Prams are normally purchased as a single item that incorporates both the chassis and a seat unit, however many soon-to-be parents opt for what's known as a 'travel system' - a pram package that include various different essentials such as carrycots for newborns, compatiable car seats, car set attachments, footmuffs, and cup holders.
We opted for the Bugaboo Fox when our son was born and although we loved this pram, we wanted something a little smaller and less bulky for our baby girl. This time we chose the Cybex Balios S Lux, the elegant new member of the Cybex Balios family...
The Cybex Balios S Lux (£499.95 John Lewis) is the perfect all rounder for parents that want to use the pram in a number of situations and environments. It is comfortable, stylish, easy to steer, and simple to fold down and store away.
Functioning as a Cybex 3 in 1 travel system, the Balios S Lux chassis can hold either a seat unit, compatible infant car seat (£229.95 John Lewis), or Cot S carrycot (£229.95 naturalbabyshower.co.uk). The pram comes with the seat unit as standard, with the relevant car seats and carrycots sold separately. These items can also be purchased together as part of a Balio S Lux travel system, saving money and making the process a little more convenient (trust me, buying baby gear can get surprisingly overwhelming).
Functioning as a Cybex 3 in 1 travel system, the Balios S Lux chassis can hold either a seat unit, compatible infant car seat (£229.95 John Lewis), or Cot S carrycot (£229.95 naturalbabyshower.co.uk). The pram comes with the seat unit as standard, with the relevant car seats and carrycots sold separately. These items can also be purchased together as part of a Balio S Lux travel system, saving money and making the process a little more convenient (trust me, buying baby gear can get surprisingly overwhelming).
Suitable from birth, the Balio S Lux features a very spacious seat unit that boasts luxurious comfort and cosiness. It is fully adjustable into a full lie-flat position, which makes it perfect for those under 6 months old. In addition to a comfortable seat, the pram has all-wheel suspension, enabling you to travel over a variety of surfaces with super-soft suspension, comfort, and uninterrupted sleep for your child. It also makes movement an absolute breeze for those pushing it. And when I say it comfortably travels over a variety of surfaces, I mean it. This pram glides beautifully all environments, thanks to all terrain wheels that won't puncture no matter how harsh the surface they roll on.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a pram is how well it folds down and how easy it is to store away. And this is where the Balio S Lux really shines. Using just one hand, the pram effortlessly folds down into a self-standing position that can be easily carried and lifted, thanks to a built in handle. It then neatly fits into a car boot or cupboard without taking up too much space. It unfolds just as easily. You simply unclip a lock on the chassis, pull up the pram's handlebar and, like magic, the pram pops ups in an instant and is ready to ride!
To help shield your little one from the elements, the Cybex Balios S Lux features an an extendable XXL sun canopy made of UPF50+ protective fabric. The canopy itself features a mesh window for breathability and healthy air circulation on hot days. And, for added convenience, the pram boasts an extra large shopping basket for storing essential baby bits, as well as shopping. It also features an adjustable handlebar which enables you to tailor the bar to the height of the parent, and - as with the prams folding function - the handlebar height can be easily adjusted with just one hand.
We've been using the Cybex Balios S Lux for the past threes months and have absolutely love it. Since the birth of our daughter Aria in April, we've been using the Cot S carrycot as opposed to the seat unit that comes with the Balios S Lux. Although the seat unit is perfectly fine for use from birth, we've found from experience that the carrycots seem more comfortable and secure for newborns than standard seats.
We find the Balios S Lux super easy and comfortable to steer, regardless of the terrain it's on. We also find the pram big enough to feel safe and secure but not so big that it's challenging to move around awkward spaces. We live in a small Somerset town full of old buildings with small doors and the pram seems to navigate tight corners and narrow entrance ways effortlessly. We also feel the Balios S Lux has great suspension, providing great comfort to us and Aria, especially when going up and down the stairs with no harsh landings!
Whenever we're done using the Balios S Lux, we find it both collapses and unfolds easily and quickly, which is a huge help when travelling alone with Aria. The basket stores an impressive amount of stuff and our girl always seem super comfortable and snuggly in the Cot S carry cot. The memory foam mattress is firm but thick and super soft, keeping Aria as comfy as possible. Its extendable XXL Sun Canopy with UVP50+ sun protection also keeps Aria protected from sun exposure, as well as strong winds.
For us, the Cybex Balios S Lux is the perfect all rounder. It is great pram for both city dwellers and country folk, it is easy to travel with, it is super comfortable, and safe for all littles ones to travel in. Oh, and look at it... it's gorgeous!