Maclaren Butcher's Stripe Buggy

Maclaren Butcher's Stripe Buggy

What THEY Say...

Maclaren are re-launching the Butcher’s Stripe – the world’s first umbrella fold buggy – now with all the leading technology and materials of the 21st century.

Over forty years ago, Owen Maclaren, created the world’s first ‘umbrella fold’ buggy but there was just one problem, he couldn’t find a suitably tough and durable material to make the seat … until he spotted an old awning from his local butcher’s shop. He grabbed the discarded bit of canvas, rushed home to finish his invention and the Butcher’s Stripe was born.

Owen Maclaren had been an aeronautical engineer in the Second World War and came up with the idea of creating the first fold-up buggy while watching his daughter struggle with a large, unwieldy pram. Using his engineering skills, he created a prototype aluminium-framed buggy which he originally called the B-01. The bold pattern of the awning fabric quickly led to everyone referring to it as the ‘Butcher’s Stripe’ and the name stuck. The Butcher’s Stripe proved so popular that Owen Maclaren founded the company that bears his name and Maclaren buggies have been revolutionising the lives of parents ever since.

In 2009, the Butcher’s Stripe, based on the award winning Quest, now harnesses all the latest materials and technology of the 21st century but like its predecessor is lightweight and compact folding. It has a tilting round hood with storage pocket, and a UV protective viewing window. It also features an adjustable leg rest, a five-point safety harness with height adjustable shoulder straps, a carry strap and linked parking brakes, as well as reflective accents for night safety. As with all 2009 Maclaren buggys, the Butcher's Stripe qualifies for Maclaren's unique in the industry; Sovereign Lifetime Warranty. The distinctive blue and white stripe design is as iconic today as it was in 1967, providing more than a touch of nostalgia.

In every sense, the Butcher’s Stripe is a classic reborn.

Website: www.maclarenbaby.com

Maclaren Butcher's Stripe Buggy

What WE Say...

The Maclaren Butcher’s Stripe buggy has been reviewed by Debbie and her youngest (of four), Bethan…..

The day arrived and I eagerly unwrapped the relaunched Malaren Butcher’s Stripe buggy and I was soon to find myself feeling very impressed with its quality and simplicity. I was also delighted to find a heavy duty travel tag which proved to be a much welcomed extra.

Initially I found myself stressing about the beautiful and equally eye-catching BRIGHT WHITE and blue butcher stripes and wondered if my my 18 month old daughter was a bit too much of a dirt-monster for this design. Yes, I admit, I let my children play with mud, and yes, I am that Mother that more often than not has to evict the escaped rapidly-going-furry raisins that were squashed in the corner the last time the buggy was used.

This has surprisingly not been a problem. The fabric is a durable, splash-proof, wipe clean affair and is wonderful and practical although the brightness has dulled somewhat over our use.

Our first test drive, a routine trip to our local shops and my little girl was very comfortable with the strong, secure, easily adjustable five point harness. I passed a neighbour who instantly commented on the eye-catching design. Over the coming weeks I’ve come to feel that I could not live without this pushchair. It’s perfect for trips to the park, longer journeys and ultimately the hectic school run. I am able to fold and unfold this buggy one handed, in seconds, leaving the other hand to tame my busy little person. The buggy provides a smooth and easy to handle drive. It is lightweight and is a great space saver in my MPV's small boot. The included rain cover is durable and easy to put on when the skies decided to open with no warning (as we’ve experienced often during this so-called ‘Summer’!)

As with most good things there are some less desirable aspects; the under buggy storage net cannot be accessed when the buggy is in the recline position and this buggy can become a little unstable when anything more than a baby bag is hanging from the handles (ok, we know, technically the manufacturers recommend that you don’t put bags on the handles but show me a busy Mum that doesn’t!). Also, the brakes on this model are not as good as those on a friend’s Maclaren Techno XT buggy. These brakes sometimes don’t ‘snap’ into place as well as they should.

This buggy is great for a parent that wants to buy a well-designed quality brand and something a little different and eye-catching. It is a wonderful buggy that is made to outlast your child’s needs and can, no doubt, be passed on to be used by the next, younger sibling.