Distributed in the UK by Obaby (the guys who make the cute Me to You baby stuff), the ABC Design Cobra pushchair is a bold, bright, tough 3-wheeler.
Suitable from birth and with the option to use it as a complete travel system, the Cobra is lightweight but has been built to tackle rough terrain with the addition of it 3-step suspension system - or so ABC say.
The Cobra has lots of features to keep the little ones safe and comfortable, not least of all is the carrycot, which is designed to accommodate overnight sleeping. The good news is, that means you won’t need to pack a travel cot when travelling - and let’s be honest - we could all do with more space saving measures when roaming with our tribe.
Cost-wise, the Cobra sits slap bang in the middle of the market with a price tag of £550.00 but it's likely to face stiff competition from the likes of the Quinny Buzz Xtra, Cosatto Giggle and Hauck Malibu.
How does it work as a 3-wheeler?
I have found in the past that 3-wheelers can sometimes have balance issues but I didn’t find that a problem with the Cobra.
It felt sturdy and was easy and light to push. The single front wheel meant it could make tight corners and was easily controlled with one hand.
But unlike many three wheelers, I wouldn’t say this pushchair is as ideal for off-roading. It’s more of a day-to-day pushchair, for you know, life – like going to the shops, getting on and off buses or doing the nursery run.
How easy is it to push?
It’s surprisingly light to push and very easy to steer, even when you're doing it one-handed. With a toddler on board, it handled curbs - no problem and made my walk a breeze.
The adjustable handlebar makes it ideal for couples of different heights too. At 5ft 9", I found it a comfortable height, although my partner would have preferred it a little higher (he's 6ft 2").
Using the wheel lock made it easier to push over rough ground and along the sand but I mostly kept the front wheel on swivel to make it easier for using around town and urban areas.
How was it to fold and store?
The frame folds very compactly and is perfectly designed for those with a small boot. You do need to remove the seat before folding but it doesn’t take a lot of space to store. Once folded, the frame is locked and very secure, and it is light to carry too.
Is the ABC Design Cobra sturdy?
This is where it falters a little. As the frame is light it does lack the sturdiness of some heavier systems. However, it didn’t feel like there were any weak areas on the frame, so I was still comfortable in the knowledge that it was secure enough for my little one.
The Cobra even handled having a heavier child in the seat unit, there was a hint of a squeak or strain. I’m pretty sure it will cope well and last for years - even with regular use.
Will it last the full-advertised 3 years?
As with most travel systems, the Cobra is designed to last until babies are 15kg. But with any buggy, this relies on you having an average sized 3-year-old.
Saying that I would say the seat unit is quite generous and should last the recommended 3 years, unless you have a very large child, which some of us do!
How is interacting with your child?
Thankfully for my back, the seat unit is at a good height for interacting with my little one. It’s functional and you have the option to use it in parent-facing or world-facing positions.
The hood is one of my favourite features of the pushchair, as it offers great ventilation as well as extensive cover and a sun visor too! This makes it easier to keep baby out of the sun but still interact with them, as well during the warmer months when the apron is off.
And as both the seat and carrycot are ventilated they can help regulate their body temperature when they are unable to do it themselves.
What’s the storage like?
The basket is large and easy to use, although there is a bar across the middle meaning it can’t hold large bags. I had no problem fitting shopping underneath but I did use smaller bags as opposed to a few larger ones.
The carrycot has a small zipped pocket at the parent end, perfect for storing keys or a phone and the seat unit has a net pocket on the back that can fit a couple of nappies, and some wipes.
How is the Cobra to assemble?
The Cobra came almost ready and took less than ten minutes to put together. I have often found that carrycots are particularly tricky to assemble but this was one of the easiest, with the base clicking into place with no trouble.
What’s in the box?
- Frame
- Seat Unit
- Raincover
- Shoulder pads
- Crotch pads
- Carrycot
- Breathable carrycot mattress
- Carrycot apron
- Colour packs - £38
- ABC Design Risus car seat £120
- ABC Design car seat adaptors - £25
The Cobra is an ideal pram for a newborn, as the carrycot is outstanding, large and gave me peace of mind when it comes to safety.
It is easy to use as a travel system and perfect for parents who want an all-in-one that will last them until toddlerhood, for a reasonable price and aren’t fussed about looks.
