The original Britax B-Mobile was released in 2010, but after listening to feedback from mums and dads, Britax has made small changes to the buggy, which it believes will make a huge difference.
Being the proud tester of the 2010 version, I was keen to test-drive the new B-Mobile model. I wanted to find out whether the modifications made this buggy any better than it already was.
I tried out the new Britax B-Mobile with the Group 0+ Baby-Safe plus SHR II infant car seat to create a travel system. The car seat accounts for £129.99 of the travel system price tag and is suitable until 13kg. You can find out more about it in MFM’s full Baby-Safe plus SHR II car seat review. The B-Mobile can also be teamed with the Britax BABY-SAFE Sleeper (a Group 0 infant carrier) and Britax BABY-SAFE Plus II car seat (another Group 0+ option) to create a travel system. There's also the optional Britax Carrycot.
The B-Mobile buggy is 8kg and the car seat I tested is 4.2kg. Except the added extras - longer harness straps, a longer brake pedal and wipe-clean calf support - the B-Mobile 2011 has all the features of its pleasing predecessor. The only downside is that the new model is slightly heavier on the pocket.
What we love
Hats off to Britax who has paid special attention to the minor details since releasing the first B-Mobile model. The longer break pedal certainly makes it more accessible as it’s set further away from the rear wheel. On more than one occasion, the shorter brake pedal on my 2010 model has locked on by itself, often sending the buggy to a sudden halt mid walk. I’ve found releasing the brake pedal awkward because of its position and length, even sometimes having to use my hand to do the job instead.
The longer harness straps are a real plus point, too. Once the snug, albeit bulky, cosytoes is in place on the 2010 version, there isn’t enough length in the straps to make fastening the harness quick and simple. I’ve repeatedly found myself tussling with the harness, the cosytoes, as well as my son Louie to make sure he’s strapped in properly. This isn’t an issue with the updated model.
With its all-round suspension, the new B-Mobile’s manoeuvrability remains outstanding. It handles corners effortlessly and with its front lockable swivel wheels, the B-Mobile’s turning circle is faultless. It’s easy to push one handed, perfect with a toddler in tow.
When using the Baby-Safe plus SHR II car seat with the buggy, the one-click system has to be my favourite feature. The car seat lifts from the B-Mobile’s chassis thanks to a single-handed mechanism. I also found the pivoting 50+ UV protection sun canopy much easier to use on this car seat than I did with the older Baby-Safe Plus SHR model I trialled previously. The canopy can be used even when the carry handle is in the downward position.
The Baby-Safe plus SHR II car seat’s height-adjustable headrest and deep padded side wings mean your baby enjoys a comfortable ride, too.
What to watch out for
It’s difficult to pick faults with the new Britax B-Mobile model, but one factor to consider is the price. I raved about the B-Mobile’s affordability when I reviewed the 2010 model (£179.99) but the latest version now costs £20 more. I’m uncertain whether the improvements warrant the increase in price. While the extra cost might not break the bank, and the B-Mobile still remains great value for money, it’s certainly worth a mention. And the raincover still isn’t included in the price. Note to Britax: this is a buggy essential and in my opinion shouldn’t be an optional extra!
Who is the Britax B-Mobile travel system (2011 model) best for?
Mums who need a sturdy, reliable, everyday travel system that offers good value for money.
The updated Britax B-Mobile forms the basis of an affordable, easy-to-use and reliable travel system that does exactly what it says on the packet. Perfect for everyday use, from a walk in the park to a trip to the shops, just make sure you buy that raincover.
