The Strawberry also boasts front and rear wheel suspension for a smooth ride, no-puncture tyres, a forward and rear facing seat, 3-position buggy seat recline, adjustable stylish hood with multiple positions, 5-position adjustable handle height, a large shopping basket, soft fabrics you can change the colour of (depending on your mood or future siblings), and an under seat storage compartment called a ‘punnet.’
Then there’s the new MEMORY alignment and the one hand STEP AND STAND FOLD action, which gives it that extra special touch. And, finally, it’s the only iCandy to date you can fold with the seat still on.
The Strawberry’s large carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping, and you can purchase adaptors for a car seat (£30) if you want to create a travel system.
The Strawberry buggy with flavour pack (hood and seat pad) is £525, and the carrycot with flavour pack (hood and carrycot apron) is £185, so you're looking at £710 for the from-birth set-up I trialled for this review.
What we love
There are two features that I have to commend the Strawberry on immediately. I noticed the carrycot was tilted downwards at the foot end when on the chassis and I was informed this is designed based on the idea that a baby’s position may help with symptoms associated with reflux. I struggled for months with my first born, Tippi, who suffered terribly with silent reflux so this certainly appealed to me on a personal level (though I haven't been able to test it out as Tippi is now past this phase). The carrycot also feels very light and although it looks large, once your baby is in there it’s extremely snug. I thought the carrycot was fantastic.
The other feature I really liked was the ‘punnet.’ Certainly not a deal-breaker when buying a pushchair but a novel feature all the same, it’s a hard pocket at the base of the pushchair where you can store the raincovers, the car seat adaptors or even food for a picnic. Both fun and practical, I liked how iCandy hasn’t wasted an inch of the pushchair, thinking of practicality as well as style.
So, how does it move? Always a big question on my mind, coming from a city of cobbled streets and I have to say it handled the bumps extremely well. It’s so easy to turn, which I can do with one hand, and the no-puncture wheels are a blessing, as I’ve had lots of problems with other pushchairs and flat tyres.
The pushchair is simple to use and everything clicks into place easily, but it’s clear to see why iCandy insist on showing you how it works. Although it’s not difficult using the Strawberry there are a lot of features to consider and some of the actions take some practising. Folding it down, for example, is simple but you do need to have a few attempts to master the art of it.
My daughter Heidi loves it when the seat is at its most reclined of the three positions, and the seat cuddles her perfectly.
To experience the STEP AND STAND FOLD action is quite a joy when getting on and off a bus. The only iCandy that keeps the seat on when folded, after a bit of practice I could fold the pushchair down with one hand while holding Heidi. And, because it’s lightweight it is been no problem getting it on the bus. The Strawberry can also stand up on its own so there’s no need to balance it against a chair, hoping it won’t topple over – a really great feature. (When the chassis with wheels and no seat is folded, it's 32.5cm x 60cm x 98cm.)
I also loved the Elderberry colour, a deep mauve. It looked smart and would suit a boy or girl, although you can buy a flavour pack to change the colours altogether.
There’s also a lovely big basket, the easiest brake I’ve ever used even in flip flops, and labels on the raincovers to let you know which one’s for the pushchair and which one is for the carrycot. Little things, but the attention to detail is wonderful.
What to watch out for
The pushchair seat doesn't seem very wide - Heidi is nearly 2 and looks very snug in it at the moment but I think she may be too big for it before she reaches her 3rd birthday. The Strawberry is light and even though the seat is slim, the chassis isn’t as slender, at 60cm. So, by no means the widest buggy around, but not as narrow as some (other buggies around this 60cm width include the Bugaboo Cameleon and Mamas & Papas Mylo).
The STEP AND STAND FOLD action can take a bit of getting used to, as you need to push a button out first before folding it, but like many pushchairs, once it’s mastered it becomes easier.
Who is the iCandy Strawberry best for?
Parents who want a luxury option that’s easy to transport and boasts a multitude of practical features.
iCandy has created a noteworthy buggy. The Strawberry feels light, is lovely to look at and practical. With extra features such as the MEMORY alignment and STEP AND STAND FOLD action, the Strawberry works hard for its money. It’s easy to transport, comfortable and the attention to detail is impressive. Just consider the seat size, as it mightn’t last every toddler to the age of 3.
