GB Pockit stroller review

Now Goodbaby have brought out their own package, which will in effect be in competition with the XSS, as well as other tiny sized, super-fold buggies including the Babyzen Yoyo (£339) and Recaro Easylife (£189).

Buy the GB Pocket stroller from John Lewis, Toys R Us, and Kiddicare.

The difference between the GB Pockit and the Mothercare XSS Pockit:

There are noticeable differences, the wheels on the GB Pockit are bigger, the components are different and according to GB, they are made with a different buggy mould, which is why it’s also more expensive than the Mothercare version.

Unpacking the GB Pockit stroller

Nestled into its neat little packing case, the Pockit starts as it means to on, prompting the courier who delivered it to ask with incredulity, ‘are you sure there’s a buggy in there?’

Sized at just 35cm x 18cm x 30cm in its smallest incarnation, the Pockit is small enough to sit on train luggage rack or pop into an airline overhead locker – so useful on overstuffed Pendelino trains!

How is assembling the GB Pockit?

Easy peasy – because there is simply nothing to do. The instructions do suggest washing the fabric sling seat before first use.

How does it compare to other compact buggies?

If you need a very compact buggy, for travelling or for negotiating public transport in city life, you probably can’t get a better buggy for those specific tasks; it represents a freedom to travel unimpeded.

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The Mothercare XSS is almost identical, with the frame, shopping bag and sunshade all the same. The Pockit does come in six colourways, so it’s pretty stylish. My ‘turbo blue’ model was teal with coordinating turquoise. All in all, pretty neat.

So what’s so special about this fold?

The Pockit is a very clever piece of design and engineering. You can even fold it down in two ways (although both do require two hands to complete).

The first fold is the quickest, leaving the back wheels poking out from the ‘buggy sandwich’ just a little. It’s perfect for when you’re in a hurry to fold down to get on a bus, and listen, even this is the impossible dream for must buggy users!

If you have an extra few seconds, however, you can achieve perfection by folding the back wheels in before allowing the frame to concertina all the way down. This takes a little practice, and it a bit fiddly, but is an amazing option to get a tiny size for luggage racks etc.

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While watching the fold is almost hypnotic, it’s not without issue. It’s true, unfolding can be done in a second, with a flourish and flick of the wrist, a bit like an automatic umbrella.

But it's important to stress you should always take an extra moment to ensure the frame locks in place upon opening; after a while it does become second nature. I have had both this model and the Mothercase XSS fold in on itself more than once as my toddler climbed in, as they weren't properly unfolded.

So doublecheck the frame’s click locked in place before putting your child in. Otherwise, when set up as directed, it’s always felt very safe and secure on a wide range of terrains as well as going up and down pavements.

Is it a suitable shopper?

No. Stating it can carry a maximum load of just 2kg, this stroller cannot be an everyday workhorse if that’s what you need it to be. You can just about wedge six pints of milk and two litres of coke into the basket if you give them a good squeeze.

Don’t expect to strap the rest of your shopping to the handle, by the way, because the super-light main frame is not built to support extra bags at all. However rest assured this issue is more to do with weight distribution rather than strength. If you’re used to scooting around with a tank-like travel system, it will be a bit of a shock to the system. But in a good way, I hope.

Is the buggy comfortable?

Weirdly, yes, although there’s no recline and there is not a lot of padding or upholstery. Still, there is enough give in the sling-like seat and backrest for little ones to get comfy – think more of a hammock than a sofa, if you will. My son Ru has been able to sleep very easily when the mood hits. No qualms on that front.

What about the lack of rain cover?

The biggest drawback by far in our British weather is the lack of any rain hood, which can be a big issue in the wind as well as a downpour.

I would never recommend using a generic rain cover with it either, because you certainly can’t anchor it safely - and GB specifically state NOT to use a rain cover with this stroller.

Don't be tempted to pick up a cheap rain cover, as this could blow onto your child's face - I made this error and believe there is a real risk when using a third party product with any buggy, and especially as GB say not to use a rain cover with this stroller.

We got round this by popping him in a rain poncho for showers but real wet weather would still leave him sitting in a wet seat.

In addition, this is not a cold weather ride, unless your child has a good line in snowsuits. At a push, a cosytoes can be used (you’d want to put it on and leave it all winter, to avoid the long-winded rigmarole of undoing the straps every time).

Downside, is, with a cosytoes on it will no longer fold completely. It’s still a pushchair that can do everything. But not all at the same time.

What age is it suitable for?

The Pockit is aimed at all ages from six months to 17kg (approx. 4 years). Do be aware though that head control is a must as the seat does not have any recline. Also, its nippy frame may become a squeeze for larger than average toddlers, especially very tall ones.

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What’s in the box?

The buggy arrives pre-built, so there’s just the stroller itself plus a small instruction booklet.

Any additional extras?

As you’d expect from a pared-back option, there’s nothing extra in the box for you to end up hauling around.

The Mothercare version does come with a nylon shopper-style holdall, and it is missed here, so I hunted down a blue ikea bag to serve the same purpose.

If you need this buggy to take you from departure gate to taxi rank you probably won’t ever miss the carry-bag, so hey! It’s one less thing lying around.

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If your toddler wants to adventure on foot, however, a carry-bag gives a whole new level of freedom as you move from buggy to handholding and back again once exhausted.

As someone with a pathological fear of putting a pushchair on an escalator, I appreciated the fact I could sling the buggy in its bag over my shoulder and still have two arms free to clutch my little one up safely.

I can also lift it, alone, and carry it (and, of course, the sleeping child contained within) up a flight of twenty stairs without throwing myself on the mercy of the kindness of Joe Public. Truly, it is a Godsend on the tube.

MadeForMums verdict:

The GB Pockit is brilliant at what it was designed to do. Its small size, when folded, and ease of use deliver an exciting freedom to travel with your young child in tow.

True, there is a trade-off between its unique functions and the run-of-the-mill stuff other buggies can do – but it’s a great addition to the market. It’s probably not your only buggy. But it is the one that you will love taking along.

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