Stokke Xplory
Jan 22
So those of you who know me well would probably have expected this! Aren’t you impressed that I waited until AFTER I introduced my children to show it lol!
With 4 children, you can be sure that I have tried just about every baby contraption that is out there! By Baby Number 4 I considered myself somewhat well-versed on what worked for our family. I had tried the fads, done the research, bought and sold, until finally I found my Baby Nirvana – the Stokke Xplory 2010. Last year saw the release of the newest version of the Xplory with lots of little improvements on the previous model that make life simple and easy for Mums and Dads (and the introduction of the new colour PURPLE – oh be still my beating heart!). So of course what better way to celebrate a new baby than with a new pram – after all this was the last pram that I would ever purchase so it had to be perfect, and by jingoes it is!
With an incredibly sleek and stylish design, you could be forgiven for thinking this pram is a work of art (going too far? I think not!). Stokke is ALL about the child, and one of the best features of the Xplory is the height at which your baby is positioned. Smack bang in front of you, and so close that you can pat her tiny little cheeks while wandering aimlessly around the shopping centres (hey it’s my fantasy that one day we will do this!). But seriously, even when running errands and being on a tight schedule, it’s such a comfort to have your little one so close where you can keep an eye on them, have great ol’ chats, and give them lots of little pats and tickles. There really is nothing more amazing than watching a baby fall asleep and I have spent many moments watching on as Lucy’s eyes grow heavier and heavier until she reaches SlumberLand – all the while knowing that the last thing she saw before she closed her eyes was her adoring Mummy watching over her.
Lucy’s first few weeks were spent in the carry cot (often at home!) where she could stretch out and lay flat. I even took her to the hairdressers for my post-baby ‘do and she slept like a, well…..baby, the whole time because she was so safe and familiar with the carry cot. I loved how protected she was in the carry cot – it kept her out of sight and more importantly out of REACH from all those strangers that think it perfectly acceptable to touch other people’s babies (ewwwwww – germs!!). And let’s not forget that sleeping baby equals MORE SHOPPING TIME!! Yes that’s right – while baby sleeps I can zoom around with my list and pack the shopping bag chocka block with bags, boxes and more bags. It’s like the Mary Poppins bag – I swear there must be a magic compartment in there because I just can’t seem to fill it up (as hard as I try – oops sorry dear! Yes do go back to work, I took the Xplory shopping today!)
I have now accessorised Lucy’s wheels with the Stokke Summer Kit which allows for lots of extra ventilation through the hood and back fabric panel, a gorgeous parasol and shade cover, but most importantly a very cool terry cloth seat liner which is just brilliant in our heat. She has such a sweaty little head and I LOVE that she can fall asleep in her pram and not wake up in a lather of sweat.
I have reached the Pinnacle of my Pram Everest, even if it took me four children to get here! Happy baby = happy Mummy….and lots of SMILES!
Hi Nat, I have to say I am most jealous of your gorgeous pram and wish we had had the knowledge (and budget) to consider one of these when we had Skye. But at the time I thought that any basic old pram would work just fine (i know, I have learnt my lesson)
I do have a couple of questions for you as my old pram and stroller have finally given it up and I am looking for something that will suit Skye at 2.5 years old (14kgs) bearing in mind that we hope to have another baby soon too so I am planning on buying once for both needs, but don’t want a bulky twin/tandem style.
Do you think the Xplory would be suitable for toddler / preschooler use?
Is it worth getting the carry cot for a newborn or does the pram lay flat enough for them to sleep comfortably?
Thanks for your help
Hi Erin!!
Like you, I just bought pretty much the first stroller we saw when we were pregnant with Maddy. I don’t think prams can really be appreciated until you actually have the baby (which is hard when you are trying to be organised!).
Thank you so much
The Xplory can certainly be used until the end of pram-riding days. If you face it frontwards and drop the seat to the lowest level, the child can basically climb in and out by themselves. It has a very tall back so size and weight wise it’s not a problem.
I probably wouldn’t bother getting the carrycot as the seat is more than suitable for newborn – there is a newborn wedge which stops the seat from being too deep, and plenty of cushioning with the head support insert. I also found that the carry cot was a little bit “bumpy” on rough ground so felt like the seat was a little more snug and supportive. BUT it is great for extended outings as it makes a fantastic bed when visiting friends, restaurants etc.
LOVE my Xplory, and would recommend it to anyone!
Hope that helps!
Hi,
I’m thinking about purchasing the Xplory for my little one to come… and my concern is that the pram looks so small and not deep enough, it looks a bit crowded, if you know what I mean.. and it looks as if the baby is not so comfy inside, especially when he gets older and bigger.
The other option is the Bugaboo Cameleon 3.
I would love to hear your opinion.
Thanks !
Hi Shani! The pram is perfect from newborn right up until the end of pram riding days. It features a newborn insert which makes the seat not so deep. This is great for tiny little babies however I never used it as I had the Carry Cot in the really early days. When you remove the insert, there is plenty of room, and the seat is very very comfortable. It shapes around the baby, which is lovely. My daughter is now 2 years old and still happily sits in her Xplory. We have extended the leg rest and there is plenty of room under the hood. It really has grown with her (and I still have her up high and facing me!). I have had the Cameleons in the past, and they do push nicely, but as far as the seat goes there is no comparison. It’s not as comfortable,and kids tend to slouch in it as they not as supported. There is a huge difference in height as well – the Xplory is wonderful as it is up so high and close to Mum. All the best with your new bub!!
A little late I know but thankyou soooo much for posting this. Our first little one is due in a couple months time and I woke up in a panic thinking that we wouldn’t be able to put our newborn in the standards xplory seat. Thanks, Lisa
Congratulations on your new bub’s pending arrival Lisa. Enjoy this special time!