Monday 10 November 2014

Review of the Stokke Xplory V4


Stokke Xplory v4, stokke pram review

stokke review, stokke xplory v4, stokke deep blue

When it comes to Pushchairs, Stokke are top of the range, and we have been finding out why.  We were sent a Stokke Xplory V4 in Deep Blue and I have to admit I am a bit of a convert.   Unfortunately Archie was not a fan of sitting in the pushchair for photos, but if you follow me on instagram then you will have seen him looking happy in it.


My favourite feature is the height of the child.  I still love having Archie parent facing, and when it is just the two of us, we have a little chat as we walk.  Having him more in eye range makes such a difference, and the height means he can see so much more as well.  With both the bloke and I being tall, it is also much easier to lift him in and out without bending as much (although the downside to this is that he can't climb in himself as he does with lower seats).

stokke xplory, stokke pushchair, stokke review, xplory v4, deep blue

The seat unit is easy to recline, using one of the little white buttons down near the footrest.  It has multi recline positions when parent facing, and also reclines a little when forward facing although not flat.  


The shape of the chassis means even with a long stride, you are not kicking the buggy and the wishbone style frame is not limiting at all.  The brakes are easy to use, and you don't need to worry in the summer with kicking them up (horrible in flip flops) as this is a press mechanism.  I found it very secure.


The hood is extendable with an attached (but unzippable) sun visor.  The hood is a great size in my opinion, providing plenty of cover and it is incredibly sturdy.  I love that you can change the look of the pushchair by purchasing new textiles and am lusting over one of the snuggly winter kits (for my hands as much as Archie's warmth!)


The handlebar is unlike most other pushchairs and is oval in shape.  I find it very comfortable to push, but it does mean you can't hang your bags on there as I am prone to do with other buggies.  You can buy a Stokke Pram bag that attaches by the footrest, but it does limit you a little.  As Archie is a little older, this hasn't bothered me, as the attached bag is plenty big enough for me to throw in a few nappies and wipes and I don't often need much more than that.  Rather than an open basket, the Xplory has a secure and sealed bag in matching textiles which is deceptively large!



The handle is fully adjustable, and can be tucked right down into the pushchair so that it can be used against a table as a highchair.  You can even change the angle as well.  The boys love this, as when it is low, it is the perfect height for little hands to push (as you can probably see here!)


Along with the adjustable recline and handle, you can also change the footrest, with it being shorter for the littler legged ones and much longer for toddlers.  It can also be removed completely if you are using the pushchair with a baby.  Because the parent facing mode means the handle bar comes from between baby's legs, you do need to get a split leg footmuff to fit (a normal one will work fine if you have the child forward facing).  Stokke do sell them in matching fabrics, (although we opted for the beige melange instead).


I still prefer Archie parent facing, and I did find that even more so in the Xplory as the height meant in forward facing mode I couldn't see him at all.  It is great for use as a high chair this way though, as the seat is still lovely and high, and it sits bolt upright.


Whilst I tend not to fold this buggy as we don't use it in a car, it is a bulky fold and won't fit in a small boot.  The seat unit is easily removable and stays in the shape you see, and the wheels fold in at the bottom, but the chassis is long and bulky. If you have a big boot, or are using this more for walking though, then it is ideal.

Overall I love this pushchair,  I find it easy to use, light to push and I love the increased interaction thanks to the raised height.  I love that there are so many ways to change it around, and whilst the basic pushchair comes in at £829 with carrycot, footmuff and all other additions as an extra cost, I do feel that this pushchair is sturdy, beautiful and an investment.


Dislaimer:  I was sent this pushchair for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.


6 comments:

  1. It sounds and looks really good. I am a big fan of pushchairs that have a nice height on them too. It makes such a difference I think. xx

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  2. This looks like a beautiful pushchair but so different to 'the norm', I think it would take some getting used to! x

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  3. I'm a fan of nice high pushchairs too - I love the wishbone chassis for more walking space though I think I'd miss the giant basket on the bottom of my pram!!

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  4. I love this pushchair and love ones that are high up as it saves your back!!!!!

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  5. Ah fab review, and there is he at the end looking very happy!! I have a V3 and love it :) x x

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  6. Love this one!! The height is a real draw for me too. Great review xx

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