Mothercare Journey Travel System review

The Mothercare Journey is just one of the many buggies and travel systems the brand has to offer, but is one of the most reasonably priced. The Journey offers a complete travel system to see you through from newborn to toddler, with a carrycot that turns into a seat, plus a car seat as well.

Tested by:

Carla is a first-time mum from Hertfordshire. She tested the Mothercare Journey with her 15-week old daughter, taking it around town to baby classes, on short train journeys to nearby towns and walks with their 2-year-old whippet.

First impressions of the Mothercare Journey travel system:

On first glance, the Journey reminded me of the Red Kite Push Me Fusion (£279.99 on Amazon); it looks the same, has the same features and it was hard to tell the difference. Like the Red Kite, it’s sleek and modern and is a minimal and compact buggy.

How does it compare to other pushchairs and travel systems you’ve tried?

For me it’s a slightly better version of the Red Kite Push Me Fusion. Our own buggy, the Graco Evo, seems extremely bulky, heavy and cumbersome compared to this nifty number.

How is the Mothercare Journey different to the Journey Edit?

It’s definitely less plush and luxe to look at, but overall the Mothercare Journey Edit is a more souped-up version. As well as looking smarter, you get a separate seat and carrycot (compared to the Journey's seat, which converts to a carrycot).

What age is it suitable for?

The Journey can be used from newborn, as it has a carrycot that converts into a seat once the baby is 6 months old.

What did you think of the carrycot?

The carrycot was great; spacious enough for my daughter not to feel too constricted but cosy enough that it wasn’t a big, cavernous space.

How do you fold the Mothercare Journey?

It’s not the easiest pushchair to fold. Firstly, you have to remove the seat (this is done by a switch either side). To collapse it, you have to press a small grey button on the right hand side to then be able to pull up a tube either side. It’s not very easy, even with two hands and I found myself having no clue at first how to collapse it. It’s not instinctive at all. To unfold it, you do the same again but I found the chassis cumbersome to pull up.

How compact is it when folded and unfolded?

I think it’s quite compact and fits snugly under our stairs when folded and unfolded. When folded, the arms stay together too, unlike others that splay open. If you are short on space it’s a great option.

Does the pushchair fit in the boot of your car?

The chassis fits into the boot of our small hatchback but the seat has to be popped into the back seat.

How lightweight is the Mothercare Journey?

The Mothercare Journey is incredibly lightweight, it almost pushes itself. I had to lift the buggy up stairs at a station and while it wasn’t the easiest thing to do, it was light enough that I could manage. It doesn’t tire me out from pushing it, which other buggies can do if you go on a long walk.

How easy is it to push?

It’s ridiculously easy to push. As I said, it almost pushes itself. Steering it one-handed around corners is easy, too, and when I go out for walks with the dog too, I’m not worried about bumping it up and down kerbs as it’s so light and easy.

How does the Journey ride on challenging surfaces?

The Mothercare Journey’s biggest downfall is that it feels slightly flimsy when you’re walking over stony paths or cobbled streets. The baby definitely feels the bigger bumps and you do get the sense that the pushchair couldn’t handle anything too rocky. On a smooth surface like a path and the park, it’s wonderful. Mounting kerbs is easy with it but it does feel a little flimsy and jerks the baby around a little, but not enough to put me off.

How did you find the Mothercare Journey on public transport?

I’ve taken my daughter on the train a few times, and the buggy was super. It slides into small spaces and manoeuvres through the aisles easily. It also felt small and compact, and as if it wasn’t taking up too much space. The best part? It is lightweight enough that I could bump it up onto the train without needing someone to help me.

Is the frame strong and durable?

I’m not entirely convinced the Mothercare Journey would go the distance throughout all the years my daughter will need a pram, but that could just be because it’s so light. It doesn’t buckle or move, and to be fair, has received a few bumps and is showing minimal signs of wear.

What do you think of the handlebar?

The handlebar is super comfy to hold, with a cushion and a plastic component in the middle. The cushioned part does seem to attract fluff and thread from muslins though, so looks a little used already. The best part? You can adjust the handle height – my boyfriend prefers it low and me high!

How comfortable does it feel for your baby?

Overall, it seems pretty comfortable. She falls asleep in it easily and we often use the carrycot as place for her to nap, as she’s so happy in the pushchair.

How is it interacting with your baby while in the Journey?

It’s nice and easy to interact with her when she’s in it. She doesn’t slide down the carrycot and stays at the top, so I can always see her without having to stop all the time to slide her back up.

Does the hood provide decent coverage?

It does the job but it does seem to scare the baby when I move it back and forth, as it shudders! But it shields her extremely well, and provides plenty of shade.

How effective do the Mothercare Journey’s brakes feel?

The brakes are adequate, the pad was a little on the stiff side at first but loosened up over time. You can easily do it with one foot.

How easily can you access the basket and is it big enough to store everything you need?

The basket is a dream. Big enough for her changing bag plus a few bits of shopping and my favourite part is the extra compartment at the front. It has a magnetic closure and I often use that little part for my water bottle, wallet and anything I need to grab quickly. The main basket is easily accessible, as the basket sits low.

Is it car seat compatible?

The pushchair has its own car seat that slots onto the chassis.

How did you like the look of the Mothercare Journey?

I thought it looked stylish, minimal and smart. The colour choices are quite vast, I prefer the black and silver but there’s options for those that want a brighter buggy.

Are there any additional extras that you can buy?

You can buy all the usual extras, including a cup holder, rain cover and UV parasol.

How easy is it to build the Mothercare Journey?

It’s ridiculously easy to build, and slots together easily. It took around 5 minutes to set up.

Who would the Mothercare Journey be most useful for?

As the puschair is quite nifty, I think it’s a great choice for anyone in a town or city who walks on pavements a lot. It’s also a great choice for anyone who needs to use it one-handed (i.e dog owners). It’s not so ideal for cobbled streets or bumpy roads.

What was your favourite feature of the Mothercare Journey?

Definitely how easy it is to steer, one-handed and two-handed. It’s a light buggy that makes it a doddle to steer around corners, up and down kerbs and generally doesn’t tire you out, even if the basket is full. The ease of steering has made me more confident to take the baby and our dog out together.

Is the travel system good value?

Priced at £299, you can’t really grumble at the quality and style of the Mothercare Journey. I’ve already recommended it to a few pregnant friends who don’t want to spend a fortune on a travel system but want something easy to use.

What’s in the box?

• Convertible seat unit and chassis
• Group 0+ car seat
• Apron
• Raincover
• Cosytoe
• Hood
• Bumper bar
• Carrycot liner

Where can I buy the Mothercare Journey travel system?

It's available from Boots

MadeForMums verdict

Do I love the Mothercare Journey? I actually do. There’s something about the sleek, minimal look that appeals to me and it’s just so easy to use – sounds daft, but it covers all the basics that I need and the fact I can easily steer it one-handed is a dream. Even though it is quite difficult to fold – and unfold – that doesn’t put me off.

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