Tot Gear: Tamsyn van de Vyver reviews the Silver Cross POP while on the hunt for the ultimate stroller.
Living in Wimbledon Village with my six-month-old daughter Liliana, we really need a set of wheels that can not only navigate the local shops and cafés but can also handle a quick dash across the common when it’s sleep time! I was a little dubious that a stroller could do both, so when our shiny new Silver Cross POP arrived we were keen to get road testing.
The Low-Down
The new and updated POP pushchair has been cleverly designed to make it easy for mums and dads to get out and about with minimum fuss. Suitable from birth and with lots of new features, like the fully extendable hood for sun protection, lie-flat seat recline and a calf support to keep little legs happy, it’s a great hybrid pushchair for city living.
Good Looking?
With several great unisex fabric colours to choose from, the POP is certainly stylish. The new POP is discreet and sophisticated without being overly flash. It has the usual quality you would expect from Silver Cross coupled with a bit more of the fun factor. While out and about we received a few jealous glances from other babies and mums!
Practicality and Driveability
Very easy to assemble (even my husband managed!), the POP negotiated the tight shops and cafés with ease. And steps? Not a problem! The lightweight frame means you can lift, open and fold it with just one hand, and the transparent, well-fitting rain cover made venturing out on wet days easy. Best of all, the handy shopping basket is big enough for a handbag and that pint of milk!
Comfort
My main concern was Liliana sliding down in the seat – but with the easy-to-fit, five-point harness system, this was not an issue, even with a wriggly baby. The upright seat also reclines into a business class flat-bed so snooze time is easy. For those sunny days, the fully extendable zip-away hood gives excellent sun protection too. And the adjustable calf support ensures a comfortable ride regardless of how tall your little one is.
The Verdict
The updated Silver Cross POP is perfect for parents on the go, easy to use, comfortable for babies or toddlers, great on most terrains and quick to pack down into the car. Silver Cross has done it again, five gold stars! £150 | silvercrossbaby.com
What Else Does The Market Have To Offer?
Joie Brisk
The Joie Brisk offers a comfy ride for little ones with plenty of plush padding including a fully enclosed headrest area and harness covers. And for added versatility you can also use a Group 0+ car seat. Simply flip up the calf support, recline the seat and click in the carseat and away you go. £100 | mothercare.com
Maclaren Orla Kiely Quest Buggy
Maclaren and iconic fashion designer, Orla Kiely have joined forces to create a beautiful buggy. Stand out from the crowd with Maclaren’s best-selling Quest in signature geometric print. This stylish stroller can be used from birth up to 15kg and includes a matching rain cover designed with handy storage pouch. £295 | johnlewis.com
Cybex Twinyx
For when you’re pushing around two, the lightweight Twinyx buggy is a great all rounder. Suitable from birth, it’s perfect for the summer months as the XXL individual canopy provides UVP50+ sun protection. And the one-pull harness system means there is no faffing when unstrapping little ones with just a push of a button. £305 | cybex-online.com
Hauck Torro
A sturdy pushchair with an aluminum frame, the Hauck Torro is a great travel companion. We love the push handle which is designed with a comforting soft thumb support, making strolling a breeze. And the integrated cup holder is a real bonus. £119.99 | mothercare.com
