I’d be more than happy to use this buggy every day, as it feels really sturdy and comfortable for my baby: but if you prefer a more luxury pram for everyday use, the London Winter is also a very affordable choice as an extra for holidays, grandma’s house or to keep in the car boot for trips to the shops. There are other buggies available that cost the same or even less, but very few that come with the extras that you get with this one.
What we love
I’m amazed that this buggy comes with a raincover and a full-length fleece cosy toes, at such a low price. It has five different recline positions, the lowest of which is almost flat, so it’s great if your child wants a nap. The handles are angled nicely and are well padded, which makes it a pleasure to push.
They definitely haven’t scrimped on features, and although it’s by no means all-terrain the wheels are pretty chunky for a stroller, and they’re ridged which makes them better on bumpy ground. It really does have a one-hand fold, too – I can do it with a wriggly 14-month-old stuck on my hip, which is a challenge not many buggies can meet! It’s also light enough to pick up with one hand, for example if you want to lift it out of the boot or on to a bus.
The brake is easy to use and works very well, and the hood is nice and deep. The fleece footmuff is lovely: it matches the colour of the stroller, so it looks great, and is really cosy and soft. You can also unzip the front bit, so even when it’s warm you can just use the base to make the seat more padded and comfy. The raincover is a really good size, and is quick and easy to get on and off.
Everything about this stroller says ‘quality’ – so you don’t feel like you’re getting a budget buy, and it certainly doesn’t look like a cheapie. I’ve got the ‘topazio’ colourway, which is turquoise, and is really bright and stylish looking. I got loads of compliments on it, and it’s unisex - ideal if you’re planning another baby!
What to watch out for
The Chicco London Winter Stroller doesn’t lie flat, so it’s not suitable from birth, and it has a slim, lightweight frame and wheels that won’t handle well on rough terrain. But having said all that, it isn’t claiming to be anything that it’s not. It sets out to be a good-value, practical, stroller, and that’s exactly what it achieves.
One downside is the size of the shopping basket – it’s pretty small, so you’d have to hang your shopping baskets on the handles, and because of its lightweight, it’s prone to tipping over as soon as you take your baby out if there’s anything on the handles.
It would also benefit from a viewing window in the hood. The clip that holds the stroller also can’t be attached with one hand: the Chicco Liteway has one of those clips that attaches itself as soon as the buggy’s folded, and the London Winter Stroller would be improved with one of those. It’s all very well having a one-hand fold, but what’s the point if you then have to put your baby down so that you can clip it before lifting it into the car?
Who is Chicco London Winter Stroller best for?
Mums on a budget who don’t want to compromise on quality.
A great-quality, practical pushchair with loads of extras at a really fantastic price. It’s worth shopping around, as you can get it for a much lower price than the recommended retail. It’s a winner on several fronts: the colourways available are all very attractive, the footmuff included makes it great value, it’s light, has a great recline, and really nice padded handles.
