Each version of the buggy looks pretty similar to each other, but they all have different features and most significantly, improvements.
As you may expect from the 'XT' in the name, this buggy (along with the Flip XT) comes with extras.
Unlike the original Armadillo, the XT has an adjustable handle bar, noticeably chunkier wheels and thicker fabric.
It’s bigger than the first Armadillo, 2cm wider and 7cm longer to be exact. But it’s also 1kg heavier, weighing 9kg. But the sleek design of the XT makes the stroller seem a little lighter and much more stylish than the slightly heavier Baby Jogger City Mini 4-Wheel Pushchair (9.2kg). It also offers a sun canopy which has an airvent that can be unzipped.
The New Armadillo XT has a full recline, or lie-flat mode which expands the length of a roomy 92cm, ensuring it has an impressive lifespan for your growing toddler.
And what’s great is you get all these extras for an additional £50 on top of what you’d pay for an Armadillo.
The Armadillo XT is sold on being a quick and simple fold, is that true?
Yes, the fold system is fantastic!
Mamas & Papas describe it as “Easy-Fold technology”, which means you can fold and open the pushchair in seconds with one hand.
It’s certainly by far the easiest I have used. It closes and locks in one smooth movement. You push and twist a lever on the handle then just fold it down and it clips together.
Unfolding it is also just as smooth. I also use the Recaro Easylife, which has a one-handed fold system but the Armadillo XT is much easier to use. It’s also easier to stand up than the Recaro Easylife.
Tell us about the adjustable handle?
The handle is excellent. It’s continuous which is a brilliant feature and helps with maneuvering it and the height is easy to adjust. It’s also simple to push with just one hand.
Is it easy to push?
Yes, I’m very impressed by how easy it is to push and steer. The chunky wheels make it a doodle to push on uneven terrain. And locking the wheels gives it more stability on rough ground.
Walking on the grass in the park with it is very easy and the fact it’s slim and not heavy makes it straightforward to get on and off buses and trains as well as mounting curbs.
What’s in the box?
- Chassis
- Seat unit - with hood already attached
- Wheels
- Break cord
- Rain cover
Any extras?
- Aton Car Seat - Black Jack £135.00
- Autumn Gold Aton Q, £185 ?
- Ellis Shoulder Bag £59.95
- Essentials Parasol £24.95
- All Seasons Footmuff £39.95
- Car Seat Adaptors -£29.95
- Newborn cocoon £69.95
Is it easy to assemble?
Yes, it was relatively straightforward to build the pushchair, despite the instructions not being as clear as I'd like. It only takes three simple steps:
- Snap on the back wheels
- Connect the brake cord
- Put cord inside a Velcro pocket
The Armadillo XT has a maximum weight limit of 15kg or to about 3 years, will it last that long?
Yes, it feels very strong and durable.
The brake is chunky and easy to operate, the straps on the five-point harness are padded and the clasp feels strong.
My 28-month-old son Fergus loves it. He looks extremely comfy on the squishy yet supportive seat, which has a solid back to offer extra firmness.
There is loads of room for him to stretch out in it. And even though he is tall for his age, and about to outgrow the iCandy Peach 2, I am confident he will have outgrown the need for a pushchair before he outgrows this pushchair.
Would you recommend it for use from birth?
No, for me personally I prefer a carrycot in the first few months and the Armadilo XT does not have a carrycot.
Saying that, it does lie flat enough to be suitable from birth and you can purchase a newborn cocoon for added comfort.
I would be happy using it as the main pushchair from perhaps two to three months.
Who is the product most useful for?
Its compact size means it would be useful for people with a small car. It would also be great for people on public transport as it’s narrow enough to fit down a bus aisle and folds down easily with one hand.
Is it value for money?
Yes, it’s excellent value. It’s suitable from birth to 3 years, travel system compatible and if you were using it from birth, I can’t see why you would move onto a second stroller.
MadeForMums verdict?
A fantastic all-round stroller, which I would highly recommend. It’s lightweight and has many well thought-through features.
Although it's suitable from birth, I probably wouldn't use it until my little one was two or three-months-old. But if it had a carrycot it would be an ideal first (and only) pushchair, as its impressive leg length means you'd never need to change to a second stroller.
