With a new baby only weeks away; the search for a quality pram that is going to be comfortable for the bub or toddler and easy for me to walk (ideally jog with), became a high priority. Thankfully the search didn’t require a great deal of effort as I was offered the new Thule Urban Glide to review.

As I unwrapped the box and started putting the sports stroller together, I started to experience the kind of excitement that gives you butterflies in your belly. It could have been a combination of elation from the appearance or the new pram smell but one thing I do know is; this pram is a machine!

Thule Urban Glide Review

Ride and feel

Thule have been making quality products and accessories for cars and motorhomes since 1942. Products include: roof racks, sports and travel bags/cases, bike trailers, tents and now sports strollers. With that many years of experience I was expecting great things and I was not disappointed!

It rides smoothly on every surface; gravel, grass, concrete and dirt. They are no match for the Thule Urban Glide. It weighs only 10.5kg so no more than your average 2 year old, which means any parent will be able to manoeuvre it and lift it into the car with ease.

Appearance

The stroller is stylish and comes in three colour options; Dark Shadow, Mars and Thule Blue. I opted for black (dark shadow) because I find I can keep it cleaner, or perhaps the black just allows me think it is cleaner. The fabric is nice and thick with a comfortable padded seat to sit and lay on; my 2 year old daughter loves it, but that could simply be because it has drink/toy pockets on the inside.

The Thule Urban Glide offers a sleek appearance with its brushed silver frame and practicality that cannot be faulted!

Safety features

Safety is the most important thing to consider when purchasing anything baby and child related. This is why it am pleased to say that this sports stroller meets safety standards and features a 5-point child safety harness. To unlatch the harness; you must squeeze in both side clips and press the red clip simultaneously.

The multi-position canopy is a genius design. You can have it positioned anywhere that is convenient for you and your child based on the suns direction. In addition to the sun safety factor, when your baby or child is laying down you can pop forward the shade and see directly down or simply use the roof port to see your child.

The foot brake is easy to use and is as simple as pushing it down with your foot to lock, you will feel it click into place. To unlock, takes a little bit more strength to flick it up but I figure it means the brake won’t pop up without you doing so.

The front wheel can be locked for stability while jogging or used freely when out and about for easy manoeuvrability around the streets and shopping centres. It features rear suspension that makes rougher terrain smoother for your child and the large back wheels also help to absorb impact while in use.

Versatility and ease of use

I am considerably shorter than my husband so an adjustable handle is a must for us. This pram has one that offers various options by simply holding the blue buttons in and adjusting to a comfortable height.

My favourite feature of the Thule Urban Glide is the adjustable toggle control reclinable seat; it can be set from sitting position to laying near flat and anywhere in between. The choice is entirely up to you and your child where it is set. The maximum sitting height for a child is 53cm, shoulder width of 34cm and weight of 34kg.

Because parents want convenience and don’t want to spend unnecessary time unclipping, dismantling and packing away their pram; Thule have opted for one of the quickest and easiest folding mechanisms that can be done with one hand! It is as easy as lifting the flap, turning the lever and lifting. The folded dimensions are 35 cm x 53 cm x 87.5 cm.

The zippered storage compartment under the stroller is not to be laughed at either! It is impressive in size and can hold so much more than I thought it would. The pram also features additional mesh pockets for convenience.

For those parents that carry a bottle of water or cup of coffee in the drinks compartment of their pram; this stroller doesn’t come standard with one however you can purchase the console separately for $69. This was a must for me and I have to say that for an additional accessory, it is sturdy and reliable. It doesn’t Velcro on – it actually clips and secures so you know it isn’t going anywhere!

Purchase it

The Thule Urban Glide can be purchased from your local Babies R Us, Baby Bunting and leading independents retailers for $749. This pram includes an impressive 10 year frame warranty which goes to show how much Thule believe in their products! To find your local stockist to purchase or take for a test ride, visit Thule.

At a glance

Pros

Stylish design

Suitable for all terrains

Adjustable handle

Toggle control reclinable seat

Five point harness

Quick fold technology

Multi-position canopy

Large storage compartment

Foot brake

10 year frame warranty

Cons

Doesn’t lay completely flat for newborns

Drink tray not standard

I would say that this pram is a force to be reckoned with when compared to its competitors. It has everything an active family could want or need. I love that Thule have chosen to focus on the appearance and essential features and have left out the glitz because they know what works and they do it well!

If you are a parent looking at getting back into shape, enjoy jogging with your child or want a stroller to take on family adventures; this is it! You will not be disappointed, I wasn’t.

What is your must have feature in a stroller/pram?

Disclosure: I received the Thule Urban Glide for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.