It’s especially suitable for new parents who have yet to buy any baby products as it has all the essentials you need for a newborn’s travel needs.
A particularly interesting aspect of the product is the fact that your newborn can be transported safely by car while lying totally flat in the Carcocoon – a roomy bassinet with mattress. And for when your baby is a little older, the stroller will allow her to either face you or the direction you are pushing.
What’s in the box?
- Chassis
- Stroller
- Infant (0+) car seat
- Bassinet
- Boot cover
- Rain cover
- You can buy additional travel / nappy bags that can be attached to the system but these are optional - the set contains all the essentials.
Out of the box
Although the big box looks daunting at first, the London Set was surprisingly easy to put together – the wheels need to be clicked into place on the chassis and then it is just a case of attaching either the stroller seat, car seat or bassinet. A quick read of the instructions and it should not be a problem - took me around 30 minutes to get the hang of it all.
How was it to operate?
It’s an attractive product for those after a lightweight travel system that is easy to operate. I found the fact that a newborn can be left to sleep in the bassinet – lying flat – while travelling in a car really handy. No more tears having to wake the baby up to get her in and out of the car. Simply lift the bassinet and place onto the chassis to make those urgent shopping trips stress-free. The bassinet is held in place via the car’s seatbelt system using two additional clips that are provided, so you do have to read the instructions carefully before using the bassinet in the car.
How easy was it to switch between newborn car seat and stroller?
I used the set for two children, a newborn and a toddler, and found it easy to switch between the newborn car seat and stroller seat for my toddler. The stroller seat and bassinet just click into place when placed on the chassis, but to fix the car seat, you have to also push the carry handle down so that it locks securely. I am not quite sure why the infant car seat doesn’t just click into place using the same mechanism as the other two seats.
What are the seating options like?
The London Set has good seating options – rear and forward facing for the stroller as well as multi-recline positions. Handily, the stroller lies totally flat, which is useful for those trips where toddler falls asleep
How is it to push?
The highlight of this product is that it is very easy to manage and handle when out and about. It is great for both rough and smooth terrain, and it manages curbs and bumpy pavements with ease. The fully swiveling, but lockable, front wheels makes turning corners and changing direction very easy. Even my nine-year-old daughter found pushing (even with one hand) easy with my two-year-old toddler in it. You only need to push one brake pedal down with your foot to get the buggy to stop rolling when you want it to be stationery. The stroller’s handle bar is also simple to remove - just one hand needed to get toddler in and out.
One downside is that the handle height doesn’t adjust, although it will still be comfortable for most parents. Also, the chassis is a little wide at the back so you have to be careful when getting in and out of doors and onto buses though.
How comfortable was it?
I sensed that my children were comfortable in the travel system. The stroller’s padded, tidy seatbelt with 5-point harness is easy to open and close – it’s not too fussy and fits very comfortably over the child.
How was interacting with your child in the pushchair?
Interacting with your child is made easy – the rear and forward-facing stroller seat makes it very handy for times when baby wants to see mum. The stroller also has a large flap that can be lifted up so you can keep an eye on your child when forward facing, too.
I found that the system adapts easily to the weather. The hoods on all three travel chairs are great for protection against both sun, with the sun visors, and rain. The waterproof fabric is very good for wet days, as rain drops just seem to slide off it, and the rain cover is easily attached.
The basket is a good enough size, not super large or deep for big shopping sprees, but good for carrying essentials. It could have done with a couple of storage pockets though.
How easy is it to store?
When it comes to putting the stroller away, it is simple to fold up and stow away, but both hands are needed. You push the main handle down using both hands and then push a button and pull a handle on top of the shopping basket to make it collapse. It can then be stored at home or in the boot of a car. (pictured). The rear wheels can also be removed if you need to store in a very small space.
Who is this best for?
If you’re planning to go on holiday with a newborn, the London Set is perfect as it means you wouldn’t have to hire a separate car seat. The bassinet could also serve as a travel cot for small babies abroad.
Is it value for money?
The Hauck London is affordable, lightweight, functional and easy to use and will serve your baby from newborn to toddler. Additionally, it appears sturdy, so if you plan on having more children it will most likely serve you over and over again.
A great travel system, containing all you need for the first few years of your baby’s life. Sturdy, lightweight, compact, easy to use, handle, and easy to clean, I would definitely recommend to those who want a versatile, simple travel system.
