2015 Mamas & Papas Armadillo XT Stroller Review

If you are confused by all the Armadillos running around, you are not alone. Mamas & Papas decided to take over the stroller market by making every kind of Armadillo possible.

They are only missing a jogger at this point. LOL. Anyways, there are a total of five different models in the Armadillo series: Armadillo, Armadillo XT, Armadillo City, Armadillo Flip, and Armadillo Flip XT. BTW, here is my full side-by-side comparison.

Some of you might haven’t heard of the XT addition because Mamas & Papas haven’t advertised it as much.

They quietly added XT and Flip XT to the line of Armadillos without really creating a big splash. This really surprised me since XT and Flip XT are both long-awaited strollers for 2015.

At this point, you are probably wondering how Armadillo XT is different from the regular Armadillo. Well, it has some great updates like mesh in the canopy for better airflow, larger wheels that can handle more terrain, an adjustable handlebar for shorter and taller parents, and a new sporty design on the canopy.

Just like the original model it features a roomy seat, very deep one-hand recline, large basket, supersized canopy, adjustable leg rest, all-wheel suspension, flip-flop friendly brake, automatic lock, standing fold, travel system option, and very compact one-hand fold.

You can also turn it into a travel system. The seat can accommodate a child from birth and up to 5o lbs. With all these upgrades XT weighs only 20 lbs. Sounds like a perfect stroller? It might be! This could be definitely your ONLY stroller.

OVERALL

I gave it 5 out of 5 stars because it really has everything you could wish for and then some. Many parents do want compact fold, deep recline, and lightweight, but at the same time, they want decent size wheels that can tackle some terrain.

The only thing that all of the Armadillo models are lacking is a bumper bar. Not a deal breaker for me, but would be nice to have this option. 

You can get Mamas & Papas Armadillo XT in one of the three beautiful colors for about $399.

Buy Mamas & Papas Armadillo XT Stroller »

Features

CANOPY

Just like the original model, it has a large canopy that goes all the way down to the child’s knees providing full coverage. There is a clear peekaboo window with a magnetic closure.

There is also a zipped-up mesh panel in the back that you can expose to provide better air circulation on a hot summer day.

This was one of the highly requested features from parents. There is also a small toy loop on the inside of the canopy, that you can use to hang a small toy for your baby.

HANDLEBAR

It has an adjustable telescopic handlebar that goes from 38″ up to 41″ from the ground. Great for taller and shorter parents. There is a convenient grip in the middle for one-hand navigation and a short run-away strap for additional safety.

SEAT

The seat is 12″ wide with a 20″ seat back and a measurement of 24″ from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy. The seat can accommodate a child from birth and up to 50 lbs.

What I really like about this seat is that the back of the seat is made out of hard plastic that will always maintain its shape and provide your child with maximum support. The seat has an infinite one-hand recline operated by a strap system.

Usually with the strap system, you will need both hands to bring the seat back. Not with this one! You can easily bring the seat back with ONLY one hand by pulling on the straps.

HARNESS

It has a 5-point padded adjustable harness with a center release buckle that is a little puzzle piece. This is not my favorite buckle, but you can get used to it.

FOOTREST

You can easily adjust the legrest by pulling the lever underneath. It has two positions: horizontal and angled down.

Small babies can stretch their little feet and sit comfortably. Also, it creates a great bed-like environment for long naps and quick diaper changes.

BASKET

The basket is not only large but is accessible from all four sides. The sides are made out of stretchable mesh making it easy to get in. If the footrest is up, you can get into it from the front.

You should be able to fit a large diaper bag with no problems. Parents with long legs will be happy because the crossbar is located much higher than on most of the strollers creating more legroom.

BRAKE

There is a single pedal located on the right rear wheel. It is flip-flop friendly. A light press on the pedal will lock and unlock both of rear wheels.

WHEELS

It rolls on four hard rubber wheels with 6.5″ wheels in the front and 9″ wheels in the back. The front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight for rougher terrain.

These wheels can handle more terrain than on the original Armadillo which wheels are 6″ and 7.5″. With XT you can take a long walk at the park, or stroll down busy city streets with uneven sideways.

The all-wheel suspension will help to absorb some of the bumps if you decide to tackle grass, mulch, or sand.

FOLD

The fold is super easy. It’s two steps, but you can do them with one hand. First, bring the canopy all the way back, and push the handlebar forward. Next, pull on the strap located in the back of the seat and the stroller will fold. Done!

I like that the seat is folded inside and is protected from all the dirt. It has a VERY compact fold with dimensions of 21.6″W x 28.3″L x 11.8″H.

This stroller should fit in the smallest trunk with no problem. It has an automatic lock and standing fold.

TRAVEL SYSTEM OPTION

Despite weighing only 20 lbs, Armadillo XT has a travel system option. It works with the most popular infant car seats like (you just need to get the right adapter):

• Cybex Aton/Aton2/Aton Q
• Nuna
• Maxi Cosi Citi/Pebble/Cabriofix/Mico
• Graco Snugride Click Connect
• Chicco KeyFit 30 (top-rated car seat. I had it and absolutely loved it!)

RAIN COVER

It comes with a rain cover.

Cons

-No bumper bar. I think this is the main issue. For some reason, none of the Armadillo models have a bumper bar. I am guessing it’s because of the super compact fold.

-Puzzle-piece buckle. The buckle is a little tricky and time-consuming, but not a deal breaker.

Specs

Stroller weight: 20 lbs
Weight limit: 50 lbs
Folded dimensions: 21.6″W x 28.3″L x 11.8″H
Handlebar height: 38″- 41″
Seat to canopy height: 24″
Front wheels: 6.5″
Rear wheels: 9″
Overall length: 39″
Overall width: 22″

Warranty

Mamas & Papas gives a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase.

Available colors

The Armadillo XT model is available in three colors: black, lemon drop, and teal. All the strollers come with a silver frame.

Comparison Chart

If you want to see how the Armadillo XT model compares to other  Armadillo models here is my full side-by-side comparison.

Where to buy it

You can get Mamas & Papas Armadillo XT in one of the three beautiful colors for about $399. Since this is a new luxury stroller, I didn’t see any good sales on it. But, I think for what you get, the price is very reasonable.

Buy Mamas & Papas Armadillo XT Stroller »