4Moms Origami Stroller Review

The 4Moms Origami is unlike any other stroller you've seen so far. It's designed for babies who are at least 6 months old and can be used until your toddler weighs 40 pounds. A car seat adapter for Graco infant car seats can be purchased separately, which allows you to use the stroller as a travel system as soon as baby is born.

The stroller folds and unfolds on its own power, which comes from generators built into the wheels. To fold or unfold, you just push a button and twist a knob. The stroller does the rest of the work for you. The generators also run a digital display up top that shows you how far you've walked, how fast you're going, and the current temperature. Running lights on the front wheels illuminate your path, too.

The Origami stroller weighs 32 pounds. When folded, it measures 38" x 14" x 21". It opens up in all directions (hence the Origami name) to 41" x 28" x 39".

The stroller seat has adjustable recline and some handy pockets on the back. An under-seat storage basket is included. In addition to the infant car seat adapter, you can also purchase a cell phone charging kit that includes a little storage bag that hangs on the handlebars.

Average price is $850.

This stroller is a tech-loving parent's dream. The digital display is very cool. You can keep track of how fast you're walking, how far you've traveled, what the temperature is, and how much battery life the stroller has left. The battery recharges itself as you're walking, thanks to the built-in generators. You shouldn't have to worry about plugging the stroller in to charge very often, if at all.

The power fold and unfold is a standout feature of this stroller. The push/turn button that operates the folding mechanism is easy to use, and the two-step process makes it unlikely that you would activate that feature while baby is in the stroller. Even if you do, the safety sensors built into the stroller will prevent accidental folding. If you're having a truly forgetful day, there's even a part of the display that shows you when there's a baby sitting in the stroller.

The cell phone charging kit is a great idea, and it works like a charm. You can store the cord in the little bag that hangs from the handlebars. The bag is also the perfect size for keeping your phone in arm's reach as you're walking.

Unlike most other strollers, the Origami folds in three dimensions. That means you get a full-size stroller that uses the cargo space of a lightweight. When it's folded, you can pull the stroller along like a suitcase on the little wheels built into the middle of the base.

The Origami is a handsome stroller. It definitely looks the part of a high-tech stroller, all sleek and shiny. The joints telescope instead of folding like a traditional stroller, which adds to the streamlined look.

If you want to be seen, the Origami stroller does its part to ensure that you can't be missed. Reflective piping surrounds the seat and canopy. There are running lights above the front wheels and path lights underneath. Be prepared for lots of questions from curious bystanders!

I love the canopy on the Origami. We're big on walks in the evening, when many stroller canopies are useless against the setting sun. The canopy on this stroller curves over the seat and then comes down in front to block the sun perfectly. You can adjust the canopy easily and quietly, too, which helps if your baby is napping. The joints on this canopy are very quiet.

There are cupholders everywhere. Two cupholders are at the top on either side of the handlebar, and there are two cloth cupholders built into the sides of the seat for baby.

Steering is effortless on smooth terrain. This stroller is made for urban and suburban adventures, but it does a passable job on gravel roads, too. It's a little harder to steer on a rough path, but the suspension does a fantastic job of cushioning baby's ride no matter where you go. The wide set of the back wheels means there's nothing to kick as you're walking, even if you're long-legged.

When it's time to park, the brakes are a cinch to use. Just step on the brake button above one of the back wheels. To disengage the brakes, step on the button again. I appreciate a stroller that doesn't make me sacrifice my pedicure for brake usage.

My main gripe is the Origami's weight. Over 30 pounds is a lot for a single stroller. It's heavy when you're lifting it in and out of your car. For me, the advantage of the stroller folding effortlessly while I stand by with my baby in my arms is somewhat negated by having to put the baby down to stow the stroller in the trunk. All of the bells and whistles and digital coolness comes at a price, though, and part of that price is extra poundage.

Speaking of price, the Origami comes in at about $850, which is a lot, even in the luxury stroller world. For that price, I'd prefer to have the accessories come with the stroller. By the time you purchase the car seat adapter, the cell phone charger, and the color seat padding, you'll have spent an additional $200.

The cornucopia-shaped basket looks cool, but I found it hard to store much in it. The shape makes it hard to organize, and it isn't shaped right to put a diaper bag inside. A diaper changing clutch or small change kit would fit. My wallet and phone fell to the bottom a few times and weren't very accessible. The little handlebar bag that comes with the cell phone charging kit is perfect for small items, but again, you have to buy that separately.

For a stroller in this price range, I think the 40 pound weight limit is a bit low. If you have a petite child, you might get several years of use. If your toddler is on the upper end of the growth charts, though, you may have to retire the Origami before you're ready to be done with strollers.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.