July 2024: Strollberry is sunsetting.Here's why July 2024: After 6 years of working on Strollberry in my free time, it just stopped being sustainable. Find out more. eli
Silver Cross Reef
<

Silver Cross Reef

The multi-terrain urban pram with a large frame base
.eli
see 6 parent reviews

The Silver Cross Reef is a May 2022 release of a single, larger-wheeled reversible pushchair with the possibility of a full-featured 2in1 or 3in1 stroller system, and a more all-terrain version of its urban brother, the Silver Cross Dune. Silver Cross actually presents it as a 5in1 as there are optional accessories such as a soft insert cot called "Newborn Pod" usable right in the seat, and a ride-on board available (there's more, e.g. a luxury backpack-style changing bag to buy separately if you want such).

The flat-folding Silver Cross Reef stroller frame features an individual wheel suspension, and the size of the wheels is larger, so even occasional bumps should be ok. The slightly rigid chassis and suspension of Silver Cross strollers overall make it still better for city surfaces mostly. The from-birth "First Bed Folding Carrycot" is a regular folding carrycot with a double sun visor and enough ventilation to allow overnight sleeping. Apart from this bassinet, you can attach a car seat with adapters (either Silver Cross or a Maxi-Cosi/Cybex type of adaptors are available) to create a car-friendly travel system (officially compatible with these car seats: Clek Liing; Cybex, and Maxi-Cosi car seats - all, including the Mico 30, Mico Max & Coral XP; Nuna Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite LX and Pipa RX).

The seat unit of the Reef is reversible, so you can click it on parent-facing or street-facing as needed. The seat has a canopy that includes an extension, a double sun visor, and even a hidden integrated sunshade called "Sun Sail" that will cover pretty much the whole child even in lie-flat mode. Dune also boasts a "Genius harness system" that stays open and features a magnetic buckle for easy harnessing the child in. A lot of padding and luxury-looking recycled/sustainable fabrics are some of the reasons for the luxury look of the pram as well as the high price of this city model.

Silver Cross Reef Features & Specifications

The Basics

Type
Pushchair (seat and chassis only), 2in1 stroller system, 3in1 stroller system
Stroller weight
12.5 kg
Unfolded dimensions (h×w×l)
112 cm x 61 cm x 85 cm
Folded dimensions (h×w×l)
71 cm x 61 cm x 30.5 cm
Chassis material
Aluminum
Country of origin
UK

The Seat unit

Maximum weight capacity - seat load
22 kg
Recommended age range (best to use with a child of)
0-30 months
Reversible seat unit
Yes
Easy-release memory button(s) on the seat or the carrycot
No
L-shaped, bucket-type seat unit
No
Reclining backrest
Yes, 3 positions
Full-recline backrest (a bigger-than-a-150-degree-angle to a lie-flat)
No
Backrest recline type
Rear-located recline mechanism (e.g., lever-operated)
One-hand backrest recline system
Yes
Extendable backrest
No
Legrest positioning
Yes, 3 positions
Extendable leg rest
No
Wipe-clean layer on the leg rest
Yes
Footrest
Yes
Backrest height
50 cm
Width and depth of the sitting surface
? x 20 cm
Total length of the seat unit
85 cm
A higher seat unit's position on the chassis
No
Height-adjustable seat
No
Seat unit's proper attachment indicator
No
2in1 convertible carrycot/seat unit (pramette travel system)
No
Fabrics removable for cleaning
No
Seat fabrics cleaning
Wipe-clean only
Safety harness type
5-point
Harness padding
Yes
Height-adjustable harness belts
Yes
Ventilation integrated into the seat
No
Second seat can be attached (single-to-double convertibility)
No

The Canopy (Hood)

Seat unit equipped with a canopy/hood
Yes
Extendable canopy/hood
Yes
The canopy/hood features a sun visor
Yes
Floating, follow-the-sun canopy
No
Height-adjustable canopy
No
Removable canopy
Yes
Waterproof canopy
Yes
UV protection in the (canopy) fabrics
Yes
Ventilation integrated into the canopy
Yes
A pocket integrated into the canopy
No
Peek-a-boo viewing window present on the canopy
Yes
Peek-a-boo window can be closed/covered
Yes
Quiet (magnetic/no velcro) peek-a-boo window
Yes
Reinforcing side clasps present on the canopy
No

The Bumper bar

Bumper bar
Yes
Bumper bar type (style)
Bar
Removable bumper bar
Yes
Gate-opening (swing-away) bumper bar
Yes
Height-adjustable bumper bar
No
Bumper bar features a fabric (non-wipe-clean) cover
No
Bumper bar features an extra crotch strap
No

The Wheels

Number of wheels
4
Front wheel(s) type
Rubber-coated wheels
Rear wheels type
Rubber-coated wheels
Front wheels diameter
19 cm
Rear wheels diameter
25.5 cm
Swivel wheels
Yes
Lockable wheels
Yes
Removable wheels
Yes
All wheels are double wheels
No
All-terrain version of wheels available to purchase separately
No
Wheels equipped with mudguards
No,
Two-wheel mode
No

The Suspension

Suspension
Yes
Wheels with suspension
All
Suspension type
Open springs
Adjustable suspension softness
No
Rocking chassis
No

The Brake

Central brake system/type
One-step rocker pedal (flip-flop friendly)
Deceleration handbrake
Yes,

The Fold

Folding system
Flat (compact) fold
One-hand fold
Yes
Plane-travel-friendly stroller with an ultra-compact fold (suitable as carry-on luggage)
Yes
Folds with the (forward-facing) seat attached
Yes
Folds with the rearward-facing seat attached
Yes
Self-standing fold
Yes
Auto-lock feature of the folded chassis
Yes
Folded stroller can be pulled behind like luggage
No
Stroller folds and/or unfolds by itself
No
Equipped with a carry strap/carry handle
No
Outward fold (the seat fabrics are on the outside after folding)
No

The Handlebar

Handle height adjustment
Telescopic
Handlebar material
Leatherette (PU/eco-leather)
Handlebar height
98.5-112 cm
Reversible handlebar (handle can be flipped to the other side)
No
Safety wrist strap
No

The Basket

Shopping basket
Yes
Large shopping basket
Yes
Basket's weight capacity
4.5 kg
Closable basket
No
An extra basket can be attached to the frame
No
A pocket integrated into the seat/elsewhere on the stroller frame
No

The Carrycot

Carrycot compatible
Yes (without adapters)
Internal dimensions of the carrycot - mattress measurement
70 x 31 cm
Carry handle on the carrycot
Yes,
Inclining carrycot mattress
No,
Foldable carrycot
Yes,
Rocking-base carrycot
No
Ventilatilated carrycot base (bottom ventilation system)
No,
Carrycot installable in the car instead of a group 0+ car seat (Auto carrycot)
No,
Carrycot positioned high on the frame
No

The Car seat

Car seat compatible
Yes (with adapters)
Car seat sold separately
Yes
Maxi-Cosi/Cybex car seat attachment-type adapters available
No
Britax Römer car seat attachment-type adapters available
No

The Accessories & Extra features

Parent tray/organizer on the handlebar (included)
No
Cup holder can be attached
No
Reflective elements
No
No pushchair mode/seat-unit configuration available
No
Rain cover included
No
Mosquito net included
No
Leg cover (apron) included with the seat unit
No
Seat liner/insert included
No
Changing bag included
No
Carry bag/transport cover for the folded stroller included
No
Motorized/Baterry-powered
No
LED light(s)
No
Built-in audio speakers
No
A storage/bag can be attached instead of a seat
No

Parent reviews of the Silver Cross Reef

1.5/5
Add YOUR review
if you own(ed) it, own it ;-)
parents say thx^^
  • Absolutely zero
  • Take weeks to return your emails
  • No number to call available
  • Do not understand the concept of customer service
  • And the pram had a known fault of the frame

Avoid this business like the plague.

I purchased a Reef at the BPC expo Canberra. After approx 2 months of use the frame started to collapse. It took over 3 months of back and forth emails, they finally told me it needed to be sent back. They then deemed that by not folding it properly that is why it was faulty, despite the fact it is impossible to fold with the handle up. If they knew their own product they would know this. Anyway, my daughter is now 7 months, I haven't had a functioning pram for over 3 months, and I am $1000 in debt. AVOID.

  • Looks
  • Quality
  • Balance
  • Steering!

Poor quality which is so disappointing. Looks great. Broke early on. Balance poor - hard to get front wheels up kerb when handle low. Suspension poor. Only works on flat pavements.

We are now on our FOURTH replacement chassis

1.0
  • Beautiful aesthetic
  • Slick
  • Not clunky
  • AVOID, faulty

DO NOT BUY. FAULTY, EVEN AFTER REDESIGN.

Customer service from Tony Kealy, Belfast has been fantastic so far, but I feel I owe it to other parents to review the Silver Cross Reef. We thought long and hard about our pram bundle for our first baby and went for the Reef despite it being one of the most expensive as it looked so beautiful and my family have always had Silver Cross. The pram was a gift from my Mum. Sadly we are now on our FOURTH replacement chassis. The same as multiple other reviews which can be found on John Lewis and other sites, the Reef handle wobbles to the point it feels it will break. After the THIRD replacement, we were assured the fourth was a redesign. We received it last week, and it broke the same way today. I’m so sad as I love the look of this pram, but its design is so poor 😞 I’ll be asking for a refund now and will go with a different brand as have lost faith in the product design and testing process.

  • Manoeuvring
  • Looks
  • Sturdy
  • Folding mechanism
  • Heavy
  • Low wheel base makes it hard to push over any small bump or the curb.
  • Seat is very low to the ground

Disgraceful product by disgraceful company.

Has broken twice in less than 5 months of use. Silver Cross is non contactable. I emailed 7 times and called their stores repeatedly before I finally received a reply. Still waiting since February for a replacement frame and now the hood snapped. DO NOT BUY.

  • Good points:
  • Stylish
  • Nice material
  • Roomy basket
  • Bassinet practical
  • Height adjustable handle
  • Cosy footmuff
  • Bad points:
  • Heavy
  • Difficult to fold and unpredictable mechanisms
  • Difficult to attach stroller seat to chassis
  • Magnetic harness nearly impossible to close with baby in pram - easy when trying in the shop with no baby
  • Hood snapped after 2 weeks of use and was replaced by Silver Cross

Family has always purchased Silver Cross, and when the agreed arrived just in time for new grandchild, there was no contest. The carrycot/bassinet is really good and practical in that it flattens for storing. Comfortable and looks well made and easy to add to the pram chassis.

The stroller however is not so straightforward.

Luxurious-looking with drawbacks

3
  • looks
  • padding
  • harness (easy and modern!)
  • basket = large, access is neat
  • larger wheels that don't need inflating
  • sunshade on the hood
  • weight
  • larger frame
  • price point
  • shorter calf rest and a seat that overall won't last till the presented 55 lbs
  • not as all-terrain TBH

A very luxurious-looking pram. I love it, but I can see a few drawbacks already. The bassinet sees a bit short so I don't think the baby is going to last there up till the usual 6 months of age. I would probably pick the insert cot if I were to pick again. The seat's calf rest is a bit too short and the footrest is far, so a 1-1.5 years old child will have its feet dangle. And the frame is a bit wide and overall heavy, so even with that flat fold (which is very nice indeed, and one-handed after a few tries), it is not a compact stroller easy to load in your trunk. My last niggle is the all-terrainness, I mean it can go over grass or gravel but it is not a comfort stroller that would do so softly and fuss-free. It is more of a stylish pram that you can show off while tackling bumpy pavements and an occasional dirt road.

Your questions about the Silver Cross Reef

1)

The first bed seems really wobbly when attached to the pram. Is this normal? Worried baby will get thrown about when going up and down curbs.

Hi, Lizzie,

A bit of a wobble is normal, it absorbs vibrations from bumps, and many strollers do have those attachment points made so it is not completely tight. However, if the looseness - wobbling is so strong you're worried your baby might fall out, that is definitely a manufacturing fault and you should contact your seller/distributor/Silver Cross customer service and perhaps claim your warranty - it wouldn't be safe to use a stroller that wobbles too strongly.

.eli - 22 Nov 2023
2)

For a 5/6 month old should the harness straps be at the highest setting or do you start at bottom and move up as they grow (or opposite)? When my baby is in pram the strap pads are right up at his neck like a neck pillow! Thanks

Hey, Soph,

Normally, you start at the lowest or the second lowest setting depending on your child's size. The straps should be at, or just below your little one's shoulders' height. They should then go higher as the child grows, in any case the general rule is to have them attached at or just under the shoulder's height.

.eli - 05 Aug 2023
3)

I have the Silver Cross Reef and the side seems to slip out every now and again. Is my stroller faulty or is there a way to fix this please?

Hey, Han,

I am not sure what you mean by the side slipping out. If you mean the attachment point, well, that should definitely stay on, otherwise it's a health hazard and definitely a fault that should get repaired or the part replaced.

.eli - 02 Jul 2023
4)

How do you keep the Reefs seat footrest locked in place? It falls as soon as my 14 LB 8 month old is put in the seat as well as with light touch when she is out of it?

Hey, Jane,

The leg rest should click into place and get unlocked only by pushing the side buttons. Check if those buttons are not pushed and stuck in so that the leg rest would be loose, but if they are not, something internal got broken, as it should hold. In that case, you'll need to contact the seller or the brand's customer service about a possible warranty claim / servicing or repair/replacement.

.eli - 08 Jun 2023
5)

Can you use the same hood for the carrycot, chair and carseat?

Hi Janeh,

No, unfortunately the hoods are separate for each of the part, so the seat has its own hood, and so does the carrycot, and the car seat. They are not interchangeable.

.eli - 20 Feb 2023
6)

Hello,

Does the Silver Cross Reef allow for a second seat?

Hiya, Krystal,

If you open the stroller's specifications, this feature is actually in the list - ad the answer is no, this pram does not allow single-to-double convertibility; only 1 seat (or any other part of the travel system) can be attached to the frame.

.eli - 28 Nov 2022
7)

Can the Silver Cross Reef be used for traveling on an airplane? Will they let you on the plane and put it in overhead compartment?

Hi, Cs,

They definitely WON'T let you put it in the overhead compartment as it would never fit, this is a full-size model that is simply not that small. So, as cabin luggage, you will not be able to take the Reef with you on the plane.

You can, however, take it as checked luggage or, with some airlines, as baby's free luggage. In the second case, you will take it to the plane, they will store it after you get on, and will return it to you when getting off.

.eli - 23 Nov 2022
8)

Hi. What is the function of the ‘lever’ which sticks out at the front of the underpram basket to the parent’s right hand side?

Hiya,

It is the automatic lock that holds the stroller together when folded so that it doesn't start opening when for example being loaded in the car boot.

.eli - 11 Sep 2022
9)

Which lay flat (157 degrees) car seat is tested and fits on the Reef chassis? I was looking at the Maxi Cosi Marble but don't know if it has been tested and approved on the Reef frame?

Hi, Nicola,

The brands often test only a few car seats and prefer their own. If not a small stroller, though (which the Reef is not), you should be ok with any car seat that fits the adapters. In this case, I would not be worried about the Maxi-Cosi Marble, the Joie i-Level, The Kiddy Evluna i-size or the Cybex Cloud.

If still in doubt, be sure to write to Silver Cross customer service, they will have the most updated info, I believe. But I am pretty sure that with Maxi-Cosi adapters, abovementioned car seats will be ok.

.eli - 22 Jun 2022

This is your place to ask us a (quick) question about the Silver Cross Reef