Review: Mamas and Papas Armadillo Stroller

05/04/2015

Test stroller: Mamas & Papas Armadillo in Lemon Drop

Test Baby: 18 months, ~30lbs

Test Parents: On-the-go parents of 4

Stroller experience: Expert-level (We’ve used everything, from the most inexpensive umbrella stroller to a full-sized all-terrain stroller with double capacity attachments).

The big little stroller, the Armadillo is a compact stroller that’s full of comfy features. The Armadillo’s big seat is designed to let your child stretch and the full recline allows for long, leisurely naps, with an adjustable leg rest for extra comfort. An XL hood gives maximum weather protection, and the peek-a-boo window allows for quick check-ups. The Armadillo folds and opens quickly and easily with one hand and an auto lock keeps it secure when folded. Lockable front swivel wheels provide an easy ride and extra stability off-road, and the brake is flip flop friendly! It’s travel friendly too with a helpful carry handle. Accepts Graco Click Connect Infant Car Seat or Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat (adaptor sold separately). Mamas & Papas – Britain’s favourite baby brand for 30 years, bringing parents and babies the very best in innovative design, style and comfort.

Features:

• For children up to 50 lbs.
• Compact and lightweight; one-hand fold with auto lock and convenient carry handle
• Adjustable backrest with flat recline; 5 point safety harness with adjustable height setting
• XL hood with peek-a-boo window for maximum weather protection
• Accepts Graco Click Connect Infant Car Seat or Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat

Set-up:

Out of the box, the stroller comes nearly assembled. It simply requires the brake assembly and wheels to be clicked on. Including unwrapping, handy Dad had the stroller ready to roll in less than 5 minutes.

Impressions:

It’s light, seems well manufactured, and folds nicely. Mamas & Papas markets this as a one-handed operation stroller.

The Armadillo is mid-way between an umbrella stroller and the full-sized travel systems. You won’t find some of the features that you might on larger strollers such as cup holders or giant cargo compartments, but it doesn’t skimp on room for the baby. Our toddler, at 18 months old and nearly 30lbs had plenty of room. The back reclines and is infinitely adjustable. The five point seat belt system adjusts well and can be converted to a lap belt only. The foot rest is also adjustable, similar to one on a recliner. The most impressive part of the stroller is the extra large sun/rain hood (with UPF 50+ for added measure). We have never seen a hood that provides as much shade as this one! On the hood is a “peek-a-boo window” with a flap cover which uses a magnetic closure system rather than a flimsier velcro option.

But is it truly one-handed?

For a stroller to be truly one-handed, you should be able to park, get your child out of their car seat and – while holding baby in one arm – wrestle the stroller out of the trunk and set it up. With the Armadillo, that was totally achievable, even with the hefty toddler. The Armadillo can be set up with one hand, and folds down even more easily. The auto-lock feature allows for the Armadillo to lock into its compacted position without having to do anything other than fold it down. A handle at the pivot point allows for easy folding, and carrying if necessary. At just over 15lbs, the stroller is quite easy to lift and carry.

The Armadillo gets around without difficulty, even in tight spaces. On a smooth surface, one handed pushing – while distracted, holding a sibling’s hand or carrying shopping bags – is easy. If you are used to a stroller with large diameter rear wheels, curbs can take some getting used to as the wheels are not as large. That said, the wheels are a happy compromise between an unwieldy running stroller and an umbrella stroller’s small wheels. The cargo basket underneath is a decent size and was sturdy enough to hold some purchases and a baby bag without sagging or threatening to touch the ground. The small size of the stroller when folded means that it stowed nicely in the trunk and did not compromise the weekly grocery shopping routine of a hungry family of 6.

Bottom line:

The Armadillo is a happy compromise for a lightweight and compact stroller. It has the manoeuvrability and storage of a small stroller, but does not compromise your child’s comfort or seating room. Best of all, the toddler has been just as happy as we have with this product! We would not hesitate to recommend the Armadillo.

Mamas and Papas Armadillo Stroller MSRP: $289.99 available at Babies“R”us

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Guest post by Hannah Barrington and David Jones, better known as @HanBarrington  & @YegDaddy.