Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system review

How we tested the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system

• Used daily as the main travel system with a three to four-month-old baby.

• Primarily used with the carrycot attachment (not yet tested with the car seat) It’s worth noting that the car seat adapters are universal, and the Silver Cross Reef 2 is compatible with Silver Cross car seats such as the Dream i-Size as well as several leading car seat brands including Cybex (Aton And Cloud T and Z series) and Maxi-Cosi, particularly the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro.

• Taken on a variety of terrain including residential streets, on grass, through muddy pathways and gravel on common/green areas.

• Also used the Silver Cross Reef 2 during train travel, where portability and foldability were tested.

Once testing was complete, Tamsin scored the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system on eight key criteria, including: performance, quality and durability, ease of use, value for money, safety and stability, ease of folding and unfolding, comfort and storage.

Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system: what’s in the box?

Tamsin tested the Silver Cross Reef 2 9-piece Accessory Bundle which includes:

• Stroller frame

• Carrycot

• Footmuff

• Rain covers

• Changing bag

• Cup holder

• Phone holder

• Universal adaptors
  

Depending on the bundle you choose—whether it’s the 9-piece Accessory Bundle that Tamsin tested, the 11-piece Ultimate Infant Carrier Bundle, or the 12-piece Family Car Seat Bundle with two car seats—you’ll get a range of useful extras. The standard 9-piece bundle includes essentials like a footmuff, changing backpack, and car seat adapters. For families with older siblings, the compatible Silver Cross Ride-On Board (sold separately) is a great add-on for easier outings.

How easy is the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system to assemble?

Assembling the Silver Cross Reef 2 is relatively straightforward using the instruction manual, but it does take a little time. Tamsin explains, “It was simple to put together but took my husband and I around 30 minutes to put together, so if you’re in a hurry, make sure to set that time aside as it doesn’t take 10 minutes. Instructions were easy to follow, and no tools needed.”

The main stroller components click into place without the need for tools, and the carrycot and seat unit attach easily to the chassis. However, like many travel systems, the finer details—such as folding mechanisms, seat recline positions or using the hood and harness settings—can take a little figuring out. As Tamsin adds, “The only thing that we found difficult to follow were the instructions on using the features, so we turned to how-to videos.”

Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system: how does it look?

The Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system makes an immediate impression with its sleek design, offering both style and substance. As Tamsin puts it, “It’s a sleek black design which we like, and the rainproof material (woven exclusively with yarn from recycled plastic bottles) ensures our little one doesn’t get wet in the case of a downpour.”

One of the standout features is the carrycot, which Tamsin describes as “Cosy and spacious and will fit our boy up until six months.” The breathable design, aided by air vents around both the stroller and carrycot, adds to the comfort – “we can tell our little one finds it comfortable in there - he falls asleep instantly!” she says.

Silver Cross has clearly focused on enhancing comfort with this model. Compared to the original Reef, the Silver Cross Reef 2 boasts upgraded inner fabrics that are noticeably more padded, ensuring a snug ride for your baby. The protective bumper bar adds extra support, while the magnetic buckle on the no-rethread harness system is both stylish and practical – allowing for quick and easy fastening.

Other design flourishes include a discreetly placed latch to unfold the stroller on the inside of the chassis, offering a cleaner look. And while it weighs 13.6kg – not the lightest – it’s well balanced by enhanced suspension and large puncture-proof tyres, making it more than capable of tackling both urban pavements and off-road terrain.

Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system: is it safe and sturdy?

Yes! The Silver Cross Reef 2 is designed to feel safe, secure, and sturdy, whether you're out and about in the city or heading off the beaten track.

The enhanced suspension and large puncture-proof wheels give it impressive stability and shock absorption, which Tamsin confirms: “The stroller is pretty sturdy thanks to the enhanced suspension and larger wheels, plus it’s manoeuvrable in any tight spaces.”

Safety is clearly a priority, and that extends to the brake system too. While Tamsin notes, “The brake does feel very secure and this isn’t a function I worry about with the stroller,” she does add that it can be “a little difficult to unlock in a hurry” – but ultimately appreciates that “it’s better it’s secure than not.” It’s a fair trade-off for knowing the stroller will stay firmly in place when parked.

Another standout safety feature is the magnetic buckle and easy-adjust, no-rethread harness system. This design means you don’t need to unthread and rethread straps through loops every time your child grows – instead, the harness height can be quickly adjusted in one smooth motion. The magnetic buckle clicks together effortlessly and stays securely fastened until you're ready to release it, making it both quicker and safer to get your child in and out of the seat.

How comfortable is the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system?

Very! The seat and carrycot are designed with soft, supportive materials and the stroller’s padding is excellent too.

The carrycot feels roomy and secure, with added airflow thanks to vents at the front and back. Tamsin noted, “There is plenty of space for our little one and the carrycot feels like a safe cocoon for him. He’s quite long for a newborn, so we like the fact that it’s not cramped for him.”

She added, “We like the vents at the front and the back of the stroller as it gives us the reassurance that he’s getting good airflow in the carrycot.” That said, she did mention some movement during travel: “Our little one is super tiny, so I do worry about him moving around in the carrycot. When we took the stroller on a train and got it on and off the train, he slipped a little inside.”

The stroller seat is also designed with comfort and ease of use in mind. It features a fully reclining backrest for lie-flat naps, an adjustable calf support, and a quick lever adjustment at the back to change seating positions. The no-rethread harness is another practical addition – it sits flush across the chest and shoulders and can be adjusted in seconds without having to unthread and rethread straps. Tamsin commented, “We haven’t used the seat as much yet, but when we tested it out it seemed smooth and comfortable. Reclining and adjusting were easy to do with the stroller seat.”

From a parent’s perspective, the Reef 2 is also comfortable to push thanks to the adjustable handlebar, handles well in tight spaces, and includes an extendable canopy for better coverage in warm weather.

What is the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system like to use day-to-day?

Day to day, the Silver Cross Reef 2 proves to be a practical and reliable option, especially for families living in suburban areas or regularly navigating both pavements and park paths.

One of the most appreciated features is its smooth manoeuvrability. Tamsin says, “Manoeuvrability is brilliant, we’re super happy with how easy it is to use throughout our neighbourhood and where we go the most to get fresh air.” She adds, “Steering is effortless and easy which gave us the confidence to venture out within the second day of being home.” The enhanced suspension and all-terrain wheels perform well even on muddy paths, offering a steady, confident push, which makes this stroller a great all-terrain option.

The seat and carrycot are user-friendly once you get familiar with them. The seat can be easily switched between parent- and world-facing modes by pressing two buttons and lifting it off the chassis—something Tamsin found helpful as it doesn’t require pressing both buttons at once, which is great when you don’t have two hands free. Reclining the seat or adjusting it is simple too, and the extendable handlebar makes it comfortable for different-height users (Tamsin is 5’9” and her husband 6’3”).

Tamsin also shared that while the carrycot is spacious and comfortable, there was a small learning curve: “It wasn’t immediately clear how to make the carrycot stay up once unfolded and attached to the stroller. The hood of the carrycot needs to be up for it to stay in place, which took us a little while to work out.” Because her son is long, fitting him in with the hood up was slightly awkward at first, but she adds, “The carrycot is so comfortable and is one of the only places he peacefully naps, so we’re happy with it overall.” The interior materials are super soft, though the white lining led them to place a sheet inside to protect it. Outside, the fabric is water-resistant, shedding water without needing to reach for the rain cover – a huge bonus!

In terms of daily practicality, the storage basket is roomy, holding up to 5kg and easily fits a changing bag and shopping. The quick one-handed fold, with the seat still attached (in either direction), is another major plus, especially as the stroller can stand upright when folded and keeps the handlebar off the ground.

One trade-off is the weight of the frame, which can make lifting it into the car challenging. However, once out and in use, it’s light to push and feels solid on all surfaces. While it doesn’t offer the option to add a second stroller seat, the buggy board compatibility is a useful feature for parents with toddlers.

Is the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system easy to use on public transport?

Yes, the Silver Cross Reef 2 performs well on public transport. As Tamsin says, this is “thanks largely to its excellent manoeuvrability and smooth ride.” Its design makes navigating crowded train carriages and tight station platforms more manageable, helping to reduce the stress of commuting. Its all-terrain wheels handle different surfaces confidently, so transitions between pavement, train floors and platforms feel seamless.

While the stroller isn’t the lightest on the market at 13.6 kg, it is noticeably lighter than bulkier models like the Bugaboo Fox 5 (15.5 kg), which can feel quite heavy when lifting on and off trains or buses. That said, the Silver Cross Reef 2’s weight still means it can feel a bit bulky, especially if you’re juggling bags or children at the same time.

Does the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system fit in the boot of a car?

Yes! Tamsin says, “It does fit easily in our Kia Sportage, but takes up quite a lot of space.” The compact fold helps make it more manageable, and the fact that it can be folded with the seat still attached, in either direction, is a real bonus for convenience.

Once folded, it also locks securely in place, stands upright on its own, and has a built-in carry handle, making it easier to lift and store without the handlebar or fabrics touching the ground. These features are especially useful when loading into a car boot or storing it at home.

Is the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system easy to clean?

Yes, the Silver Cross Reef 2 is designed with practicality in mind, and that includes how easy it is to keep clean. Tamsin shared, “We got the wheels dirty on a walk and it was extremely easy to clean.” She also mentioned that they’ve been storing the pram in the back of their car, “where it has got slightly dirty due to wellies and boots, but it’s been easy to wipe clean.”

The outer fabrics are made from durable, rain-resistant materials that handle mud and daily grime well—dirt tends to brush or wipe off without much effort.

Is the Silver Cross Reef 2 travel system good value for money?

Tamsin says, “Overall, considering the look and the ease of use, I'd say yes. I would’ve expected a lighter frame for the price point though.” At around £1,095 for the 9-piece bundle, the Silver Cross Reef 2 offers solid value—especially when compared to similar premium all-terrain models like the Bugaboo Fox 5, which starts at a similar price point but doesn’t include as many accessories as standard.

The Silver Cross Reef 2 bundle includes essentials like a carrycot, seat unit, rain cover, car seat adapters, and a footmuff, which can help parents avoid extra spending later. In contrast, many of these are additional purchases with the Bugaboo Fox 5, driving up the total cost.

That said, weight may be a consideration. The Silver Cross Reef 2’s frame and seat weigh 13.6kg, which Tamsin found on the heavier side—especially post-C-section. The Silver Cross Reef 2 offers slightly less under-seat storage than the Bugaboo Fox 5, with a 53L basket (holding around 5kg) compared to the Fox 5’s 9kg capacity.

Still, this travel system balances premium features, durable design, and strong all-terrain performance, making it a well-rounded option that feels like a worthwhile investment for everyday family use.

About the author

Tammy Jacks is a distinguished researcher and writer in the field of child safety, with a notable focus on the critical domain of travel systems including car seats and strollers. Her extensive expertise and commitment to child safety have made her a trusted authority in providing comprehensive insights and guidance to parents and caregivers looking for the right stroller, travel system or car seat for their children.

As a seasoned school runner and mum to a nine-year-old, Tammy has personally tried and tested numerous buggies, strollers and car seats over the years, across all age categories.

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