GB Qbit+ compact stroller review

It's the big brother to GB's Qbit. Although released at the same time, the Qbit+, as you would expect, has some extras - 'premium' functions created for extra convenience and comfort. The main difference is that it has a 'lie-flat' option, whereas the Qbit is suitable from 6 months.

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It's going up against other lightweights suitable from birth on the market including the Babyzen Yoyo 0+ (from £339), Mountain Buggy Nano (£249), and the Ickle Bubba Aurora (£115).

Designed to be luxurious as well as light, and convenient, the Qbit+ has many neat features. The cube-shaped folded-down design seems innovative, but the question is: Will parents think it's hip to be square?

You can buy the GB QBit+ from Toys R Us ,Amazon, and Kiddicare.

This buggy is a lightweight stroller. How light is it?

It's 7.6kg, which is pretty light. When folded it's almost cube shape and very easy to pick up and carry (none of that continual banging against your leg that you get when you're trying to cart a folded buggy around).

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Is there anything unique about this product?

It has a one hand fold. Some strollers already have this but the Qbit+ folds into a 'package', like a cube (Qbit - now I get the name!) making it easy to stow away. Its fold-up shape is a great idea if you're travelling or short on storage space, as most buggies are very long when folded.

What do you think of its design?

GB sell this as a luxury stroller. It's pretty plush and looks really comfy and expensive. I wasn't overly keen on the colour of mine - it's a bit '70s swimming pool. There are other, nicer colour combinations. Dragonfire red looks great.

Colour aside, it certainly fits the luxury buggy bill.

Is it easy to use in an urban or inner city environment and on public transport?

Very easy. It can turn easily on the spot (no wide circle turns needed), and goes up and down kerbs well.

Public transport is where the Qbit+ comes into its own. It folds up so easily, and into such a convenient package that you will no longer have to watch three buses go past as the buggy space is full.

The same goes for the Tube and train - sometimes you have no option but to take your buggy during rush hour, and when you do you can feel the eyes of besuited people boring in to you, wondering why you're taking up their space.

But with the Qbit+ you can fold it neatly, hope someone offers you a seat and then you can store it next to you.

GB Qbit recall issues?

The GB Qbit stroller was recently recalled in the US over over safety concerns that it can fold unexpectedly during use and a gap in the side hinge can pinch or cut hands. It's worth noting that this is the older version and not the Qbit +, which we're reviewing here. We also had a conversation with GB/Cybex who confirmed that the European models are not the same as the US, they have a different fold clasps and hinge designs. So if you live in the UK, your buggy is not being recalled.

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What is the brake like?

It's a foot pedal in the middle of one if the back double wheels. It's easy to find (no groping round with your foot), and clicks down smoothly.

How easily does it fold? Can you do it easily with one hand?

One of its selling points is the one hand fold, and this works really easily. Just press two buttons at the same time on the middle of the handle bar and it immediately folds down. It clicks into place, and you can either stand it up, as it freestands, or easily pick it up.

What did you think of how the various parts adjusted?

The handle isn't adjustable, which takes a bit of getting used to if you have previously had a buggy with this feature. The handle is a good height though. I'm 5ft 9ins and it was perfect.

The bumper bar pops off easily, though, and the seat belt clicks and slots in to place simply too.

The footrest adjusts by pushing buttons inside the covers of the seat bottom, and the wheels can be locked or used in swivel mode.

I wasn't overly keen with the way the back rest adjusted. It’s on a toggle and strap, which I always think is inconvenient compared to one using buttons when lying the seat flat and raising it. The toggle took a bit of strength to adjust, and a kneel down to get to its level. Buttons on the hood are much better!

How compact is it when folded?

Really compact. It goes almost cube-shaped, measuring 42 x 53 x 49cm, which is a really neat feature, as it can be fitted into places other prams would not dare go.

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How easy is it to store?

It free stands when folded, which is always a bonus. It uses the handle as a prop and stands quite straight, which is also worth noting, as some buggies can lean a bit - but not this one. A freestanding buggy is a great thing, as I hate a battle with a buggy that wants to slide down the wall you lean it against the moment you walk away.

How comfortable does it feel?

GB bills it as a compact, light stroller that has the elements of a big stroller.

The seat is roomy, very paddy and soft. My young buggy rider said it was very comfy.

It also has a nice attached cushioned head rest that GB call the head-hugger. It's a nice little touch.

How is interacting with your child when in the buggy?

Easy. The seat isn't too far forward to get in the way of talking and singing to your little one.

What's the hood like?

It's got quite a big hood, with lots of coverage. It doesn't have a peek-a-boo flap though, but a see-through strip that covers the width of the hood.

Still very useful for peeking in, but not very good for saying boo through. I prefer a flap and net window that you an easily talk through when the hood's down.

What are the basket and storage pockets like?

The basket is open to the front and back, which is handy. It's not huge though, so you'd struggle to fit a full shopping bag in it.

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

Yes, I even got it into the barely-bigger than letterbox sized boot of a Toyota Aygo.

Is it travel system compatible?

It fits GB car seats such as the IDAN and Artio and Cybex car seats too, with adaptors. Both have to be bought separately.

Would you use it on holiday?

It's perfect for holidaying - in fact it's one of the selling points of the GB Qbit+. It folds up into a tiny package (for a pram) and is light.

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Would the weather dictate when you use it?

It comes with a rain cover, so is perfect for our winter - and summer. And the hood has SPF50, so is great for very sunny days.

Do you have to buy a lot of additional extras, which all add up or is everything included?

Extras are available but not essential. You get all the basics needed, like a buggy bar and raincover.

What's in the box?

• Chassis
• Bumper bar
• Rain cover

Optional extras:

• Car seat adaptors £25
• Footmuff £70
• Changing bag £80
• Parasol £35
• Cup holder £20

Who would the product be most useful for?

Parents who want a light but luxurious stroller that's easy to stow away, as they're always on the go - whether that's hopping on and off buses or jet setting with their little one.

Is the product value for money?

Yes, I'd say so. There's a competitive market for lightweight buggies.

The Qbit+ is pitted against the Chicco Liteway, which at 7kg and around £119.99 is lighter and cheaper. The Liteway is also a one-hand good stroller, but doesn't look so high end as the Qbit+.

The Silver Cross Zest is another one-hand fold stroller, which is very light, at 5.8kg, and well priced, at £130.

The Babyzen Yoyo (5.6kg and £339) also looks high end, but is a little more pricey.

The Qbit+ is priced between these - it looks expensive, is comfy, is easy to push, and folds very compact, so is worth the money.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Qbit+ is a pram with good features. It looks luxury, but isn't over priced, it's very comfy and spacious, yet light to carry, and folds into a great little compact cube. A well designed pram.

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