Out 'n' About Nipper Sport V4 review

The latest release from the popular UK brand, it comes with a few subtle changes and improvements on its predecessor the Out n About Nipper Sport V3.

Improvement-wise, what the V4 features, which the V3 did not, is an auto lock catch for easy storage and transportation. The other changes on the upgraded Nipper are mostly aesthetic. Now available with an all-black chassis and matching black wheel rims, for all you fashion conscious joggers out there, the pushchair also comes in variety of new eye-catching colours.

I’ve been waiting a very long time (8 months to be exact) for the right running buggy and the Out ‘n’ About Nipper Sport V4 ticks all the boxes.

Since Lacie (my daughter) was born eight months ago, I’ve really been itching to go running more regularly and the Out ‘n’ About Nipper Sport allowed me to do just that. No relying on babysitters and no relying on decent weather; the buggy comes with a rain cover, which is generous and easy to fit (it has velcro and poppers to keep it in place) and there’s also a large canopy that pulls out and offers shade and protection - just in case the sun does come out.

I’m pleased to say that Lacie seemed safe and really happy on our first test drive – and I felt comfortable running at speed and over bumps thanks to its large pneumatic tyres and rear suspension. The brake situated on the handlebar also helped, especially on those hilly routes or with dogs about. She got some fresh air and I got some exercise. It’s a win, win situation!

What’s in the box?

• Chassis
• Seat unit
• Canopy
• Footplate
• Wrist strap
• Wheels
• Seat liner
• Bumper Bar
• Rain Cover

Are there optional extras?

• Newborn support - £24.95
• Puncture Repair kit - £3.00
• Mini repair pump - £6.95
• Be Safe Car Seat Adapters - £24.50
• Maxi Cosi Car Seat Adapters - £19.95
• Foot Muff - £59.95
• Sun Mesh - £34.95
• Basket - £20.95

Is it easy to put together?
Absolutely! I couldn’t believe it! The instructions are really easy to follow (with pictures) and the rear wheels slot onto the frame with a simple click.

The trickiest bit is fitting the padded seat liner. It isn’t hard by any means, just fiddly, as you have to unfasten all the harness connections and clips, then feed the individual harness straps through the corresponding slits in the seat liner. It requires a tiny bit of patience that’s all.

Is the Out 'n' About Nipper Sport V4 nice to run with?

Yes, because it’s light - the fixed front wheel takes a bit of getting used too - so it felt hard to turn to start with. Saying that, the suspension is great when going over bumpy terrain.

The handlebars are soft and didn't hurt the palms of my hands and the pockets in the hood are super handy! I hate running with a bag or things in my pockets.

Overall I enjoyed running on and off road and it went up and down curbs nicely and over tree roots smoothly.

How is it when walking?

From a parental perspective it is comfortable to push, especially because the handlebar is covered in thick foam and pivots up and down with a click of a button. It fits a wide range of heights, and neither me (at 5ft 2) or my 6ft 2 husband had any complaints.

The hand brake was in a comfortable position too and I liked that the easy lock pedal brake didn’t get in the way of my stride.

I’ve accidently stepped on an ill-placed brake on a few buggies in the past, resulting in an emergency stop, and an upset baby.

Is the Nipper Sport V4 comfortable for baby?
Yes, Lacie seemed very comfortable and content and at 17lbs, there is plenty of room for her to grow into the buggy. And thanks to the adjustable five-point harness there was very little bobbing around as I ran.

Thankfully the large peekaboo window on the canopy allowed me to check on Lacie regularly and the multi-position reclining seat meant she could either sit up and enjoy the scenery or lie down and sleep.

If your baby is sleeping though, be mindful that folding the canopy in and out is noisy! It's clunky and not ideal for a light sleeper.

To make the seat more upright you simply squeeze the toggle lever in and push forwards, and to recline, again you squeeze the leavers then allow the seat to drop back. I found it easier to lower it back than sit it forward, but learnt that you have to support the seat as you adjust the toggle, or your little one will fly backwards. There is also a hinged, padded bumper bar for added safety.

Would you use the Nipper 4 Sport with a newborn?

Personally I wouldn’t be happy putting a tiny baby in the buggy and running with her facing away from me, but there is a lie-back newborn position with the option to buy a newborn support cushion (£24.95) for extra padding.

The seat itself has a five-point safety harness, which accommodates children from newborn to four years old and will hold a child up to 50lbs.

The velcro strips also help to keep the removable seat liner in place, which means once you have the straps in the right position, it’s just a case of clip them in and go.

And you can buy car seat adaptors (£24.95) to use with a Maxi –Cosi, Cybex or a BeSafe infant carrier.

How easily does the buggy fold?
Thanks to the easy to follow manual, the buggy is simple to fold. You simply unlock the latches from each side of the frame (you will need two hands), bring the backrest forward, then release the red secondary locking catch on the right hand side, which prompts the buggy to automatically fold in.

To unfold, you simply release the frame lock and pull the handlebar back towards you until the chassis locks into place and clip the seat levers back onto the frame.

When folded is it compact?
Not really, once folded it does feel quite bulky thanks to the large wheels but you can remove the front wheel really easily, which allows it to fold flatter.

I stored it in the boot of my Vauxhall Corsa, as I already have a pram in the house and this was purely for walking and running. And thanks to the auto lock feature and its weight, it was easy enough to get in and out the car.

What is basket on the Nipper V4 like?
I loved the storage options! There are large storage pockets on each side of the hood, which are amazing for storing the few things you need to hand, like your MP3 player, your keys, your mobile and some spare toys and dummies.

It also boosts a mesh shopping pouch behind the seat, which I stored a pump for the tyres. It has plenty of room for nappies, shopping or a water bottle too, and is open and shut easily using a simple drawstring.

If you need more storage then you can purchase a basket for £20.95, but remember if you are using it purely for running and sport then you shouldn’t actually need any more storage. You don't need anything else weighing you down!

Its aluminium chassis, with black plastic finishes, makes this solid-looking buggy much lighter than you would expect.

Is it value for money?

Yes, I think it’s very reasonable. At £299.95 it’s well made and is, in my opinion, a high quality product that can be used for your newborn right up to approximately four-years-old (20kg).

The only thing I do worry about is that the wheels are pneumatic so they can puncture. But for peace of mind (and an additional £3) you can buy a pump and/or a puncture repair kit.

MadeForMums verdict?
The Out n About Nipper Sport V4 glides like a dream and is a smooth ride on all surfaces – and its great that it can be used from birth.

I can see that I’m going to get lots of use out of it, especially as my daughter seems very comfortable and happy in it.

It is very big, and the fixed front wheel makes it a little hard to steer initially, so I wouldn’t use it on public transport or in tight spaces. It's a running buggy, which I use for long woodland walks and nothing else. But at £299.95 its great value for money and will last me for years. I can’t get enough of it!