However, as we mentioned earlier, you can still get your hands on some Petite Star products and buggies and even spares that are floating around on the internet.
With all secondhand products there's guidelines you should check before buying.
Which came first, the City Bug name or the trademark antenna-style handles? Whichever it is, the theme is continued in the fabric, and particularly the foot muff, available separately. This styling is cute and gimmicky, and won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s undeniably fun.
What we love
The price! Finding a travel system for less than the price of many buggies is great news, and while it’s obviously not the most luxurious option around, it looks good and does its job more than adequately. If you want a buggy with character, this is a good choice.
I found steering this pushchair was easy, and my baby Charlie was happy in the padded seat with padded shoulder straps. He’s 9 months old and happy to sit up, but it’s easy to adjust the strap on the back of the seat to fully reclined it for your newborn – and it’s wide enough to accommodate your chubby toddler.
In terms of looks, this is a 3-wheeler/lightweight hybrid: it has four wheels but those at the front are close together. If anything, over city streets this makes steering easier, and it complements the bug-like appearance.
There’s a generous basket underneath, a zipped pocket in the hood, plus a detachable cup holder for when the urge for latte strikes. There’s also a viewing window in the hood.
It’s not the most compact when folded, but is quite flat and will fit most car boots with ease. It locks shut and is freestanding when folded, which helps.
The car seat co-ordinates perfectly with the buggy and comes with a hood and headhugger, and is suitable from birth. It’s light when empty and the handle is easy to move to different positions. It fits snugly into the buggy, held in place by the adjustable bumper bar as well as the catches on the sides.
What to watch out for
First, those handles. They’re not height adjustable, but they are slightly padded. However, they are uncovered plastic and uncomfortable to use for prolonged periods of time. They’re much closer together than on other buggies (but this doesn’t seem to affect steering or comfort
I found it awkward to fold the buggy at first – you need to pull the levers in the right order and remember the concealed button on the right-hand side – but once mastered, it does become easy.
The tyres have some bounce, but could do with a lot more, and the lack of suspension means your baby will get a slightly bumpy ride – fine on well-made pavements, but beware of potholes. The folding mechanism takes a bit of getting used to.
The car seat seems a little on the small side, and while it feels secure when fitted, the car seat straps snag on the seat’s padding, so they aren’t in the required slots fully.
Who is the Petite Star City Bug best for?
Urban mums on a budget.
This travel system represents great value for money, is good-looking and fun. It does everything you’d want a travel system to do, but if you’re after something more luxurious or a top-rated car seat, you’ll need to pay more.
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