Review: Joovy Just-Like-Mine! Toy Caboose (stroller) and Carseat

Who else has a child who likes to mimic what Mommy does, but wants to do it her OWN way? We were so lucky to test both the Joovy Just-Like-Mine! Toy Caboose and Carseat. These sorts of toys are completely up Anastasia’s alley! Both the Joovy stroller and carseat are exact mini replicas of the adult sized versions. They have the same clasps, wheels, and capabilities as Mommy’s version. And voila! Anastasia gets to do what I am doing, but in her own way.

To explain, the stroller is a tandem stroller, with a moving seat/bench, a canopy and seatback that have multiple positions, a collapse function, wheels that track well, an adjustable footrest and it fully compatible with the carseat. The carseat sits in the stroller or belts into the car, has a removable base, and adjustable handle. I could go on, but basically, if a real stroller or carseat does it, so do these. Link to the Joovy site to see more if you are not already convinced.

Click Read More below to see my full review!

Joovy says these are for ages three and up. I definitely agree with this. Height is not the only issue, but the most obvious off the bat. Anastasia is too short for this 30 inch high stroller. Mind you, she has no trouble pushing it, but her arms are over her head. Most importantly, it is for older children because they are better able to follow directions, such as “do not stand on the stroller (on the tandem step)” or “do not sit in the stroller”. I know that even 3 year olds don’t understand physics or the principle of gravity, but they should listen better than a two year old. You have no idea how much time I have spent telling Anastasia to get off of the stroller because, with enough weight, I think it could tip on her (I must be clear, this has NOT happened).

The clasps and buckles are easy for little hands to use, Anastasia rarely asks for help with that. The stroller has a huge underbasket that is very much fun for a child to pack with toys and necessities. Currently, not only does a large stuffed bunny occupy the front stroller seat, the basket is full of my old beanie babies, and the “cupcakes” from the Rosie Hippo ring stacker. One might also find a sippy cup (one might most frequently find that the day after) or any other favorite toys or puzzle pieces. You name it, this basket can hold it- and in our house, this basket adds to the fun of the stroller. This mini Joovy pushes easily and smoothly, and can be used outside if your child wants to push a toy while you push baby.

The Joovy Caboose has a simple lever to collapse the stroller flat- a nice touch if you have a small place or guests coming who are not impressed with toy clutter. Anastasia cannot manage this, and I doubt a three year old could. This is definitely a task for Mom or Dad to handle.

I haven’t mentioned the carseat much. This is because other than clipping baby in and out, it hasn’t gotten much use. It is also too big for Anastasia and she simply cannot carry it- it’s light, but too big. She has no interest in having it in the car with us either (which I am glad- it seems excessive to me to belt a stuffed animal into a car seat for an actual drive in the car- so, I like it for play yes, but car, no.). The buckles on this are also easy to use, however the one at the chest (yes, this has a 5 point harness) proves much harder for a little one to manipulate (also good, you don’t want them learning to unbuckle themselves from their real carseat!)

Both Joovy Just Like Mine! items come in either of two color choices, pink or blue. There is no neutral color. So, while this is a toy of outstanding construction, it is hard to pass from one child to another if you (like we) have a boy and a girl. The quality will keep it perfect to hand down, but color may prevent it.

The stroller takes some assembly, but as I do not read instruction manuals, I passed this job to the Hub. He said it took five minutes WITH Anastasia helping him. Not bad. The carseat doesn’t take assembly, per se, but you will need the instruction manual to learn how to unclip the seat from the base and how to adjust the arm.

Nor for my formal review, each of four stars.

Functionality: Stroller *** and a half/ Carseat ** and a half- Stroller is a life-like replica that is easy for a child to play with. Stroller is maneuverable, a good child size, allows child to use imagination while imitating parents. I like that the mini version gives the child the feeling of being in charge and doing what Mommy does. The stroller makes more sense since its functions are more varied. The carseat, is just that, and really can’t be made to do more.

Materials and Durability: Both items ****- Excellent quality. Durably made and will withstand years of play and be able to be handed down from sibling to sibling. Be aware, though, of the fact that there are only two color choices, pink or blue. Carseat is all plastic and fabric- wipes clean. Stroller is metal, plastic, and fabric, also easily wipes clean- you’ll want to make sure the wheels are free of debris just like a real stroller.

Price: Stroller ** and a half/ Carseat **- As always, this is my hang-up. I think if you are going to invest, definitely go with the stroller; it has so many more options for play. It really does. The carseat is simply that: a carseat. They are bulky and awkward for Mom to carry, which translates to an even more awkward experience for a child. The Joovy Caboose is $79.00 and the Carseat is $39.99. Neither is the most expensive nor the cheapest option out there. Yes, it is spendy for a child’s toy, but I have full confidence that this Joovy mini stroller will last and last and last. With the holidays coming this could be a great “group gift (you know, a couple Aunts/Uncles)” or a Grandma splurge.

Overall Rating: Stroller ***- Price aside, this is a great purchase and you will get good use of the Joovy Just Like Mine! Caboose (stroller). Joovy Just Like Mine! Carseat **- It works just like a real carseat, is quality material, but is hard to play with because, just like a real carseat, it tends to be bulky and hard to handle.