Video: The 3-in-1 JOIE Kava Stroller Offers a Smooth Ride and Extra Storage

There are so many things to buy when you’re prepping for baby’s arrival, but some purchases, like a stroller, might need more consideration than others. Since the stroller you choose will be with you on every walk and outing during babyhood and well beyond, it’s important to get one that caters to your current newborn needs and your future toddler needs. The new 3-in-1 Kava stroller from the popular European brand Joie is a stylish-yet-affordable pick that’s made to give “low-key luxe” into toddlerhood without sacrificing performance or breaking the bank. Plus, it has multiple recline positions and uses two types of suspension technology to help your little one feel comfy and secure in their seat no matter the terrain. 

Watch Mallorie, a Babylist mom of three, take it out for a spin in the video above—or keep reading to see why this might be just the stroller you want to add to your Babylist registry. 

Why you may want a 3-in-1 stroller

Over the course of your baby’s first year, you’ll go from newborn bodysuits to 12-month sets, from a bassinet to a crib and from bottles to first cups. Amidst all that turnover, having one crucial piece of gear that doesn’t become obsolete as your little one grows can be a relief. That’s where a 3-in-1 stroller like the JOIE Kava comes in.

It’s ready for newborn strolls in travel system mode (with a compatible Joie infant car seat) and adapts for toddler rides in parent-facing and world-facing modes. And with a stroller seat weight limit of 50 pounds, it can take some children into kindergarten. In short, its adaptability from a stroller that works from day one with a car seat to a ride with a two-way reversible seat is what gives this stroller its three distinct modes—and it’s what makes it a long lasting stroller you can use for years.

Joie Kava Stroller - Shale

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What makes the Joie Kava different from other convertible strollers?

A few key details set the Kava apart from a standard stroller. For one, how quickly it can become a complete travel system. (see how that happens here 1:02).

It’s compatible with all Joie infant car seats (here’s our review of their baseless infant car seat), and comes with adapters that make them easy to click in. It also has two types of suspension—all-wheel and flex in-seat—which means it offers a smoother ride than you might get elsewhere. Then, there’s affordability: for $399.99, the Kava gives parents versatility (with 3 modes in 1) and style comparable to other souped-up strollers that can cost nearly twice as much.

How Flex Seat Suspension works

“Suspension technology” may leave you like “huh,” so let’s break it down. Just like in your car, suspension is what makes a ride smooth and prevents the rider from feeling every single lump, bump or jostle. If you’ve ever been in a car with bad suspension, you’ve noticed it—and you don’t want that experience for your baby. 

JOIE Kava’s Flex In-Seat Suspension just looks like a standard metal frame (you can see it clearly at the 0:43 mark in the video). But in fact, it’s helping to keep baby steady in the seat by absorbing all the extra movement from uneven terrain, like cobblestone streets or bumpy sidewalks. So even if you’re off-roading (or just live in an area with streets that aren’t stroller-friendly), baby will have a smoother, calmer and more comfy ride. 

What else makes the Joie Kava stand out?

The JOIE Kava is designed to give baby multiple ways to be comfortable and safe on the go in one piece of gear. Here are a few more ways it does that: 

• Extra comfort for baby: The seat has multiple points of recline, so you can easily move it up and down for little one’s comfort (see an example at the 1:40 mark in the video). There’s also an adjustable leg rest with cushy calf support so baby can stretch out their legs. 

• Extra comfort for the caregiver: The adjustable handlebar makes it easy for parents or caregivers of different heights to take it out for a walk. There’s also a removable cup holder that clips to the side—perfect for much-needed coffee on those extra-early mornings.

• Accessible storage: Outings with a baby require a whole lot of stuff. With that in mind, the Kava has a large basket with a wide base, which is easily accessible from the front (2:37). The stroller also comes with a detachable crossbody bag so that you can grab the essentials—like diapers and wipes—from the stroller, pop them in the bag and go. 

• Easy cleaning and folding: Babies are notorious for making a mess, so the Kava’s machine-washable fabric insert is sure to come in handy. The stroller is also easy to fold with one hand in either seat direction (see it at 1:28) and stands on its own once folded so that you can easily tuck it away. 

• Full coverage: The stroller’s expandable canopy is water-repellent to keep baby protected from the elements and has UPF 50+ (especially useful since sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months old). A mesh peekaboo window lets you check in on baby without having to maneuver around the stroller to look inside.

Who we recommend the Joie Kava for

A stroller that offers protection and safety, a smooth ride and plenty of storage helps make early parenthood a whole lot easier. The Joie Kava does all that and can be used up until your child reaches 50 pounds—which may be as old as five. Coming in at under $400, it’s also a wallet-friendly pick that offers longevity and performance with lots of nice-to-have upgrades.  

Babylist editors also note that even with an infant car seat attached, the Kava still has a streamlined overall size, unlike many bulky travel systems. This makes it easier to steer through narrow areas and doorways. Combined with Flex In-Seat Suspension, it all comes together to make the Kava a good choice for anyone who lives in an area, like a city, with uneven sidewalks or crowded buildings—or anyone who’s looking for flexibility and ease, no matter their location. 

Watch our full video review to see it in action. 

This article is sponsored by Joie. Babylist’s free site, apps and emails are made possible by our sponsors. We limit our sponsored content to relevant partners that offer products and services we believe in and use ourselves.