Inside the Box

I was so pleased.   We both work full time and although OH was on holiday the courier came and went.  He left a card.  “Parcel left with No. 21”.  Couriers NEVER leave with my neighbours, it must be fate!  OH had the sense to go and pick it up and had it waiting for us in the hallway when I got home from work.  Typically, Becky thought the box was “AMAZING, MUMMY!”

Becky snuck a peek in handles on the side of the box.  I asked her what was in it.  “A buggy mummy, a pink buggy.”  Well, not so pink, but a buggy it was.

The first thing that struck me was the quality of the buggy.  My basis for comparison was a Petite Star Zia which I’d previously chosen over the Zapp because it reclined.  There is far more substance and sturdiness to the Zapp Xtra over the Zia; in comparison the Zia feels like it could be blown over or tipped by a fingertip.  I really love the hood on the Xtra and the fact you can pull it right down.

Ease of putting together, piece of pie.  The buttons are all numbered so even without the manual (I DID read it first though, to be fair) putting up the frame is just a matter of logic.  The seat unit simply clicks into place forward or rearward facing. The wheels just click into place as well (assuming you can prise them from your toddler's grasp).

I love the fact that it parent faces.  This was what attracted me to it, this was the main reason I sold my Graco travel system last year and the failing of so many buggies – sadly most of the parent facing prams were outwith our price range and just a luxury we couldn’t afford.

Becky sat in the Xtra no fuss at all.  I rushed into trying her rearward facing.  She was tired but excited so tolerated reclining a bit.  However, I have to be honest (the nice folks at Quinny asked us to be!) and say I’m disappointed that there isn’t a totally upright parent-facing position.  Though my daughter is quite biddable I know the novelty will wear off and she won’t tolerate anything but being bolt upright.  I wonder if our childminder would lend me her baby to give it a shot with a wee one in?

The next step is getting out and about, I can’t wait!  I'm already planning how we're going to get it on a plane in December.  I just don’t want to get it dirty!  Becky’s thoughts to follow!  But, so far, it's thumbs up!