I was very excited to be picked as one of the 10 new Maxi-Cosi reporters last week. We will be testing out the new and improved Loola pushchair, Maxi Cosi foldable carrycot and baby nest.
As Maxi Cosi reporters, we will be completing a series of challenges over the coming weeks. So, on to Challenge 1: Unpacking and assembling!
I do love a new pushchair, all shiny and clean in its box…..anyone with me? Anyway, on to unpacking. The first challenge actually turned out to be getting the pushchair out of the box, it was certainly well packed! But with some pulling and tugging, and some hinderance help from the children, we eventually released everything from the boxes – exciting!
Stage 1: The chassis and seat:
I love the fact that the chassis is freestanding when folded. Unfolding is straightforward – just unfold the handlebar by pushing in the white buttons, and then pull the frame upwards until it clicks. Then push down on the black pedal in the centre of the frame. To attach the seat unit, just unfold by pulling apart, then slot into the frame. Couldn’t really be easier, I didn’t even need the instructions for this bit.
The to add the hood. Again – easy peasy lemon squeezy. Click into the frame, zip the hood onto the seat and popper at the back for extra security. Job done. The hood is HUGE and covers a large section of the seat unit, which will be great in this weather! Attaching the raincover is just as simple – stretch over the seat, and secure at the feet end with an elastic hoop. As I don’t intend to use the raincover anytime soon, I folded it to store in the basket, and was pleasantly surprised how easily, and how small it folded down.
The recline is brilliant. It is operated by a lever on the back of the seat – just lift to lie the seat back. And look how flat it lies! Ideal for teeny tiny ones, and for slumbering toddlers too. This has to be one of the best reclines I have come across.
It is always good to practice folding the pushchair so you don’t get stuck in Tesco car park unable to get the car in the boot because you can’t fold it (not that I have ever done this….honest). The Loola fold is simple when you know how – I did have a quick peek at the instructions first. Just lower the handlebar, pull on the levers on the side of the chassis and push the black pedal. The pushchair just slides closed. AND it can be folded with the seat unit in place, whether it is parent facing or world facing. Huge thumbs up for that.
Stage 2: The baby nest:
A fabulous feature for littlies. Gorgeously soft, and very well padded, the baby nest just fits onto the pushchair seat as a footmuff would, using the harness straps to secure in place. It turns the lie flat seat unit into a more suitable, and more comfortable mode of travel for the newborn days. I popped Max in to try it out, and he promptly fell asleep, so it definitely passes the comfort test!
Stage 3: The carrycot:
The carrycot was possibly the easiest thing of all to assemble. It comes out of the box flat, and you simply push a tensioner strap up to unfold. The carrycot is large and spacious, and I am slightly obsessed with the mattress – it is so soft and thick I quite fancy it for myself. It comes with a raincover that just slides over the whole carrycot, and a mosquito net, which attaches very simply with elastic toggles – perfect for holiday evenings! Attaching the carrycot to the chassis is just as straightforward as attaching the seat unit – just slot onto the frame and it clicks into place with a lovely reassuring ‘clunk’. To remove, just depress the white button, and it lifts straight off the frame. I love the carry handle on the hood, as it makes lifting and carrying the carrycot so easy.
So there you go. Challenge 1 – unpack and assemble the pushchair – DONE! And it was really easy. I like easy.
* I am a Maxi-Cosi reporter. I was sent the pushchair and accessories free of charge as part of the Maxi Cosi reporter challenge, but all thoughts, opinions and photos are my own *
Fab post and what a gorgeous buggy!!! x
Love that buggy! Great review x
I have to agree, the fold up is so easy. I have never put together a pushchair before so have nothing to compare it to but I have had so many pushchairs, doubles, singles, tandems and this is the easiest to fold up by a mile. And I am a dummy!
I love the fold. One of the best features I think. Glad you found it easy too 🙂
Look forward to hearing how you get on with the challenges!
That baby nest looks amazing!
The baby nest is awesome! We actually used it in the seat with Max last week – http://familyfeverk.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/maxi-cosi-reporter-challenge-3-trip.html
Have you used the carrycot much or have you found it’s been ok to just pop Max in the seat with its recline? I wonder how it would cope switching between baby and toddler in that instance – could make life much easier?!