Maxi Cosi Reporter, Challenge 4: Conclusion

So our Maxi Cosi Loola test period is coming to an end. Sad times. We have really enjoyed the new challenges every week:
Challenge 1 – Unpack that pushchair
Challenge 2: Hidden Treasures
Challenge 3: Trip across town

This week is the final challenge – the conclusion. What we love, what we would change, and what our overall view is.

WHAT WE LOVE:

The adjustable handlebar

This is a very important feature for us, as hubby is a fair bit taller than I am. This feature means it is comfortable for both of us to push. It even goes low enough for Gemma (age 7) to push with no problems, and the adjust mechanism is easy, smooth and quick.

The lie flat seat unit, and the recline.

Another super important feature, as you want your little one to be comfortable when they fall asleep. The seat unit lies completely flat – flat enough for even very tiny babies like Max. The recline is simple to use, and there are a variety of different positions.

The basket

The basket is HUGE. Very important when you have a newborn plus 2 older children! This basket held the raincover, plus coats, jumpers and a picnic lunch for the rest of us on a day out. The integrated bars mean it is very strong, and can handle heavy baggage.

The wheel adjustment

I absolutely love that the wheel adjustment is on the frame, rather than on the wheel hub. This means I can switch between fixed/swivel wheels in the flick of a button AND without getting my hands dirty fiddling around near the wheels. A big bonus.

The hood

The hood is HUGE. By far the biggest I have come across. It provides plenty of shade, as well as shelter from wind and drizzle. We have been able to use the pram in a light rain shower without the need for the raincover as the hood provides so much coverage. Great for the sunny weather too as it pretty much eliminates the need for a parasol.

The baby nest

The baby nest is gorgeousness. It is soft, padded and very very cosy. It makes the spacious seat unit comfy and secure enough for teeny tots – as demonstrated by Max. It keeps him warm and protected from the elements, and it is great value as it will also fit an infant carrier car seat.

 The carrycot

Spacious, sturdy and with the most amazing mattress, this carrycot is a great added extra. As you can see, Max still has plenty of space, and is really comfortable in here! The mattress really deserves a mention all of it’s own – it’s so soft, thick and padded. I quite fancy getting in myself if I am honest. The carrycot attaches to the frame really easily – just slide onto the frame. No adaptors needed. I also love the carry handle – makes it so easy to lift the carrycot on and off the frame.

The fold

A very easy fold mechanism – just push up the pedal by your feet, and pull up the buttons near the handle. The Loola then just collapses straight down, and it is surprisingly small. I love that it can be folded with the seat unit in place whether it is parent or world facing.

WHAT WE DON’T LOVE:

This will be a small paragraph. There really is not much at all that we don’t love. The only things I feel warrant a mention are:

 The weight. The pushchair is slightly heavy to lift. It’s not heavy to push in the slightest, but when folded I do feel it is slightly heavier than some. It’s not excessive, but you do notice it somewhat when lifting to pop in the car.
The brakes. I found the brakes a little fiddly at first. There is a pedal each side of the frame – one to put the brake on and one to take it off, and to start with I found them quite stiff to activate. This may have been down to the fact that it was a new pushchair. I now find them a lot easier – whether this is due to them now having loosened up slightly, or whether I have just found the knack I couldn’t say.

And that’s it. That’s really the only small negatives I could find to say about the Loola. The huge array of very strong positive points far outweigh the little niggles. It’s a great everyday pushchair that has handled everything we have thrown at it. Would I buy it? I certainly would!

* 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 *