My first impressions of the Bruin Pronto Stroller were great. Initially all the signs were good. Attractive, lightweight, with a reclining back, plus tall handles and front and rear suspension. It is nowhere near as expensive as most of its competitors (£49.99), and it does conform to safety standards. All very positive. But after a thorough roadtest, I wasn’t so sure.
What we love
It was with an open mind that I first put my daughter Esme, now 11 months, in to the Sweetheart designed Bruin Pronto Stroller. I couldn’t believe how superior it appeared compared to another lightweight from Bruin, the Coast Stroller.
Suitable for your baby from 6 months, it’s more solid than the Coast. It’s also far more comfortable. It has a cushioned liner for the seat, and a seat that reclines and is easy to adjust.
The Pronto’s handles are high compared to many other buggies on the market and this is wonderful if you’re tall like myself. That combined with the fact that they’re ergonomic makes the Pronto a fabulous ride for the person doing the pushing. And these ones are made of foam, so there’s no obvious sweating involved.
The Bruin Pronto Stroller is lightweight (only 6.7kg) and I found it easy to steer and control. It has self-aligning, lockable front swivel wheels, too.
I am quite a girly girl, so I love the pink sweetheart design. Some may be put off by that. But of course there is also a “boy” alternative available.
The raincover is very easy to use and attaches in record time. I truly put it to the test when we got caught out one day in the rain. Well, not rain so much as a torrential downpour that did not stop for quite some time. The heavens opened and still Esme remained dry in the Bruin Pronto Stroller. I was amazed.
What to watch out for
I don’t know why the accessory pack (containing a reversible cushioned liner, hood and raincover for £14.99) is sold separately as I can’t imagine you would want a buggy that didn’t possess a hood or raincover?
The cushioned liner is reversible - handy for hiding any unexpected baby related mess - and in essence, is a great addition to the buggy. Without it, the seat is very hard. But when you use it, the Bruin Pronto Stroller suddenly lets itself down.
The 5-point safety harness threads through the slits in the liner in order for it to coat the chair, but it doesn't clip on or attach in any way. Because of this it doesn’t remain safely in place. Instead it easily glides off the main seat. It even slips forward with its precious cargo onboard.
Another negative of the Bruin Pronto Stroller is that off-roading is a definite no-no. We found ourselves in woods and consequently dire straits, with a stroller that would’ve been easier to carry with babe in it than push. Ok, I realise that this product is not intended for this environment, but sometimes, with the best will in the world, you end up with a path that turns to stones. The front and rear suspension just didn’t fare that well.
Who is the Bruin Pronto Stroller best for?
Mums on a budget who don’t go off-road.
The Bruin Pronto Stroller is affordable, light, and easy to steer and push when not taken off-road. You’ll need to buy the accessory pack if you want any rain protection. If you choose to use the cushioned liner, be aware that the 5-point safety harness that threads through it is all that holds it in place, which means it can slip about with your baby on board.
