'We'd be singing its praises even if it was twice the price' - the Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 pushchair smashes it out the park

If you're trying to decide on a travel system for your baby, then this one comes with absolutely everything you need to get out and about with your little one from day one. The Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 All-in-One gets our vote as one of the best prams you can buy, thanks to its premium design, easy manoeuvring and age range suitability. But we also tasked our parent tester Johanna Hewitson and her three-month old daughter Georgia, with really putting this pram through its paces. Find out how Johanna got on and whether this could be the right pram for you and your little one.

Design

Weighs: 7.1kg (chassis) | Suitable for: birth - 22kg (approx. 4 years)

It's sometimes the case that the best value baby gear isn't the most stylish, but that's not the case here. We love the Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 travel system because it absolutely bucks that trend. Everything about this pram looks and feels like a premium product, from the chic colours and luxe fabrics to the classy bronze chassis and coordinated change bag.

In more practical terms, we particularly like the Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 pushchair for its puncture-proof tyres, large back wheels, and smaller lockable, swivel front wheels – it ensures smooth manoeuvrability for both parent and baby, an absolute non-negotiable trait for tackling all-terrain, navigating easily between muddy parks, uneven pavements, and shiny shop floors. The basket is another selling point – something which surprised our tester Johanna Hewitson. She says: "The basket didn't look very big when we set the pram up and I worried I'd have less room than I was used to, but it was like Mary Poppins' carpetbag once I started putting things in it!" This is a particularly impressive feature that really comes into its own when you're out shopping, when the weather is really changeable or if you also need to store essentials, like a coat or snacks for older children.

You can tell you're getting a high-quality product from the moment you unbox this pram. And yet it's not eye-wateringly expensive as some other travel systems, like the Silver Cross Wave or the Inglesina Aptica XT System, which also appear in our round up of the best prams. But value for money isn't the only thing to love about the Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 pushchair – to be honest, we'd be singing its praises even if it was twice the price.

Comfort and features

This pram has all the features of a premium pram except for one – the price tag. The chassis is lightweight so you won't need to think twice about lifting it in and out of your car boot or up a flight of stairs, and the carrycot is plush and comfy for your newborn. The pushchair seat can be attached to the chassis in either direction, so you can choose whether you interact with your little one face-to-face or let them take in the world and see where they're going. There are four seat recline positions which means you can easily adjust it for a comfy ride if your baby nods off in the pushchair or just fancies reclining in style.

With a weight limit of 22kg (approximately four years) and such a robust design, you can reasonably expect this pushchair to last well into toddlerhood. Some travel systems are heavy and cumbersome, prompting parents to replace them with lighter, nippier models once their baby is a strapping toddler. We reckon this will more than do the job until your child no longer needs a pushchair. It's robust enough that it could easily handle another baby then, too!

Johanna's baby fell asleep quickly in the Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 pushchair and Johanna loves the quilted newborn carrycot liner and the way the lined hood extends to create a den-like atmosphere for her baby. "I was impressed to learn that the hood offers 50 UPF sun protection, and the extra-large shopping basket is a welcome bonus," she says.

What's in the box?

• Carrycot that converts into pushchair seat, complete with liner/mattress and hood
• Galaxy Group 0+ car seat and compatible ISOFIX base
• Changing bag and mat
• Footmuff
• Rain cover
• 2 x sun visors

Value for money

Every now and then, an item of baby gear comes along that ticks both our 'quality' and 'value' boxes – and the Ickle Bubba Stomp V4 pushchair is it. Whether you're a savvy shopper who loves the buzz of a bargain or simply a parent who wants great quality without spending over the odds, we think this travel system offers brilliant quality and unbeatable value. We love the hassle-free aspect of making one pram purchase but ending up with everything you need for getting out and about with your newborn baby from the moment it's time to leave the hospital, until they are fully mobile.

While we find this particular travel system incredible value for money, it's more expensive than other prams on the market, so those on a tight budget might prefer something with a lower price point, even if it doesn't have the same number of impressive features.

Who should buy the Ickle Bubba Stomp V4?

If you're looking for one travel system that will see you through from when you first bring your baby home until they are mobile enough that they don't need a pushchair then this is it. This adaptable system is suitable from birth up until your child weighs about 22kgs, which is when they are approximately four years old. The carrycot, with safety mattress, will keep your little one safe while they need to be laid flat, but as they grow, you can change up the configuration to have your baby in a more upright position, facing outwards or towards you.

Buying a bundle like this helps you to save money compared to buying the items individually, but if you don't drive and don't need a car seat, then you could be paying for extras you won't actually use. Also, while this pram is really easy to push and performed well on tough terrain, if you are a hardcore hiker, then you might benefit from something with off-road wheels instead.

If you like this, you might also like...

It’s hard to imagine a scenario where this wouldn’t be the best pram for you - it’s great value for money, it comes with all the accessories you need included in the price, and it can switch seamlessly between shiny shop floors and muddy paths. If you don’t drive, however, you won’t need the full ‘travel system’ package with car seat and base, so have a look at the Mamas and Papas Ocarro as an alternative - you can buy the pushchair only without a car seat. The only other reason not to buy this, frankly, is if you’re in the wonderful position of having quite a bit more cash to spend. Then, the Silver Cross Wave is well worth considering.

Continue reading