In this Willow Wearable Breast Pump review, we cover (click a link to jump to that section):

• How does the Willow Pump work?
• Considerations & benefits
• Pricing
• Our review: the awesome, the wish it was different, a verdict,
• A comparison of Willow Pump to other breast pumps, including the showdown on many people’s minds: Elvie vs Willow …
• Willow Pump FAQs

Read on for all of that and more!

If you are a mother who is pumping to provide for your baby, way to go!  For me, pumping was never an enjoyable experience, though I appreciated very much that my body was able to provide for both of my daughters.  

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 who started refusing bottles around 10 months old.  She is now just over a year. 

I brought my pump to work every day, I sat at my dining room table in the early morning and late at night, and I washed all of the parts each night.  I know there are people who have pumped in some crazy places, and I was lucky in so many respects, but it was always a production.

Enter the hands-free pump.

All of a sudden, I started hearing about hands-free, cordless pumps.  It appeared to me at the time that none of them were fully covered by insurance, so I didn’t spend a whole lot of time looking into them.  My Medela Pump was covered by insurance entirely, twice!  

In order to write this Willow Breast Pump review, I spoke to several moms who’d used it to understand the ins and outs of this pump. And, I learned about some other hands-free pumps like the Elvie Pump, too … more on that below.  

The Willow Breast Pump is a completely hands-free, base free, cord-free breast pump that fits in your bra and goes where you go.  You can put the cups in your bra, and basically do whatever you want (Willow claims 360-degree mobility when pumping into bags—there’s even a picture of a woman pumping while doing a cartwheel on their website, seriously—and 190-degree mobility when pumping into reusable containers. Our reviewer said she used it while playing with her kids, making dinner, and driving.  

The Willow is advertised as the only in-bra pump that gives you the flexibility to pump directly into spill-proof storage bags, 24 of which are included with Pump Kit, or reusable containers which are sold separately.

How Does The Willow Pump Work?  

• Everything works inside the pump which rests inside your bra, without the need for external tubes, cords, or dangling bottles to tie you down to a seat and maybe a table.
• Milk is immediately pumped into the spill-proof disposable collection and storage bag or reusable container inside the pump.
• Smart technology responds to your body and maintains suction enabling mobility without spilling.

Sign me up, this sounds amazing. 

Things to consider:

• One of our Willow reviewers (of the Gen 2 version) commented that this pump was so uncomfortable for the first couple of months that she had to stop using it.  She eventually started again, but needed a break. 
• Another stated that it was challenging to simply trust the app on her phone about how much milk she was truly expressing and if she was completely finished expressing. 
• While this pump is quieter than most, and doesn’t have bottles hanging off your chest, it’s not completely discreet.  Our reviewer noted that while it’s more discreet than any other pump, it’s not unnoticeable.
• The Willow Pump bags and set up can be really complicated, noted another Willow reviewer.   
• The Willow is not necessarily covered by insurance.  This was my number one reason to not even think about purchasing The Willow Pump.  My Medela worked just fine, although now it seems almost archaic comparatively, and it was 100% free – TWICE! (It was covered through my insurance completely.  I also ordered replacement parts for free, twice, the second time around). It is worth noting though that Willow Pump is HSA/FSA account eligible. [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]

But here are the benefits:

• Pump anywhere without being tied down to an electrical outlet.
• The Willow Pump is spill-proof in any position.
• You don’t have to think about spilling the breastmilk after pumping.  It’s all self-contained! 
• The parts are dishwasher safe, so if you want to take a break from handwashing the two pieces that need washing, stick them in the dishwasher. 
• There are seven levels of suction with two new lower level settings as well as a new sensitivity setting. 
• The rechargeable battery lasts for five pumping sessions, so those long hours at the office or at home with other kids won’t be a problem with your pumping schedule. 
• BPA free 

The Willow Pump bags hold just over four ounces of milk and you can put them straight into the fridge or freezer, which is a huge benefit that you will understand once you try to pour your pumped milk from a traditional bottle into a bag and spill some.  To be honest, in almost two years of pumping, I think I had a major spill once, but I cried — it was devastating.  

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. If you want to stick it in the fridge or freezer, you simply pop it in without a fuss.  

So how much will The Willow Pump cost me? 

The Willow Pump Generation 3 will cost you $499.99.  This includes: 

• 2 Willow Pumps
• 2 Flanges
• 2 ‘Flextubes’
• 1 Charger
• 1 Pack of 24 4 oz Milk Bags
• 2 Cleaning Brushes

If/when you need to restock: 

• 2-pack of reusable containers $49.99 (replace every 3 months)
• 48 Milk Bags $23.99
• 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)
• Additional charger $29.99

Our user did not replace parts as often as the manufacturer recommended.  I know that when I was pumping with my first daughter, I also did not replace parts.  With my second daughter, I kept getting emails to replace my parts for free, so I replaced my plastic parts 2 or 3 times during the course of less than a year. 

The Willow Pump comes with milk bags which make storage really simple and space saving.  Our reviewer used these storage bags, but said she would prefer to use the containers so that she wouldn’t be wasting so much plastic (with Willow, you can choose between storage bags or reusable containers—obviously there are pros and cons to both. The bags are hygienic due to the one-way valve, self sealing, and result in less time spent cleaning. The reusable containers are, well, reusable. But hey, you’ll have plenty to worry about as a new mom, no one is judging you on this, so it’s a personal choice. 

Our reviewer noted that the bags fit nicely in her freezer, and if she had to store the milk in jars or containers, she would have run out of room. 

The Willow Pump has a new Generation 3 Version with some exciting updates.

This New Generation 3 Willow Pump is designed to give the user greater control, more comfort, and help her get more milk!  This pump uses a softer, slower pumping rhythm to give the user more comfort. The Smart Suction technology adjusts to the user’s preferences in order to increase output automatically.  There is also a new app for Generation 3 with step-by-step onboarding and personalized pumping tips. A new app for Android came out in March 2020.

Is The Willow Pump Worth the Cost? 

Our reviewer really likes her Second Generation Willow Pump.  She said she has heard people say they don’t get as much milk from the suction, but notes it is important to have a tight shirt or bra to hold the cups against your chest.  Using a nursing bra or nursing tank worked well for her while pumping. 

She has recommended The Willow Pump to friends and thinks it’s worth the cost if it would suit you and make your life a little easier.  She also bought hers at a discounted rate on Black Friday (Willow Pump does go on sale from time to time, so it’s worth checking. She also was able to use her Health Savings Account to pay for the Willow Pump. It’s also worth noting that Willow Pump offers $50 off for teachers, first responders, healthcare providers, and military.

Another Willow reviewer said she wouldn’t recommend this pump until someone has tried it out first.  She recommends the Freemie (Amazon) or Spectra Travel over The Willow, primarily for pricing reasons. There are definitely other hands-free pumps on the market that are worth considering. 

I have heard really great things about the Freemie system from friends.  The Freemie Liberty System (Amazon) is another hands-free pump. The cups replace the bottles and flanges on a more traditional style pump so that you can pump more discreetly – similar to The Willow.  It’s reusable and lightweight.  

The Freemie cups are compatible with several pumps.  You plug the cups into the mobile pump, and you’re ready to pump on the go.  The Freemie Liberty System costs $300, but there is currently a sale for $190.  You don’t need a lot of extra parts or bags from this company. You pour the milk from the cups into your own containers or bags. 

The Spectra 9Plus is another portable pump available.  This pump weighs only ½ lb. and has an LED screen. It comes with a 2 year warranty and has single or double pump capabilities.  The Spectra has an ultra-quiet motor as well as adjustable suction levels. This pump will only cost $180.  

The Elvie (Amazon) is another hands-free system.  There are only five parts to clean and it takes seconds to assemble.  It’s advertised as completely silent. The Elvie is the same price as Willow Pump at $499, also has single and double pumping capabilities without cords. Similar to Willow Pump, it has settings of various intensity and uses in-app tracking to monitor milk production, track pumping history, and control the pump.  

The Elvie vs. The Willow

The Willow Pump vs the Elvie Pump is the big showdown in the handsfree breast pump market. And, it’s no surprise—both of these pumps are well-reviewed, priced exactly the same, and have a lot of similar features. So, what’s the difference between the two?

A friend of mine used the Elvie Silent Wearable Breast Pump (Amazon link) this year with her newborn.  He is now about 2 months old. When he was 3 weeks old he was diagnosed with RSV which made her switch from exclusive breastfeeding to exclusive pumping, she started using The Elvie Pump and it changed everything for the better.  

“The Elvie has made the transition from exclusive breast feeding to exclusive pumping relatively seamless! I love not being strapped to a wall while I pump but instead, I can do chores, walk around and even drive while pumping.  It makes it super convenient!” she said. 

The Elvie and The Willow both provide pumping mothers with the cordless, hands-free ability to pump anywhere while doing almost anything.  Willow vs. Elvie 1-1. 

Willow Pump v Elvie Pump — Charging

While she loves The Elvie Pump, she said it does not hold a charge for very long.  She wasn’t used to having to charge her pump, so it took a while to get used to. She now charges the pumps after every pumping session to ensure they are fully charged.  After losing a charge part way through multiple pumping sessions, she learned this was the best option. The Willow Pump’s battery is designed lasts for 5 sessions. Win for The Willow. Willow 2 – Elvie 1. 

Price, HSA/FSA, & Insurance Coverage

Neither The Elvie nor the Willow Pump is cheap — they both retail for $499.

Both the Willow Pump and The Elvie are HSA/FSA eligible, meaning if you have one of these accounts, you can use funds from it to purchase your pump. This is key, as you’re using tax-free dollars to make the purchase, meaning (depending on your tax situation), your pump may effectively be about 1/3 less than retail price.

And insurance coverage? Maybe to both. My friend was able to have some of her Elive Pump covered through insurance, about $100, but she still paid close to $400 for her Elvie. The She said for her, the cost was well worth it. So, this one is a tie. [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]

Willow Pump provides some helpful info on HSA & insurance eligibility and how-to here.

Setup & features

The set up of The Elvie was really simple for her.  She said it was “super easy” because of the step-by-step guide.  Similar to The Willow, the Elvie connects to an app.

And, while some of my friends said Willow v2 pumps were more complex to set up, it’s worth noting that Generation 3 Willow Pumps come with a redesigned app & setup experience, and even personalized tips for use.

Some other feature differences: Elvie features ‘silent pumping technology’, Willow describes itself as ‘quiet’. With Elvie, your only option is to pump into the Elvie’s reusable containers, with Willow Pump you can choose between reusable milk containers or the Willow’s hygienic, self-sealing storage bags.

One thing that’s clear: both of these pumps are a big upgrade over the old-school plug-in variety: my friend who tested the Elvie has tried numerous pumps over the years (Medela and Spectra) and while she is a big Spectra fan, she said she will always recommend the Elvie!

In a nutshell—the Elvie vs. the Willow:

So, which one wins? Well, the answer is that between these two, there’s no one-size-fits-all perfect answer.

From our reviewers, no one was quite as impressed by The Willow as they were The Elvie. But, the Willow’s Gen 3 version makes dramatic leaps forward in ease of setup, and comfort — the third generation (vs the older second generation) maintains a constant latch, and mimics a babies nursing rhythm. And, moms have more control over suction levels. 

While the Willow allows for a great deal of freedom while pumping, The Elvie (Amazon link) might be more user friendly. 

Again, The Willow and The Elvie both have a lot of similar features that make pumping much less stressful and are both similar costs.  Depending on your insurance plan, some of your pump might be covered. My friend’s Elvie was partially covered, and Fathercraft readers have told us they’ve gotten up to $250 of their Willow Pump The set up for The Elvie wasn’t a problem at all for my friend, while I heard that The Willow can be complicated. The Elvie is silent and I heard no reports of painful pumping like I did for The Willow.

The Willow Wrap Up

The Awesome

Portable – You are not attached to an outlet when you’re pumping!  What a concept. When you have to pump, either at work or home, it’s really nice to not have to sit in a closed space next to an outlet.  I found myself in a closet, pumping at school to get privacy and have an accessible outlet. 

Discreet – When you pump with a traditional pump, you have bottles literally hanging from your chest.  The benefit of that is seeing how much milk you are producing, and if you are still producing, but it’s not terribly comfortable and it’s not discreet by any means.  Even sitting next to my husband while pumping seemed odd to me. The Willow cups fit entirely inside your regular clothes! 

Can be Used Doing Anything! – Our reviewer used The Willow while driving, playing with her baby, and making dinner.  She said it can be used doing almost anything without spilling or coming off. A traditional pump only works if it’s in an upright position and I can’t imagine it would work well if you’re moving, although I never tried because I was plugged into an outlet.  

Quiet – I am sure everyone in my office heard my breast pump making squeaking, suction noises.  It wasn’t a huge deal, but it was not unnoticeable. The WIllow Pump allows you to pump quietly while doing practically anything!  While it makes the user look quite busty, a stranger wouldn’t know that the pump was being used. 

No Spills – A traditional pump requires you to unscrew the bottles and then pour the milk from the bottle into a bag, or simply leave it in the bottle for use in the next few days.  The Willow Pump pumps milk directly into a bag with a valve, so you don’t have to do anything! You simply put the bag in the refrigerator or freezer for storage.  

The ‘Wish it Were Different’ 

The Cost – The Willow Pump is very expensive compared to other pumps on the market. And, the full cost of some pumps will likely be covered by your insurance company, making them essentially free. But, with Willow Pump’s HSA/FSA eligibility and some insurance companies now covering half the cost, Willow is starting to feel much more affordable than the sticker price. Willow now has a handy page on their website showing you how to get your Willow Pump covers.

Could it be Even More Discreet – Our reviewer noted that she looked “quite busty” with the cups in.  Even in the pictures on the web site, users cups can be seen at the neckline of their shirts.  

The Trust in the App – You have to trust that if your phone says you’re no longer expressing milk, you’re truly no longer expressing milk.  With traditional pumps, you can see the milk going into the bottles while you’re pumping. With the Willow Pump, you can’t see the milk coming out.  You don’t know if it’s working or how much you have until you take them off, a changes vs “old school” pumps where you’re pumping directly into exposed, translucent milk containers. With Willow, you need to trust the app is accurate! [NOTE: Fathercraft reader Amanda wrote in to say “The app is wonderful and I find it fairly accurate.”]

The Pain – One of our reviewers noted that this pump was so painful for the first 2-3 months that she stopped using it.  I am hopeful that the new settings on the Generation 3 pump prevent painful pumping — it’s been updated to maintain a constant latch that more accurately mimics a baby’s rhythm, and gives moms more control over suction levels.

The Verdict 

If you can afford this pump, it can make a huge difference during your time pumping.  The Willow 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, Freemie, and Spectra 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 afford to not use a free pump through insurance.  I made it for almost 2 years using a traditional pump, and while ease of use wasn’t at the top of my “done” list when it came to pumping, it worked for me.  

Also, if you’re still on the fence about Willow Pump, the company does have a nice collection of testimonials here.

Where to buy

Willow Pump is available from the company’s website, where you can learn more about the pump and HSA/FSA account use. You can also learn about insurance coverage for Willow Pump here.

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

What’s new with the Generation 3 Willow? 

The New Generation 3 Willow Pump is designed to give the user greater control, more comfort, and help her get more milk!  This pump uses a softer, slower pumping rhythm to give the user more comfort. The Smart Suction technology adjusts to the user’s preferences in order to increase output automatically.  There is also a new app for Generation 3 with step-by-step onboarding and personalized pumping tips. There is also an Android app that came out in March 2020. 

Does insurance cover The Willow Pump?

Often partially.  Fathercraft readers have gotten their insurance companies to cover half the cost of a Willow Pump, and were able to use HSA or FSA accounts for the rest of the expense.  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, f you want a reusable option, Willow offers reusable containers in addition to bags, meaning you’ll have a choice in what you use, vs other pumps like The Elvie that only offer reusable options.

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.  Our reviewer did not do that. You will definitely need additional bags. Additional supply costs:

2-pack of reusable containers $49.99 (replace every 3 months)

48 Milk Bags $23.99

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)

Charger $29.99

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 gear buying guide right over here.

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. 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.

What other 4moms products are out there?

If you want a more budget-friendly option, you could opt for the 4moms rockaRoo.  We never used this 4moms product, but it will run you about $160. In this swing, your baby is rocked like they are on a rocking horse or in a glider chair.  This swing has five speeds but does not have the unique swinging motions of the mamaRoo. It’s more compact than a typical swing so it doesn’t take up your entire living area.  This is still more expensive than several other swing options on the market and does not have the unique swinging features that set the mamaRoo apart. 

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

The Mamaroo is available on Amazon here and part of Prime for fast shipping if that’s your thing.

Frequently Asked Questions