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In a nutshell

A superior, robust travel system with some excellent features, though it is heavy and relatively expensive.

What we tested

  • Fold/unfolding
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Manoeuvrability
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Comfort for child
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
  • Style
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Pros

  • Easy to handle, excellent folding system, carrycot large and deep, easy to assemble, rear and forward facing buggy

Cons

  • Heavy, lots of kit to store, not very cosy as a buggy, poor instructions, optional extras are expensive

The Bebecar ACT Travel System is a three-in-one travel solution that’s easily adapted to your baby’s age and stage. With its 3D compact folding chassis and its EasyLock attachment mechanism, the ACT is the next big thing in the Bebecar range. It’s just a shame that it’s so heavy.

As travel systems go, the Bebecar ACT Travel System has clearly been thought about. Ignore the obvious disadvantage of having a fair bit of kit (chassis, seat, carrycot and car seat) and you have yourself a good looking, functional buggy that can be used in forward or rear facing mode and which folds with the seat unit attached.

The ACT buggy has a lie-flat seat so is suitable from birth, but if you buy the additional carrycot, the ACT becomes more like a traditional pram arrangement. The ACT is suitable to around 3 years (15kg), so can last from day one until your toddler is able to walk to the shops.

The carrycot (£180 of the price) is a deep and well padde. It features a ventilated based and recline system that allows your baby to lie flat, or sit up. If you buy the optional safety mattress, it can be used for overnight sleeping.

To use as a buggy, you attach the seat, locking it into position using the incredibly easy EasyLock system and you’re away. The seat has standard features such as 5-point harness, removable bumper bar, 4-position backrest recline, and an adjustable footrest. The rear wheel suspension system can be set to accommodate your baby’s weight and adjusted as they grow.

The Group 0+ EasyMaxi SPP car seat (£149 of the price) completes the combination, locking onto the chassis in the parent facing position. The car seat has side impact protection and sits on a flat base to ensure correct positioning in your car. The roughly 4kg car seat on the 8.2kg chassis leaves you with a system that weighs about 12.2kg.

The Bebecar ACT comes in jut three colours: navy, black or bronze.

What we love

To qualify as parent-friendly, travel systems have to be easy to assemble, robust and require minimum fuss to use on a daily basis. The Bebecar ACT ticks all these boxes. It was so easy to put together that I only consulted the instructions once or twice - the manufacturer has imprinted ‘press’ or ‘pull’ where required making it a cinch to get going.

The USP of this travel system is that although the seat unit detaches from the chassis, it can be folded with the seat still attached. Genius.

The carrycot is lovely and deep and sent my 6-week-old Poppy into a deep slumber. I even used it off the chassis for a daytime nap. With the addition of a safety kit, it can be used in the car as a lie-flat car seat.

As with most car seats I’ve tested, the EasyMaxi SPP caused some degree of frustration. However, on reading the instructions several times, the belting system became clearer. The base, or positions adjuster and carry handle are cleverly used to tighten the seat to the car. And what’s more, the car seat matches the colour scheme of the buggy. A very nice touch.

The folding mechanism is easy to use and the telescopic handle stops you from kicking the frame when you up the walking pace.

What to watch out for

As buggies go, the Bebecar ACT is stylish and as a travel system it works exceptionally well. However, in buggy mode, it doesn’t look at all cosy. Although it’s well padded, my 21-month-old Minnie wasn’t really snug on our winter afternoon outing.

The ACT buggy seat is narrow and although this was an advantage for petite Minnie, for bigger toddlers, like her 3-year-old cousin who is double her height, it could cause a problem.

The chassis alone is heavy (8.2kg) and as with all travel systems, you have the problem of where to store all the kit. Working out how to fold the buggy with the seat attached was a mystery – the feature isn’t mentioned in the instructions. And if you’re using it with the carrycot, you’ll need a large car boot to transport it in.

Who is the Bebecar ACT Travel System best for?

Parents with large cars who are seeking a robust, superior travel system.

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MadeForMums verdict

This is a well-designed, solid travel system that’s easy to use. The Bebecar ACT has some excellent features, such as the EasyLock fitting system, and around town it offers a smooth ride. But watch out if you’ve got a bad back – it’s very heavy.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandBebecar
ModelACT
Price£805.00
Suitable for
Child age (approx)Birth to 3 years
Dimensions & Weight
Weight12.2kg
DimensionsH:102cm W:59cm L:80cm
Dimensions (folded)H:82cm W:41cm L:40cm
Features
Travel system compatibleYes
Compatible car seatsBebecar ACT EasyMaxi SPP car seat
Seat facing directionForward facing and parent facing
Front wheelsLockable swivel
Recline positions4
Features
  • Easylock attachment system
  • 3 Dimensional chassis design
  • Height adjustable handle
  • Rear wheels of the act feature individual adjustable suspension
  • Auto lubricated front wheels
  • 4 position recline
  • 2 position footrest
  • Carrycot can be used as lie-flat car seat and for overnight sleeping if optional safety kit and safety mattress purchased
  • Rear and forward facing buggy
  • Bebecar act easymaxi spp car seat: locks onto the buggy chassis in parent facing position
  • Suitable birth to 13kg
  • Side impact protection
  • Sits on a flat base to ensure correct positioning in your car
Accessories
Accessories includedApron
Optional extras
  • Bebecar ACT carrycot (included as part of this review)
  • Bebecar ACT EasyMaxi SPP car seat (required to create the travel system reviewed)
  • Changing bag
  • Footmuff
  • Parasol
  • Soft coverall (raincover)
  • In-car safety kit
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