Natalie writes…
The lightweight pushchair and travel system market is fiercely competitive and the Maclaren Techno XLR Travel System combines the two.
This travel system takes the Maclaren XT, enhances it with some additional features like a reversible seat liner, lined hood, and a head hugger and apron and then steps into the unusual territory of making an umbrella fold pushchair into a travel system because you can add on the Recaro Young Profi Plus car seat.
It can be used from birth and has a 4 position reclining seat, the decent sized shopping basket, 3 position height adjustable handles, and newly designed hubcaps on the wheels, and front and rear suspension. Weight wise, with hood and shopping basket on, it comes in at 8kg.
I, like a lot of people, own two pushchairs and this comes about, not only because you often ‘downgrade’ to something much lighter that you can chuck in the boot and travel with ease with, but also because many parents still aren’t down with using lightweight strollers from birth.
The seat does recline on the Maclaren Techno XLR Travel System, but in terms of lie flat lie flat, it’s not flat flat. They have enhanced this pushchair to make a snugger environment for your bambino (lightweight pushchairs have nowhere near as much padding and support as their heavier travel system counterparts), but you may find yourself using the car seat on it with your newborn if you want really sturdy. Also, in terms of travel system, there is no pram/carrycot with this so it’s really a 2-part travel system.
Price wise, the RRP is £300 including the Recaro Young Profi Plus car seat and it’s available in a variety of colours. Do shop around and make sure you’re buying the up to date 2008 model. I found them for £264.99 at Baby and Co in four colours.
Ideal for: Shunners of full on travel systems. If you’re planning to buy a Maclaren to use from the outset and want car seat functionality, this is an ideal buy as you’re already converted to the idea of using it from birth but you get the car seat functionality. Also bound to be loved by hardcore Maclaren fans.
Bang for your style buck: Moderate bang when you consider the price of other travel systems although there is no disputing that it looks good in that trademark Maclaren style.
Weight range: Light in the context of travel systems, mid weight in comparison to a lightweight pushchair.
Don’t forget that you can see other pushchairs and prams we’ve featured in our new feature The Pushchair Track.
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