REASONS TO BUY
Multiple seating options
Good storage
Lightweight for the size
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor canopy coverage
Double action brakes
Bulky fold
Graco Modes Nest Stroller Review
This is a versatile stroller with lots of capacity for kids and bags, but it isn't great quality, and the design features are subpar
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ March 31, 2024
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
RELATED: The Best Full-Size Strollers
Our Verdict
The Graco Modes Nest Stroller is a “meh” option in our full-size stroller review. This Graco is lightweight, has various seating options, and includes a large storage bin with a child's tray. However, many features are more of a check-the-box than a thoughtful design. The Modes storage bin doesn't indicate a weight limit, which means it will be a mystery when it is overloaded or wears out. The brakes are double-action brakes that require setting two pedals instead of one; we don't love this style because it is easy to forget to set both or assume one is enough. It is often the first indication of a cheaper stroller if it doesn't have single-action brakes. Overall, the Modes is harder to push, not as comfortable for passengers, and is really large when folded. These factors make it one we aren't fond of and wouldn't recommend over competitors.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Graco is not as easy to use as much of the competition, with features that are more challenging than they need to be. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Graco is not the easiest to use and earned a below-average result for ease of use.
The Modes isn't necessarily hard to fold, but it has an awkward fold with the child tray sticking out. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
The Modes folds with two hands and will stand on its own when locked in place. It is not a challenging fold, but it can't be done single-handedly, and we had to remove parts to make it smaller.
The Modes has plenty of room for supplies, but with no maximum weight capacity, you'll never know when it might be close to giving out from being overweight. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Storage
The Graco has a large storage bin with access from the back and the front. It fits our large diaper bag, but Graco doesn't declare a weight limit for the bin.
The front lip of the Modes has a unique design feature that allows the front edge to raise or lower. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Modes storage bin is wide open and ready for supplies with super easy access. Credit: Matt Lighthart
This gives us pause, as almost all competitors offer a limit between 10 and 30 lbs. That is a wide spread, and overstuffing the bin could cause it to fail, if not immediately, then eventually.
The Graco child's tray cup holder is fairly narrow, and our test water bottle barely fit inside. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Modes has a side cup holder that snaps onto the frame. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Modes also offers a cup holder for parents on the frame side and a child tray with a cup holder and snack compartment. While nothing fell out of the holders during testing, they are relatively shallow, and we think parents should use caution.
The Modes has a simple and basic harness that can be a 3-point or 5-point configuration. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
The harness on the Modes can be used as a 5-point or 3-point. We prefer the 5-point option for safety and wish there were no 3-point variation. The harness is basic, and the nylon webbing is stiff and less skin-friendly than some competitors. The height adjustment has three slots and appears to use slide buckles; the plastic buckle is stiff and hard to push through.
The brakes on the Modes are not fully set until both pedals have been engaged to prevent movement on both sides. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Brakes
The Modes has double-action brakes with two pedals, one on each side of the rear axle. The pedals require an average amount of force to press and are not foot-friendly due to their lift-to-release design.
The brake pedals are small and close to the wheels. The size and location can make it harder for bigger feet to press them without wheel interference. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The pedals are small, and those with wider or larger feet might have trouble pressing them without the pedals interfering with the wheels. We generally don't care for double-action brakes and worry some parents will skip one pedal, which isn't safe.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Modes works with some Graco infant car seats, but there are no adapters for any other brands. If you hope to create a travel system and choose the Modes as your stroller, you are then locked into the Graco infant car seats.
The Modes has confusing instructions even though the stroller is relatively intuitive to assemble. Credit: Graham Faulknor
Ease of Setup
The Graco is above average for assembly, with a 10-15 minute setup time in our tests. The documentation is not as impressive and is below average for the group. It has dual languages and confusing illustrations. It only requires snapping parts on, with no tools required, but the instructions make it seem far more complicated.
The plastic wheels on the Modes makes changing to grass more of a challenge. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
Maneuverability for the Graco is disappointing compared to similarly priced options. While not the best, it wasn't the worst either.
The Modes was not an impressive mover over grass compared to other strollers. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Modes performed about the same on flat surfaces as uneven terrain. The hard plastic wheels aren't as grippy as we'd like, and their density means we can feel every bump in the road. The Graco feels longer than it is when pushing, which makes it feel sluggish when turning. Moving over cords and thresholds was smooth. It performed relatively well on the grass, too, but again, the length made it harder to turn, and we needed some prep time to make the turn when we wanted to.
The weight on the Modes is more forward than central, so we had to press the handle hard to lift the front. Plus, lifting the rear wheels up is also more challenging.
The Graco fold is bulky given that it is one of the lightest options in the group. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Transporting and Storing
The Graco's transporting and storing performance is better than average in large part because it is a lighter-weight stroller. However, it is also a giant folded stroller, which prevented it from scoring higher.
The Modes is lightweight; if that is your only goal, it will win at 21.88 lbs. This is one of the lightest weights in the group. However, when folded, it is 17,076 cubic inches, which isn't really that small. It also struggles with protruding parts; you'd have to take it apart to make it truly compact. Only a few options are bigger when folded, and they are mostly options that convert to double strollers and jogging strollers. Getting it on a bus, even with the lighter weight, will be a chore because of its overall size.
The Modes wheels are foam-filled plastic and could become deformed over time. Credit: Matt Lighthart
A lot is going on with the Graco frame and joints with lots of plastic. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
This Graco offers almost average quality compared to the competition. We typically see this across most baby gear categories in Graco products.
The Graco has a cheaper and dated (in our minds) two-strap system for reclining the seat back. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The wheels on this stroller are smaller and foam-filled plastic, which can dent or deform over time. They also lack any real grip. The frame is aluminum with plastic joints, and there is significant flex at the joints.
The fabric feels like a microfiber and is soft and skin-friendly. The canopy is stiffer and feels more like hotel curtains with some water resistance. The shoulder harness has pads, but they're not much good beyond preventing rubbing from the nylon straps. The overall fit and finish of the Modes is middle-of-the-road. While not offensive, and the final look is okay, it pales in comparison when placed side by side with the competition.
The Modes seat can be a bassinet or a toddler seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We like that the Modes offers shoulder straps sleeves, but they aren't really padded or soft. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
The Graco earned one of the lower scores for kid comfort.
Seating on the Modes can slide up and down, which can bring babies closer to parents for comfort. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The seat recline is a one-hand operation to recline and a two-hand operation to raise. It has two straps for infinite positions and can lie flat. Unlike similar-looking strollers, the leg rest does not adjust, which means there is less opportunity for every child to find real comfort. It is one of those things you might not notice or think about when comparing strollers, but it can be important in the end.
The toddler's seat on the Modes can convert to a bassinet. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you don't notice what you are buying, it feels like a bait-and-switch, thinking it will be like other popular modern strollers.
The mesh peek-a-boo window on the Modes is small but adequate. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The canopy on the Modes is smaller than most, and while it is nice to have a window to check on little ones, it is also small and unimpressive. It has a visor that makes the canopy slightly larger, but it isn't enough to protect passengers from anything other than the overhead sun.
Continuous Sleeping Comfort
If a baby can't stay asleep when traversing average terrain, that is a serious downside. When tested over asphalt or bumpy, cracked ground, the Modes had one of the most disappointing results, averaging 14 total potential wake-up events for passengers. With no suspension for the most part and hard plastic wheels, passengers will feel every obstacle with more intensity.
The included Graco seat can be adapted into a bassinet or a regular seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the GRACO Modes Nest Stroller?
The Modes is an interesting option, and we think parents will be drawn to it given the lower price. However, it didn't fare well in our tests, and we worry that the frustrations we encountered aren't worth the savings over higher-ranking options. We think that, no matter your goals for strolling, there are better options in our lineup to meet your needs.
What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?
A higher performing budget stroller is the Joie Ginger. It is an easy-to-maneuver and use option that feels higher-quality than its lower price suggests. It has a similar price to the Graco but offers significantly better features and child comfort. While it is slightly bigger and heavier, we think the trade-off is worth it for less pushing frustrations. If you need something more budget-friendly and the stroller's style is negotiable, the Baby Trend Expedition is worth considering. It costs less than half as much as the Modes and is easier to transport, store, and maneuver. It is bulkier when folded and heavier, but we think it offers a better experience when used, and most parents will love the versatility of heading off the beaten path. However, urban dwellers in tight spaces might not like the 3-wheel style.
Manufacturer Video
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Graco Modes Nest Stroller versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $430 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This is a versatile stroller with lots of capacity for kids and bags, but it isn't great quality, and the design features are subpar |
| Pros | Multiple seating options, good storage, lightweight for the size |
| Cons | Poor canopy coverage, double action brakes, bulky fold |
| Rating Categories | Graco Modes Nest |
| Ease of Use (40%) | |
| Maneuverability (25%) | |
| Transport & Storing (15%) | |
| Quality (10%) | |
| Kid's Comfort (10%) | |
| Specifications | Graco Modes Nest |
| Capacity Limits | Minimum: Birth Maximum: 50 lb |
| Measured Weight | 21.9 lb |
| Measured Folded Dimensions | 26"W x 18.5"H x 35.5"L |
| Folded Volume | 17,076 cu in |
| Handlebar Height Min/Max | 41.5" |
| Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight | Not listed |
| Wheel Type | Foam Filled Plastic |
| Brake Type | Double |
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