Dream On Me Coast Rider Review

The Dream on Me (DOM) Family is a collection of brands, including Dream On Me, Evolur Baby, and Slumber Baby. The company launched in 1988 and focuses on creating safe, quality products for families. The line of products includes strollers, baby cribs, baby walkers, a bassinet that appears in our best bassinet review, and more.

Performance Comparison

Weight and Folded Size

While the fold of the Coast Rider might be weird, it does make for a relatively small and lightweight package compared to the competition.

This stroller weighs 12.8 lbs and folds into a package that is 4,788 cubic inches. These measurements put it squarely into the easier-to-transport category, but if you look at the final product, it is oddly bulky, had to lift, and may not fit everywhere.

Ease of Use

The Coast Rider is one of the hardest-to-use options in the review.

Fold and Unfold

This product has an awkward fold, and it isn't much smaller even when you manage to compact it. It is almost like taking it apart as opposed to folding it. During testing, we needed two hands and a foot to unfold it. It does automatically lock, but it doesn't self-stand, nor can you pull it like luggage. Compared with the fold of the Zoe Traveler, the Coast is miserable.

Brakes

The brakes on the Coast Rider are hard to set but easier to release. It is a double-action brake, meaning you must press two pedals (one on each side of the rear axle) to fully set the brakes. We worry some parents might forget to set both sides or feel one side is “good enough” and leave the other side open. Once the brakes are set, there is some play in the wheels, but it didn't feel significant enough to be dangerous during testing.

Storage

The Dream on Me does not include any storage. As a result, you'll need to carry all your supplies in a diaper bag or backpack. Even a spare diaper and wipes will require some sort of tote.

Sunshade

The Coast Rider does not have a sunshade, so little ones will be exposed to all elements, including the sun, which could result in a burn or make it hard to nap. You'll definitely need one of the best sunscreens for babies with this stroller.

Harness

The Coast Rider has a 5-point harness in stroller mode and no harness in scooter mode. It has a ridiculously long crotch strap that hindered our ability to get a proper and snug fit on our little testers. None of the straps are padded, but the material is smooth and somewhat slippery. It is more comfortable, but it also quickly untightens. Rethreading the shoulder height is relatively easy, but the buckle button is stiffer than average.

Seat

The seat for the stroller is upright only, with no option to recline, and has minimal padding. There is no footrest for smaller riders which means legs could be uncomfortable dangling off the edge. There is no leg rest or recline, so it is not designed for comfortable napping.

Car Seat Compatibility

There is no car seat compatibility with this stroller, and it is only appropriate for older babies and toddlers.

Ease of Setup

This stroller takes between 5-10 minutes to put together. It comes in a well-packed box, but almost all of the parts need to be assembled, unlike most of the competition. The instruction manual is clear, with good detail in both words and pictures. While it wasn't difficult to build, it took more time and felt like it should have come more assembled.

Maneuverability

The Coast is surprisingly easier to push and turn than many competitors, though none of the products in this category are excellent. It can manage sharp turns, but the center handle is on the low side and might be uncomfortable for taller parents to push for long distances. While we could push this product one-handed on flat surfaces, it is much easier with two once the road gets uneven. This unit managed grass and carpet better than much of the competition, but deep gravel was a struggle.

Quality

This stroller is less expensive than much of the competition; however, we'd still expect better quality than what it delivers with a price over a hundred dollars. While the materials feel durable and sturdy, they lack comfort and consideration for the passenger. There is thin padding, and it all feels very minimal to simply “get the job done.” The frame has an awkward look, and it rattles when you turn with joints that do not feel solid compared to the competition. This stroller also offers no suspension, and it looks somewhat sloppy all around. The seat fabric does not stay folded down over the corners; there are exposed buckles and straps all over the place.

Should You Buy the Dream On Me Coast Rider?

While the Coast Rider can be a fun product for older kids, it is only functional in specific situations and is not very practical for frequent use. It is not comfortable for kids to ride in or for adults to push, and while it rolls smoothly on hard surfaces, the small wheels limit its use even further. The biggest downfall, in our opinion, is the lack of useful features like a sunshade or basket. This item feels more like a toy than a helpful piece of baby gear, and we don't recommend it for most families.

What Other Umbrella Strollers Should You Consider?

There are many other strollers we would recommend over the Coast Rider. If you want a barebones product that is super light and relatively affordable, we encourage you to look at the Zoe Traveler. With a price tag that is only slightly higher, you get a basket, a sunshade, an easier fold, and a smoother ride. We think it is a great tradeoff all around and will be a better product for you and your baby.

Manufacturer Video