Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe Review

Upon receiving the Ickle Bubba Stomp Luxe 2-in-1 Stratus i-size Travel System, I was immediately impressed by its neat and tidy appearance, as well as the number of accessories included for it’s reasonable price point. This travel system comes with all the essentials I would expect, such as a frame, carrycot, infant seat, car seat, adapters, and liners. Additionally, it includes items that some companies typically sell separately, such as a changing bag, rain cover, car window sun visors, foot muffs, and leather handle and bumper bar covers. I particularly appreciate that foot muffs are included, as these are invaluable for the colder months.

Pros

Manoeuvrability:

The pram's frame and wheels provide a smooth ride that feels safe, stable, and easy to steer. The height-adjustable handlebar is a welcome feature, catering to different user heights. I am particularly fond of the large, puncture-proof wheels, which make navigating various terrains hassle-free (after all, us mums don’t just spend our days in nice smooth shopping centre’s do we…) The front wheels offer the convenience of switching between swivel and locked with just the push of a button. Additionally, all four wheels can be easily removed with a single button press, which is beneficial for storage or transport. The brakes are easy to engage, effective and reliable.

Size and Accessibility:

This pram frame is not overly bulky compared to other models I have used, which is advantageous for manoeuvring through tight spaces and narrow pavements. The elevated seating position is great for visibility of your child when using any of the parent-facing carry options. The elevated position also allows for easy access to the storage basket beneath the seat, which is highly convenient. The storage basket, I would say, is of average size. The chassis, with wheels attached, weighs 7.1 kg, making it relatively lightweight.

Comfort, Safety and Design:

The infant seat appears well-padded, especially when the additional seat insert is used. The hoods offer UPF 50+ protection, ensuring safety and comfort for the child. However, I do wish the hoods were larger, as they do not provide as much coverage as those on some other pram models I have used. I have the all-black version, which not only looks sleek but is also practical for maintaining cleanliness. The leather handles and bumper bar covers make wiping off sticky fingers a breeze.

Car Seat:

The car seat is well-padded, and the harness is straightforward to use. The Isofix car seat base is a significant advantage for those of you who, like me, have perviously struggled with securing a bulky car seat with a seatbelt. It clicks in and out with ease, though there is also the option to use a seatbelt to secure the car seat, which is convenient when traveling in someone else's car; without needing to remove the isofix base from your car.

Cons

Assembly Challenges:

Despite my familiarity with setting up baby products, I found the assembly of this travel system challenging. The instructions, though lengthy, were confusing, and I resorted to watching multiple YouTube videos to guide me through the process. Switching between the carrycot and the infant seat is not a quick task, as both require the use of the same frame, which must be removed and reattached. While this design may save storage space, parents should allow ample time for the initial setup; if not, it may result in you arriving late to a day out.

Folding Mechanism:

I am not a fan of the folding mechanism, as I have found it to be cumbersome and prone to jamming. It requires a considerable amount of pressure, and with both hands occupied pulling back the handles, I found myself using my stomach to apply the necessary force, which is not ideal, especially during pregnancy. When folded, the travel system is not particularly compact. The frame cannot be folded with the carrycot attached, and with the infant seat attached in the parent-facing position. While it can be folded with the infant seat in the world-facing position, it becomes quite bulky, likely occupying most of the boot space of an average-sized car. On the positive side, unfolding the system is straightforward, involving only lifting a catch and pulling up the handlebar.

Quality Concerns:

The lower price point may have led to some compromises in quality. For instance, the carrycot base appears to be made of a thin board of some type, which is visible around the edges even with the mattress in place. The included changing bag does not match the quality of other changing backpacks I have used, and the rain cover feels flimsy and cheap. However, for first-time parents, the inclusion of a changing bag and rain cover may be both convenient and cost-effective.

Size Limitations:

The carrycot is not particularly spacious, so parents with longer babies may need to transition to the infant seat sooner than the intended six-month usage period. Similarly, the infant seat is not the largest I have used, which could pose a problem for taller children like mine, possibly requiring a change before reaching the 22kg weight limit or the age of four, as advertised (I would actually say that for bigger children, the infant seat would likely be suitable up until approx 2 years of age).

Car Seat Considerations:

While the car seat is standard, most parents I know transition their babies out of these mobile car seats early, as they do not seem to offer long-term comfort as babies get older. The need for separate attachments to use the car seat on the pram frame is typical but can be an inconvenience if forgotten.

Conclusion

Overall, while there are aspects of this travel system that I am not particularly fond of, I recognise the advantages of it’s reasonable price and the convenience it offers to first-time parents by providing a comprehensive travel solution in one purchase. Therefore, I would rate this product 3 out of 5 stars.