After various flings with different pushchairs, Georgie Soskin is after a travel system that ticks all the boxes. She reviews the iCandy Strawberry 2
Believe it or not this is actually our seventh buggy. In my four and a half years of being a mother we have tried and tested a lot. Some good, some bad. I have two boys (Olly, four and a half and Wilbur two and a half) and a very new little girl, Lily, who’s just a month old. For me, the buggy needs to be lightweight, doesn’t require the “driver” to hold an A-level to get it in and out of a car or to swap seats, easy to steer, wipeable and robust. Fingers and toes crossed the iCandy Strawberry 2 delivers and we can stop at pushchair number seven.
The Low Down
The Strawberry 2 is the second generation of this pushchair, with improved modifications across the board on the hugely popular Stawberry. Suitable for a newborn or toddler, the clever seat frame can be used for both the seat unit and carrycot. Impressively, the pushchair also remembers the recline position; even after it has been folded the pushchair will automatically open in the same position. Plus the unique one-hand step and stand fold system provides swift collapsing – making it a great travel companion.
Good Looking?
It looks really smart. The bassinet looks incredibly comfy too, padded inside and generally cosy – I was instantly very impressed. Overall, I think as buggies go it’s pretty top notch in the looks department.
Practicality and Driveability
It’s a good size, feels robust and has great non-burstable wheels, which can easily take on different terrains from pavements to sandy beaches – important if this is going to be your go-to buggy. It’s great at steering and seems fully “wipeable” because let’s face it pretty much everything from dirty nappies to raisins are going to come in contact with it. It was great that we could attach our pre-existing car seat to it; we have a Maxi-Cosi, so this way you don’t have to wake baby up. It also has an easy-to-locate brake pedal which is practical when you’re in a rush and don’t want to be finding some awkward little lever. The main handle bar is easy to steer and you can adjust the height. My only gripe would be that due to the wheels being plastic and brilliantly non-burstable the lack of suspension means it can be a bit bumpy on some terrains.
Comfort
It was very comfortable in the bassinet for Lily, I know this because she was sound asleep for the entire test drive. Wilbur, my two and a half year old, tried out the main seat and loved it too – he looked very comfortable. The seat has easy buckles for fastening them in and a good range of positions from reclining to sitting straight up, which is useful for when they are younger.
The Verdict?
Overall, the Strawberry 2 is a good and easy-to-use buggy – it’s certainly my favourite to date. iCandy have really thought of everything and it’s a great option for a first child. I think we might finally have found our perfect, and hopefully last, buggy.
Priced £550, iCandyworld.com
