The sheer number of strollers and prams on the market can be daunting for a first-time parent. Do you prioritise style, functionality or value for money? The good news is there’s a way to have all three of those things and plenty of comfort for your baby, too. Introducing Eli, from Singapore-based company
Anex.
Anex Eli Features
Anex Eli comes with everything you need to transport your little bundle of joy safely and comfortably from birth until around four years old, or 22kg in weight. Included are the easily interchangeable seat unit and spacious carrycot, the suspension-laden frame with a detachable carrying strap, a matching backpack nappy bag and a mosquito net and rain cover.
If you’re starting with the carrycot, there’s little construction required straight out of the box. Click the wheels in place, attach the water-resistant basket to the chassis, unfold, and the carrycot can be slotted easily into place. Anex has thought about making pushing the pram as comfortable as possible and has even included a pair of height adapters that can be slotted in to raise the carrycot or seat unit by 8.5cm if required.
The carrycot is made using EPP materials — the same materials used for infant and child car seats — which are lightweight and 100% recyclable. The mattress feels soft to the touch and is filled with corn-derived materials, continuing the environmentally conscious theme.
The carrycot, seat unit and extendable canopies, which provide ample cover to each, have a water-repellent coating. If you get caught out by a shower, as we did while trying out the stroller, your passenger will stay cosy and dry without you having to dive for cover. The elasticated rain cover slips easily over the top for rougher weather or more prolonged rain.
The seat unit can be used for newborns and older children, as the back reclines almost flat with one simple move, making it comfortable and safe. The five-point harness straps them in with ease using the brilliant magnetic clasp. Get everything lined up, and the magnets take over, pulling it all together and fastening without fuss or faff — perfect when trying to harness a rebelling toddler.
The bumper bar then clips into place across the front of the stroller. This feature was very well received by Mini Joe during our test. In the upright position and forward facing (the seat unit can be used in either the forward or backwards-facing position), he had the perfect vantage point for viewing his surroundings and loved using the bumper bar hold on to, and now and then as a drum.
Folding Anex Eli was nice and easy, too. The carrycot has to be removed before folding, but the seat unit can remain in position. Simply fold the seat unit towards the rear wheels, fold the adjustable handle and release the catches on each side of the frame. The stroller will then fold and clip closed. Once folded, it’s self-supporting, so you don’t need to worry about it toppling over.
Anex Eli Handling
One of the stand-out features of Anex Eli is the handling. We took Mini Joe on tarmac, grass and rougher woodland terrain, and he was happy and comfortable throughout. All of the worst bumps and most of the smaller, more jarring ones were absorbed well by the suspension on the frame and the wheels. The rotating front wheels meant that tight turns weren’t too much of a problem, and even with the more bulky carrycot attached, nowhere was inaccessible.
Anex Eli Verdict
With its simple styling and excellent handling, Anex Eli is a great all-around choice. Available in four colours — our test model was Excite, a lovely pale green — the shades add to the stroller’s luxurious feel. It’s a good option for those working to a budget, as you shouldn’t need to shell out for anything more to keep your family on the move. It’s not quite as compact for travel as some other strollers, but it’s no colossal chunk, either.
All the parts are made to a high standard using quality materials, which, with sensible use, should stand the test of time. Anex is a brand that offers excellent value for money and stylish design that will keep you, just like Mini Joe, smiling all the way home.
