Mamas and Papas Nipi Review
All stroller reviews- Introduction
- Seat design and function
- Child Safety Harness
- Hood or Canopy
- Handle design and function
- Storage
- Wheels and Brakes
- Fold mechanism
- Manoeuvrability
- Size
- Accessories
- Conclusion and Rating
Review by: Huntersmum
Introduction
Mamas and Papas has finally hit Australian stores! A favourite in the UK for many years, released in Australia December 2007 for the first time and is available in a limited number from selected retailers. The Mamas and Papas Nipi claims to be the perfect alternative transport option for days out and holidays when convenience is key. It is a lightweight stroller that folds neatly so it's just as easy to carry as it is to pop into the back of your car, thanks to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium frame. Suitable for use from newborn to 15 kilos (33.5 pounds). Features all-wheel suspension, linked rear wheel brake locks, five-position backrest, adjustable five-point safety harness, spacious padded seat, and five-position leg rest. The perfect stroller for a long shopping day!
Seat design and function
Seat upright
First recline position.
Second recline position
Seat fully reclined
Footrest up
Footrest down
The Nipi features a large, spacious padded seat, 5 position backrest and five-position leg rest. The Nipi has 5 recline positions, all very close to each other. To be honest, I have only been able to figure out 4 positions, but the manufacturer claims there are 5. The lowest recline (although not completely flat) is suitable for a newborn.
The seat reclines by pushing a button on 2 sliding levers (one on either side of the seat) backwards at the same time. Both hands are needed to do this, although it is able to be done easily with the baby in the seat. The seat can be pushed up into sitting position easily with one hand. The seats most upright position is quite upright so more suited to a toddler. But the in between positions are perfect for a younger baby who wants to see the world.
The Nipi has a five-position leg rest, which moves up or down by pressing a clip under the leg rest on either side. This is best done by pressing both clips at the same time.
Seat dimensions
Seat bottom: 38 cm or 15 in (legrest up)
Seat bottom: 23cm or 9.1 in (legrest down)
Seat back: 48cm or 18.9 in high
Seat back: 32cm or 12.6 in wide
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Child safety harness
Fairly normal harness on the Nipi. Only difference would be the way the top parts of the harness connect to the waist part of the harness. The harness threads through the clips that do up the seat (see pic). The harness adjusts quite tightly, which is great!
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Hood or Canopy
The hood is an optional extra in the UK, but comes standard in Australia as part of the stroller package. It comes in a separate carry bag (also in the bag is the raincover) and instructions are included in the stroller box for connecting the hood to the stroller. It actually attaches very simply with two clips on either side (4 in total) that clip straight onto the frame. The hood also removes easily if desired. It is a large flat hood that provides decent coverage. The hood folds back out of the way. On the back of the hood there is a small zip-up pocket, large enough for carrying keys, wallet, phone, one disposable nappy and maybe a small packet of wipes. There is no viewing window on the hood. I do find that one clip on the hood tends to come off when I fold the stroller, though it is simple to clip back on.
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Handle design and function
The handles on the Nipi are not adjustable but are quite high! My 6ft 8' husband can easily push this stroller without stooping. The foam molded handles are very nice to hold. The highest point of the handle bars is approximately 106cm tall (measured by me, site claims highest point is 102cm).
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Storage
Basket access with seat in upright position
Basket access with seat reclined
Pocket on back of hood
There is a mesh basket under the stroller (common on umbrella fold strollers) that can be easily accessed while the seat in is sitting position, but cannot be accessed at all if the seat is in the most reclined position. There is also (as previously mentioned) a small zip pocket on the back of the hood. I have loaded the handles with a nappy bag, and several bags of shopping and it did not tip! This actually surprised me greatly, as most umbrella style strollers I have used have tipped as soon as I have loaded it with a couple of shopping bags.
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Wheels and Brakes
The 13.5 cm (5.3 in) wheels include two swivel wheels that can also be locked into a fixed position. The wheels are quite a lot larger than those on my maclaren (Volo) and work well. The stroller pushes like a breeze inside, and works surprisingly well on the footpath. There is no 'tread' on the wheels (similar to the wheels on the Quinny Zapp). I do find that due to the 'no tread' it does sometimes slide when the brakes are on.
Rear wheels
Brakes engaged
Brakes disengaged
The brakes on the Nipi are slightly different to the average umbrella stroller brakes. Rear wheel brake locks are linked and can be engaged at the same time with one foot by pressing on the bar that joins them. They can also be disengaged at the same time by lifting the bar with your foot.
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Fold mechanism
Fold step one
Fold step 2
Carry handle
The Nipi has a one handed fold system. If the hood is attached I recommend folding it back first, and putting the stroller into the most upright position. You do need to do a couple of things at the same time (slightly different to other umbrella folding strollers) but it is still very simple and would be easy enough to do in a hurry. To unfold the Nipi you push down on the lever on the right of the frame with your foot, at the same time you lift a large handle connected to the metal frame that supports the stroller. This will unlock the frame and allow the stroller to fold forward in one easy push.
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Manoeuvrability
The stroller handles beautifully indoors on both carpet and tiles/floorboards. The Nipi handles surprisingly well outdoors. I have walked it along footpaths, roads and grass, and the only thing it was slightly hard to push on was grass, although I could still do it, just not one handed. The Nipi is easy to manoeuvre around tight corners, and is slim enough to fit down all shopping aisles. The stroller does shake slightly occasionally, but it doesn't bother my toddler in the slightest, and if anything helps put her to sleep.
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Size
Unfolded dimensionsWidth: 47cm (18.5 in)wide at largest point
Height: 106cm (41.7 in) at tallest point
Folded Size
102cm or 40.2 in(L) x 33cm or 13 in(H) x 29cm or 11.4 in.(W)
Weight
6.4 kilos or 14.1 lbs.
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Accessories
Rain cover
If bought in Australia, the All-Weather Kit is included as part of the stroller package. This includes the hood and a partial rain cover. The rain cover provides quite good protection for the child. The hood is waterproof. You can also purchase a matching nappy bag, although the bag is quite large, and once packed full of baby gear would be quite heavy and I do not believe it would suit this stroller very well. A footmuff and parasol are available for purchase separately in the UK only.
Toddler Seat
none
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Summary and Rating
Pros
- Lightweight
- Looks good
- Suitable for newborn
- Tall handles
- Steers easily
- Good footrest
- Brakes are able to be engaged and disengaged in one step
- Not as tippy as other umbrella strollers when loaded with shopping bags.
Cons
- Hood comes off when folded
- Slight shake on some grounds
- 2 hands needed to adjust seat
- Hood rubs on wheels when folded making it dirty
- Basket hard to access when in reclined position
Conclusion
The Nipi is a fantastic umbrella stroller that should suit most peoples needs. It is easy to push, looks great, lightweight with cute accessories. The handles are nice and high for tall parents, and the seat is big enough to accommodate large toddlers. It is hard to find an umbrella style stroller to suit all needs from birth to preschooler, but I think Mamas and Papas have done well with the Nipi. If you are able to put up with the little negatives like the hood issues and small basket, then I think you will like the Nipi.Rating
Overall Rating(out of 5)
Seat Rating
Harness Rating
Hood/Canopy Rating
Handle Design Rating
Storage Rating
Brakes Rating
Fold Rating
Wheels Rating
Manoeuvrability Rating
Accessories Rating
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