Peg Perego Book 51S travel system review

The Peg Perego Book 51 S is a luxury travel system that includes a chassis, bassinet, toddler seat, car seat, footmuff and hoods and changing bag with mat - in short, a comprehensive package offering everything a new parent needs. The Book 51 S is not cheap, with an RRP of £940. However, it is very versatile. The carry cot, for example, has retractable feet and a rocking function, so can be used as a moses basket at home.

Similar travel systems over £500 include the Bugaboo Cameleon 3 with the Maxi-Cosi Pebble car seat, £949-£1120, depending on which combination you choose. The Babystyle Egg stroller travel system, meanwhile has an RRP of £769.

However, it has some nice accessories included, such as footmuffs and changing bag. In addition, our reviewer Nerida Rooney, who tested the product with her little one during the long recent UK winter, appreciated the product’s luxury feel and easy of use.

What were your first impressions of the Peg Perego Book 51 S travel system?

Wow. I thought the Book 51S travel system was a super luxurious looking product and I couldn’t wait to get my little one in it.

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

The Book 51 S was a dream to push and use, I felt proud to be using it and to walk down the street with it.

What age child is the Book 51S suitable for?

It is suitable from birth (with the use of the carrycot), until 15kg, or around three years of age.

How easy is it to switch between carrycot/seat unit/ car seat?

Quite easy, a few niggles a the start trying to lock the seat unit back in but once I had the hang of it, it was fine.

How easy is it to push? At 51cm wide, does it feel nimble when traveling around?

Absolutely. It was really easy to push. Being able to adjust the handle was useful, although the shape of the handle-bar meant that we struggled using the buggy board for my 4-year-old as there wasn’t enough space.

How does the Peg Perego Book 51 S ride on different surfaces?

The wheels of the Book 51 S have some great suspension - and 12 ball bearings on each, which according to the brand makes all the difference. And it is really lovely to use on different surfaces. It even worked well in the snow, which surprised me as my Mamas and Papas pram didn’t even push on the snow.

The wheels are also lockable to cope with more tricky terrain, and you can lock or unlock them with a handy dial on the chassis - so no more bending down and locking each wheel individually. This is a really clever feature that makes me locking the wheels far more likely when needed.

What do you think of the brakes?

The brakes felt sturdy and secure. There are two brake pedals - one next to each back wheel. You can use either pedal to engage and release the brake, which is handy.

How easy is it to store?

It is easy to store as it folds flat with the seat unit attached, and it is free-standing also. This makes it very easy to tuck into different corners, and is especially handy when trying to store it in public places - no faffing around with separate chassis and seat.

It has a relatively narrow chassis for a full-blown travel system, at only 51cm wide, so it’s definitely worth considering for those conscious of space.

Is the frame strong, durable?

Yes, it feels very sturdy and that it will last quite a few years.

What do you think of the Peg Perego Book 51 S’s fold system?

I thought it was brilliant. Very easy. It’s possible to fold it with the seat attached, both parent- and world-facing - and even with the carrycot attached. You make sure the handlebar is at it’s highest setting, release the seat back and fold it all the way forward. Then pull on the handle on the back of the seat to fold, and it automatically locks in place. A very welcome feature is that it is free-standing when folded, so much easier to store.

Can it be folded with the seat/carrycot attached?

Yes, it can be folded with either attached - and with the seat facing either world or parent. I’ve never had a travel system that folded the carrycot, so that’s really amazing and saves time and space.

What do you think of handle?

Being able to move the handle into 3 positions was a real bonus as my husband is 6ft4 and I’m 5ft 3. It is also designed for easy one-handed pushing which makes the shape a bit odd, so that’s something worth trying out before buying, as some might find it tricky to get used to.

What do you think of the size of the seat unit?

The seat was perfect, nice and cosy for my now 9-month-old. It has some great fabric and padding. However, I was never able to get the footmuff to fit more securely and he now kicks it off all the time.

How is the seat’s recline?

It’s very easy to recline the seat, and the back rest can recline to 150°, so it’s ideal for napping little ones.

Is the seat reversible (can it be forward or parent facing?)

Yes which is a massive plus now that my little one is a nosey boy and wants to see the world.

How comfortable does it feel for your little one?

He seems happy in it.

What do you think of the carrycot – is it comfy/what is the size like?

The carrycot was a real plus. It is a great design and can be used as an additional moses basket, with a rocking function. The inner lining can be removed for easy washing too, and the hood also has a ventilation window and a hook to hang baby toys from - very handy!

I didn’t use it for my first and only wish I had it when my second was just born and not a few months later. I used it a couple of times when he was sleeping and we were out, and we also used it afterwards as an additional sleep station when in the lounge.

Another great feature of the carrycot is that you can fold it flat with one hand - great for storing.

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

No problems here. It is easy, as the toddler seat is reversible so you can have your little one facing you when they are still younger.

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What do you think of the hood?

The hood is very luxurious and provides great coverage, which is really useful when out and about.

Does the Book 51 S fit in the boot of your car?

We have a Kia Sportage, and the travel system does fit in the boot of our car, but doesn’t leave us with much space after that.

Tell us about the car seat, the Primo Viaggio SL?

The included car seat is a group 0+, suitable from birth to 13kg. It features an integrated headrest and adjustable side impact protection. It can be secured with the seat belt, or one of two bases - either seat-belt base or Isofix base. So it’s quite flexible in its installation.

What age children is it best for?

The Book 51 S is great from birth, as the carrycot is so handy and well designed. As many UK buggies and strollers it is tested up to a weight of 15kg, which corresponds to approximately 3 years.

How easily can you access the basket and is it big enough to store everything you need?

The basket is a great size - making shopping trips a bit dangerous as you can fit more in! It’s really easy to access too, as it has a cleverly designed bar that you can fold down for quick access, and then springs back up.

What’s in the box?

• Book S Chassis
• Navetta Elite Carrycot
• Pop-Up Seat
• Footmuff
• Raincover
• Primo Viaggio SL Car Seat
• Changing Bag

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Any added extras you can buy?

• Belted car seat base (£50)
• Isofix car seat base (£120)
• Navetta carrycot rain cover (£40)
• Carrycot stand (£50)

What is the RRP and do you think it’s good value for money?

The RRP is £940, which places the Book 51 S at the more expensive end of the travel system market. However, you do get everything you need, and are paying for quite a few small, but very practical design extras. The brand has really thought of a lot of details to make your life easier, such as the rocking and folding bassinet, the super suspension, the easy fold and the good quality finish. So overall, I would say it’s good value for money.

The MFM verdict:

This is a product with a gorgeous, luxury feel. The pop up features are amazing, and I love that you can collapse the system with both the travel cot and seat base connected - such a huge plus.

I got loads of compliments when out and about with the pram, so I would definitely recommend. This is a system for those who appreciate the Italian design and want an all-in package with practical design features.

It is also comparatively compact, for a all-in travel system, so it’s worth trying out if you’re after a slightly more compact solution.

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