Diono Traverze review

US firm Diono has previously impressed with its Quantum pushchair (£250 on Amazon), and now it’s released the Traverze, a compact, light stroller. Its USP is that it’s built for travel, thanks to its telescopic handle and travel bag, which means you can pull it along through the airport just like a wheelie suitcase. It folds up nice and small, and is freestanding when folded, too, making it easier to store.

The price varies according to which colour you choose – it’s available in 7 different hues, including Copper Cube, Grey Linear, Orange Facet and Yellow Sulphur – which our test model came in.

The Diono Traverze is a lot cheaper than some strollers on the market, and so inevitably compromises have been made – you can’t fit a car seat onto it, for example. But it does have plenty of features, including suspension, a flip-flop-friendly brake and one-handed steering.

Tested by:

Dad-of-one Joe tested the Diono Traverze with his four-month-old son on trips to the supermarket, friends’ houses and days out.

What were your first impressions of the Diono Traverze?

It’s compact. The colour scheme is a bit underwhelming, though. One of the great things about the bright yellow sun canopy on our Bugaboo Bee 5 is its visibility – you’re easily seen by drivers when you’re crossing the road. But I felt the Traverze Yellow Sulphur was less of a bright shade by comparison.

How does it compare to other lightweight buggies you have tried?

It’s nowhere near as premium-feeling or feature-packed as the Babyzen Yoyo, but then it is a lot cheaper. There are a couple of design quirks I dislike, but overall it is easy to use.

Is the stroller easy to put together?

It comes already built, so no assembly is required. All you have to do is unfold it!

Is the Diono Traverze Stroller easy is to fold/unfold?

Pretty easy. As with every buggy or stroller I’ve tried, there is a bit of a knack to it, but after a few goes it feels like second nature. To fold it, pull back the sun canopy, then hold the handlebar-mounted switch with your thumb while pressing the button in the middle of the handlebar and pushing down. The stroller then collapses and the front wheels retract. To unfold, you do the same in reverse.

How compact is the Diono Traverze when folded and unfolded?

Folded, it stands 60cm tall, only a little taller than knee height. It also stands up unaided when folded which is a real plus. It’s small enough to stow in an overhead compartment on an aeroplane or to fit in a car boot, which is useful for families on the move. Unfolded, it stands about waist height on me (I am 5’11”).

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

Yes, with plenty of space left for suitcases, for example.

Is the Diono Traverze easy to push?

It’s pretty easy to push either one- or two-handed. It feels a little upright, but the fact it has suspension is impressive at this price, and it coped with our local pavements and roads with ease. However, I wouldn’t take it off-road.

How lightweight is the Diono Traverze Stroller?

It weighs 5.6kg, which is light enough to lift with one hand. This makes it easy to carry up stairs and to put into a car boot.

What age is the stroller suitable for?

Diono says it’s suitable from birth, but the seat doesn’t recline completely flat, so personally I wouldn’t put a newborn in it.

Is the stroller car-seat compatible?

No.

How did you find it on public transport?

A doddle. It’s nice and slim, so glides easily down the aisle of a bus where wider strollers wouldn’t fit. The turning circle is nice and tight, too, so getting in and out of buggy spaces on a bus or train isn’t an effort.

What do you think of its wheels?

They glide nicely across smooth surfaces, and turn sharply, which is great. But the suspension isn’t up to much, and on rougher terrain the ride can get a bit uncomfortable.

Is the seat of the Diono Traverze comfortable for a toddler?

It is spacious enough for a small child, but it’s not massively padded – a layer of thin foam is all you get, which means it’s not all that comfortable. My son didn’t have any problem, but it could be an issue as he gets a bit bigger.

How many recline positions does the seat have?

It reclines using a toggle, so you can choose the recline angle.

Does the hood provide enough protection?

It does the job, covering baby’s head to protect from light rain, though it won’t keep the sun out of their eyes. There’s a handy zip pocket on the back of the hood, which is big enough to hold a wallet/purse, mobile phone and keys.

Are the Diono Traverze's brakes effective?

It’s a step brake. I kept kicking it by accident while walking, so it could be better positioned, but it’s easy to activate and deactivate.

What do you think of the handlebar?

The soft grip is comfortable enough to push for hours. But the height isn’t adjustable – although it wasn’t an issue for me, it could be for someone taller or shorter. Make sure you try it before you buy to check it’s the right height for you.

Is the frame of the Diono Traverze Stroller strong and durable?

The frame feels solid. The plastic does bend a little, but you have to really try – no child small enough to fit in the stroller will be strong enough to cause it any trouble. But the wheelie handle you use to pull it along doesn’t feel that solid – I could imagine it snapping after a bit more use, so be gentle with it!

How is interacting with your child when in the Diono Traverze?

The child can only face forwards, so interacting isn’t easy. But if you fold the back part of the hood covering forward, there is a mesh window so you can check up on them while on the move.

Is the basket easy to access and big enough to store everything you need?

The basket is accessible from the front and back of the stroller, which is a real plus. It’s not massive, but big enough to hold a carton of milk and a few other groceries.

How did you like the look of the Diono Traverze?

It’s not a look I would go for. It looks too much like a toy for my liking! But it’s functional, and the bright colour is easily visible for oncoming motorists. There are plenty of colour options to choose from, but there’s nothing for the child to hold on to, or anywhere to hang a mobile, so they could quickly get bored.

What’s in the box?

• Stroller
• Rain cover
• Travel case

Are there any additional extras that you need or can buy?

There are a few extras: Buggy Hooks (£4) for hanging a bag from the handle, the Buggy Buddy (£9) for holding drinks and snacks, the Stroller Cup Holder (£8) for hot drinks and the Sun and Insect Net (£10).

Who would the stroller be most useful for?

It would make a handy second buggy for families who travel a lot.

What was your favourite feature of the Diono Traverze stroller?

The fact that it folds down and can be pulled along like a wheelie case.

How much is the Diono Traverze and is it good value?

Prices range from £179 to £199, depending on which colour you choose. I think it is good value for money as long as you’re only taking short trips.

Where can I buy the Diono Traverze?

It is available to buy from Amazon and Kiddies Kingdom

MadeForMums verdict:

Families who fly a lot will probably get a lot of use out of the Diono Traverze. But if you don’t travel a lot, or storage space isn’t such an issue at home, I would recommend something a bit more comfortable for your child.

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