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Mothercare Spin Pram and Pushchair
by Bolly81
When I had my son I had a beautiful silver cross pram, but as much as I loved it I found it very heavy and not very compact, this meant it could be difficult to get into the boot of the car so when looking for a pram this time I wanted something a little lighter and more compact. I had looked around on the internet and in various pram ... shops and had more or less settled on the Quinny buzz until a trip to mothercare changed my mind.
While having a browse around the store I happened to notice the sales assistant demonstrating the mothercare Spin to another expectant mother. Firstly I was struck by the design, as it bore a resemblance to the quinny but the chassis looked like it would fold a little smaller but what really grabbed my attention was the unique design features.
Suitable from birth it starts life as a pram, complete with padded pram liner and cover. The handle height can be easily adjusted to accommodate various heights to make pushing the pram more comfortable and there is a bumper bar the goes across the front which is simple to remove with the push of a button. The front wheels are lockable, meaning you can either have them in swivel mode for easy steering or locked forward if you prefer. Folding it down is also quick and easy, you simply lift off the body, and with a one handed operation you drop the handle, push a button and lift and the chassis fold closed in a very compact manner (I could easily fit it into the boot of my VW Beetle). There is also a basket underneath which fold with the chassis.
When baby is a little bigger the liner is removed and the pram becomes a pushchair with a five point harness. What is unusual is that this is achieved using straps rather than the ratchet type mechanism I had in my previous pram. The back of the pushchair can be adjusted from leaning back to completely upright using a strap and clip at the back of the chair, and can also be lay completely flat using a handle at the top of the seat. (I don't think I've explained that well, it's far easier to demonstrate)
No to the part I really loved, and the feature the 'Spin' gets it's name from. With a quick twist of the barrel in the middle of the handle you can spin the pram/pushchair from parent to outward facing. Meaning if your baby wants to watch the world go by the can face away from you but when they get tired and need to see you with a simple movement you can turn them to face you. No messing about, no having to dismantle the pushchair to change it around, it's genius. I love that I can turn my baby to see me and to see around her with no effort or stress and I can do this while walking without having to stop. What is also great is you can release the handle (the way you do to fold the pram) and drop it down so that if you are out and you need to feed baby you can do this while they are in the pushchair without having the handle get in the way, or if you are at a table you can pull the pushchair right up like a highchair meaning baby can feel part of the company without having to disturb them.
This is just a beautifully made, cleverly designed pram. Even the footmuff which was included with it for use with the pushchair it lined with a soft cosy velvet-like material and the rain cover has a zip across the front meaning you can access baby without needing to remove the whole thing.
The chassis is compatible with various car seat brands through use of adaptors available from mothercare. I used the maxi cosi cabriofix with mine.
I could not recommend this pram/pushchair highly enough. And if I could I would give it ten stars.
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Mothercare Jive Stroller
by deesum
~*~The Product~ 'Take A Stroll'! ~*~
This product is what I consider a very basic buggy. The Mothercare stroller is in bright pink with large daisies as the design feature. The pushchair is only 5.6Kg making it light and manageable. The buggy will accommodate a child from the age of six months and take a maximum child weight ... of 15.0Kg. The pushchair conforms to the European safety standards. There are two wheels per each section on the four pointed chassis. I will cover these and other product specifications and design features under the sub-heading, 'My usage experience'. The Mothercare web site claims that 'The Mothercare Jive Stroller is a great value lightweight stroller, perfect for day trips and holidays', I was eager to see how 'perfect' it would turn out to be with considerable usage!
~*~My usage Experience ~ 'Taking A Stroll Down Memory Lane'! ~*~
My daughter provided me with the stroller to keep at my home as I am a 'hands on' Nanny :~) Both me and my daughter have a habit of forgetting certain baby products when I babysit so having this inexpensive buggy already at my home makes for one less thing to remember! I've had a few buggy's in my time with my own children, but 'a trip down memory lane' occurred when my daughter had my first grand-child :~) I am now the proud Nan of four grand-tots, the youngest being the recipient of this latest stroller.
~ Convenience ~
I begin by commenting on the convenience in using the stroller. The first thing I like to test is how easy it is to adjust the back rest, such as in the reclining position. The back is simple to adapt into a couple of restful positions, the furthest being the most comfortable for my grand-daughter when sleeping. She doesn't feel restricted by the position and is able to lay stretched out comfortably. I will mention though, that as the stroller does not have leg rest other than the foot rest, it isn't as convenient and conducive for a restful sleep as a more comprehensively deigned model. 5/5
~ 'Putting The Brakes On'~
Engaging the brakes is very simple and easy to use. The protruding bright pink foot brakes make this safety feature easy to locate and operate. The brakes keep the pushchair from moving even when my grand-daughter struggles to move the buggy forward with the momentum of her thrusting at the sides! But further on in my review I will mention a drawback to the positioning of the breaks! 4/5
~ 'Basketball'~
The pink open laced shopping basket is easy enough to access on the under carriage of the pram. Mothercare state that the shopping basket will 'help carry baby essentials and the odd spot of shopping when you're out and about'. Well, 'odd spot of shopping' is correct. I am unable to fit much in at all without the netting beginning to sink and drag. As an example on space, it can fit in around a couple of 800g light loaves of bread with a little room for a few smaller and lighter items on the sides. Heavier items need to be avoided as the netting cannot retain its shape and stability otherwise. When I place my grand-daughter's bottles, nappies, and a packet of wipes in, the basket has no difficulties accommodating the smaller and lighter items. I normally place my handbag around the handle bars for security and easy access. 3/5
~Fly Off The Handle'~
The handle height of 98cm is very good. I have found problems with many other strollers due to the length of height to push as I am a little over 5ft 7"tall. But this height makes pushing the buggy easy with no discomfort to my spine. There is no temptation to lean over to push and therefore, I never end up with backache when pushing the buggy around, even with my growing grand-daughter! :~) Furthermore the contrasting pink 'moulded handles make comfy grips' for my hands that furnishes an ergonomically designed feature. Although the handles cannot be adjusted, I find the angle is absolutely fine for manoeuvring the stroller. 5/5
~ 'When The Push Comes To Shove'~
As for the ease of actually pushing the stroller, I find it very comfortable. The only time I have found difficulty in pushing and the action becoming cumbersome is when I know I have over-loaded the pushchair, such as too many bags on the handle bars and heavy items in the shopping basket that tends to make the stroller drag. When I only have my grand-daughter 'on board' the push chair is a delight to push, very controllable and light weight. 5/5
~ 'Clean Slate'~
Cleaning the material is easy. The combination of materials such as polyester, make wiping stains off the covers simple. I will mention that certain stains, like dark fruit juices will need a suitable cleaning agent and sponge to remove. The covers have sustained some marks over time, but faded enough through regular cleaning not to be too noticeable. Overall, I feel that the fabric stands up well to most things my grand-daughter can throw at it! :~) 4/5
~ 'Moving On'~
Manoeuvrability is very good as the swivel wheels move easily and can handle uneven pavements and various materials such as asphalt experienced when I take my grand-daughter for a 'stroll' along the older parts of the city and crossing roads. The swivel wheels means that I can turn sharp corners and obstacles with comfortable ease and with no jolting of my grand-daughter. Another added feature to ease the movement is that the stroller 'has lockable front swivel wheels' which help at times when I push the buggy over bumpy surfaces. The stroller is very versatile in this area as it means that I can walk in a straight line and the wheels will handle the difficult terrain better. Added to this, and more importantly, my grand-daughter experiences a more comfortable ride. I find manoeuvring the stroller up and down kerbs no problem at all; the pushchair is very light and accommodates the various angling easy.
I would like to point out though that their seems to be a few surfaces such as grass, gravel paths and cobble stones that tend to have the stroller's frame rattling considerably. This has caused my grand-daughter a little anxiety as she seems to feel insecure in the pushchair at these times. Another drawback is when I pull the buggy up a flight of stairs, the brakes catch on the edging and the pushchair tends to present a rather bumpy ride for my grand-daughter, along with making it difficult for me to balance the buggy equally, resulting in more tension for her. 3/5
~ 'Welcome Into The Fold'~
Folding the stroller is so easy. With a light weight of only 5.6kg, and a simple one foot flick up action to the metal centre release section, I can fold the stroller in a matter of seconds with its simple scissor action. The wonderfully small and compact folded size of 30 x 18 x 102cm means I can travel on the bus with the stroller taking up very little space. I can place the stroller in the smallest of spaces without it being cumbersome or effecting comfort, for other passengers including myself. If I have items in the shopping basket and/or my grand-daughter is asleep, I will travel on the bus without folding the stroller. Getting onto buses is no problem these days, with their pressurised lower moving step for ease of access to the floor of the bus. The stroller is slim enough in its dimensions that placing it in the 'pram' section of the bus and sitting beside the stroller present no congestion to other passengers or the thoroughfare of the bus.
Placing the stroller in my daughter's vehicle is also simple and easy, with it taking up so little room that we can comfortably place our grocery shopping in the boot alongside the slender chassis. Unfolding the stroller is as simple as folding. Simply by pulling gently at either side of the framework and clicking the metal centre release bar secures the pushchair into position ready for travel. The pushchair isn't bulky or heavy so I can lift it with ease without any difficulty. I do not use escalators with the stroller out of safety precautions so I do not know how the pushchair would react with issues such as balance. With the majority of stores having lifts, I have not come across a problem getting between floors as yet that would make an escalator a necessity. 5/5
~ 'Belt Up'~
The 'Jive Stroller has a 5-point safety buckle and adjustable shoulder harness, for added safety and peace of mind'. I am able to adjust the plain bright pink straps according to my grand-daughter's changing size easily. The simple slide through buckle means that adjusting the length is simple and easy to customise. The straps are thick and strong enough to keep my grand-daughter secure. The strength of the stitching and with no chafing of the straps occurring adds to my peace of mind. 5/5
~*~Would I Recommend? ~ 'Stroll On'!~*~
Yes. As a basic 'lightweight and compact stroller' I feel this serves its purpose. I have found no choking hazards to this pushchair. But I do feel that it is best suited for casual use, as the stroller is not constructed for hardy wear. Loading down with heavy bags and moving across uneven surfaces presents structural problems for the fragile buggy. the stroller is suitable from 6mths and upwards. Unfortunately, there are no co-ordinating accessories that come with the stroller, although these are available at Mothercare.
The Mothercare Jive Stroller is currently available for a reasonable price of £34.99. The buggy also comes in other designs such as Dinosaurs and Robots. A real plus concerning ordering the pushchair online is that Mothercare offer free delivery on orders over £29.99. Another advantage is that the stroller also comes with a free two year guarantee.
http://www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Jiv​e-Stroller
Thank you for taking the time to read my review on this basic but practical Stroller :~)
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Mothercare Toy Ties
by NUDUL
Even at thirteen weeks old my son has his favourite toys for going out and about with and woe betide us if they are left in the car (or at home) when we put his seat on the pram. These Mothercare toy ties have been brilliant for keeping all his toys safe and sound while we've been out and about, even during his temper tantrums when he ... kicks his arms and legs because he doesn't want to be in the pram, this is normally when things fall out and we lose them.
At £2.49 they come as a pack of two, but you can only get them in red which stands out very well against a black car seat/stroller (you can get other brands in other colours) and they have Velcro at one end and press studs at the other, one end goes around the toy that you want to keep safe and one end goes around the car seat or stroller you are using. They are made of a woven material which is strong enough to even hold heavy toys, they are long enough that Oliver's little arms can still reach his toys as well as adjustable so the toys don't dangle precariously close to his face and I must admit, I found that they were that good that I bought two packs.
These toy ties hold all manner of things, from Oliver's Alfie Bear to a set of teething keys and other things in between. We've even used them to keep his dummy safe until we got a travel dummy steriliser. They have come in really handy, we have had no casualties of war since buying them and they are very inexpensive. Definitely worth the couple of pounds, it's cheaper than buying a new Alfie Bear for us so has really saved us money.
I would have loved to receive a pack of these in one of the baskets or nappy cakes we received for Oliver, they weren't an essential product so we didn't bother buying them at first. It wasn't until we dropped Alfie Bear a few times that we got them and I really do wish I had got them sooner as it would have saved lots of tears in the shops.
We use these toys ties at home as well, one holds Oliver's teddy bear onto his rocking/bouncer chair so that our dog can't pinch it as she has an obsession with teddy bears and we keep finding them on her bed and having to put them in the washer so Oliver can have them back, this has made things easier as my washing machine is on enough as it is. We also use the toy ties to lengthen the toys on his play mat because as yet he is too small to reach them as they are and he gets frustrated after a few minutes of not being able to bat the toys about. Another end to tears and tantrums has been provided by these.
I would recommend having these in before your little one is born, their uses are many and they do come in handy to have, so for the price of a cup of coffee it is worth popping a pack in your basket as you walk around the shop.
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