Silver Cross Avia lightweight buggy review

The Avia is the latest addition to the lightweight range of the Silver Cross family, released in June 2017, and light it is - it weighs just 5.5kg.

Silver Cross is, of course, a family of distinction. Their prams have been used by the Royal Family, first supplying a pram for King George VI, with many royals following suit.

Established in 1877, the Yorkshire brand has won many awards and is an established household name around the world.

Silver Cross describe the Avia as the 'ultimate lightweight stroller', and in terms of its weight, it compares to the MadeForMums silver award-winning Mee-Go Feather (£130), which is 5kg, as well as its sister model the Silver Cross Zest (£145), which weighs 5.8kg but has an umbrella fold.

It is priced slightly higher than those options, at £225, but is not as expensive as other lightweight models such as the Babyzen Yoyo 0+ (£339), and the GB Qbit+ (£250).

As we've already established, the Avia is super light, but is it a stroller of royal pedigree?

Buyer’s guide to lightweight buggies

5 things we love about the Silver Cross Avia

This buggy is a lightweight stroller. How light is it?

5.5kg. It's really light in other words, even in comparison to other lightweight strollers. The Cosatto Yo 2 is 8.8kg and Chicco's Miini Mo is 6.2kg. I keep on getting friends to pick it up to show them how light it is! It's so easy to carry, even with one hand.

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Does its weight hamper its durability?

No. It's very light, but it's strong and sturdy with no wobbly bits.

Is there anything unique about this product?

I guess its USP is that it's extremely light, and folds into a neat, compact shape. It certainly does this well, and yet it is still comfy and strong.

What's in the box?

• Chassis
• Removable bumper bar
• Rain cover
• Foot muff

What do you think of its design?

You could say it's the Kate Middleton of pushchairs - elegant, svelte, and classy, but ready to roll up its sleeves and do some hard work.

In short, it is an attractive pushchair that performs well. Staying high class, the Avia is available in two chic colours - Special Edition Eton Grey and Henley.

Do you have to buy a lot of additional extras, which all add up or is everything included?

No, everything's included, even a very comfy footmuff.

Was it easy to put together?

Very easy. You just need to pop the wheels on and clip the bumper bar on. The hood is attached but just needs to be clipped into the frame.

Is it easy to use in an urban or inner city environment, public transport?

Super easy. It's so light and compact that it's perfect for buses, trains and tubes as well as a meander round the shops (for which it has a quite deep basket).

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What is the brake like?

This is my one main issue with the Avia. The brake works as it should, that's not a problem, it's just a bit too close to the pram frame and wheel for comfort – it’s fine to press down, but you have to hook your toes under to life it up. Some buggies have more space between the brake and frame and a bigger pedal, so it's easier to work.

How easily does it fold/collapse? Can you do it easily with one hand?

Pretty easily. You just pull a little clip on the frame then pull on a little handle in the seat and it clicks into a folded position. This can be done with one hand. I found the buggy so light that when I was lifting the handle I was actually lifting the buggy too, so I has to hold it still with the other hand. Attempting this more gently, it worked perfectly.

The bumper bar can be used as a carry handle, which is useful.

What did you think of how the various parts adjusted, e.g. handle height?

The handle height doesn't adjust, which may be an issue if you're very tall. It was fine for me though (I'm 5'9").

All the mechanisms on the Avia work very smoothly though.

How compact is it when folded?

Really compact and it stands when folded! It folds down to a nice neat shape that takes up hardly any room.

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How easy is it to store?

It's really easy to store away as it's stands on its own. Umbrella fold pushchairs are forever sliding onto the floor, or taking up room because you have to lean them against something.

How comfortable does it feel?

Really comfy. The material is really paddy and soft.

How is interacting with your child when in the buggy?

Really easy. The hood folds back well, and the seat is at a good enough height to easily chat away to your little one.

How does the seat recline?

The seat has a full lie-flat recline, so is good for young babies and sleeping toddlers.

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You have to recline it using a toggle and straps on the back of the seat, which works smoothly, but I much prefer a seat you can adjust by pulling at a release clip as these you can do with one hand.

What's the hood like?

It has good coverage with a nice peak at the front for extra protection from the light (very important when you're trying to get them to sleep!) It's easy to put up and down, and moves without making a noise.

It has UPF50+, which is good for sun protection. And on those hot days you can even roll up the back panel to let in some air!

If I'm being picky, I personally prefer a super long hood; one that extends to protect most of the body.

What are the basket and storage pockets like?

The basket is quite deep with high fabric and mesh sides. It's definitely good for carrying all adult essentials (shopping, wipes) and child essentials (teddies, toys, conkers).

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

Yes, it does, anyway you turn it. The wheels easily pop off too, if you need extra room.

Is it travel system compatible?

No it's not, but I guess this buggy is sold overwhelmingly on its weight, so a car seat may muddy the waters a little on that.

Would you use it on holiday?

Yes, it's pretty much perfect for holidays. It's so light (have I mentioned that yet?), folds into a dinky space and has sun protection.

Would the weather dictate when you use it?

It has UPF50+ in the hood and a rain cover, so it's good to go in any weather.

Who would the product be most useful for?

Parents who want a light, easy to use and stylish run-around for everyday life and/or for travelling.

Is the product value for money?

Silver Cross is a big name brand, and has maintained it's good name and popularity for quite a long time.

But Silver Cross are more than just a brand. Their buggies are good quality; and that's true for the Avia. It's ultra-light yet strong. It's also very comfy and looks classy.

It compares well to other lightweight strollers. The MadeForMums Awards 2017 gold winner in the Most Compact Pushchair category, the Recaro Easylife is cheaper £189 and a little heavier at 5.7kg.

Silver went to the gb Qbit+, which is £250 and 7.6kg. It's a bit heavier but is travel system compatible. The gb Pockit Stroller is £149.95 and weighs 4.3kg.

All in all, the Avia is one of the lightest strollers out there, reasonably priced and well designed.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Avia is an excellent pram. Super light, durable and stylish. It's got lots of parent-friendly features, such as its compact fold and its stands alone feature. Silver Cross has obviously thought about everything that a parent wants from a pram and excelled with those features.

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