The deep, padded, lined carrycot lies completely flat and is even suitable for an occasional overnight stay (the solid ash rocking stand comes at an extra cost).
The pram turns into a pushchair to accommodate a growing child, and the pushchair seat can be forward or rear facing.
The Sleepover Elegance is also compatible with the matching Silver Cross Simplicity Car seat (£130 on top of the £650 buggy price). This is attached to the chassis to make the travel system.
The car seat is a Group 0+, so suitable from birth to 13kg. It comes with chest and crotch pads, head hugger, removable protective apron and removable, adjustable hood.
You can install this in your car with the car’s seatbelt, or opt for the £125 Simplicity ISOFIX Base. This in-car base lets you click the car seat in and out easily each time.
The Sleepover Elegance boasts a range of stylish and practical features, such as the pneumatic tyres (that means air-filled), height adjustable handle, large shopping basket, luxurious footmuff, multi-position recline and step on/off brake.
The Sleepover Elegance is quite similar to the pre-existing Sleepover Classic, though the main differences to point out would be the diamond-quilted fabric, new chrome chassis and that the brakes and handle have been remodelled.
What we love
When the Silver Cross Sleepover Elegance arrived my first thoughts were, “Oh dear, this looks like yet another huge pram for a house that is too small to accommodate it.” Yes, it is large but its performance more than makes up for it. Given its size, this has got to be one of the most lightweight and chic travel systems I’ve ever seen. Though large, it is surprisingly light and easy to steer.
In pram mode, it offers a very comfortable, roomy and stylish carrycot, complete with a breathable mattress.
In pushchair mode, it performs well - as I was hurrying (late) to collect my son, I was able to rush (basically run!) pushing the Silver Cross, thanks to the excellent four-way soft-riding suspension. (That said, I need to make it clear that this is not designed for use as a jogger buggy).
Both of my younger children – Beatrice, 2, and Florence, 7 months - really enjoy riding in it and look extremely comfortable.
I love the fact that I’m able to have my toddler Beatrice face me, due to the reversible pushchair seat. We’re able to chat and laugh as we head down the road. Having always used forward facing pushchairs, I don’t think I’ll ever look back (excuse the pun.)
If Coco Chanel or Audrey Hepburn were to have pushed prams, this could easily have been the one. It’s enough to want another child, just for the sheer glamour of it!
As a travel system, the car seat simply clicks on to the buggy chassis. At 4.7kg it’s really no different to any other infant car seat in weight but seems much more luxurious and cosy.
We have everything you need to know about Silver Cross right here.
What to look out for
As you’ve probably gathered, the Sleepover Elegance will not work so well if space is an issue. I wouldn’t recommend it for mums who live in a house with a very narrow doorway (it is 60cm wide) or in a flat with shared stairs as you may end up irritating your neighbours.
The other downside is that it takes about an hour to assemble and getting to grips with it isn’t the easiest task. The straps’ clasp is tricky to do up and not very intuitive. This is very much a home buggy – not something I'd take with me when travelling, and probably not for those who rely on buses. However, if you so desired you could purchase the lighter, more modern looking ‘Linear’ chassis, and have the Linear Sleepover.
To fold, you'll need to take the carrycot or seat unit off. The chassis is relatively simple to fold once the carrycot is removed. However, in pushchair mode it’s more complicated and takes longer to fold and get to grips with.
Who is the Silver Cross Elegance Sleepover travel system best for?
New mums who live in the countryside, in a home where space is not an issue.
Supremely stylish and comfortable, this system can move from pram to travel system to pushchair, and offers a great performance. Despite its size, it steers well and feels light. Oh-so-chic, it will prove just too large for many city-dwelling mums (sigh), but is a lush, luxury ride for those with the space.
Updated 10/12/2014
