Stokke Xplory Review (Finally)

I walked Vlad today all over the Zoo and for some reason had a sudden urge to blog about our Stokke Collection – well, actually it sorta start with what I felt about our Stokke Xplory stroller – then it just goes on to other things… So here goes, let’s start with the Xplory today:

We have been using this stroller for about 22 months now and have had very little complains. For what it’s worth, we really bought this stroller as a city dweller that takes a lot of walk (in old city brick streets) and bus rides, making this stroller the perfect choice, due to its height and maneuverability.

PLUS

Height wise: Xplory is the only stroller that put your child at about your waist height while in a baby cot and about your chest high while in the seat for 6 month old and above. This feature really makes the child closer to the parents and further from pollutions. It also makes the Vlad feel much more included in family activities because he is really at the height of all the action. We also choose this stroller because going to restaurants and cafés have never been easier as this stroller is at the height of all the tables. Never needed a booster or call ahead for baby chair!

Maneuverability and Adjustability wise: I can easily push this stroller with one hand. It’s also fully adjustable. So my very tall husband can push it as easily as very petite me. Very adjustable – height of seat, footrest, handle, and seat reclines in three positions, and faces either the street or parents.

Safety wise: My husband is a scientist, so he really pushed to buy this stroller because he believes that the materials used and the chassis design is the strongest in comparison with a lot of other brands. The baby cot is thick, not just some fabric covering some skeletal support. We used the cot all the time, even at night as Vlad’s crib and he slept so well in it!

Wow effect: I still get people staring and asking me about it, and my stroller is only plain black… for maximum effect – try the blue azure (if I ever get a daughter I will go for the red though)







What’s the minus then?? Well, honestly there are plenty of little minuses. Mostly in accessories – not enough to make me regret buying this stroller – ever!

MINUS

Shopping bag – is really cool, but as your baby gets bigger, you turn the seat facing the street and you need to adjust his footrest according to his height – this footrest will eventually sorta block the bag, making it a bit hard to access.

Child gets heavier– this is a stroller with the baby in mind – baby will always be comfortable, but parents might eventually feel the weight of their baby as they grow bigger and heavier and you still need to pick them up and put them into their ‘high’ stroller. The 2-wheels option to go up and down stairways is super cool too, until your baby’s too heavy for you to pull the whole package up the stairs.

Size – a bit big and not so easy to fold when traveling. I had a really bad flying experience once – the airline considered the stroller too big, so they stored it in the baggage compartment, hence not delivering it at the door when I arrived. I had to carry my laptop, my son’s bag and my son all the way to the immigration after 13 hours of flight… not fun… We bought a super small ultra foldable stroller finally for less than 100 US dollar for traveling. (Review on this very soon!)

Accesories – do not bother buying the umbrella and the changing bag. They are the most useless things ever. Umbrella blocked the parent’s view so you are pushing your baby blindly. Changing bag has one flap that opens completely down that most of the things you store fall out as you open it. Older version of the rain cover breaks easily, but the new one works fine.




What is your stroller and what do you think about it? Please post a comment!