Joie Pact review

My husband and I used this stroller on the school run, and out and about doing daily activities with our two girls: Jasmine,5, and Roselyn, 2.

How compact is the Joie Pact?

It's extremely compact. I think the flat-fold really helps save space. When folded flat, it's not much bigger than a re-usable carrier bag. The dimensions are: open size: l 86 x w 52.5 x h 106cm, folded Size: l 24 x w 52.5 x h 56.5cm.

Is it lightweight?

Weighing just 6kg, the Joie Pact is one of the lightest buggies out there. The carry-strap is padded and helps to distribute the little weight there is. It made light work of the walk from my car to the nursery, carrying the buggy over my shoulder

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Does the weight hamper its durability?

Despite it’s weight, the Joie Pact feels durable. My active 2 year old climbed all over it and it never showed any strain. That being said, it’s so lightweight that when a strong gust of wind came along, and we didn't have Roselyn in there, it lifted off the ground and landed with a thump.

How does it ride in the parks, over tree roots and up hills?

The small front wheels struggle to handle dips and uneven paving. For any surface raised higher than an inch or two, you have to tip the buggy back and over.

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How does it work as a city buggy, on transport – buses and trains?

In shops, and out and about, the Joie Pact handles all challenges. The biggest test was a busy after-school bus, which was a little stressful! The Pact tucked neatly into the buggy area and I had to sit across the aisle from my daughter. I kept a close eye on whether it moved or tipped during the journey, but it was just fine.

How easy is it to store?

Storing this buggy is a delight. I like that it stands when folded, so I can slide it into a gap if it needs to be out of the way - even in a crowded buggy park at playgroup. I like the option to fold it down – it makes leaving at the end a lot quicker.

Is it affordable?

Retailing for around £150, the Joie Pact is reasonably priced against similar products in the category.

You can buy the Joie Pact at Online4Baby and Kiddies Kingdom.

Is it suitable from birth? Do you think it is suitable for a newborn?

The flat reclining seat makes it suitable from birth and I would be comfortable putting a newborn in the buggy.

Is it travel system compatible?

Yes, car seat adapators are included

What do you think of the seat size?

My first impression of the seat was that it’s very shallow. At approx 23cm deep, it's about the length of a fork - that's about 2/3 the seat depth of our previous buggy - the Babystyle Oyster Lite. I would say the seat is comparable to a highchair rather than a buggy seat, and for that reason I thought it might be uncomfortable. However, my 2 year old has had no issue with the seat and has even fallen asleep in it - always a good sign!

What do you think of the height of the buggy?

The height is just right. I’m 5’8” and my hubby is 6’1” and we were both happy with it. The handle bar is adjustable to 2 different height positions about 6cm apart.

Is the frame strong and durable?

As it’s a lightweight buggy, the frame does feel a little delicate. But I get the impression that overall, it’s a well-built buggy and will stand the test of time for occasional use.

Would you recommend it for use from birth?

Yes, I would use it from birth. However, I think if I was a first-time parent I'd be a little wary using it for my first baby.

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What do you think of the fold system?

I LOVE the fold system. It’s easy and intuitive, quick to perform, and easy on the back. I was delighted to find several situations where I typically would not have considered folding down the buggy because it would have been too much hassle. The quick and easy fold on the Joie Pact, and the fact it's so lightweight offered new alternative ways to move around with a buggy and a little one. One situation where it comes in very handy is at the nursery. There are four security doors in quick succession that you need to be buzzed through, or manually unlock. When I entered previously with another buggy, I was always relieved when someone offered assistance. With the Pact, I fold it down before we enter the first door, sling it over my shoulder and hold my daughter's hand. So much easier!

Is it a one-hand fold?

Sure is! One-hand-not-much-effort fold, to be exact.

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What do you think of the handle?

The handle is well-positioned and comfortable. I have nagging carpal tunnel wrist pain, which is very easily aggravated, and it’s been just fine with the Joie Pact. The only thing that occasionally bothers me is that the hood rubs against my hand while I push, but this is easily rectified by pushing the hood away where it stays in place.

How is interacting with your little ones when in the buggy?

A little difficult to be honest, but I think this could be down to my daughters’ height and the fact that it isn't a parent-facing buggy. There’s a viewing window in the hood – but all I can see is the very top of her head.

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What do you think of the hood?

The hood is a little shallow. When there is even a slight drizzle – not enough for a rain cover – I notice that my daughter is getting wet. The hood really only provides coverage for a child if they were sat reclined.

What are the basket and storage pockets like?

The basket is deceptive. It looks small, but holds loads - just what you need. It can also easily be accessed from the front and sides. The only downside is that the carry strap for the buggy lives in the basket and can get in the way when you're putting items in.

What do you think of the tyres?

They’re quite small. The front and back wheels are the same size as the small front wheels on my old buggy. The small wheel size hinders the buggy when it comes to tackling difficult terrains.

Tell us about the breaks.

They are sufficient enough to stop the buggy rolling down a hill on its own. But, perhaps because the buggy is so lightweight, I found that I could push it with the brakes engaged. I do like how the brake is engaged with a flip-type foot lever though. It's really easy to operate.

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

I think this buggy would fit into the boot of any car! Its folded dimensions are l 24 x w 52.5 x h 56.5cm . Not much bigger than a large supermarket carrier bag.

What age child is it best for?

I would say newborn to 4 years/15kg – but it's probably not the best buggy for taller babies.

What’s in the box?

• Buggy
• Instructions
• Rain cover
• Travel bag
• Car seat adaptors

Is it easy or hard to build the product

I was a little disappointed when I realised the buggy had to be assembled. I was tired and my hubby wasn’t home, who actually enjoys that type of thing. I was pleasantly surprised though - assembly was extremely quick and easy. The instructions were so clear that even my frazzled brain could work them out. It was basically just popping on the wheels.

What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the item?

How life-changing it could be. I have re-thought how I approach situations where having a buggy might be problematic.

Who would the product be most useful for?

Anyone travelling about a lot - basically parents on-the-go, and anyone who has limited space in their car or home. The easy-fold also makes light work of climbing stairs.

Is the product value for money?

There are a few contenders in the lightweight buggy market. With a RRP of £150, the Joie Pact sits at the lower end, so I think it offers good value. The Babyzen YoYo is also suitable from birth but it's more than double the price. The Mountain Buggy Nano will set you back over £200 all-in and the Red Kite Push Me Cube is similarly priced.

Has the product or the parent company won any awards?

Joie have won numerous awards for their variety of products - in particular their car seats. I would say that the Babyzen YoYo is a top seller in this category though as I seem to see them everywhere.

Is there anything unique about this product?

I like that the basket can be accessed from the front of the buggy. The bumper bar is also soft and bendy, which I’ve not seen before. And I love the fold-down system, which is super-easy.

Here's some more lightweight buggies for you to look at

• Ickle Bubba Aurora Stroller
• UPPAbaby G-Luxe Stroller
• Recaro Easylife Buggy

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