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In a nutshell

A fantastic buggy that works hard for its money. With extra special features - such as the folding action and seat 'memory' - on top of its other practical specs, this is a sturdy, smooth ride with stylish looks

What we tested

  • Fold/unfolding
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Manoeuvrability
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Comfort for child
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.4 out of 5.

Pros

  • Feels light, reversible seat, travel system compatible, smooth ride, no-puncture tyres, remembers the position the seat was in after folding, one-hand STEP AND STAND FOLD for easy storage on public transport

Cons

  • Seat unit may not last a bigger toddler right up to 3

iCandy prides itself on producing elegant products and the Strawberry is no exception. But, it’s the attention to detail that makes this pushchair one worthy of consideration, like the new MEMORY auto-alignment that remembers the seat’s position when folded, the new one-hand STEP AND STAND FOLD action, and a ‘punnet’ pocket in the base of the pushchair that offers additional storage. But it doesn’t come cheap.

As iCandy has decided not to sell online to give customers the personal hands-on approach, you’ll get to see the full potential of the Strawberry, which is bursting with features. Apart from the iconic iCandy look, it’s practical. It’s great for transporting around - with a lightweight chassis only weighing 8kg, including all wheels and shopping basket, adding the 4.3kg carrycot will give you a pram-like set-up that’s 12.3kg, while adding the 3.4kg seat unit results in buggy weighing 11.4kg. The seat unit is suitable from 6 months, while the carrycot is suitable from birth until your baby is able to sit up unaided or weighs 9kg.

The Strawberry also boasts front and rear wheel suspension for a smooth ride, no-puncture tyres, a forward and rear facing seat, 3-position buggy seat recline, adjustable stylish hood with multiple positions, 5-position adjustable handle height, a large shopping basket, soft fabrics you can change the colour of (depending on your mood or future siblings), and an under seat storage compartment called a ‘punnet.’

Then there’s the new MEMORY alignment and the one hand STEP AND STAND FOLD action, which gives it that extra special touch. And, finally, it’s the only iCandy to date you can fold with the seat still on.

The Strawberry’s large carrycot is suitable for overnight sleeping, and you can purchase adaptors for a car seat (£30) if you want to create a travel system.

The Strawberry buggy with flavour pack (hood and seat pad) is £525, and the carrycot with flavour pack (hood and carrycot apron) is £185, so you're looking at £710 for the from-birth set-up I trialled for this review.

What we love

There are two features that I have to commend the Strawberry on immediately. I noticed the carrycot was tilted downwards at the foot end when on the chassis and I was informed this is designed based on the idea that a baby’s position may help with symptoms associated with reflux. I struggled for months with my first born, Tippi, who suffered terribly with silent reflux so this certainly appealed to me on a personal level (though I haven't been able to test it out as Tippi is now past this phase). The carrycot also feels very light and although it looks large, once your baby is in there it’s extremely snug. I thought the carrycot was fantastic.

The other feature I really liked was the ‘punnet.’ Certainly not a deal-breaker when buying a pushchair but a novel feature all the same, it’s a hard pocket at the base of the pushchair where you can store the raincovers, the car seat adaptors or even food for a picnic. Both fun and practical, I liked how iCandy hasn’t wasted an inch of the pushchair, thinking of practicality as well as style.

So, how does it move? Always a big question on my mind, coming from a city of cobbled streets and I have to say it handled the bumps extremely well. It’s so easy to turn, which I can do with one hand, and the no-puncture wheels are a blessing, as I’ve had lots of problems with other pushchairs and flat tyres.

The pushchair is simple to use and everything clicks into place easily, but it’s clear to see why iCandy insist on showing you how it works. Although it’s not difficult using the Strawberry there are a lot of features to consider and some of the actions take some practising. Folding it down, for example, is simple but you do need to have a few attempts to master the art of it.

My daughter Heidi loves it when the seat is at its most reclined of the three positions, and the seat cuddles her perfectly.

To experience the STEP AND STAND FOLD action is quite a joy when getting on and off a bus. The only iCandy that keeps the seat on when folded, after a bit of practice I could fold the pushchair down with one hand while holding Heidi. And, because it’s lightweight it is been no problem getting it on the bus. The Strawberry can also stand up on its own so there’s no need to balance it against a chair, hoping it won’t topple over – a really great feature. (When the chassis with wheels and no seat is folded, it's 32.5cm x 60cm x 98cm.)

I also loved the Elderberry colour, a deep mauve. It looked smart and would suit a boy or girl, although you can buy a flavour pack to change the colours altogether.

There’s also a lovely big basket, the easiest brake I’ve ever used even in flip flops, and labels on the raincovers to let you know which one’s for the pushchair and which one is for the carrycot. Little things, but the attention to detail is wonderful.

What to watch out for

The pushchair seat doesn't seem very wide - Heidi is nearly 2 and looks very snug in it at the moment but I think she may be too big for it before she reaches her 3rd birthday. The Strawberry is light and even though the seat is slim, the chassis isn’t as slender, at 60cm. So, by no means the widest buggy around, but not as narrow as some (other buggies around this 60cm width include the Bugaboo Cameleon and Mamas & Papas Mylo).

The STEP AND STAND FOLD action can take a bit of getting used to, as you need to push a button out first before folding it, but like many pushchairs, once it’s mastered it becomes easier.

Who is the iCandy Strawberry best for?

Parents who want a luxury option that’s easy to transport and boasts a multitude of practical features.

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MadeForMums verdict

iCandy has created a noteworthy buggy. The Strawberry feels light, is lovely to look at and practical. With extra features such as the MEMORY alignment and STEP AND STAND FOLD action, the Strawberry works hard for its money. It’s easy to transport, comfortable and the attention to detail is impressive. Just consider the seat size, as it mightn’t last every toddler to the age of 3.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandiCandy
ModelStrawberry
Price£710.00
Suitable for
Child age (approx)Birth (with carrycot/cocoon) to 3 years – Pushchair seat suitable from 6 months
Dimensions & Weight
Weight12.3kg
DimensionsH:95cm–106cm W:60cm L:71cm
Dimensions (folded)H:32.5cm W:60cm L:98cm
Features
Travel system compatibleYes
Compatible car seatsMaxi-Cosi CabrioFix, Maxi-Cosi Pebble
Seat facing directionForward facing and parent facing
Front wheelsLockable swivel
Recline positions3
Features
  • Lightweight aluminium chassis
  • Step and stand fold action
  • Memory auto alignment
  • Reclinable 3 position seat
  • No puncture tyres
  • 5 Position adjustable handle height
  • Large shopping basket
  • Under seat storage compartment
  • Bumper bar
  • Adjustable hood
  • Seat suitable from 6 months
  • Carrycot suitable birth
Accessories
Accessories includedSeat unit, raincovers, bumper bar, one flavour pack in the colour of your choice, carrycot with washable liner, wipe-clean mattress, adjustable hood and base grips for overnight sleeping
Optional extras
  • Car seat adaptors
  • Changing bag
  • Parasol
  • Palm sunshade
  • Footmuff
  • Cup holder
  • Other flavour packs
  • Travel bag
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