Joolz Aer2 stroller review

This new model has an improved fold, integrated leg rest, bigger basket and larger wheels. All these additions do mean that the Joolz Aer2 is slightly heavier than its predecessor (the 6kg Joolz Aer+), but the improved comfort for older children, increased basket capacity and smoother ride offered by the larger wheels, make up for this additional weight.

The fully reclining seat and foldable cot accessory (which can be purchased separately for £229) mean that the Joolz Aer2 is suitable from birth up to 22kg (around 4 years). However, with an RRP of £439 it’s certainly a premium option, sitting alongside luxe travels strollers like the iCandy Pip stroller, £429.

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How easy is it to build the Joolz Aer2 stroller?

The Joolz Aer2 comes fully assembled and ready to roll straight out of the box, so we were able to get out and about with this stroller almost instantly.

The instruction booklet is pleasingly thin, with step-by-step pictures showing how to get the stroller set up and how to operate the one-handed folding process.

The only slightly fiddly bit was getting the harness to the correct size for my son. But once I’d worked out how to use the two straps under the seat to loosen the harness, then it was very easy to tighten it with my son in the seat.

How suitable is the Joolz Aer2 for a baby under 6 months?

With the seat fully reclined, my newborn seemed comfy and supported. The five-point harness is easy to fasten, as you can clip in each strap one at a time, rather than trying to clip it together all at once. The harness also has padded shoulder straps, so I had no worries about it being uncomfortable for my baby.

The brake is also slightly trickier to reach when the seat is fully reclined. So, if you will be using this stroller with a newborn, I would recommend getting the compatible carrycot.

Can the Joolz Aer2 stroller be used in a parent-facing position?

No; only when the carrycot or an infant car seat is attached (car seat adaptors are £44.95). One thing that lets this stroller down is that the seat unit cannot be put in a parent-facing position and it is difficult to see your baby without making frequent stops to peer over the top of the hood. You can catch glimpses of your child through the netted ventilation panels, but I would have preferred to have greater visibility of my baby when they are so young.

How well does the Joolz Aer2 stroller work for a toddler?

My older son (3 years) was able to climb in and out of the stroller easily using the footrest, but he wasn’t able to undo the harness by himself, which is a plus. He found the seat very comfortable and had plenty of leg and head room, even with the hood fully down.

Can you recline the seat unit of the Joolz Aer2 stroller?

Yes. By unzipping and unhooking a panel on the back of the stroller, the seat can be reclined into three positions: upright, relaxed, and lie flat. The latter of which, when combined with the adjustable leg rest and the extendable hood, would be great for naps.

How well does it push and steer?

The Joolz Aer2 is very lightweight, which means that even when transporting an older child it is responsive and easy to manoeuvre. I was able to steer it one-handed on busy streets and up and down kerbs.

It is a breeze to get on and off buses, and the four-wheel suspension ensures the rider does so in comfort.

The wheels were one of the areas Joolz improved on this latest iteration of the Aer stroller and I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it rolled over grass during trips to the park. Even the sand strewn paths in the playground posed no problem for this stroller.

The only minor niggle is that the handlebar height isn’t adjustable, which may be an issue if you are particularly tall or short.

What’s the fold like?

Folding and unfolding the Joolz Aer2 is quick and intuitive. To fold you simply use one hand to push in two buttons in the middle of the handlebar and the pushchair concertinas up.

I did have to use a second hand to click the stroller into its fully folded position, but overall I think this is one of easiest folding mechanism of any stroller I’ve come across.

To unfold you squeeze the two buttons together again and the buggy instantly pops up.

It is possible to fold or unfold the buggy while holding a bag or older child, however not while holding a newborn who needs greater support — but that would be true of all buggies.

Is it easy to carry the Joolz Aer2 stroller?

Once folded, the Joolz Aer2 is very neat and easy to carry over your shoulder using the attached strap. And, as I’ve mentioned before, it’s very lightweight. It is also freestanding, so is easy to pop down to give your shoulder a break.

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What's the Joolz Aer2 stroller like on public transport?

I would recommend the Joolz Aer2 to parents without a car, as it is very light, making it easy to tilt onto buses or carry up stairs. This stroller's neat frame fits easily alongside other pushchairs on buses, and fitting through small doorways or narrow aisles isn’t a problem.

When folded, the attached shoulder strap is comfortable to pop over your shoulder for short distances – which is very handy when the lifts are out of order at train stations.

The Joolz Aer2’s small size also makes it a good option if, like us, you’re limited on storage space, as it doesn’t take up much room even in a narrow hallway.

Is the Joolz Aer2 a good travel stroller?

I would certainly use the Joolz Aer2 for travel. Measuring just W44cm x H53cm x L23.5cm when folded, it falls comfortably within the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) maximum recommended cabin baggage size of 45cm x 56cm x 25cm. However, it is always wise to check with your airline before travelling, as actual allowances may vary and are subject to change.

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Its small dimensions when folded also make this stroller ideal for car journeys. We were able to fit it in the boot of our Honda Jazz with a suitcase and a weekend bag, and still had space to spare.

What's the hood like on the Joolz Aer2?

The extendable hood offers both sun protection (UPF 50+) and extra ventilation. However, I found that my newborn’s feet were not shaded by the hood and so did require covering with socks or a muslin.

On a slightly different notes, the raincover fits snuggly and secures under the footrest, so I had no worries about my son getting soggy shoes when we got caught in a downpour.

What’s the Joolz Aer2’s storage basket like?

The basket is easy to access and with capacity to carry 8kg it is deep enough to fit everyday essentials and a small amount of shopping. However, there is no zip-up pocket or storage on the back of the seat, which would be useful for stowing smaller items that need to be within easy reach.

Is the Joolz Aer2 stroller stylish?

This is not a cheap stroller and it certainly looks premium. The fabric seat is stylish and it has subtle branding on the hood and tan faux leather handlebar.

Available in a choice of six colours – Space Black, Forest Green, Sandy Taupe, Sage Green, Stone Grey or Dark Navy Blue – it is definitely a stroller I would feel proud to push.

What’s in the box?

• Joolz Aer2 stroller, inside travel bag
• Raincover
• Instructions

How sustainable is the Joolz Aer2 stroller?

All the fabrics on the Joolz Aer2 are made from recycled PET bottles and the stroller is packaged in recyclable packaging. Joolz also suggests you transform the cardboard packaging into a plaything for your child and the box features pictures of aeroplanes and clouds you can colour in and cut out.

The brand also offers customers a 10–year transferable warranty, which can be passed on to a new owner should you decide to give your pushchair to another family. Plus, for every stroller sold, Joolz plants a tree in a forest in Asia, Africa, Europe or South America.

Is the Joolz Aer2 stroller worth the money?

There’s no getting away from it, at £439 this stroller is a hefty investment. If you’re looking for a compact buggy purely for short vacations, then you may well find a cheaper model like the Graco Myavo, £130, will get you by. However, the Joolz Aer2’s strength is its longevity and versatility — it is suitable for newborn babies through to four-year-olds — so if you’re looking for a compact buggy that you will use every day, as well as when travelling, then it is certainly a great choice.

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Where can I buy the Joolz Aer2 stroller?

It's available from Joolz, John Lewis, Natural Baby Shower and Mamas & Papas.

MadeForMums verdict:

I was very impressed by the sleek styling, easy manoeuvrability and incredibly smooth fold of the Joolz Aer2. Robust enough for everyday use and small enough for long-haul travel, I would recommend the Joolz Aer2 to parents looking for a lightweight, compact stroller that will take them through from baby to toddler. However, if using with a newborn, I would suggest also purchasing the compatible carrycot. I think this pushchair would be especially well suited to for city dwellers, frequent travellers and public transport users.

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