Pushchair reviews, pram reviews and buggy reviews
£505.00
Joe Lawrence 'Living With' the iCandy Cherry
We love being active - whether wandering to the shops or exploring the countryside, we enjoy being out and about. I love all things technical and spend lots of time with technology. My wife is a music teacher and loves singing and theatre. We play music together and have already bought our daughter a piano! I'm married, work as a Sound Engineer for BBC and love being a dad to my beautiful daughter Emilia (born January 2012). To relax I enjoy movies, surfing the net, reading, family and helping my community.
I’m looking forward to joining the Pushchair Trader family.
Living With Review
Jump to a Month: March 2012 | April 2012 | May 2012 | June 2012 | July 2012 | August 2012 | September 2012 | October 2012 | November 2012 | December 2012 | January 2013 | February 2013 | March 2013 | Final Summary 2013 |
First Impressions:
Excited about the arrival of our awesome iCandy :-)
Here's a few pics of the unveiling...
Being a Dad - you might expect me not to be too excited, but it looks great - a pretty colour for my beautiful daughter - can't wait to get out and use it.
Out in the beautiful weather with the iCandy today. Still loving the smooth & lightweight frame. Had to use a muslin to shade Emmie from the sun.
March the 28th 2012
First trip in the car today. Frame collapses easily and fits into boot perfectly - wheels can be removed too if you need.
Carrycot is large - does collapse, but not a simple job - found space for it using my packing skills.
April the 2nd 2012
Shopping trip today (I know I'm a guy, but I love it!?). Carrycot is really comfy for Emilia she loves lying/sleeping in it. The hood is easy to put up and down (she loves looking out at the world). We put a sheet over the mattress to make it more comfy for her.
April the 6th 2012
Another car journey (this time a trip to the inlaws). Family all loved the iCandy found it really easy to use without instruction. Carrycot needs a bit of a tug after releasing to get it out - better that it's secure I suppose :-)
April the 10th 2012
First off-road test today. Beautiful day in the countryside. iCandy handled ok on the rough ground. A bit shakey - which Emmie took a bit of getting used to - but found with the front wheels locked in line, it rode a lot smoother!
April the 11th 2012
Walked out with the family to a lovely public house in Letty Green. Less bumpy than yesterday, so wheels coped much better. Bit of rain along the way meant the perfect time to try out the rain cover - if I'd remembered to bring it with me!?
Setting up and collapsing the frame is done in seconds now. Really easy - even with one hand.
April the 14th 2012
A weekend wander around Welwyn was on the cards today. I managed to escape work early and embark on a family trip into town.
This is when I'm reminded how nice the iCandy's looks are. You get lots of jealous looks wandering the streets with a nice new pushchair and also when I see it pitted against other pushchairs it looks so nice and refreshing in the distinct mulberry colours.
April the 19th 2012
Emmie's first ever swim today (and the iCandy's first trip to the swimming pool).
Having to squeeze into a tight parking space meant I was thankful the frame is lightweight, as I had to lift it out the boot and navigate it onto solid ground avoiding a collision with the surrounding closely parked cars :-)
April the 26th 2012
After a busy week of night shifts, it was nice to get out in daylight again.
A long trip in the car to see Grandad for his birthday today. I've got packing the pushchair down to a fine art. The frame is very good at being put in upside down, on it's side, on it's front etc.
The carrycot takes up a lot of room, but can be filled with random items so it doesn't waste the space it's in. Only a few more months until we'll be able to use the upright attachment anyway.
A few days in York with the other grandparents. They have a nice wide hallway, which fitted the pushchair frame perfectly in a collapsed position against the wall.
We then made another trip across the country to Liverpool Cathedral to see a friends exhibition.
Liverpool Cathedral has lots of steps... Whilst there is disabled access, I decided it was quicker/easier to lift Emmie in the iCandy up the stairs... Being much lighter than our old (Cosatto) pushchair was a welcome feature.
May the 7th 2012
Finally got the car adapters for the frame, which means we can attach our Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix car seat. They are easy to fit on the frame and to the seat. The seat feels sturdy on the frame too, which is reassuring. Getting them off again is a little fiddly depending on how you do it. To leave the adapters on the frame (and remove the seat) it's easier, but if you want to remove the car seat with adapters still attached (which is how I tend to do it), it's a bit fiddly to reach underneath and press both release buttons and remove the seat in one go.
May the 12th 2012
A trip to the south coast for the week = plenty of time to get out and about in the pushchair (and hopefully some good weather).
Pushchair frame had to be wedged into the foot well of the car, as space was limited. It was useful that the wheels came off easily and that it fold nice and flat.
First on the itinerary was a visit to the beach... At last something to be disappointed in...
It was rubbish on the uneven pebbled ground and got stuck easily with it's small wheels. I looked on, as more rugged off road varieties shot past me... Guess you can't have everything right?
May the 14th 2012
Making good use of the Car Seat adapters. It's great to dash out quickly and very convenient (especially on holiday). Obviously nowhere near as comfy for Emilia as the pram is, but serves it's purpose.
One great advantage to the car seat is that there is loads more space underneath - than the pram - and it's much easier to get things in and out.
The raincover made it's first appearance today too (Yes, I actually remembered to take it with me). It fits very easily over the carseat, as it's designed for the pram which is larger.
It has lots of air holes too and didn't seem too claustrophobic. Emmie quite like the enclosed feel of it.
May Summary.
With such a varied month for weather the pushchair has experienced a plethora of ground conditions and has coped admirably. I have been using the iCandy Cherry for a good couple of months now and am really impressed with the overall design.
The best feature in my opinion is it's lightweight frame. It is very easy to lift and collapse. So far we have just used the carrycot attachment and the car seat adapters. The carrycot is really easy to take on and off and is spacious. I like the handle being incorporated into the hood.
The only negatives I've experienced are the carseat adapters are a little fiddly to remove and also it doesn't do well on uneven ground with it's small wheels. Overall though, this is a great pushchair and looks stylish.
Having worked the whole Jubilee weekend, we decided to go relax in town with the pushchair. The frame being light and easy to manoeuvre was great. The tight spaces and sharp turns in shops and cafes put my pushchair driving skills to the max and I was reminded how useful the small wheels can be at times. It slid into tiny spaces and avoided obstacles really well.
June the 12th 2012
Today a long drive into cental London visit my brother in a VERY posh hotel. The iCandy stood it's ground amongst the smart suited door men, marbled entrance and luxury dining room. I think I was a bit underdressed, but the mulberry couloured pushchair looked modern and stylish.
June the 17th 2012
Trip out fir Father's Day and Emmie loved the nice weather. We went on a walk out in the country, so just had the car seat and frame this time. I still find it tricky to get the car seat off the frame. It's buttons are fiddly to remove, but fortunately I don't use it as often as the carrycot.
June the 23rd 2012
Trip out fir Father's Day and Emmie loved the nice weather. We went on a walk out in the country, so just had the car seat and frame this time. I still find it tricky to get the car seat off the frame. It's buttons are fiddly to remove, but fortunately I don't use it as often as the carrycot.
June Summary
Emmie is approaching 6 months and we're beginning to think about moving on to the upright chair. The carrycot has served us incredibly well. Right from the first use, she was comfy in it and loved to sleep and/or look out as she lay down. The handle on the hood was a great idea and it's really easy to get it on and off the frame. We're still really impressed with the iCandy design and still get loads of comments about it looking really stylish.
To pick 1 negative would be the size of the wheels. For most of the time it's perfect (especially in storage). There have been a few occasions where the wheels have not quite made the curb or you're worried they won't. They don't cope well with rough terrain. It's perfect for a city and streets, which is where we use it most. Maybe some swappable wheels would be good?
Finish on a high - The iCandy Cherry is light weight, easy to collapse and setup. It fits in our boot nicely (small wheels) and is comfortable to push around.
Our first outing with the new chair attachment. As you can see... Emmie loved it! We tried it both ways and decided to face each other so we could chat as we walked.
It looked really smart and felt secure. I liked the option of a recline when she fell asleep too.
July the 8th 2012
The Olympic Torch came to Welwyn Garden City today, so we braved the rain in the new pushchair. The rain cover took a few seconds for me to work out, but covered the seat well. I think i'll use the one from the carry cot in future though, as that is bigger and will cover the frame and bags underneath much better.
July the 8th 2012
The Olympic Torch came to Welwyn Garden City today, so we braved the rain in the new pushchair. The rain cover took a few seconds for me to work out, but covered the seat well. I think I'll use the one from the carry cot in future though, as that is bigger and will cover the frame and bags underneath much better.
July the 19th 2012
Niece and Sister-in-law visiting for a few days... Enjoyed a nice sunny trip out. Found the frame fitted in the boot on its side, which helped with a full car.
July the 31st 2012
A chance to hold the Olympic Torch at my work, so we decided to brave the tube and go.
Off to France for my parents Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Managed to shoehorn the pushchair into a tiny gap. Really useful to have the back wheels removable, as space was limited.
A trip on the train to France. Very glad again of the light weight, as I had to carry Emmie plus chair (and change bag!?) up, over and down the bridge to get to the right platform.
August the 18th 2012
A few wrestling moves on the luggage in the boot and I managed to fit everything in. Made sure the iCandy was easy to get out for our lunch stop on the journey back.
August the 20th 2012
Took the Cherry out to St. Albans. Managed to fit 6 pottery plates, paint, brushes, a rain cover and a couple of bags on the undercarriage.
August the 27th 2012
Another trip to Carrie's parents and I made good use of the detachable back wheels, as it was the only way I could squeeze the frame into the car... Don't know quite how Emmie's stuff takes up so much space!
Been really busy working at the Paralympics, but... Carrie and Emmie
came to visit the Olympic Park and look around. The iCandy coped well
weeving around the crowds. The light weight made it easy to push the
long distances. Whilst there, we also managed to get Emmie on the big
screen in the stadium and the whole crowd went "ahhhh". Amazing evening.
September the 7th 2012
September the 17th 2012
Finally got away from work for a few days and headed down to the south coast.
We decided to put the iCandy to the test in the new Forrest. It was ok on the flat surface, but any bumps or uneven ground and the chair got stuck!
This is a real down point for me, as I love walking around and probably the Cherry's biggest negative. It's definitely one for the city streets rather than the Forrest paths!
September the 18th 2012
Another trip out. This time we went for more solid ground. A walk along Hythe Pier and the chair was fine.
Plus was the quick folding light frame, which I collapsed quickly to board the Pier train.
Negative was the wheels - they are not good at absorbing any bumps or getting up curbs etc.
Nice weather at least and Emmie loved the sea breeze.
September Summary
We have had the iCandy Cherry for 6 months now.
We started out with the carrycot and loved the look and feel of the pushchair.
It was a great colour and really stylish.
We moved Emmie out the Carrycot around June/July and were amazed how light and spacious the frame and chair are.
A few things I dislike are (i'll do the negatives first)...
- The
wheels are small. When you get to a curb or slightly raised surface,
the chair often wont clear the height and bashes/jolts to a stop.
- The height of the handlebar is not adjustable.
- The car seat adapters are fiddley to get on and off.
- The tyres are worn
- The wheel chassis has bent slightly, so are a little wonky when pushing along (still moves fine though)
I like...
- The look and design of the chair and frame. It opens and folds easily.
- The light weight makes it easy to lift and move around
- The space in the basket underneath
- The ability to detach the back wheels for tight storage or cleaning
Obviously these are subjective, as for some the negatives could be positive.
Overall we're really happy. If we could change one thing it would be the wheels.
October the 7th 2012
Back from a work trip to the USA, I was glad to get out with the family to the park.
Emmie loves looking out the pushchair now and it's nice to have the option to have her facing in or out. I do feel the chair doesn't go upright enough for her, but maybe it's just me?
October the 12th 2012
There were lots of breakable things along narrow aisles. The frame again coped well weaving around the place, which I have to say is probably its best feature.
October the 18th 2012
October the 25th 2012
A lot of my friends commented on how nice and stylish the pushchair looked, which was a reminder of how fortunate I have been to try this chair out. Thanks again Pushchair Trader :-)
I did like the colours of the iCandy range and they do look very good.
November the 6th 2012
Taking Emmie out in the cold weather is
more effort, as we don't have a footmuff, so use a blanket at the moment
(not sure how long this will last with her VERY wriggly legs).
Put
Emmie in the chair first before lifting her and chair onto the frame. 2
downsides... the chair falls backwards unless up against a wall and
also the chair is hard to guide into the clips with the added weight.
November the 24th 2012
December the 16th 2012
Getting into the Christmas spirit with a visit to St Barnabas church Carol Service. As you can see Emmie is enjoying herself. We used the Car seat attachment once again (look in the background), as it is easy to get her in and out the car.
December the 25th 2012
Took Emmie out for the traditional family post Christmas meal walk.
The iCandy was pushed around by Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts and a niece. They all found the Pushchair easy to handle (apart from a minor crash into the curb!).
January the 1st 2013
Drew
the short straw and had to work today, but managed to escape early to
get out for a brief walk. Was pitch black by the time I was home though.
January the 4th 2013
Having been in all day, we went out to the swings to play.
January the 11th 2013
Mummy was working, but I took Emmie out on a special birthday walk. Wrapped her up nice and warm and clipped her into the iCandy.
Managed to get all the bags and
raincover into the bottom of the Pushchair and it reminded me of one of
the Cherry's best features. It has a large storage compartment.
January the 23rd 2013
Had Grandma and Grandad staying to look after Emmie. The snow had come, but we set out on a walk anyway.
The
Cherry was very hard to push along in the snow, as there was much more
resistance from the wheels on the snow. Good workout though and Emmie
enjoyed sliding around on the path. Especially when I did the 360 spins.
January the 24th 2013
Second walk out in the snow in as many days. This time I tried the challenge of a hilly off road walk. This would be hard enough on dry ground with iCandy, but add the snow and it becomes almost impossible! Luckily I had just enough strength to scale the hill without much help from the wheels.
February the 2nd 2013
Went
out to a garden centre. A few years ago I would never have gone near
one, but little did I know that loads of them have great restaurants and
kids play areas (or at least chairs and swings to play on)... This one
even had a mini zoo.
February the 8th 2013
Grandad was down again to babysit while I did night shifts and Mummy was in work.
He had lots of fun with Emmie and we went out on a nice fresh walk around the big park. It was a little bit wet and muddy, but Grandad was happy steering the Pushchair around. The detachable wheels were handy when we got home, as we could clean them and avoid getting mud in the house which Mummy can spot a mile off.
February the 16th 2013
A
trip around Ikea today and purchased a few too many items. Even though
the iCandy Cherry is small, it still wouldn't fit into our car with all
the flat pack :-(
February the 20th 2013
We
are down in Dorset visiting family and took a trip out to a soft play
centre. Took the Pushchair with us, but decided to leave it in the car,
as space inside the soft play was rather limited. Had to detach the
wheels again on the way down to Dorset, as we had 3 chests of drawers in
our car and not much space left.
March the 1st 2013
Another journey to the park and swings. Still cold, but at least it's staying light for longer.
March the 5th 2013
A beautiful day today (if still a little cold). Took Emmie to the swings and saw every other parent had had the same idea.
I do also find the buttons to adjust the recline on the seat tend to get a bit stuck and require force to get them moving again.
Final Summary 2013
It's been a privilege to be part of the Pushchair Trader testing team.
