off your next purchase of $80 or more. 

5. Affirm

Pay in installments using Affirm directly through Willow’s website.

Where to buy

If you purchase directly through Willow’s website, you may be eligible for some of the cost-saving benefits above.

Alternatively, you can purchase the Willow pump on Amazon.

Things to consider vs. the benefits

A few things to note before we dive into our personal review: 

Things to consider:

• Brooke said there was no pain with the right size flange, but the Willow website says some people may need to adjust to the leakproof latch. To help, they offer free consultation calls. 
• While the pump is quieter than a traditional pump and doesn’t have bottles hanging off your chest, it’s not 100% discreet. 
• Willow 360 claims to be 100% leakproof, but Brooke didn’t find this to be totally true. She notes she may have needed a more supportive pumping bra [note: Willow sells their own pumping bra, but it has mixed reviews. We haven’t personally tried it here at Fathercraft].
• The Willow 360 isn’t typically 100% covered by insurance, although it is HSA/FSA eligible and you’ll likely save something. [NOTE: Fathercraft reader Amanda wrote to let us know she was able to get $250 of her Willow Pump Gen 3 reimbursed by her insurance company].
• Brooke mentioned she’d recommended getting a hospital-grade pump to plug into the wall if you’re exclusively pumping or need to pump to maintain supply. Even though Willow 360 claims to be hospital grade, she noticed she got more suction out of her corded pump (note: you might be able to get a corded pump for free through insurance!). 
• Willow bags are BPA-free and work directly with the pump, but they’re more expensive than a generic brand you might find on Amazon. 
• Brooke mentioned it would be best to charge the pump every day if you pump daily.

Willow 360 benefits:

• Pump anywhere without being tied down to an electrical outlet—Brooke and I both agreed this could have a positive impact on mental health and is a solid perk for moms with a toddler already running around
• If you use the Willow bags, you don’t have to worry about spilled milk—it’s all self-contained!
• The parts are dishwasher-safe 
• There are seven suction levels, and while the pump feels different than a traditional pump, there shouldn’t be any pain
• The rechargeable battery lasts for 5 pumping sessions
• It’s BPA-free—which is great because BPA can leach into breastmilk
• Watch your output in real time on the app 
• Apple watch compatibility allows you to control your pump from your watch (great if you’re on the go)

Willow vs. the competition

The Willow 360 certainly isn’t the only wearable pump on the market. For example, the Elvie is a similarly priced and equally as popular option that some of our reviewers have preferred (read our full Elvie review here). The biggest difference we’ve found so far? Elvie doesn’t use the branded freezer bags, reducing long-term costs and shortening the learning curve.

And if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly wearable, you might try something like the Momcozy wearable pump, which retails for $199.99 on Amazon. If you don’t have an insurance program that helps out with the Willow, you could go this route to save some money and still have a wearable… but you’ll be forgoing benefits like 360 care and the Willow app (Momcozy uses buttons on the pumps themselves).

Our verdict: Is the Willow 360 pump worth the cost?

The answer to this is, of course, it depends. Brooke found the cost to be a bit steep, but there were a few scenarios where she thinks a wearable pump would be absolutely worth it:

• If you travel a lot: If you know you’re going to be traveling a lot either for work or for leisure, the ability to pump on a car, in a plane, or, well, anywhere is invaluable. Plus, the freezer bags work with the pump and go where you go.
• If you’re an adventurer: We see you, cool hiking moms. If you know you’re going to want to hike, camp, or otherwise spend a lot of time outdoors, this is the pump for you.
• If you’re mentally struggling with being “attached to a wall”: If you know pumping is hard because of how limited you feel, or if you have other children you’re trying to keep up with, the Willow 360 can free you up. 
• If you know you’re pumping for the long haul: One of Brooke’s biggest hesitations came from not knowing how long her breastfeeding journey would last—motherhood is so often unpredictable. But if you’ve been at it for a while, or you already know you’re an exclusive pumper, the Willow 360 can add some much-needed ease to your life. 

Editor’s note: Brooke’s maternity leave recently ended. She reached out to us after her first week back at work, hoping to emphasize how helpful her wearable pumps are now that she’s returned. She says she gets ready every morning while pumping and brings them to work with her to easily and discreetly pump. So, we’ll add “If you’re a mom who works a paid job” (because all moms work) to this list!

But, there are multiple wearable pumps on the market to choose from, so here’s what we loved and didn’t love about the Willow 360 specifically:

The awesome

Pump from anywhere: This is probably the biggest benefit to the Willow 360. No need to find an outlet—pump from the car, the trail, or your toddler’s gymnastic lessons. 

Track your ounces in real-time: Use the app to see how much you’re pumping, while you’re pumping. Over the last four years, this is where we’ve seen the Willow pumps improve the most, with trustworthy smart technology that helps you make sure you’re fully expressing. 

No spills if you use the Willow bags…: No need to awkwardly pour milk into freezer bags. It’s all right there for you.

…But you don’t have to use the bags: We like the Willow 360 gives you the option to pump directly into the containers if you’re not into spending $20+ every time you need new bags 

Charge lasts long enough to get you through the day: The charge lasts up to 5 pumping sessions, so you’re good to go through the workday 

The ‘wish it were different’ 

The cost: Obviously, $499 for the pump with more needed for the bags is quite the investment.

Suction strength: Willow claims the Willow 360 is a hospital-grade pump, but Brooke said she needed to “adjust her expectations.” Her corded pump worked more efficiently and got more milk out of each session. 

Not 100% leakproof: Brooke noted she may have needed a more supportive nursing bra, but she didn’t find the pump to be 100% leakproof from any angle. She typically felt like she had to lean slightly forward. If this is a deal-breaker for you, Willow offers “360 care” to help you find the best fit, so you may be able to fix the issue.

The final word

If you can afford this pump, it can make a huge difference during your time pumping.  The Willow 360 allows you to do almost anything while providing milk for your child for a later date.  That being said, The Willow is one choice among many. There are other cordless, hands-free options on the market, some that are not as pricey, and some that are similar in cost.  Look for sales and inquire about whether or not you can use insurance and/or your HSA/FSA to make your hands-free pumping dreams come true. Check out The Elvie or Momcozy pumps for some alternative hands-free pumping options.  

A cordless, hands-free pump is the best of the best when it comes to pumping if you can spring for any out-of-pocket expenses.

Willow Pump FAQ

How much does The Willow Pump Cost? 

$499.99

How long does the Willow Pump battery last? 

The rechargeable battery lasts for five pumping sessions (our tester recommends charging it daily)

What’s the difference between the Willow 3.0 and the Willow 360?

Willow 360 provides the same benefits as the Willow 3.0, but with an updated app experience and (as of March 2024) access to Willow 360 Care.

Does insurance cover The Willow Pump?

Sometimes partially (up to 40%). Fathercraft readers have used a combination on insurance and HSA/FSA funds to pay for the pump fully.  You can read more about insurance company coverage for Willow here.

Can you reuse The Willow bags? 

The bags cannot be reused, because there is a one-way valve that allows milk to be pumped in but not spilled out.  Once you’re ready to use the milk, you must cut the top of the bag. But if you want to stick it in the fridge or freezer, you simply pop it in without a fuss. However, if you want a reusable option, Willow offers reusable containers in addition to bags.

Is The Willow Pump quiet?

Our reviewer noted that the Willow is very quiet but not silent. 

If I need to replace parts, do I pay for them? 

Yes, additional parts are available for purchase.  As advertised, you should replace your parts every 3 months. And you will definitely need additional bags.

How many ounces of milk does The Willow pump hold?

Each bag holds just over 4 ounces.  You use one bag for each breast.

What’s next?

Well, you made it to the end, congrats! Hopefully that was helpful. Here’s what we’d suggest next:

Check out our extensive baby essentials list.

Or, check out our free resources for new and expecting parents right here.

Editor’s note: this review was originally published in March 2020, but was updated in July 2020 to include more information about Willow Pump’s 3rd generation offering, and in July 2021 with further updates on Willow Pump, particularly around improvements in getting insurance to pay for a portion of Willow Pump. Finally, we updated it one more time in May 2024 with a re-test of the freshly named Willow 360. Also, please note Fathercraft is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

What follows is a review of the BOB Revolution jogging stroller by friend of Fathercraft Jodie. If you prefer your reviews in video form, here’s Fathercraft’s co-founder John:

And now on to Jodie’s BOB Revolution review …

So you’re having a baby, and you most likely are thinking about getting outside and possibly getting back, or maybe just getting, into shape.  We were told that we “had” to get a BOB Jogging Stroller if we were planning on running with our baby at all by multiple friends.  

While it is recommended that you don’t run with a baby until they are 6 months of age, you should consider if you might need a running stroller before you make any stroller purchase, otherwise, your garage will be filled with unused strollers.  

There are so many strollers and car seat options out there, and many come as entire travel systems.  To be honest, that sounds fantastic.  We were set on the BOB jogging stroller from day one, which has been amazing but also caused a few annoyances.  I totally see the appeal of a travel system where everything works together and you don’t need to buy any accessories to make pieces fit.

Let me begin with saying that I love our BOB, I love it for many reasons, and I loved it even more after using two other strollers.  That being said, there are a few things that cause frustration to me while using our BOB. 

We bought our BOB Revolution used on Craigslist, and I am so happy we did.  We spent about $200 and got a cup holder accessory thrown into the deal (which I highly recommend).  We ran with our first daughter on a regular basis and were able to easily take our BOB on the bike path nearby our house without having to worry about traversing rough terrain.  We had a Graco car seat, so we needed to buy a BOB car seat adaptor in order for our car seat to snap into the stroller while our daughter was still small enough for her infant car seat.  

Once your child is old enough to sit up in the stroller on his or her own, the car seat piece doesn’t matter.  While your baby is an infant, it’s much easier to keep them in their car seat, snug as a bug, and place the entire car seat into the stroller.

I love our BOB, but the adaptor piece turned into a bit of a mess.  This was our fault, but the adaptors are not clearly marked, and a friend gave us hers in case it worked.  It didn’t, so we bought our own for less than $50, I believe it was closer to $30.  We ended up with 2 adaptors hanging out in our garage when we moved.  Somehow, we now only have the adaptor that does not fit with our car seat.  If you have an entire travel system from the same company, you don’t need to worry about things fitting or working together because all of the pieces were made to do so. 

What I do love is that we were able to go for runs with our baby.  The wheels on the BOB jogging stroller are so large that they easily go over large bumps in the sidewalk and more rough terrain.  You could take this stroller into a field and have no problem making it a smooth ride.  It folds easily and fits into a car trunk.  I did feel a little silly walking around the mall with this huge stroller, but it worked, and my friends also had giant strollers. 

We also have a high end, more umbrella style stroller that doesn’t work with an infant seat, and after using that on the sidewalks around our house, I left it to collect dust in our garage.  It is such a bumpy ride and does not go over sidewalk cracks easily.  It would be perfect for strolling around the mall.

The cup holder on our BOB, sold separately, is awesome.  We bring coffee or water bottles on walks and put dog poop bags in the holders for easy access.  I also love that the handlebar is straight (it’s simply a horizontal bar) and our diaper bag can hook onto it.  (Our diaper bag has clips on the shoulder straps for this purpose, but it didn’t work with the City Mini Stroller.  That handlebar was more of an arc). 

One other frustration with our BOB was that because the tires are so large and filled with air, we had a leak.  We had to replace a tire wheel tube twice.  I kept asking people with BOBs if they’d ever gotten a flat tire, and no one else I knew ever had this problem.  We did often walk on a bike path where there were thorns and haven’t had to replace tires since moving to a new neighborhood and avoiding that path.  It was a pain to walk out of the house assuming we were going for a walk, only to find a flat tire making the stroller pretty much unusable.  We took the wheel to a bike shop and they easily replaced it.  On many other strollers, you can’t get a flat tire because the tires are not filled with air. 

When we were preparing to welcome our second daughter, we were trying to decide if we needed a double stroller or not.  Our oldest was about 3 years old when Ryan was born.  We kept Ryan in her car seat in the BOB and if we had a lot of walking to do, Ellie sat in the front part of the stroller, which is almost like an overflow foot room.  It was not ideal and our older daughter bonked her head a few times on the back of the car seat, but it totally worked while we were figuring out life with two kids.   

While I do not think owning two strollers is necessary, the BOB is rather large, and having it in small places like in between clothing racks at a store is challenging.  It is heavy to take in and out of the car multiple times, but most strollers that have the ability to hold a baby car seat seems to be rather heavy.  Once your child is old enough to sit up in the car seat, an umbrella stroller might be a nice addition to your baby supplies for ease of use in tighter areas.  

Most of my friends who lead active lifestyles were deciding between the BOB and City Mini Strollers.  I do have one friend who got a Chico KeyFit System and loved it.  

We had the pleasure of using my sister-in-law’s City Mini Stroller for about a year while Ellie was 3 years old and Ryan was an infant.  The stroller had an option to convert to a double, so we bought the extra pieces (for +$100) to convert it to a double stroller.  In comparing these two strollers, there are a few important points to me.  

The Handlebar:

*The BOB handlebar on our stroller does not adjust, but the newest model does.  The City Mini handlebar can move up and down to help ease your pushing depending on your height and arm length.  The BOB Revolution Flex 3.0 has 9 different handlebar positions.  

*Our diaper bag can clip onto the BOB stroller, but it didn’t work on the City Mini.

*BOB accessories (sold separately) include a cup holder which attaches to the handlebar.  This is so nice to have on walks, but the City Mini didn’t seem to have this option on it’s arched handlebar. 

Convertibility:

*The City Mini had the option to convert into a double stroller.  We did have to buy an extra seat package, which was more than $100.  We pieced ours together because a friend had an extra seat.  We used their seat and bought the connector pieces to attach it. 

*BOB does make a double stroller, but you can’t use your single stroller and convert it into a double. BOB Duallie Strollers are over $600.

Stroller Weight:

*The BOB is heavy, but I never had an issue lifting it into my trunk.  It folds easily and collapses almost completely.  You simply pick up the whole thing, and nothing seems to fall out or become misplaced.  You can clip the stroller together to ensure it doesn’t unfold, but I never did this.  *The newer models collapse with a single press and twist of the hand, so it’s gotten even easier!  You can do this with one hand! 

*When using the City Mini, it was really heavy to lift into the trunk.  When we used it as a double, we would take off both seats in order to make it a reasonable weight before lifting it into the car.  The seats flip awkwardly and I often found myself scratching the handlebar when I was both collapsing it and taking it out of the car. To be honest, it was such a pain.  I never got that frustrated using the BOB.  

Adjustable Shoulder Straps:

*We have never adjusted the straps on our BOB.  They seem so secure that even when they aren’t fitting perfectly on our kid, they work well enough.  We have had this stroller since our first daughter was an infant and used it until she was 3.  

*We adjusted the straps on the City Mini multiple times in the year that we used it.  It was horrible.  You have to reach into a small back compartment to grab the strap, twist it through the opening, and slide it out.  The openings don’t quite line up, so good luck.  We used an infant support cushion so we could have Ryan in the stroller before she could sit up.  The cushion had to be thread through the straps so you had to take out the straps to put in the cushion.  While it was awesome to be able to use the double stroller without a car seat while Ryan was an infant, threading those straps even once was not a pleasant experience.  

Room for Extra Storage:

 *Both The BOB and The City Mini have storage space under the seat. This came in handy for things like jackets, blankets, gloves, snacks, really anything.

“Sunroof:”

*The BOB has a clear top that can be covered by an extra piece of fabric or left opened. You simply lift up the cover to see your child in the stroller, and it tucks under a flap.  The City Mini had something similar, but it never stayed open, so I’d peek at our kid and then close it. 

Reclining Options:

*Both strollers offer recline options. The City Mini was very easy to adjust. Our BOB had almost a pulley system that we didn’t normally use. I think we used it once when Ellie was asleep and we wanted her to stay asleep while we were out. We parked the stroller and released the straps a bit in the back to recline it. The new model of the BOB stroller advertises a “one-handed recline adjustment.” 

You have several options once you decide you want to purchase a BOB.  On their website and Amazon there are four single strollers:

• The Rambler Jogging Stroller $399.99
• Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller $499.99
• Alterrain Jogging Stroller $549.99 (Coming Soon)
• Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller $599.99

The BOB Gear Rambler jogging stroller would be a good option for an active lifestyle in the city.  It is advertised as an ultra-smooth ride that easily takes on bumps and rougher terrain all while fitting easily in your trunk.  It’s the only BOB called “lightweight.” 

The Revolution Flex 3.0 would be a good option for someone looking to take their stroller hiking or into more mountain terrain.  It has mountain bike-style suspension that is helpful on city streets as well as mountain trails.  

The BOB Gear Alterrain jogging stroller has SmoothShox suspension for both city and trail outings. The canopy is UPF 50+ and is extra large for sun protection, while the storage pockets allow easy access to snacks and necessities. 

The BOB Gear® Alterrain Pro jogging stroller is for someone who has adventure on their mind. It has SmoothShox suspension that allows you to take on any terrain. A handbrake provides downhill control and the cargo basket has a zip-top that keeps your belongings secure.  The reflective rims are an added bonus for darker strolls and the waterproof canopy helps keep your little one dry.  

BOB Accessories 

Adaptors are available on the BOB website and Amazon.  They’re a little pricier than they were 4 years ago, and range from about $65-$85 for both a single and duallie. 

Snack trays are $35 for a single and $50 for the duallie.  I see these all of the time, but I always thought they seemed silly.  Perhaps that’s why I’m still cleaning crumbs out of the seat, but I can’t imagine a snack tray really prevents spills that much. 

Consoles (The one that’s worth it in my opinion) are $30-$45 and come with two cup holders and a storage pocket.  

Weather Protection

You can purchase a Weather Shield to keep your kid dry in the rain for $60-$65. 

Bike Trailers

If you want to spend another $300-$400, you can get a BOB Bike Trailer.  We were gifted a hand-me-down bike trailer, and we haven’t used it very often.  I think when we walk, we almost always walk with our dog.  He wouldn’t be able to go with us if we took our bikes, so it’s not very necessary for us.  

While researching BOB jogging strollers, I found one recall on the Canadian Government Recall page.  It includes BOB Jogging Strollers that were manufactured and imported between January 1, 1997, and September 30, 2015.  If the removable front wheel is not attached properly it may detach and cause a potential flip of the stroller. 

The following models are affected: Revolution FLEX, Revolution PRO, Revolution SE, Revolution CE, Stroller Strides Fitness, Sport Utility, and Ironman.  There were 16 reports of detachment and zero reports of injury. 

The Awesome

I love our BOB jogging stroller.  I love that I don’t have to worry about bumps in the sidewalk, as the BOB easily traverses any terrain.  I love that it had the option for an adaptor to fit a number of different car seats.  I love the storage and the cup holder.  I love the ease with which it folds, even though it’s a little heavy, at least I didn’t feel like I was collapsing it incorrectly or like I was going to break it. 

The Wish it were Different

I wish the adaptors were more clearly marked and less expensive as most people will need them.  

I wish they were less expensive, but they are in line with other premium all-terrain strollers.  These have a huge price range from about $150-600.  You can buy some strollers with multiple different pieces, like car seats and baby buggies for upwards of $800.  

I also wish it had the ability to turn into a double stroller with added pieces, but we made it work even having two young children.  

The Verdict

The BOB is worth it.  The best option in my opinion is to attempt to buy a used stroller or have a bunch of friends chip in together for this stroller.  You will use it every day, especially if you have a dog, and having a peaceful walk when there might be limited peaceful moments as a new parent, is totally worth it.  Splurge on this, and let some of the other little things go like a fancy sound machine, unnecessary baby shoes, or a wipes warmer.  

Curious whether the BOB Revolution was our top jogging stroller pick for 2022? Head on over to our best strollers roundup.

FAQs

What is so great about BOB strollers?

BOB Strollers are ideal for running with your baby, strolling around uneven terrain, and creating a smooth ride for babies and children of any size.  I love the large tires that make bumpy sidewalks and uneven streets easy to walk around.  The stroller is very straight forward, easy to collapse and put in your trunk, and connects to various infant seats with the appropriate adaptors.  

What is the difference between BOB strollers?

BOB single child strollers range from about $400-600 and have a variety of different features.  

The BOB Gear Rambler jogging stroller would be a good option for an active lifestyle in the city.  It is advertised as an ultra-smooth ride and is the only BOB called “lightweight.” 

The Revolution Flex 3.0 would be a good option for hiking or more mountain terrain.  It has mountain bike-style suspension.

The BOB Gear Alterrain jogging stroller has SmoothShox suspension for both city and trail outings with an extra-large canopy for sun protection.

How do you collapse a BOB stroller?

The BOB Gear® Alterrain Pro jogging stroller is for someone who has adventure on their mind. It has SmoothShox suspension that allows you to take on any terrain. A handbrake provides downhill control and the cargo basket has a zip-top that keeps your belongings secure.  

On the older models, there are two handle triggers near the handlebar.  You squeeze both of those in, and the handlebars flip over the stroller and folds to the bottom.  It basically folds in half and then you pull on the small red handle by the back storage pocket to make it lay flat.  Then you can either pick it up by that handle or pick the whole stroller up from the middle bars and put it flat (or somewhat flat) in your car.  The newer models have a simple press and twist right under the seat that collapses it.  You only need one hand to do this and it stands and locks automatically for easier lifting. 

Looking for more?

If you just can’t get enough strollers talk, head on over to check out all of our stroller reviews. And, if you’ve got babies on the brain in general, you might find our newborn essentials list helpful.

We ended up using an 80s-style borrowed swing for our first daughter about four years ago.  When I was pregnant with our second daughter, my friend asked if I wanted to borrow anything, and this was on her list of possibilities.

I was thrilled about the prospect of using such a fancy swing for our daughter who would probably be getting hand me downs for almost everything else. 

For this 4moms mamaRoo review, I spent about six months using the 4moms mamaRoo4 with my newborn baby.  After I got over everyone asking why we had so much “space equipment” in our living room, I began to enjoy the ease of putting our baby in the swing, snapping her in, pressing the motion I wanted, and sitting down on the couch to almost relax.  

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What’s a Mamaroo?

There are a multitude of swing, bouncer, and rocker choices for newborns and babies on the market, but adults don’t swing or vibrate, we sway back and forth and bounce our babies gently in our arms.  That’s the beauty that I found in the 4moms mamaRoo. The 4moms Momaroo is like a combination of a swing, a rocker, and a bouncer all in one, that also happens to look like it belongs in an episode of The Jetsons.  

The mamaRoo has five motions that are meant to mimic the way in which we hold our babies.  Car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock-a-bye, and wave are the unique variations on motions that the 4moms mamaRoo4 moves in to soothe your baby when fussy or to just relax with while staring at the mobile.  There are also various speeds to choose from once you pick the motion you want.  

This swing is more compact than some others on the market because its base doesn’t extend out as far as some others and it doesn’t hang from framing.  That makes it slightly more desirable in terms of how much space it takes up in your living areas. In creating a 4moms mamaRoo review, it is important to note that every baby is different and while one of your children might love the 4moms mamaRoo, the other might hate it.  All three of my friends’ babies hated this swing, but my daughter loved it! 

The mamaRoo looks a bit like a space saucer that sits up off the ground and sways back and forth on one arm that reaches from the base of the product up to the seat.  You can also connect your phone to your mamaRoo and switch the motions without even getting off the couch. It will cost you either $220 or $250 for these unique features depending on the kind of seat you purchase, while some other rockers are less than $100.  

One night, our newborn baby Ryan was crying up a storm and nothing seemed to be working.  She wasn’t hungry, didn’t seem tired, and didn’t want to be snuggled, so we put her in the 4moms mamaRoo4, turned on the tree motion, and that was that.  It was easy to place her in the seat, I simply laid her in and snapped the safety straps like I would in a high chair. You can recline the seat more or less depending on your baby’s needs and size.  She quieted down almost instantaneously.  

The only problem we found with this swing was that occasionally, it would just stop.  Ryan would be happy as a clam, and then the motion would stop. That either woke her up or upset her which completely defeated the purpose.  I asked my friend who loaned us the mamaRoo if that ever happened when she was using it, and it did not.  

I looked up some reasons why the motion might halt completely, and all I could find was that if something was blocking the swinging motion, that might cause the 4moms mamaRoo to stop moving entirely.  We did use a blanket to protect the seat cover, and that occasionally dipped below the swing which might have inhibited movement. I also think the base might have just gotten dirty and that was blocking the range of motion.  

The seat cover is removable and machine washable, which makes it nice when you have one of those horrible baby blowouts.  The mobile on the machine lacks durability. It is not a necessary piece, but a nice feature for keeping babies occupied. Ours was pulled on enough that it tilted so far forward, it was in Ryan’s face, so we just removed it.  

How to set up your 4moms mamaRoo

This mamaRoo swing comes in several pieces, but the assembly is pretty straight forward.  On the base, unlock the recline switch, slide the center support bar through the back of the base until it comes through the front several inches, then lock the recline switch.  Place the front end cap on the front of the support bar until it clicks. Then attach the two rounded side rails to the front and back end caps. Next, zip the fabric to the side rails.  Place the top of the fabric over the toy bar and snap together. Pull the bottom of the fabric and snap in place. Thread the child safety belts through the back of the fabric, making sure they are not twisted.  Insert the toy bar at the top of the seat so that it is off to the side and then rotate 90 degrees until it is over the seat. Once all steps are complete, plug in the mamaRoo. Press the play button to begin motion.  

Who can use the 4moms mamaRoo

This unique baby swing can be used from birth to 25 pounds or until a baby can sit up on his or her own.  We found that our baby grew out of it rather quickly, but we probably could have pushed using the swing for a little bit longer.  For the first couple of months of her life, this was a great addition to our baby equipment repertoire. Then we found that our daughter enjoyed being on the ground, or let’s be honest, in our arms, and playing with toys.  

What sounds can the mamaRoo play? 

The mamaRoo has sounds similar to a sound machine including rain and waves, but it can also be connected to your phone to play whatever music you’d like.  We never used this feature because the sounds seemed sufficient for our daughter. There are several complaints on the 4moms web site about how connecting your phone to the swing seems outdated and annoying. 

What accessories are available with the mamaRoo? 

When you’re spending upwards of $200 on a swing that you’re going to use for six months, but probably less than that, it’s hard to imagine that there might be add ons, but there are if you want them.  The classic mamaRoo starts at $220 and the plush and cool mesh models are $250. Then if you want a Newborn Insert, we never used one even though our daughter was a newborn when we started using this product, that will run you another $30-$35.  You can also purchase an additional seat cover for $40.

How safe is this product? 

If you follow the safety guidelines and don’t use this product when your child can climb out of it, exceeds the 25-pound weight limit, or is left unattended without the safety straps, it seems very safe.  We never used the fastest speed on our mamaRoo because our baby was such a little peanut it made me nervous, but I would assume all speeds are safe with the safety straps properly secured. We liked to leave ours at about a level 3. 

It might be comforting to some if there were shoulder straps to make sure the baby is secure, but when Ryan was using the swing, she was not going anywhere.  We didn’t even strap her in most of the time, until she got big enough to slouch down in the seat and I was worried she’d scootch out the bottom.

The Awesome

Space Saver – this swing got the job done taking up considerably less space than the one we used with our first daughter.  I really appreciated that especially since items tend to accumulate when a new baby is around.

Unique Movements – these movements mimic a human’s so it makes sense to comfort your baby in the same way.  Ryan instantly calmed down the first time we put her in there when she wouldn’t calm down using our typical methods.

Sound Included – most swings do include sound, but I appreciated that this came with both white noise and the option for music.

Somewhat Portable – while this isn’t exactly a portable swing, I moved it from our family room to our dining room almost every night while Ryan was a newborn.  It was so nice to have a place to put her down while we were “living,” or likely sleeping during the day, and also while we were eating dinner. It wasn’t hard or heavy to move, but it was somewhat awkward.  I think I got to the point where I was able to hold the baby in one arm and move the mamaRoo with the other.  

The ‘Wish it Were Different’

The Price – this is a big-ticket item that you will only use for a few months, maybe six at most.  While it was lovely to have, I never would have spent that much on my own. The old school, 80s style swing we used for our first daughter also worked for us.  If this is not a financial strain for you – go for it! This is a lovely swing that your baby will hopefully love.   

The Verdict

While my family was in no position to buy a swing of this cost, it was a nice addition to our baby equipment.  We borrowed a swing from a friend for our firstborn, and it took up a huge portion of our living room. It worked well and we used it for about the same amount of time as we used the mamaRoo.  We also borrowed this mamaRoo from a friend, and it worked well. I appreciated the smaller amount of space that it took up, but was frustrated when it stopped working.  

If this swing makes sense for you financially, or if a few people want to buy you a big-ticket item, the mamaRoo is a really nice swing (especially if you can use it for multiple children).  If you don’t have friends and family lined up around the block to get you gifts, you might want to invest in some other things like a variety of baby bottles to try, burp cloths for all those spit-ups, and a wubbanub pacifier for those late-night cries.  And diapers! If it were me, I would maybe put this on my registry and keep my fingers crossed that someone buys it for me. Our friends were much more willing to buy us smaller, more cost-effective items.  

Where to buy

4moms MamaRoo

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Frequently Asked Questions