It’s also ‘future-proof’ – that is, you can pop bassinets and seats on and off and turn the Thule Sleek into a double buggy should you need it in the future. Although each new piece costs money – and this pram is at the pricier end of the market – buy this stroller and you could save on the cost of a double buggy down the line. With a 4-week-old, we’re not thinking about it yet, but there is something really appealing about making a big-ticket purchase that can be adapted to suit not only this baby, but another in the future.
Additional plus points of the Thule Sleek are that it is very well made and really user-friendly.
Tested by:
Rhiannon is a first-time mum to newborn baby Blake. She tested the Thule Sleek with its bassinet fitting with Blake, around London.
What’s in the box?
We had three boxes – one had the main pram with two wheels separately, plus instructions. Another held the bassinet, and more instructions. Another had accessories, including a foot muff for when the baby is older and in the upright seat, and a cup holder!
What were your first impressions of the Thule Sleek?
Compared to another, smaller buggy I’d been using, the Thule Sleek seemed huge when we put it together.
Is it easy to assemble?
It was really simple to build for the newborn bassinet stage that we needed. It arrived mostly assembled, so it was very uncomplicated. The instructions were really instinctive and helpful, and the videos online are really good and realistic time-wise! I think it took us around half an hour to put together.
What age is the Thule Sleek suitable for?
The pram can be used from newborn if you get the bassinet like we did.
Is the Thule Sleek easy to fold?
The pram folds relatively easily. You have to take off the bassinet and click the frame down twice. It’s all quite reminiscent of an Isofix, in that everything is designed to pop into place.
How compact is the Sleek when folded and unfolded? Is it easy to store?
The pram isn’t very compact – even when folded down. We don’t have much storage in our flat, but it wouldn’t fit into a cupboard anyway.
Does it fit in the boot of your car?
Yes, but we have an estate car. I think it would fit into smaller cars, but you might not have room for much else if you have a bassinet.
How easy is the Thule Sleek to push?
Really easy – it has swivelling 8-inch wheels at the front, and although you need to make sure you have a path wide enough, you can swing it around easily.
How does it ride on different surfaces?
Really well. It has good suspension, so if you had a fussy baby who slept really lightly, I think this would be great.
Was the Thule Sleek easy to handle on public transport?
I’ve yet to take this pram on public transport, but I think it would be easy to get around and on the Tube and trains. I would worry about taking it on a London bus with the limited space available, especially if there was another pram on board. I would probably use our smaller buggy if I was planning to get a bus.
Is the Thule Sleek a lightweight stroller?
It is surprisingly lightweight – for instance, I managed to get it up and down kerbs after a C-section. But I would be nervous if I had to carry it down some stairs on my own.
Does the Thule Sleek seat unit look comfortable for your child?
The bassinet looks so comfortable – it is lined with a lovely, soft fabric, and is really spacious and deep. It’s like a swanky Moses basket on wheels.
What do you think of the wheels?
They look huge, but they move really easily.
Do the Thule Sleek brakes work well?
The brakes are great, they’re really easy to flick on and off, but are heavy duty.
Is the frame durable?
Yes, very – I believe this pram would last you a good few years and more if you added another family member. It seems very sturdy.
What do you think of the Thule Sleek handlebar?
It’s really comfortable to hold and easily adjustable – you just clip open the sides and pull it to your desired size and clip them back down again. There’s also a safety strap for your wrist, which I found useful when I was going downhill and worrying that the pram might run away from me.
Is the hood protective?
It’s great. It’s made of a really nice material and has different flaps you can adjust for various levels of shade and cover, protecting your baby from even the craziest weather!
Is the Thule Sleek basket large and easy to access?
Yes, the basket is great – easily accessed and with room for everything from a quick trip to the shops.
How is interacting with your baby while in the buggy?
Really easy – they do feel a bit further away than in other, smaller strollers, but they’re not obscured in any way.
Is the Thule Sleek compatible with car seats?
Yes. You have to buy additional adapters that only fit certain car seats.
Is it easy to convert the Thule Sleek into a double buggy?
It seems really simple – you just clip on two pieces of plastic, lower the new kit on and it clicks into place.
How does the Thule Sleek compare to other pushchairs you’ve used?
It looks bigger and more robust, but it is easier to move around. The design is also more instinctive – even if you didn’t read all the instructions, you’d probably be able to figure it out yourself, which is a sign of good design.
What would you have wanted to know before you purchased the Thule Sleek?
That it takes up a decent amount of space if you have limited storage. Its size means you might want to use a carrier or smaller buggy in some scenarios.
Do you like the look of the Thule Sleek?
I thought it looked really stylish – I loved the grey marl pram that we trialled and the navy and black looked great, too.
Are there any accessories you need to buy for the Thule Sleek?
You can buy as many accessories as you like – from glider boards and foot muffs to cup holders. As well as changing the seating combinations if you have another child, you can buy lots of nicely made matching accessories, including changing bags, covers and even bags and organisers.
Who would the Thule Sleek be most suitable for?
Someone looking for a really good-quality pram, who is interested in good design, and likes the idea of being able to adapt it for more children in the future.
Is the Thule Sleek good value?
The Thule Sleek plus bassinet is £959.99. It’s a lot of money, but it’s comparable to other premium prams. I’d definitely recommend this brand – I think it’s less well known, but undeservedly, and has plenty to offer.
A cool pram with a Scandinavian vibe which is almost endlessly adaptable, with a size and stability that belies how easy it is to build, fold and push around. I’d definitely recommend this pram – not only is it premium quality, but it’s been well thought through and cleverly designed.
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