Despite having purchased a tandem pushchair to use when my new baby was born last year I wasn't confident in my ability to be able to push it and so I decided at the same time to buy a separate pushchair and a buggy board to match, so when I was out on my own with the little ones I would be able to manage as it would be much lighter and also allow my little girl the freedom to walk for as long as she had the energy. After much research I decided on the Obaby Atlas stroller in blue circles.

The Atlas stroller is suitable from birth which was a very important aspect when it came to my buying decision, I wanted a nice buggy that I could use straight away knowing my little boy would be comfortable and able to lie back when he needed sleep but also a buggy that would last, have space from him as he grew and that would simply be a bit more pleasing on the eye then many of the black and grey themed pushchairs that you see around. It is a lightweight buggy making it easy for me to manage, even with my nearly 1 year old chubby son and a basket full of shopping I still do not struggle.

The Atlas folds down nice and compact with an umbrella fold mechanism, a simple case of pull up on the handle behind the seat and push down on a lever at the side, then fold the buggy down on itself and you're ready to go, it's quick and easy to achieve which is perfect when you've got a small tribe of children you're trying to get in or out of a car. It's compact folded size means it can easily be put in a car boot and still leave room for a full grocery shop ..........or clothes, shoes, toys...........whatever shopping trip you fancy as well as being a fantastic buggy to be able to take along with your luggage for a holiday.

The reclining mechanism for the buggy is one I've not seen on other buggys and involves having to simultaneously press down clips on either side of the chair and sliding them back lowering the incline of the chair, at first this seemed a really good mechanism and for the most part it is, it's a smoother way of laying back the chair which means if baby has fallen asleep they aren't jolted around and it is also easier to access unlike chairs with the reclining mechanism on the back on the chair, the main problem I've found though is occasionally the buttons can stick and I'm unable to move the chair at all, not good if I don't have a burly man around to use a little extra force as it means my sleepy babba has to stay sitting up.

As well has the seat having multiple reclining positions, from upright to nearly flat, it also has the 5 point safety harness giving parent's the reassurance that their little one is safely strapped into the buggy, the straps are adjustable at all 5 points meaning it can be adjusted to your childs own needs depending on their size, in my case that means holding him in tight otherwise he takes his arms from under the top 2 straps and gives me a minor heart attack!

The front 2 wheels on the Atlas fully swivel making it very easy to manouver , something I find very usefull on busy school runs when small children are running chaotically in every direction or on shopping trips when I don't have the time to wait for every other passer by to move out of my path, they are lockable though should you desire to fix them in place and the front locks are very strong, once in place I've never experienced swivelling or similar movements to the wheels. The rear wheels feature the brake that will actually stop the buggy moving in general, it's an easily operated system where both wheels are joined by one lock so if you press down properly on one side but not on the other there will still be pressure applied to both brakes preventing the buggy from moving forward, this for me was essential living in a hilly area and totally paranoid that should I even pause for the briefest moment my child would roll of down the hill in the buggy and meet a sticky end.

Other features of the buggy include the 2 separate foam padded handles which, unlike other foam handled buggys, have not split, are very comfortable and at a good height for me. The shopping basket under the buggy could be larger and can really only hold about 2 bags when the chair is upright, if the seat is fully reclined then you're reduced to space for 1 bag and it's not accessible as the chair rests against the frame for the basket. The chair itself is nicely padded and seems comfortable enough, the sun hood gives just enough shade to cover the face but would have been nicer just a little larger and with a small window in the fabric for me to keep an eye on my little one through. The buggy comes with a rain cover which can be easily attached in bad weather, unfortunately due to the small size of the basket if you want to take the cover along "just in case" then you're unlikely to fit anything else in the shopping basket.

There are also small features, such as the carry handle on the side of the buggy and the hook which latches across the buggy when folded preventing it from falling open, that really make this buggy a good one. The carry handle for example is such a simple idea but perfectly placed and strong, making it easy for me to carry to the car but also for my little girl to hold onto while we're out and about, it keeps her near me and my nerves eased.

I really like my Atlas despite the few issues, the main problem for me is the sticking recline mechanism, the basket size doesn't bother me too much as I have a naughty habit of hanging bags on the handles (another handy time for that strong brake!) I love the fun bright colour it came in and have been pleasantly surprised that it hasn't faded or lost any of it's colour, despite the amount of washes its needed due to the sticky fingers of my now 11 month old son! On occasion all of my children, even the 4 year old, have sat in the buggy and it handles their differing weight and size well, the poor thing has stood up to a fair bit of wear and abuse at our hands.........different terrains, long walks, being thrown in and out of the boot as we try to get places in a hurry.................but it's still in great condition and as strong as ever after a year of very regular use.

I purchased my Atlas off of Amazon for £55 which was an absolute bargain considering the use I get from it, but I have also seen them on other sites including Ebay and in Mothercare. The Atlas comes in a wide variety of colours include the fabulous blue, girly pink, navy, grey, black..........there's something for pretty much every taste. Accessories are also available including matching foot-muffs and parasols and there is even an Obaby buggy board which fits most Obaby pushchairs and other brand buggies. I would certainly recommend this buggy as a great everyday run around, it's perfect for a "from birth" buggy when you don't have the space for more traditional prams and travel systems, my little ones seem to like it too.

Check out the Atlas here-
http://www.obaby.co.uk/












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Review also on Ciao (Piggypine)