The Crusi (the subject of this review) has been billed as a flexible comfort stroller, able to use from birth right through to four-years-old. It also gives you the option of to adapt it into a double buggy with the addition of a sibling seat. I tested the Crusi as a single buggy, because I only have one child, 11-month-old Odi.
What’s in the box?
- Chassis
- Seat unit
- Four wheels
- Footrest
- Hood
- Mosquito net
- Raincover
- Second sibling seat - £269
- Second seat adaptor - £59.00
- Carry cot -£269
- Changing bag - £99.99
- Foot Muff (A baby sleeping bag) - £69.99
- Parasol - £42.00
- iZi Go ISOFIX car seat - £175
Was it easy to put together?
Yes, it arrived in two boxes with not many bits to assemble. I am usually useless when it comes to assembling anything, but we had it slotted together and up and running in less than 15 minutes.
How easy was it to fold?
The Stokke Crusi is really easy to set up for use and to collapse and store. The chassis opens with ease with two small ‘one press’ buttons on either side of the frame. Then you just pop the seat unit on top. You know the seat is secure because there are two colour indicators located on either side of it that change from red to green when properly locked in to position, which I find reassuring.
There is a large white button on the inside of the handlebar, which extends and retracts it. I found the handlebar extender to be a bit stiff to operate once the whole unit has been set up but it wasn’t the end of the world.
Is it travel compatible?
Yes, it can be converted with the Stokke iZi Go ISOFIX car seat priced at £175.
How did the Stokke Crusi handle when out and about?
Odi and I went to the supermarket, our busy local highstreet and to one or two coffee shops where Odi took a nap in his buggy. It navigated with ease, in and out of several busy shops.
I did have some initial concern that the buggy would be unstable due to its height especially when stepping on and off pavements with a full basket at the bottom, but I didn’t have any problems. We whizzed around and weaved through crowded shopping centres and it really is a smooth ride.
The brake is a bright red/orange lever on the right wheel. I live in a hilly area and the brakes were rock solid when tested on one of the steepest inclines.
There is a large, sturdy basket at the bottom of the Crusi, which can carry a lot. The large storage space is a real plus for me and it comes as part of the basic package.
Did the buggy take up much room?
It did, I found it a tad bulky in the back of the boot when collapsed but we have an estate car so it isn’t too much of an issue. It isn’t what I would call a nifty little runaround and if you are looking for a neat and compact space saving pram, this isn’t it.
What do you like best about the buggy?
The standout feature is the high seat position, which I love. It has three seat recline positions and can be used both rear and forward facing. I still have 11 month Odi facing me. Due to its height, it gives Odi a great vantage point to see everything that is going on around him. We also used the buggy as a seat for Odi during dinnertime, while his cousin used his highchair.
What to watch out for
I liked the fact that it is possible to convert it into a double buggy by attaching a second seat. I didn’t test it as a double, but you’ll find a number of critical reviews on the web written by mums who have. The overriding view seems to be that the Crusi as a double may be OK for occasional use. But the number of usage and comfort issues means it may not be suitable for regular use as a double. That means it’s a very expensive choice for an occasional use pushchair.
Who is the Stokke Crusi best for?
People with lots of boot space, looking for a smooth ride for a single baby.
The Crusi is good for first time mums with a single baby. I needed to feel confident using a new buggy straight away and I did with this one, as it was so easy to set up, use, collapse and put away.
