Mamas and Papas Armadillo Review
B Loves: Strong and well constructed and folds easily
Seat: The seat can be used from birth and it has a really good lie-flat position with lots of space. In fact, it’s a big seat for such a compact pushchair and whether being used reclined or sitting up, it will be good as your child grows even if on the tall side of the charts. The seat only faces the front. The recline is easy to do as it’s a pull-string arrangement, meaning that to lie the seat into a lower position when your little one wants a nap, all you do is squeeze on a clip and the seat will drop down, the child’s weight helping it go down. To sit back up again, you’ll need to support your baby’s weight with your other hand as you push the seat up and pull on the strings but it is a good arrangement as you can choose any position from upright to flat, so there will be a seat position for even the fussiest baby. There is a five-point harness that can be adjusted as your child grows and it has chest and crotch pads.
Chassis: This is sturdy and comes in a nice black, meaning dirt won’t show so much and it has all-round suspension. It is well made and so will probably be long-lasting. It’s very easy to fold and also very compact when folded – using one hand (and with the seat up), unlock the pushchair using the button on the handle, twist – and it starts to collapse. Once folded, it locks into place and is freestanding. Just take a couple of times to work out where the wheels need to be when you fold. The brake lever is simple – just push down to lock and flip up to release and although the handle is not adjustable, it is a comfortable height for most.
Wheels: The wheels are nice and simple which means less to go wrong and fewer places for mud and leaves to collect. They are fairly small but more than adequate for city living.
Extras: The pushchair comes with a raincover included in the price and has a huge hood, which will protect from rain, wind and sun. It also has a very generous shopping basket included which will fit a lot of items in it, though it’s tricky to get into when the seat is reclined. However, it’s easier to pop things in using the elasticated sides. You can add a car seat (Mamas & Papas Aton or Maxi-Cosi Pebble), car seat adaptors, a parasol or one of two changing bags. You could also buy a cosytoes or liner in matching or contrasting colours.
The Small Print
- Weight: 9 kg
- Suitable: Birth to 15 kg
- Seat recline? Yes, multi
- Folded size: : 72 x 55 x 30 cm
- Car seat: Mamas and Papas Aton, Maxi-Cosi Pebble