Stokke Xplory Pram Review And Why We Chose It
This review of the Stokke xPlory pram (or stroller/ buggy/ pushchair) represents my views and is not sponsored. We bought this pram last Autumn and have now used it for over 6 months. I did not buy the travel cot, I bought a maxi cosi car seat with adapters (because it has high safety rating) and the actual seat the pram comes with.
First sighting:
I have now used this pram for over six months and feel that bit more qualified to share my experience. The truth is, I fell in love with it the first time I saw a Mum pushing it. My husband was less convinced and we both spent time on 'Mumsnet', 'which' and other baby product review websites researching this pram and other prams recommended for urban/city living.
The Touch and Push test
We went to the Mamas & Papas in Westfield to get a feel for both prams. We went with an open mind so we also saw the Joolz, the Quinny, the Bugaboo Donkey, the Bugaboo Bee the Sola and other ones that were on display at the time. I think a lot of the times the Bugaboo bee wins, only because I see this pram a lot around London, so I know it is very popular!
MisterB told me that ultimately it was my decision since I would be using the pram more often than he would. He also reminded me about the flight of stairs I would have to navigate from our front door with the chosen pram.
Speaking to a Stokke xPlory Mum
A Mum then came in with her husband and toddler in the Stokke V3 and I plucked up the courage to ask her what her views were of the pram. She told me that its difficult to manoeuvre on the tube (because it is heavy), but that she always travelled with her husband on the tube so it was not a problem for her. Other than that she had great things to say about it and told me that I was lucky to be getting the V4 model which had some updates reflecting some complaints that had been made about her model - the v3.
The decision
While we were at Mamas and Papas, the lady talking us through explained that there was a consession on and that we could get the Xplory for a hugely discounted price. I took this as the sign that this was our pram. .
Six months+ down the line
Cons:
- This pram is a monstrosity. That is also what I call it - the monstrosity. It is heavy and I can barely lift it while Coco is in it, which is not convenient for the tube. But the base is slim so it fits just fine on the bus. It also fits fine in the boot of a car and most cars. If you plan to get the tube a lot with just you and baby, this pram is not for you.
- There are a lot of accessories to go with this pram but they each cost a little fortune, so that I think they actually bring the total price to a ridiculous level.
- You could attach a step for an older child but you cannot convert it to a double stroller which I think is a shame given the recommended retail price of this bad boy.
- The price is also on the higher side of the market
Pros:
- The height - Coco is right there and I can (and often do) lean forward and give her a kiss. I also wonder if this has contributed to her love for being in this, since she was tiny whether it be in the car seat or in the actual push chair carrier.
- The positions - you can adjust this so it is upright, semi-upright or almost flat.
- The accessories - theres a mosquito net and a rain cover that comes with original. Then you can add on a winter set, summer set, umbrella, and blanket, and much more. The only extra I allowed myself is a coffee cup. And we also got the Prampack for packing it away when we take a flight - see the review for the pram pack I wrote here.
- The high chair option - I used that for the first time today and was quite impressed - it really does work. The restaurant did not have a high chair, so I simply put the position upright, pushed it forward (it was already the height of the table) and fed Coco as we dined.
- The shopping bag at the bottom - I use this as my changing bag and usually keep in it my diaper bag, rain cover, blanket, change of clothes. Really handy!
- It stands the test of time - it can be used from 0 to 4 years old and I have no plans to buy a second pushchair. It also comes with a unique number which you can register for your warrantee. Finally, if you fall out of love with it, I have heard it has a great re-sale value on eBay and that it is an easy one to resell.
What other reviewers said:
That it is a head turner- yes, I get a lot of comments such as nice pram, oh looks very modern, looks expensive etc. It is definitely a looker which attracts comments so ask yourself how you would feel about that.
The suspension - the reviews we saw mentioned about how the suspension wasn't great and that if you're pushing baby on pavements, it made for a very bumpy ride for baby, but that this was not a problem if you were pushing baby in a mall with smooth floors. Yes I have noticed this - but it has never been a 'problem' for us. I also believe this is the case with other prams on the market.
No basket at the bottom for dumping bags and other stuff - well, I just believe you can't have everything. I actually like the neat look and that it forces me to be better organised.
There are also other grumblings, mostly minor, about this pram, but these points above, to me, are the key ones.
Would we buy the Stokke again?
Honestly, this is an incredibly hard question because I love the height but really underestimated just how heavy it is and how awkward that is for the tube.
Recently, at the airport in Scotland, I saw a Mum of two navigate security clearance with a walking toddler, a newborn in a pram and hand luggage, as well as the usual coats and scarves etc. She took the travel cot off the pram, collapsed the pram frame and lifted it on to the conveyor belt - in one swift move. I was in awe. The travel cot was also compact looking, it wasn't too long or too low - which is what put me off the ones I saw. Now I only need to try to track down which brand pram this was, so I can recommend it and obsess a little more about it.
But truly, even for all the cons, I still love the Stokke xPlory.
Happy easter Monday
x
Stokke Xplory Pram Review And Why We Chose It
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