Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair review

It's available as a 2-in-1 bundle, including the carrycot and seat unit, for £1,149, or with the coordinating Terra i-Size car seat for £1,199. It comes in a choice of 6 colourways, including Sand and Forest Green.

What were your first impressions of the pushchair?

At first look, I could already tell the Noordi Aqua Thermo was a good quality pushchair, thanks to the chunky wheels and plush-looking material on the carrycot and seat. As soon as I unpacked the box, I noticed there were lots of add-ons and accessories like a cup holder and a matching bag, and I thought the grey colourway was the perfect neutral. In fitting with Noordi's outdoorsy ethos, the wheels struck me right away as being large and sturdy enough to tackle rough terrain.

How easy was it to build the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair?

It took us around 50 minutes to assemble, but that's while being sleep-deprived and juggling a grizzly newborn. The user guide only features images, which can make the steps a little tricky to follow. However, there is a QR code with the option to watch a video of the set-up, which I'd highly recommend as it makes it so much easier. Once fully assembled I was surprised how big the whole thing was — I think it’s the large chunky wheels that make it look that way.

What do you think of the carrycot on the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair?

The pushchair comes with a 'Thermo cot' which, according to the website, ensures airflow and prevents moisture build-up, meaning no more clammy pram naps. The carrycot base looked rather jazzy and I thought to myself ‘Ah, that will be the Thermo tech I read about.’

The mattress is just as breathable as the one in my Moses basket and bedside crib, so I felt confident enough to let him have a longer post-walk snooze in it. The leg cover is a little tricky to zip on because it fits quite tightly, and I wasn't completely sold on the peekaboo window at the front of the carrycot, which left them zipped into the carrycot entirely.

I thought it was quite roomy for a carrycot, and definitely seemed wider than others. My baby seemed to enjoy naps in the cot; he fitted in it well and would be likely to be fine for him until 5/6 months. The carrycot also folds down which makes it so much easier to fit into the boot of a car along with the main frame. The mechanism for doing this (2 bars underneath the mattress) is rather stiff but may loosen with regular use.

How easy is the carrycot to add on/take off the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair?

It's so easy to take on and off the main frame and it doesn't require any add on clips like some prams; it's as simple as slotting on. It also comes with red labels which show green when the cot is correctly secured. Very handy!

You need to press the buttons on both sides at the same time, but it isn't too tricky. And, at just 3.1kg in weight, the carrycot it very lightweight and easy to whip on and off.

How easy is the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair to fold?

As a first-time mum, I know all too well the pressure of folding down a pram in public so, for me, a big selling point is how easily the Noordi Aqua Thermo folds down.

With most prams, you need to master the knack to get it up and down, but with this one it is fool-proof. As soon as you tuck the handle in, it automatically collapses, making the fold seamless. I felt like an absolute pro in the supermarket car park thanks to it being so smooth.

The frame folds the same with the seat attached, but of course, the whole thing is much bulkier then.

How big is the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair when folded?

The frame goes together quite well so it's not too deep but sadly the width of the pram along with the chunky wheels meant that the pram didn't fit in my car boot (I drive a Peugeot 208). When folded, the Aqua Thermo measures L80cm x W60cm x H30 cm. The frame isn’t too heavy (9kg), and lifting it up is totally manageable, but it seems a little weightier than others thanks to the shock absorber technology.

I struggled to stand up the frame once it was folded over, which made it a little tricky to store.

How easy is the Noordi Aqua Thermo to push and steer?

Looking up the product online I was perplexed to see the term "smart amortization", but after a bit of research, I discovered it means that the pram cleverly adapts to the weight of the baby that’s in it, for a smoother ride when out and about.

The ride is advertised to be "as smooth as running water" and I can report that it really is impressively smooth. Where I live there are potholes and bumpy pavements to contend with and this model cruised along with ease. Overall, the ride feels really smooth and there was only a very light rattle in the back wheels. The pram feels so sturdy and durable Ithat was confident using it on rough terrains and my little one didn't even stir while bumping along a very uneven surface.

What’s the chassis like?

The aluminium chassis is shiny black so it's simple and chic – plus the branding on the side isn't too garish which is nice. There is an adjustable shock absorber option on the frame which can be used if you're tacking rough terrain.

How do you rate the Noordi Aqua Thermo's handle?

The pushchair handle is adjustable and you can easily move it up and down in increments – brilliant for switching between myself and my partner, depending on who was on buggy duty.

The handle itself isn't as padded as others I've pushed around and I felt the eco-leather on the handle could scuff when getting in and out of the car. I do like the little hooks on either side to attach the bag included in the bundle though.

What do you think of the seat unit on the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair?

Although I've got a newborn so didn't need the bigger seat, it looks great for future use! The lie-flat option, which almost goes completely horizontal, is something that will come in very handy for naps on the go. The safety straps can be adjusted as your child grows; this took us a little while to figure out but there are slits in the fabric where the straps can be fed through and moved up or down. The best bit? The harness clasp is magnetic, making life so much easier when you're in a rush.

What’s the hood like?

The Noordi Aqua Thermo hood is very generous, which made it ideal for my son to have naps even when we were out on blustery days. The mesh ventilation part of the hood is collapsible via a zip, so if it's too cold you can simply zip it up.

What are the wheels like on the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair?

The website advertises the wheel material as "real gel" and their slight squishiness does help with a smoother ride over dodgy pavements. It also makes them puncture-proof, so you can cruise over rocky surfaces without being panicked.

The back wheels are very large which I found bumped my skirting boards while trying to get out of the house, but they do make the pram ideal for uneven terrains and I did notice how smooth they made the ride.

The front wheels can be locked straight or left to pivot, and I found them very good for weaving in and out of snug spaces. The pivot ability is very handy for navigating around shops; very nimble and nifty.

However, one downside was that the front wheels seemed to spin unnecessarily when pushed along at times. Where I live there are lots of large kerbs that I have no choice but to bump up and down, and the wheels had a really good grip when getting up them, but the wobbly wheels did send it off-course at times.

How good are the brakes?

Very good; my driveway is a considerable slope and the brakes even held there. However, having the brake in the middle of the bar made it slightly harder to use as it’s normally by the wheel, where your foot is naturally in line.

Do you like the basket on the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair?

The uniquely shaped under-pram storage is genius as it’s quite covered at the front, which will prevent rain from getting in on wet days. It does mean it's harder to load things from the front, but it's worth the compromise to keep your shopping dry and secure. It's not the largest basket, but I managed to fit my supermarket essentials in there. The shape makes it really hard for things to fall out so you can bump around knowing you'll still have everything when you return home.

What’s in the box?

• Carrycot
• Seat unit
• Handle for seat unit
• Chassis
• Shopping bag
• Cup holder
• Backpack
• Cover for carrycot
• Cover for seat unit
• Mattress
• Raincover
• Mosquito net

What is the packaging like?

The pram came in one large cardboard box, which is easily recycled. There was minimal plastic packaging, as well as a few pieces of foam for protection of certain parts.

How sustainable is Noordi?

The production process is eco, and Noordi states on their website: "We make conscious decisions to manufacture in more eco-friendly ways, use more natural materials and leave a minimum impact on the environment."

What are the repair options if the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair breaks?

The brand offers a "limited warranty", but doesn't state how long it is valid for or how long a repair may take. However, they are dedicated to providing quality customer service should something go wrong.

Can the pushchair be used with a car seat to create a travel system?

Yes; a Terra i-Size car seat can be purchased separately to fit all Noordi prams.

Now you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair?

The size when folded. Measure your boot and where you'll be storing the pram at home to ensure it fits!

Who would the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair be most useful for?

With a carrycot for newborns and a seat that is suitable for 6 months to 4 years, this buggy will last you. If you've got a large enough boot, this easy-fold pram is ideal for getting out and about. Also, if you like taking your walks off the road it's the perfect option thanks to the puncture-proof wheels and shock absorber system.

Is the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair worth the money?

For the price, I'd expect it to be the full travel system (car seat included) – I'd say it's worth spending an extra £50 to add this to your bundle. You can tell that the pram is very well made with an array of clever features which help justify the price, but the skidding front wheels do let it down somewhat.

Where can I buy the Noordi Aqua Thermo pushchair?

It is available from Kiddies Kingdom and Pramworld.

MadeForMums verdict

The easy-fold up and down mechanism of this pram is a real game changer! It's a clever blend of technical features like a thermal cot, shock absorber system and good ventilation, as well as simple but parent-friendly features that have been thoughtfully considered – case in point the built-in hooks for the bag and the easy clip-on/off drinks holder. The sensitive wheels at the front that skidded out occasionally were quite annoying and it made the ride feel a bit unsteady, but if you're after a robust pushchair to see you from birth the Aqua Thermo is well worth considering.