Lightweight alternative (Maclaren Mistral Stroller)

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	Maclaren Mistral Stroller
Date:	13/01/01 (359 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lightweight

Disadvantages: Poor brakes and seat positions

When my daughter was born, we originally used a travel system, but when she reached 6 months old, we decided to look for a lightweight buggy which would be easier to take with us, either with or without the car. We had a Graco which we loved but it had just become too bulky to use everyday, and once it was in the boot of the car, there was little else that would fit in.

Like most people, we headed to our local Mothercare as there are not many other alternatives, and after trying out 4-6 buggies, we settled on the Maclaren Mistral for £79.99. It fit the criteria we had set ourselves. It had a hood, raincovers, was sturdy whilst still being easy enough to put up and down without any problems, and most importantly it took up very little room in the boot.

It is dark purple, blue and yellow in colour, and quite eyecatching compared to some of it's competitors, which were all really dull colours which I was convinced would show up all of the stains which would inevitably follow prolonged use of the buggy by our daughter.

The buggy is suitable from birth, although I would not have felt happy putting my daughter in it from birth as there are only 2 positions to the Mistral, semi upright and semi reclined. This is my main gripe with the Mistral. My daughter likes to sit very upright, and as the setting does not encourage this she ends up uncomfortable by sitting upright unsupported. Then if she wants to have a nap, the buggy does not lie back flat, only semi reclined, which is perfect for my daughter as she is 12 months old, however for a newborn, it may not be the safest or most comfortable position.

There is a 5 point safety harness which is very easy to fasten and unfasten, and can also be adjusted very easily to ensure the child is comfortable.

There is a basket underneath the the buggy to put whatever you choose in, however the space here is limited and I find that I end up hanging bags from the handles which is a big mis
take. As I am used to having a larger, more robust pushchair, it is easy to forget that a couple of bags are fine on the handles, but the buggy has a tendency to topple over due to the unbalanced weight, especially when you take the child out. The basket is also basically useless if you recline the seat as you have no way of reaching into it.

It is easy to steer even if you have a toddler holding your hand, or your child wants a carry.

The raincover came with the buggy, and it is very simple and quick to fit and gi
ves the child a good coverage against rain and wind.

There is also a leg rest feature which can be set at different angles, e.g. 90 degrees when the childs legs are still too short to go over the edge of the seat, or 180 degrees when the child is a little taller and their legs can then hang over the edge.

I have never been able to put the brake on and make it stay on, and it is very fiddly.

Putting the buggy up and down is a very simple affair, and there is a catch on the side to hold the chassis together when folded.

If a lightweight, occasional buggy is what you want, then the Mistral will do the job, however I am sure there are cheaper models on the market which will do the job just as well.

Summary: