Jaime Oliver 'Living With' the Britax B-AGILE 3

Living With Review

 Jump to a Month: October 2012 | November 2012 | December 2012 | January 2013 | February 2013 | March 2013 | April 2013 | Sixth Month Final Summary |

First Impressions 

After the initial shock of finding out I had been one of the lucky ones to test this pushchair I had been expectantly waiting for the arrival.                      

When it arrived I almost knocked the poor delivery man off his feet in my haste to get my hands on the box!

This pushchair comes in 5 pieces: seat unit, hood & 3 separate wheels.  The instructions were included but they didn’t give much detail on the putting together (I wanted to check so I didn’t break anything) having said that all 3 wheels just pop on and the hood clips in. (3 mins and your away!)

This I the first time I have used a 3 wheel pushchair and I am liking!! Being a shorty at 5 foot I wasn’t sure about the fixed handle height but I think only time will tell. It seems very easy to push (bonus).

I have had a play with the rain cover; it seems bigger than most so hopefully no vacuum packed Joshua! There is a baggy bit at the front however I think this is for when you have the bumper bar fitted.

My universal cosy toes doesn’t fit this pushchair very well, but I am really pleased with everything else so far…….. Bring on tomorrow when I can get out and about.

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October the 20th 2012

Right first road trip so I packed the Britax B-Agile 3 into the boot and I can say it really does pack down small for a really generous sized pushchair.

Before setting out we had to adjust the straps, which to be honest only took a couple of minutes so no running late for me!

Well I have to say I am a little dazed at my first trip out. Wow! I can honestly say this pushchair is a dream to push and going up and down kerbs is fantastic it’s so gentle and smooth, which I think Joshua appreciated as in his previous pushchairs it was a little ‘jerky’.

I can’t wait now for the next trip out now!

October the 24th 2012

Last morning of our holiday has seen the B-Agile 3 take to the sand! I found compacted sand it still glides like a dream, soft sand is a little trickier … in order to push I found by lifting the front wheel, taking the weight on the back still meant I could keep little man in and negotiate without the need for total abandonment, happy Mummy and happy Joshua!

 

After 6 inches of mud, constant rain and now sand I can honestly say the B-Agile has looked better! I think getting back home means a deep clean coming on!

October the 29th 2012

Well after a very muddy week on holiday I thought the B-Agile 3 would need a full on strip clean, I was wrong! I fitted the brush attachment onto the hoover and gave it a whirl …. Hey presto dry caked on mud all gone, could this be because of the type of mud or the pushchair fabric who knows! I popped off the wheels and gave them a quick wash in the sink and the B-Agile 3 is back to top form … one very happy mummy!

Due to the fold mechanism I have noticed that due to my height I am catching the foam on the handlebar of the pushchair on the floor, which is a little niggly, however so far there is no damage just a little mucky so I cleaned with a baby wipe! (It’s amazing what we us them for!)

Right we are once again ready to roll ……..

 

October the 30th 2012

Epic shopping adventure today with multiple locations and several car to pushchair stops so loving the fold/unfold mechanism it makes it far quicker to get out and about,  press the side clip and flip out genius! Today’s shopping trip involved my friend and she also loves the maneuverability of the B-Agile 3 just as much as me. In order to get it back it was close to handbags at dawn.

 

November the 3rd 2012

Tonight we took the Britax B-Agile 3 to our local organised Bonfire and Fireworks event, now for someone who is a bit of clean freak muddy fields and people dropping fried onions and tomato ketchup anywhere near a pushchair in my charge sends shivers down my spine. 

 

For a short time I considered digging out the ancient inferior pushchair to take the mud instead, however in for a penny in for a pound and I promised myself a genuinely fair review mud and all so off we set with the Britax B-Agile 3!

 

The field was beyond muddy and was riveted with deep gouges where they had obviously been dragging wood for the fire. I am pleased to report we encountered no issues with shifting this pushchair round the bog of mud.  Joshua although not liking many of the fireworks he did look comfy when he cried?!

We do love the removable wheels as we popped the wheels off before putting in the boot as my god they were vile!

 

November the 6th 2012

Right today we were off out for a jaunt to my mums house so out pops the Britax B-Agile 3 from the boot of the car and we are off out in minutes.

 

On the journey to my mums I have to navigate something the locals refer to as ‘dog poo alley’ (grim I know) however as the name sates it’s like a pushchair slalom and I normally dread it, however today with the nimbly b-agile 3 not a problem, no emergency baby wipes needed. 

 

Now this will be the first time my Mum has seen this pushchair and like me in the past has had deep opinions about 3 wheel pushchairs. Well my mum likes it and agrees it’s very easy to push. I showed her the compact fold and she was just as amazed as me that such a reasonably sized pushchair folds so simply and so compactly, it seems a winner with all of us so far.

November the 9^th 2012

I am doing a little celebratory dance, Britax have very kindly sent me the cosy toes and bumper bar for the B-Agile 3. I have really struggled without and as this pushchair doesn't come with it as standard we have missed the ability to keep him super comfy and snug while still maintain the super cool look of this pushchair.

 

Now as the fold mechanism is a button on the side of the pushchair and then a pull handle in the base of the seat unit, universal cosy toes were not fitting well as you can’t access the pull handle without removing the cosy toes fully.

The cosy toes that has arrived today is lovely it's super thick and has zip access on both sides to make it easier to get a wriggly bum in, it also has drawstrings so you can make the top into a cocoon.

But having said this I am still disappointed as I expected some kind of access in the seat of the cosy toes in order access the fold mechanism easily. Maybe Britax could look into this in the future? 

November the 12^th 2012

First trip out with the bumper bar and cosy toes and it was lovely to know he was snug and warm, he seemed to love the bumper bar and was holding it so tight like it was going to disappear (although that might be my chicane steering!)

 

Still a little fiddly to get into the pull handle with the cosy toes on, although at least with this one you don’t have to fully remove the bottom part to get access.

November the 17th 2012

Today we took the Britax B-Agile 3 with us when going to see my hubby’s grandma at St James Hospital in Leeds for her 90^th Birthday.

 

Since my little man had only had a few minutes sleep in the car we made sure we took it with us in case he needed a nap later.

My Father in Law offered to take our little man round the hospital to get him to sleep in the B-Agile 3. Although Joshua didn’t seep (typical) my Father in Law did comment on how much he “liked to push this one” (that’s quite an accolade as I have had LOADS of pushchairs in the past!)

 

November the 21st 2012

Right after a few days stuck in with rubbish weather my little man and I need to escape the house so out comes the B-Agile 3 from the car.

Now after my recent negative comments on the rain cover and hoping the bumper bar will help. I pulled out the rain cover and had another go with fitting…… Nope it’s still appalling it doesn’t fit the lines of the hood, it pokes out at the front.

It has no proper ventilation so gets steamed up quickly. This rain cover I feel in my opinion has not been very thought through it does seem to me like a standard universal fit not one designed specifically for this particular pushchair.

On a whole still feeling the love for the Britax B-Agile 3 at the Oliver’s.

 

November the 26th 2012

 

Today was shoe shopping day! We went off to East Midlands Designer Outlet to the Clarks shop and we took Grandma with us.

I love the cosy toes as it really is easy to get my little man out with the double zips, which came in handy.

Grandma also loves the maneuverability of this pushchair (so yet another hands up on this feature)

A lady in the shop did ask me what the pushchair was as she really liked it, after filling her in I did smile as to be fair it’s a very sleek looking pushchair and over the last couple of weeks I had forgotten but my eyes have been opened again today and I really do feel quite proud pushing it around.

 

November the 27th 2012

Today we went gallivanting again to get the final 2-3 things for the Christmas shopping with my friend in Chesterfield.

We were armed with the trusty cosy toes and rain cover (thankfully we didn't need the rain cover)

 

After several hours of wandering and lunch my little man ended up spark out in the Britax B-Agile 3 and he looked so so comfy, even when the pushchair wasn't fully reclined! He slept solidly for over an hour and a half. The cosy toes is great as it can be zipped right up and it keeps him all snug, including his hands!

 

December the 1st 2012

After an epic week of village walking, today was no different and me and my little man went out again (still trying to shift the baby/chocolate weight) 

 

I am really loving this pushchair, no matter what terrain we have taken it on its still been so easy to push! Even over ice. I have yet to find something that stops it in its tracks! However with the change in the weather I am looking forward to snow to see how it handles on that (now it will be February knowing my luck before we get any)

 

December the 7th 2012

After more adventures this week I am very pleased to say ...Thank god for the cosy toes and bumper bar.

 

I am really loving the cosy toes and how easy it is to use with the zips on either side, its so padded and snuggly that even after an hour outside in  -1.5 degree temperature when I lift him out he is lovely and toasty. 

 

The bumper bar is amazing! It is very quick to open and takes only seconds to move to get my little man in. Joshua is still loving holding on to it when off out on our travels.

 

Another outing and yet again Joshua cant keep his eyes open (even when sat upright) so he is certainly comfy!

 

December the 13th 2012

 

I am very thankful for the Britax B-Agile 3 today! Last Saturday I tore my calf muscle playing Hockey (who said exercise is good for you!), so I am limping about unable to really put a lot of pressure on my left leg... So I am thankful for this pushchair it's so easy push! 

 

I also love the bumper bar as my little man threw an almighty temper tantrum in the Dr's and he couldn't escape, try as he might!

 

December the 15th 2012

The Oliver's went to see Santa today and along came the Britax B-Agile 3. Although Santa didn't go down as well as we hoped we found it lovely and easy to get Joshua in and out of the pushchair when he needed to investigate further! Although when going out with hubby, I am having to stake my claim on pushing!

 

December the 26th 2012

After a lovely but hectic lead up to Christmas today we had the opportunity to chill out a little and get out for a family stroll to blow the Christmas cobwebs away and take a look in the sales locally. Although we didn't buy everything in sight we did buy a fair few bits and we were quite impressed at how much we could get in the basket underneath! Less shredded hands for all.

 

December the 27th 2012

Now today I did have to stake my claim again as being the pushchair pusher since we went out for a family stroll and both Ollie (hubby) and Beth my 11 year old try to steal the pushchair!!

My Little man is loving the cosy toes and bumper bar he sits holding on to the bumper bar and looks really pleased with himself!

 

December the 28th 2010

Although we do have 2 cars, when we go into Nottingham we travel by bus as it is far cheaper and more convenient than trying to park. So today we ventured onto the bus for a trip to spend our Christmas money. As you can see from the pictures the pushchair fitted lovely in the allocated bay with no stress or aggro. 

Unfortunately it was raining so we had to take the raincover (I am still not liking it!) my latest gripe with the raincover is: How are you supposed to get easy access to get your purse out of the pocket on the hood with it on?? Well you can't and it's like a task on Krypton Factor to get it out! 

 

The pocket on the hood is one of the nifty little features that I adore so damn you raincover! Ok rant over, however Britax could you design a raincover for this pushchair that only has to sit round the hood (like Maclaren ) as not only does the one provided not fit the pushchair it means both the pocket and the the viewing window are  not accessible so it doesn't make sense! 

 

As you can see he is still loving and sleeping well in this pushchair!!

 So maybe all is forgiven.

January the 2nd 2013

Whilst putting Joshua in the Britax B-agile 3 today I have noticed that the straps seem very tight when my little boy is wearing his big winter coat and using the cosy toes?? As you can see in the pictures I have extended the straps fully and the fit is very very tight! When we take the cosy toes off obviously there is a little bit more play. 

I do have to say I am concerned as this pushchair is designed for use with birth to 4 years and Joshua is only 21 months and they are tight so any bigger and he just wouldn't fit! Opps .... Not Good! 

Having spoken with the lovely people at Britax they have advised that by not using the cosy toes the straps will be long enough (which they are) however if your thinking of using child over the age of 2 with the cosy toes you are probably going to struggle to get the child fastened in.

January the 4th 2013

It has to be said I am hating the rainy weather! I am still not getting on well with the rain cover, I have tried but it just doesn't fit! It doesn't fit! The seams of the rain cover don't follow the seams of the hood!! Don't get me wrong it keeps my little man dry but it not fitting does let it down.

 

Its a good job everything else about this pushchair is so good! 

January the 8th 2013

 

Today was an epic shopping adventure so lots of getting this pushchair in and out of the car, It's fold mechanism is really fantastic for ease of use 'click, pull and your away'! So it's fantastic for folding when your stood in a car park getting drenched! 

 

I love the fact that the Britax B-agile 3 is such a sturdy pushchair but folds so fantastically small for its size, for me its the best of both worlds!

 

Its on the mad shopping adventures like these I am thankful to have the use of this pushchair!!

January the 13th 2013

Yay! we had a small amount of snow today and I was right, nothing effects the ability to push the Britax B-Agile 3. Although on some paths the snow had cleared on others it was about an inch and was untouched (although melting fast!)I cant wait for the rest of the predicted snow to see how it handles

January the 18th 2013

Well the snow finally arrived in force so off we go with the Britax B-Agile 3 to see how it performs. I have to say I am fairly impressed! yes it was slightly harder  to push than normal but still more than manageable! So Top Marks Britax!! 

 

 January the 19th 2013

Yesterdays snow had frozen overnight and a new fresh covering was now over the top so after much debate we went for a walk into the village  to collect some milk and supplies. OK, so with the layer of ice and then snow on top it made it much harder than yesterday to push the pushchair, mainly due to the frozen dips from where people had walked the day before in the snow. I did eventually take to walking in the road.

 

The other thing worth pointing out is how much I was able to get easily into the shopping basket underneath ... as you can see in the picture there is even room for more! 

January the 21st 2013

We popped to the shops again today and although there is snow underfoot it is quite compacted, so it was fairly easy to push through the more rougher uneven snow. I clicked on the locking front wheel and this worked a treat. I am glad I had the Britax B-AGILE 3 since it was the only thing that kept me upright! 

January the 26th 2013

 

The Britax B-AGILE 3 has failed in deeper than ankle height soft snow! I tried locking the front wheel and lifting the front wheel to push however nothing worked. Hubby and I gave in eventually and turned it round to pull it between us (which worked fine). I have to be honest and say that it was incredibly difficult to walk in never mind anything else ... So you are forgiven B-AGILE 3. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January the 27th 2013

Overnight the snow completely melted and with the outside temp being around the 6 degrees mark we thought it best to venture out and make the most of it! 

 

We visited our local farm and the kids loved it. Although Joshua walked for quite a way he was still too little to walk all day so ended up being pushed round in the Braitax B-Agile 3. Hubby doesn't understand my pushchair compulsion although he does agree with loving the pushchair!

February the 12th 2013

February the 21st 2013

March the 1st 2013

Food shopping today and although we went in the car and didn't use the B-Agile I still cant get over the fact that even with the biggest shop we have no problem leaving the pushchair in the car and still fitting in all the shopping! Although today I did remove the wheels to make it a little more compact. 

March the 12th 2013

Today we hit our local retail park and we love the click and go of the fold/unfold mechanism it makes for such a super quick up and go, especially in the rain! The handle bar has now taken a bit of a battering, as I said in a previous comment since you cant adjust the handle, being only 5ft tall when I get it out the car I do tend to catch the handle bar! Being taller might help - or maybe an adjustable handle?? 

March the 22nd 2013

I am officially fed up of the Snow! We have had it intermittent all week but overnight today we have had quite a lot which means yet again I am stuck in not being able to get out! By now I was so hoping that I could of had fiddle with the extended hood .. where is the sun??

March the 25th 2013

Car in the garage for its service and MOT thankfully I remembered to take the B-Agile 3 out the boot! as an emergency trip to the shop to get bread was needed! 

 

It is still very very slippy with the remaining snow, but hopefully it will go soon so I can get out walking again properly as I am feeling hemmed in now with not being out everyday.

March the 28th 2013

Finally fresh air! we managed to get out to Matlock Bath today, while there we stopped to feed the ducks! then popped in to a small fish and chip restaurant. We did have to fold the pushchair to store it out the way while we ate, Thankfully it folds in super quick time. 

 

I did notice that Joshua has marked the bumper bar with sticky fingers, so will have to have a look how I can go about stripping the material off to wash one day next week.

March the 30th 2013

Since Joshua is going to be 2 next week we decided today to take him to a toddler theme park. Initially we didn't take the pushchair in however with a flagging toddler we did nip back to fetch it. Hubby is now a dab hand at the fold and unfold mechanism (this in itself is a miracle!) I cant quite believe we didn't have this from the start!

 

As mad as it sounds its now like part of the family.

April the 1st 2013

While hubby has been off we really have made the most of it and today we ventured to our local town for a wonder. In a lift on the way back to the car park I was approached by a pregnant lady who was loving the Britax B-Agile 3. After showing her the nifty features and letting her push she says she is shortlisting this pushchair to have another look at it!! I must admit I felt quite proud that I was pushing something that obviously turns heads! 

 

April the 5th 2013

Joshua and I collected my mum and we all went into town. My  mum got to push (some of it anyway) and she loved it! We did have a conversation about how much stuff fitted in the basket as she couldn't quite believe how much it held.

April the 8th 2013

Joshua's 2nd Birthday and off to the Farm Park for us and of course the B-Agile 3 has to come too! although Joshua does like to walk round some of the Farm Park when his little legs get tired it is super easy to slip him into this pushchair. Even if he does walk around since the pushchair is so easy to push its not hardship.

April the 13th 2013

We went over to Leeds today to see family and after a belated Easter egg hunt and lunch we popped over to Roundhay Park to get some fresh air and tire out the little ones. Knowing Joshua had not had a sleep we did only let him walk some of the way. Towards the end we did have to pop him into the pushchair just in time for a mad dash to that car before it rained.

April the 16th 2013

Yay since the snow has now gone and the weather is now milder we have taken the cosy toes from the Britax B-Agile 3 and I have to say I am loving it anew! I had forgotten just how roomy the seat unit really is and how lovely and comfy Joshua looks while in it.

 

I really am made up that we have now had this pushchair nearly 6 months and its flown. Before using this pushchair I easily averaged about 4 very 6 months so this is the longest we have used a pushchair for without even contemplating another one. Has my pushchair obsession been quashed? 

April the 17th 2013

Off out for another stroll this morning, I really cant tell you how lovely this pushchair has been. I so would not go back to a buggy, no need as this pushchair has everything a 'big' pushchair has but folds small enough so no buggy would ever be needed!

Sixth Month Final Summary

After testing the Britax B-Agile 3 for the last 6 months I have to say that I wish I had this from the beginning! not only is it beautifully designed its easy to push!and so easy to fold even my hubby got the hang of it ... this is a first!

Its really large pocket in the hood was ideal for going out without using a bag as it easily held wipes,nappies,purse, phone and drink! It also has an extendable hood is one of my favourite features, although not one I got to use since the weather was appalling. No more wobbly parasols if your using this pushchair!

The shopping basket is also another bonus on first glance I thought it was reasonably sized but when using it it certainly holds more than you think. 

We have taken this pushchair over sand, mud, snow and normal terrain and its fantastic nothing seems to stop it getting where is going. It's quick release wheels were super handy to take off once been we had been over muddy ground and it kept the pushchair nice and clean.

There were only a couple of niggles: the first being the fact the handle is fixed height although being a shorty and hubby being reasonably tall it was not uncomfortable to push but it would be a nice to have the option of altering it. The straps can be a little tight if using the Britax B-Agile cosy toes with a large 2 year old, although without the cosy toes there is no problem at all. It would also of been nice to have the option to parent face.

My only thing about this pushchair I HATE is the rain cover! It doesn't fit well, the seams don't seem to run parallel to the shape of the hood so it makes it hard to get on with and looks wrong when its on. 

All in all The Oliver's LOVED this pushchair it has all the features of a large pram with the functionality of a buggy stroller so no need to buy anything else! its a winner in this house!

Star Rating: I give the Britax B-Agile 3 -  4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Pros

• Extremely Easy To Push  
• Fantastically Easy Compact Fold
• Extendable Hood & Hood pocket

Cons

• Rain Cover Doesn't Fit Well
  
• Not Parent Facing
  
• Tight Straps When Using The Britax Cosy Toes With Larger Child