maclaren travel stroller review

Maclaren Techno XLR review

• Sarah Barker

In a nutshell

Apart from one or two minor niggles, this travel system really is as good as everyone says – the ideal choice for a first timer

What we tested

• Good reliable buggy, great car seat, useful carrycot, well made and designed travel system, looks good
• Reclining mechanism is a bit fiddly, carrycot isn’t very big

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There’s been plenty of praise heaped on the Maclaren Techno XLR travel system – and it’s easy to see why.

Before 13-week-old Cormac and I got the Maclaren Techno XLR travel system to put through its paces I read about it on the internet. I could hardly believe that any product deserved quite such enthusiastic praise.

I had high hopes, but would the buggy/carrycot/car seat combo that is the Maclaren Techno XLR travel system live up to the hype?

Maclaren – famously founded by a test pilot who invented a lightweight folding buggy for his grandchild – claims the Techno XLR will do you from the birth of your firstborn until your baby has babies. Now most of us are trying to get their heads around motherhood and don’t even want to consider being a grandmother, but it is a pretty bold claim.

All Maclaren products come with a lifetime guarantee and the brand has a wide army of loyal followers.

The Maclaren Techno XLR travel system (11.9kg) is the top of their range and promises a cosy carrycot for a newborn moving on to a lightweight pushchair (weighing just 7.5kg) to take you through as long as you need it.

So the travel system arrived and Cormac didn’t have to wait too long for me to set it up and seemed quite excited by the understated good looks. Fastening carrycot or car seat to buggy base wasn’t in the least bit traumatic, but we needed to take it outside to see if it was really as good as all that.

What we love

In spite of not having the flashy, fashionable appearance of some travel systems, the Techno XLR really does do what it says on the tin.

Cormac loved comfortable ride, well positioned safety straps and variety of seat back angles.

Being a nosey boy living in Scotland, he particularly liked the rain hood that fitted so well he could still see out.

The carrycot let him snooze comfortably and the cosy design would make any newborn feel secure.

I enjoyed the design that allowed me to stride out without kicking the wheels. It’s also possible to hang a changing bag from the handles without the whole thing tipping over when you take the baby out.

Adjustable handles make it a comfy ‘push’ for taller parents while the suede-style fabric makes for a hardwearing and attractive finish.

The carrycot is soft and cosy too, providing a proper birth-to-nursery system that doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve bought something you won’t get good value from.

ISOFIX-compatible, the car seat is from Recaro. It's the Young Profi Plus model, as is comfy and easy to use. It has a head-hugger and a nifty pocket to keep the instructions in.

What to watch out for

Cormac looked very cosy in the carrycot during a recent trip to Granny’s but – at 12 weeks – he only just fitted in at full stretch. The spec says it’s good for babies up to 9kg, but I don’t think a tot as heavy as that would begin to fit.

Otherwise, any niggles with the Maclaren Techno XLR travel system are really small enough to be classed as nitpicks. For example, our buggy wheels squeak when going at a decent speed – Cormac didn’t care, but a more sensitive soul might. Also the brakes often take a couple of ‘stamps’ to be sure they’re on. And, while it’s probably technically possible to do a five-second one-hand fold down, I certainly couldn’t manage it with my big ol’ boy under one arm.

The handle adjustments are great for statuesque parents, but don’t allow much leeway for shorter mums.

And grannies – or mums with stiff hand joints – might find the harness clip requires an uncomfortable degree of finger pressure.

Who is the Maclaren Techno XLR travel system best for?

Mums after a good quality, hard working piece of equipment that will do the job for years.

MadeForMums verdict

The Maclaren Techno XLR travel system is and outstandingly popular travel system and it’s easy to see why. It looks good and quietly gets on with the job. The only criticism is that a bigger baby might not be able to use the carrycot for long, but the seatback does recline flat so makes up for this to a degree.

Product Specifications

Maclaren Atom

The Maclaren Atom is an extremely lightweight and compact stroller and the first Maclaren stroller of this type. Thanks to its minimalist dimensions, the Atom is a great companion for travels and trips and can be taken on the board of the aircraft as cabin luggage. This is emphasized by the practical shoulder strap for carrying, the well-ventilated seat predominantly made of mesh, and the extendable hood with sun visor and UV protection. The seat can be reclined sufficiently even for children that cannot sit independently. The seat features with a reversible, padded insert with a cheerful pattern on one side. There is also an integrated safety panel in the lower part of the seat for the security of the smallest babies. The Atom comes with all the usual Maclaren benefits such as lifetime warranty, fully washable fabrics, reflective elements, sturdy wheels with suspension, quality 5-points safety belts and a wide range of accessories included in the bundle. Thanks to the car seat with adapters and the possibility of adding the Maclaren soft carrycot, the Atom can be used from birth.

In the three years creating Strollbery - for free, in our free time, we are proud to have helped thousands of parents from more than 207 countries. And helping is what we've cared about the most.

Being musicians as well, we created a special holiday song for you to share a wintery, Christmas vibe with us. We hope it brings you a bit of calm (we all need it). ♥️

HAPPY STROLLING AND MAGIC HOLIDAYS!

Maclaren Atom Features & Specifications

The seat unit, the canopy (hood), the bumper bar, the suspension, the handlebar, the carrycot, the car seat, the accessories & extra features, best deals for maclaren atom, parent reviews of the maclaren atom.

• The hood is huge and provides excellent sun coverage
• My daughter is almost 5 and we still use this buggy for holiday travel
• For this type of buggy it’s great
• It can lie flat - totally flat
• The wheels run smoothly
• EasyJet let me push it on to the plane, and it folds and fits in the overhead lockers
• The fold is quick and easy, the size is compact
• This type of buggy does not provide the comfortable ride that our Emmaljunga pram offers. BUT it is a completely different beast. Our Emmaljunga might be as smooth and comfortable as a rolls Royce, but there’s no way I’d bring it on a plane, and it takes up loads of space in our Victorian terrace, so once we were over the sleeping in the pram stage I swapped to a Maclean Atom

4 years of regular use on public transport and flying.

I nearly fell over it at least twice with the baby inside, because the wheels blocked suddenly in the middle of the street

• XXL Sun Shade
• Lightweight
• Can be used from birth (with a car seat or soft carrycot)
• Fits into overhead compartment on the plane
• Little rattly, especially with the car seat attached
• Wheels block very often, difficult not to trip over stroller and child

I bought it because I needed a lightweight stroller suitable from birth that can easily be carried around (stairs). I am now selling it because I nearly fell over it at least twice with the baby inside, because the wheels blocked suddenly in the middle of the street while crossing the street..

The only positive feedback for me is the lightweight design and the compact folded size

• Compact Folded Size
• Not good quality on fabrics
• The upright position of the seat is not upright enough
• Maclaren cup holder is not compatible with this stroller
• Maclaren sun umbrella cannot be positioned to actually be useful on the chassis

I see a lot of people giving positive feedback about the quality of this stroller but honestly I don’t share this opinion considering some of the competitors. Handlebar is low quality and the fabrics are not that good as well. Not to mention that the accessories like the Maclaren cupholder for example are not compatible with this stroller. The umbrella also is not very convenient to use. The only positive feedback for me is the lightweight design and the compact folded size.

Great stroller for a newborn

A great stroller for a newborn.

Super small, super driveable

• I wish for a longer seatback

Super small, super driveable!

I was positively surprised with the quality finish and the feel of the materials

• lightweight and compact
• quality materials
• sturdy wheels with individual suspension
• high handlebar with a leatherette cover and holes for ventilation
• craftsmanship, details, reflective elements
• large, UV protective hood
• seat padding
• well-balanced center of gravity
• essential accessories included (carry bag, reversible seat liner, rain cover)
• simple front-wheel lock activated with a foot (no need for bending down)
• higher price tag (corresponding with the quality materials and the lifetime warranty for the chassis though)
• shorter seat length (derived from the type of the stroller and the compact fold)
• slightly reclined seating position (backrest never completely upward)
• no bumper bar
• two-handed fold
• puzzle system of the five-point harness buckle
• an older child is able to lock the front wheels during the ride

The Atom is obviously destined for traveling-positive parents. Alternatively, you can use it as a secondary urban stroller. The Atom will manage activities such as being fitted into the boot of your car and going shopping with no problem - they are made so easy thanks to the low weight, small dimensions, and good maneuverability.

I would not recommend it (together with other strollers of the same type), if you need a stroller for demanding terrain (mountains, badly damaged sidewalks etc.). Additionally, the Atom is not the best choice for extremely tall kids and for really short parents, or for those who require a very upright sitting position for their kid. Apart from that, I am happy to recommend the Atom and give this stroller a solid 85 % from my point of view.

Although I am already used to some standard when it comes to Maclaren strollers (I own a Techno XLR as a spare at our grandma's), I was nevertheless positively surprised with the quality finish and the feel of the materials. Together with the higher handlebar and splendid (included) accessories, I would underline these features as the strongest selling points of this sturdy, 'atom' globetrotter.

Recommended as a travel buggy

We got it for our holidays, and the super-large canopy was such a help. Recommended as a travel buggy.

Loved the fabrics and the quality

• short leg rest
• slanted seat

Loved the fabrics and the quality. The short leg rest and the slanted seat are my biggest niggles.

We missed the belly bar A LOT

The seat is not upright at all, so we missed the belly bar A LOT. The wheels drive great but the wheel locking is too easy for my DD to block accidetally. The pushchair is really light and compact.

Your questions about the Maclaren Atom

Hello, where do I find the VIN number on the Atom style set stroller?

Usually, apart from on the box, it is on a sticker in the rear - lower part of the chassis. Often the sticker comes down but I would look there, or on the fabric tag on the basker.

Can I GET a link for the Maclaren Atom carrycot AND adapter (Europa only) - I can’t find anywhere.

If the stroller is sold around you, you simply need to ask the seller if such a part/accessory can be ordered. The thing is, I'm afraid, that the carrycot with adapters is not sold in Europe much, anymore.

Another thing I will recommend is to browse eBay regularly, such things can be bought there from time to time.

How would you compare the Maclaren Techno XT to the Maclaren Atom?

There is one, most important difference between the two (even if they might seem similar from the pictures) - the Maclaren Techno XT is a mid-size, umbrella-stroller-style stroller , meaning much more seat space but also a larger stroller after folding... and the Maclaren Atom (read full review here is a travel-first, occasional-use ultra-compact ( read more about ultracompacts and what they are and aren't good for in this article ).

Unlike many umbrella strollers, the Techno XT is a better-built, more quality stroller, meaning it should last you longer, but it is still very long after folding (and not as study as a single- handlebar strollers). The handle of the Techno XT is adjustable, which is nice, but also two-handed, which can be a bother at times.

The Atom is, as I already mentioned, smaller - smaller after folding, smaller and more slanted in the seat, and with smaller wheels. It is a nice stroller but not, primarily, for everyday use. For such, you'd be probably better off with the Techno XT, as it is a much more comfortable stroller for children, especially as they grow older.

The Atom, on the other hand, is the better choice for trips, traveling, taking with you to visit grandparents - simply better as a second stroller, occasional-use stroller when folded size is the most important thing - more important than the roominess for your kid.

Both strollers boast quite a nice ride in the city as well as very nice canopy size, so there, you'll be happy with them both. The atom, also, has a very breathable seat so is a more suitable 'summer/holiday' stroller.

This is your place to ask us a (quick) question about the Maclaren Atom

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Maclaren Atom Style Set Travel System- Super Lightweight, Ultra-Compact Stroller, Fits On Airplane's Overhead Storage. Car Seat Compatible. Loaded with Accessories. Multi-Position Reclining Seat

About this item.

• The lightest compact fold on the market. The simple 2D fold beats the competition on basic weight at 10.8lb, carrying capacity at 55lb and newborn age suitability. Designed to fit in the overhead compartment on British airways.
• Comfy and perfect for travel. The extendable, waterproof and UPF 50+ hood includes a window and air vents. The roomy multi-position reclining seat converts into a newborn Safety System. The durable mesh fabric is machine washable.
• Smart product for active parents. The Atom style set includes a premium wind-resistant Raincover, shoulder pads, Jockey strap, embroidered seat liner and storage bag. Other accessories sold separately.
• Transforms into a travel system with the Atom car seat Adapters. Compatible with top selling infant car seats from Britax, Concord, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi; adaptors sold separately.
• Tested to extremes. Built into every Maclaren stroller is our global safety standard. To safeguard your investment, register with Maclaren within 60 days of purchase to receive the Sovereign Lifetime Warranty.
• Size: ages 0 - 60 months

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From the manufacturer

Atom Style Set

Introducing the Atom Style Set - a smart product for a smarter generation - designed with thoughtful standards for modern travel. The Atom Style Set is super lightweight and small enough to travel in the overhead cargo of airplanes. This one-stop shop stroller will take any traveler to the far corners of the galaxy and back. Designed to meet the needs of families across space and time: car seat compatibility for the smallest of passengers, a multiple seat recline for curious explorers and super lightweight and compact flat fold for jet setters. The style set is suitable for new-born babies and children up to 25kg/55lb and its fully loaded with key accessory essentials, including a Raincover, Infant Comfort Pack, Reversible Seat Liner and Storage Bag - ready to roll right out of the box.

Atom Style Set Features

Atom style set accessories, maclaren services, product description.

Introducing the Atom style set - a smart product for a smarter generation - Designed with thoughtful standards for modern travel. The Atom style set is super lightweight and small enough to travel in the overhead cargo of airplanes. This One-Stop Shop stroller will take any traveler to the far corners of the Galaxy and back. Designed to meet the needs of families across space and time: car seat compatibility for the smallest of passengers, a multiple seat recline for curious explorers and super lightweight and compact fold for jet setters. The style set is fully loaded with key accessory essentials, including a raincover, infant comfort pack, seat liner and storage bag - ready to roll right out of the box.

Product information

Warranty & support, compare with similar items, videos for this product.

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Maclaren atom Style set

Maclaren N.A.

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