Joolz Day2 review

Now, Joolz – which prides itself on its Dutch credentials - has upgraded its original Day buggy with 20 tweaks to the design.

The new Day 2 is still a well-designed and stylish travel system available in classic, subtle shades – and with four different ‘collections’ including the Tailor version, which boasts 160 possible colour combinations, Joolz believes there is one out there for everyone.

As a mum to four I need a pushchair that is versatile - I have been testing the Joolz Day2 with my youngest children aged 7 months and 23 months. The Day2 has accompanied us on big days out via trains and buses, trips closer to home like the park and shopping centre and on the daily school/nursery runs.

Its closest competitors are the Bugaboo Cameleon3 (£899), iCandy Peach3 (£755), and the Stokke Trailz (£939), so how will it compare?

Buy the Joolz Day2 direct from Joolz, or from John Lewis

First impressions?

My first impressions were that this pushchair was beautifully designed. Each piece felt well thought out as I put it together, the materials are great quality and I could see that it was going to be an elegant pushchair.

There is something so classic about this design, and the Day2 is a high end pushchair that stands out because it isn’t as common yet as many of its competitors so you won’t see so many on the high street.

It has features galore, like the extending footrest, leatherette detailing and ergonomic bumper bar that can be used as a carrycot handle, but it's worth noting the rain cover (£35) has to be bought separately.

What is new about the Day 2 compared to the previous version of the pushchair?

The Day2 is an improved version of the original Day, boasting a larger basket, improved ergonomics, a super smooth folding mechanism and see-through ventilation on the carrycot.

It is more compact than the previous version too – the width is now 59cm, compared to 62cm in its old incarnation – which makes it easier to push around shops and narrow streets.

However, it is heavier than the older Day buggy – 12.9kg for the chassis and seat unit, compared to 11.6kg previously.

How does it compare to other buggies you’ve used?

The Joolz Day2 shares a market with the Bugaboo Cameleon and the Stokke Trailz and fares quite similarly. All three offer great quality, full flexibility of use and quality materials. Just like Bugaboo, the Joolz has a covered yet easily accessible basket and I found the Joolz nicer to push and my daughter was higher up and therefore closer to me. The Joolz isn’t as easy to customise and doesn’t come with as many different ‘flavours’ as the other brands but if your style is more natural then it is a great choice.

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What do you think of the seat size?

The seat is a great size, and should last an average sized child until they are out of a pushchair. My nearly 2 year old fitted easily with space in all directions.

Tell us about the recline

The multi-position recline meant my son could sit upright, tilted or fully reclined and it was easy to lay him down using the buttons on the side of the seat. The seat is removable with a button either side and can be turned from parent to world facing in seconds.

The Joolz Day2 is sold on having a high seat/carrycot position – what did you think of it?

The height of the buggy – which is at tabletop height - is one of its best selling points and I loved how close up my son was, making it easy to chat to him as we walked.

What did you think of the newborn carrycot?

The internal size of the carrycot is 81.5 x 43 x 25 cm and looked very comfy for a new baby, plus it was easy to attach.

Why your newborn needs a lie-flat buggy

It also has a see-through section that can be exposed for warmer days, so your baby can look around them at what is outside.

Is the frame strong and durable?

The frame is strong and durable and no kerbs or terrain shook my faith in it. You are paying for the quality with the Joolz Day2.

What did you think of the fold – how compact is the Joolz Day2 when folded?

The one hand fold was very simple and convenient. The fold is compact for a travel system and fitted easily into the boot of our Ford S-Max.

When folded without the seat attached, the Day2 measures 65 x 59 x 30 cm, and when folded without the wheels, it measures 70 x 55 x 23 cm.

It can also be folded with the seat still attached to the chassis – the Day2 folded with the seat measures 95 x 59 x 43 cm.

Need a really tiny compact pushchair?

What did you think of the handlebar?

The handle is comfy, easily adjustable and perfect for taller parents too. At 5ft 9ins I found it very comfy to push. It extends from a height of 99cm to 109cm.

How did it feel to push the Joolz Day2 on different terrain?

The Joolz Day2 is best suited to an urban lifestyle, and it handles cobbles and parks with ease and feels sturdy. It is light to mount a kerb and easy to lift the front without applying too much pressure.

How about the tyres?

The tyres are sold as ‘puncture proof’ and, while we haven’t tested that quote, we have found that they cope with our lifestyle easily and are well designed.

They have four-wheel suspension, for going over rougher ground, plus the 7inch front wheels are lockable or swivel, while the back wheels are a larger 12inch size.

What did you think of the brakes?

The brake is in the middle of the back bar and is easy and effective. I had no problems finding it with my foot and the pushchair never rolled on public transport.

The XL shopping basket is a new feature – is it a good addition to the buggy?

The XL basket can hold 5kg and is big - big enough to fit in a rain cover and a couple of bags of shopping, but the shape and covering meant it can’t hold a changing bag or anything too large unlike other buggies with an open basket.

There are definitely pros and cons to both styles as my belongings felt more sheltered and secure and it was easy to get things in and out.

Do you need a large shopping basket on your buggy?

What’s in the box?

• Chassis
• Carrycot
• Seat
• Bumper bar
• Extended sun hood
• XL basket

Additional extras

• Raincover - £35
• Footmuff - £80
• Changing Bag - £80
• Comfort Cover - £40
• Parasol - £35
• Blanket - £50
• Fitted cot sheet - £12
• Car Seat Adaptors - £40

Is it easy/hard to build the product?

It took me about 15 minutes to build the buggy as the hood was a bit tricky and I couldn’t work out how to slide the material round initially. The instructions are really helpful and once I worked it out it was very smooth

Who would the product be most useful for?

This product is a great investment for a pregnant mum, the high carrycot makes it ideal for a newborn and this is a pushchair that will grow with your child.

Is it good value for money?

The pushchair is £799 which comes with the carrycot, but there are still lots of extras to make a complete package.

I do think it is good value and in line with other similar pushchairs, but you will be spending well over £1,000 to make this into a travel system if you add the adaptors (£40) and the iZi Go Modular by Be Safe car seat (£205).

MadeForMums verdict

This pushchair is elegant, practical and a delight to push. It is everything you want from a travel system - adaptable and well designed. To buy the whole package will set you back as there are many extras not included, however this is a pushchair that will see you through the first three years of your child’s life.

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