Review: iCandy Apple pushchair

The concept:
With its matt black fabric and brushed aluminium frame, this pushchair oozes contemporary class. Versatility and manoeuvrability are the watchwords: the front wheels can be positioned apart, like a traditional pushchair, or moved together to perform like an all-terrain buggy – in either mode they can be fixed or swivelling. The big, air-filled rear tyres and all-round suspension offer your baby a smooth ride and the padded handlebar offers seven different heights – great if you’re considerably shorter (or taller) than your partner.

In action:
Folding and unfolding the Apple is straightforward, including removing the wheels to make it extra compact – the manufacturers claim this will even fit in the boot of a Smart car (I have too much baggage in my life to own such a car…). The carrycot is deep and sturdy, perfect for newborns, and when your baby’s big enough, the seat offers plenty of support and an excellent range of seating positions; it can be positioned facing forwards or back, so you can either interact or just let your baby watch the world go by. The suspension and pneumatic tyres make for a smooth ride for parent and baby alike, and the adjustable hood offers generous coverage from the elements, plus viewing windows in the side so you can keep an eye on junior.

Benefits:
This is a clever buggy, capable of many things, and none are too complicated to achieve: changing the seat position, mounting the carrycot, dismantling – all are a doddle. The basket underneath is capacious and its high sides mean you’re unlikely to shed your belongings as you go. And at £200 less than the Bugaboo Cameleon, it represents good value for style-conscious parents.

Drawbacks:
This is a fairly hefty beast at 13.8kg, so it’s not one to go for if you’re going to actually lift it on a regular basis, ie, getting it in and out of the car. It can’t be folded one-handed, which will hinder you on public transport.