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Recaro is the go-to brand for high quality car seats that are designed, engineered and made in Germany.
Not only has it been recently awarded for their contribution to child road safety and car seats, but the company strives to develop products that set the standard in terms of design, user-friendliness, comfort and safety.
Now Recaro is branching out into the world of strollers. The Citylife is the successor to their first stroller, the Easylife, which is simply a lightweight stroller.
The Citylife, on the other hand is a travel system, which means it can be used with a carrycot and infant car seat, both sold separately.
Available to buy at Direct 2 Mum, Kiddiecare and other retailers.
What is the Citylife like to push?
As a pregnant mum of a two-year-old, I found it a dream to push, especially when the two front wheels were locked off. As almost the polar opposite to the Easylife, the Citylife stroller has four rugged, puncture proof tyres, which are foam filled rubber.
This (and the suspension) makes the stroller great at absorbing bumps in the pavement and kerbs were a doddle.
The break is super easy to use; you simply push it forward for on and push it back for off. This is really easy to do no matter what you have on your feet – despite its odd appearance.
How does it work as a travel system?
The adapters come with the carrycot, so that it can easily be attached to the frame. The same adapters can also be used for the Recaro Privia car seat.
To attach the adapters, take out the bumper bar and slot them in place instead, then to remove them you slide the grey buttons.
To disconnect the stroller seat unit, I found it easiest to start from the bottom, around the footrest and undo the Velcro here first. You then work your way up the stroller, until you get to some press-studs, which you’ll then need to undo before sliding the seat unit off.
Removing the carrycot from the frame is really easy too. There is a lever at the back of the carrycot, pull this, then lift off using the handle. The same goes with the car seat; easy!
How comfortable is the Citylife?
My 24-month daughter loves it! She is able to climb in and out, once I unstrap her, which, as an independent two-year old she loves, and she looks super comfy in it.
The padded seat is much wider than her current Cosatto Giggle, so she has plenty of room to move around and get comfy, she can sit up really straight and hold onto the bumper bar. Plus the adjustable footrest means her legs are supported and aren’t just dangling around.
The Citylife also reclines totally flat for nap time and has an infinitely adjustable backrest that’s manoeuvred by a toggle at the back of the seat.
I am a fan of the peekaboo window at the top of the hood that allows me to keep check on her. It has firm magnets placed either side to help keep it open or closed.
She enjoys poking it and reminding me that she was there as she goes to sleep. I also like being able to see her, especially as we are both used to her facing me when we go out.
Tell us about the Citylife folded.
It is absolutely one-handed! The fold system is fantastic; you push the grey button on the outside of the handlebar to the right and squeeze the grey button on the inside. The back of the seat then drops back down on itself.
By taking hold of the handy carry strap on the base of the seat, you can then lift the whole thing up and push it together, which locks the stroller in place.
It only weighs 10.2kg and I had no problem lifting it, even in my pregnant state.
Opening the stroller is just as easy; release the lock on the right side, then pull the handlebar up – simple!
Is it easy to store?
Yes, it fits easily into my car and is self-standing, which is handy when it comes to loading a toddler into the car, and then all the additional extras that come with them.
No more bruised legs caused by toppling buggies! And thanks to the fact that both the front and back wheels can be removed at the flip of a button, I can take one back wheel off, so I don’t have to remove my parcel shelf. This comes in handy if you have a small car like me (I have a Vauxhall Corsa).
What do you think of the 5-point harness?
This is the ONLY thing that let the stroller down. It only features one shoulder height, so cannot be adjusted, which is especially critical for me with such a big age difference between my children.
The shoulder, waist and crotch straps, however can all be adjusted using the sliding buckles, so that does add to their comfort and my reassurance as Lacie can’t wriggle out of the straps like she can in her current buggy.
Plus the clasp is secure and won’t allow her little fingers to open it, despite the constant trying!
Tell us about the basket?
I love the roomy shopping basket. It is deep, easy to reach, and covers the entire underside of the pushchair.
It's also made from durable material – not a mesh, netting type material, which can rip easily or get things caught in it. I have no problems storing my shopping and changing bag.
Would you take the Recaro on holiday?
Absolutely. It’s light, folds down as one unit and is comfortable for snoozing in and being pushed to and from town. When laid down flat, you can also roll the back panel up to allow more air to flow through, and the huge hood has a UPF 50+ rating with an additional sun visor to protect your child from the elements.
For colder climates you would need to wrap them up more as there isn’t a foot muff, although the carrycot looks super warm and cosy for a new-born.
How easy was it to assemble the stroller?
As a brand that I haven’t used before, I was certainly impressed as soon as I took the stroller out of the box – and unfolded it first try!
It wasn’t heavy to lift, and once the chassis was unfolded, all I had to do was clip the rear wheels on, and attach the bumper bar; a great start!
The stroller arrived complete in the box. The only thing I had to do was unfold it, by puling the handle up, and then attach the two back wheels, which just clipped in, in a matter of seconds.
It comes with easy to follow instructions, but assembling it was pretty self-explanatory; I didn’t call upon my husband once!
What’s in the box?
Chassis
2 x Rear Wheels
Bumper Bar
Rain Cover in its own bag
Cup holder
Any additional extras?
Carry Cot (suitable from Birth; £125)
A variety of car seats that fits the chassis (from £135)
Is it value for money?
At £325 I think it’s great if you are looking for a stroller that will grow with your child.
If you buy this as a first pushchair, from birth and then use it for the next two or three years, then you’ll get lots for your money.
And as for quality, I am confident that it will last a long time without breaking or looking tatty.
Who would the product be most useful for?
As an expectant mum with a two year old, this stroller is just perfect for me. Lacie won’t need a stroller for that much longer, but for those long trips its definitely needed, but on the other hand, I’m going to need one for my newborn, so this is the perfect solution!
I now have a lightweight, easy to manoeuvre stroller for when I have both of them (Lacie will be in the stroller and baby in a carrier), yet still have a carry cot and a Recaro Priva car seat that fits onto the chassis (this uses the same adapters as the carrycot) for when Lacie wants to walk, or is at Nursery and it’s just me and the baby.
Thankfully, there’s no need for two prams or pushchairs to clutter up the house, and I have a stroller that fits perfectly in my car for day trips, that won’t take me ages to put up when we get to our destination and will suit both of them depending on who needs what.
I’m pretty confident that this is all I’m going to need to see me through the next few years with the two kids and I’m super happy about that. Travelling with two children is a minefield!
MadeForMums Verdict:
The Recaro Citylife pushchair is smooth to push and offers a ride that’s better than many in its class. If you’re looking for a practical, comfortable and easy to use stroller, the Recaro Citylife is a worthy investment.
If you need a stroller that is comfortable, practical and functional to use everyday and will last your child from birth to toddlerhood, then the Recaro Citylife is for you.
It’s nothing fancy, but I love it. It does everything you need in a stroller, is a pleasure to use and we found it easy to use from the word go.
