Why Buy a Maclaren Major Elite

Don't buy it just because it has the Maclaren brand name there needs to be a better reason than that, something more substantial.

So why buy the Maclaren Major Elite rather than a less expensive special needs pushchair?

It's the little things, the attention to detail, no short cuts, no compromises, no gimmicks.

Details which might be easy to overlook before you buy your pushchair, so here are just a few to look out for (not in any particular order).

Frame Construction

• ALL frame joints are factory riveted there are none of the nut & bolts fixings on cheaper special needs pushchairs which can come undone in use.

Footplate

• The footplate has neat little release triggers which make it easy to fit or remove, it isn't a daily challenge like the 'push-fit' footplates on cheaper special needs pushchairs.

• The footplate is a substantial moulded part - not a lightweight piece of plastic, it's designed for a child with special needs.

Harness

• The harness has a substantial clasp which is harder for a child to undo themselves than the clasp on cheaper special needs pushchairs.

• The shoulder harness top position is 6cm higher than on most cheaper special needs pushchairs so your child is less likely to outgrow the harness before they outgrow the pushchair.

• The harness straps are wider than the straps on cheaper special needs pushchairs which should be more comfortable for your child.

• The buckles which secure the shoulder straps to the seat are 50% larger than the buckles on cheaper special needs pushchairs so they are less likely to be pulled through the seat fabric.

Handles

• The Major Elite handles are ergonomic moulded grips, they are more comfortable and more durable than the foam handles on cheaper special needs pushchairs which, being foam, are susceptible to damage.

Fabrics

• The Major Elite seat fabric is softer to the touch, gentle, more child friendly (especially when against bare skin) than the more utility fabrics on cheaper special needs pushchairs. If you're sitting in the pushchair for longer periods it's important to have something which is comfortable in all seasons.

Style

• It's a personal thing but we like the open styling and clean lines of the Major Elite especially in the Black fabric, a bit more sophisticated than the enclosed seat sides on other pushchairs.

Copies

The Major Elite is the original umbrella fold style special needs pushchairs designed by Maclaren together with the NHS, designed primarily to do a job not to meet a price.

The cheaper special needs pushchairs are direct copies, they are cheaper by making savings in the details, the construction, footplate, handles, fabrics etc.. Yes you can save money but all these compromises affect your daily experience and how long it will last.

The Major Elite has a Two Year Manufacturers Warranty compared to a One Year Manufacturers Warranty on cheaper special needs pushchairs.

There's nothing wrong with a copy, they do comply with all of the necessary tests required by regulatory authorities.