Joie Nitro review

‘Better, safer, stronger’ are the key factors Joie focuses on while striving to create high quality, versatile, long lasting gear that makes parenting less work and more fun.

First impressions?

The buggy is a very sleek looking stroller, quite lightweight (7.6kg) yet robust. It is ideal for parents looking for a compact alternative to their travel system/push chair to take on holiday, trips/days out, or just nipping to the shops!

You can buy the Joie Nitro on Mamas & Papas and Argos.

How is assembling the Nitro?

The Nitro was very easy to assemble, with easy to read instructions. I was done and dusted and ready to go in less than 10 minutes!

Is the Joie Nitro comfortable?

Yes, it is. I used the stroller mostly for my two-year-old daughter, who seemed to be comfortable (she loved a good nap in it!) and told me she liked it! I do feel that it would be helpful to have an age guide as well as a maximum weight of 15kg with the stroller, for those parents who are not quite sure.

How does the stroller steer?

With an outing to the children’s festival Lollibop planned (via public transport with three children aged four and under), I thought it would be a great way to test the Nitro’s mettle. Having only had experience with dodgy strollers more akin to those annoying squiffy wheeled trolleys you sometimes get at the supermarket, I was very impressed with the Nitro’s handling.

I was able to steer the stroller as well as hold my eldest daughters hand with ease, negotiating corners, curbs and steps with hardly a problem. Even over tougher, wet, grassy terrain, the all wheel suspension and easy to grip ergonomic handles meant I took it all in my stride.

The linked brakes are operated by a small discreet pedal and are quite effective. But I would recommend locking the front wheels when using them as the front wheels do spin and slide quite a bit at times, making the stroller unstable when the brake is in use.

How is folding the Nitro?

For the first time, I had to fold down my buggy on busy public transport, and have always dreaded it! Luckily the Nitro’s foot operated umbrella fold meant I could swiftly collapse it, making the process a bit less stressful! The carry handle on the side also meant it was easy to transport off the train.

When folded the Nitro is pretty compact, and easy to store away under the stairs or just prop up next to the front door, ready to go, without taking up to much space.

Is the Joie Nitro suitable to use from birth?

No, I wouldn’t. The Nitro is said to be suitable from birth to 15kg, as it has a near flat recline seat, but I have always been a little hesitant to use lightweight strollers for smaller babies.

As my little boy is now 12-weeks-old and quite big for his age I thought I would give it a go. The Nitro seat unit reclines fully, very easily, thanks to a nifty little one-handed mechanism at the back. The calf rest rises up and the soft fabric of the straps and chest pads mean my little man looks secure and comfortable.

I still personally would not recommend use from birth; I just don’t think it would be suitable, especially because I could not see or interact with my little one because there is not a viewing window in the hood. I as a new mum would have wanted that feature because it would put me a little more at ease.

Does the buggy offer the protection you want when out and about?

No, it doesn’t. The hood is a bit too short and does not provide adequate protection from the sun. I had to use an additional universal buggy shade for hot, sunny days.

The raincover is also short, when using it with my two-year-old the plastic was quite close to her face and body when the seat was fully upright, which annoyed her.

There are also no ventilation holes, and the amount of small Velcro fastenings make it a bit fiddly when trying to put it on quickly.

What do you think of the 5-point harness?

Although the harness straps are made from a nice soft, durable fabric, I find them to be a bit thin and the 5-point harness itself is a bit of a faff to fasten at times.

What about the basket?

The Nitro has a great shopping basket, that can hold quite a bit when the seat is upright, but the capacity is obviously somewhat affected when the seat is fully reclined. Best not to cram too much in, if your little one is due a nap (like I did at first, in my excitement!)

Is the Joie Nitro value for money?

The Nitro sells for between £39.99 and £59.99, which I think is quite good value for money, as it is a lovely little stroller that has some great features and does not compromise on quality or comfort.

What’s in the Box?

• Chassis
• Seat unit
• Raincovers
• Wheels

Any additional extras?

• Joie Brisk Footmuff - £30

MadeForMums verdict:

The Joie Nitro is an easy-to-steer lightweight stroller that is value for money and a pleasure to fold.

However, the Joie Nitro doesn't provide much protection against the elements as the hood is a bit on the small side and doesn't provide as much shade as I'd like, so be sure you have a parasol on sunny days.

And on rainy days, the rain cover proves to be too short and doesn't have an ventilation, so that's something to be aware of.

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