Ickle Bubba Moon 3-in-1 Travel System with Isofix Base Review

Ickle Bubba’s ethos is to make parenting easier by providing the modern family with stylish, high-end travel systems at an affordable price, whilst not compromising on quality. It is hard to argue that the product doesn’t meet those expectations. And if you do have any issues then the company’s new, 4 year extended product warranty offers peace of mind.

Founded in 2013, the British born Ickle Bubba hasn’t been in the pushchair market for long but is holding its own among other strong brands offering affordable travel systems.

To compare the Moon with similar priced systems, Joie's Mytrax at £250 is slightly more substantial with chunkier wheels, but doesn’t come with a carrycot or car seat. Mothercare’s equally versatile, but more robust, Journey Edit is £350, yet also doesn’t include a car seat in the price.

Tested by:

Steve tested the pushchair with his wife Sarah, a part time working mum, and their 4-month-old son Harrison, on the edge of the New Forest. They tested the Ickle Bubba Moon around town, on countryside walks and on New Forest stomps – rain or shine!

What were your first impressions of the Ickle Bubba Moon?

My first thought was that the Moon looked versatile, compact and extremely lightweight – in fact it weighs just 6kg, which I found amazing. The quality is surprisingly good considering the reasonable price. In the box came a chassis and a pushchair that converts into a carrycot, a group 0+ car seat with adapters, as well as an Isofix base. The system also comes with an interchangeable hood, carrycot apron/pushchair footwarmer, car seat foot warmer and raincover – great little features to ensure baby is nice and snug.

Is it easy/hard to build the buggy?

I wasn’t sure what to expect when putting it together but I found that the Moon was quite easily constructed. Most parts offered a reassuring 'click' when assembled and even on my own it took just 20 minutes to have it up and running. Mum win!

What age is the Ickle Bubba Moon travel system suitable for?

It can be used from birth until your child is around 3-years-old. The seat converts into a carrycot by simply fastening the strap underneath and tightening a toggle. With the product’s dexterity, it should comfortably see your baby through from newborn to toddler. The carrycot is suitable from birth to 6 months and the pushchair can be used from 6 months to when your toddler weighs 15kg.

How did you find the car seat?

The car seat is suitable from birth up to 13kg with a 5-position headrest and a removable insert for newborns. The little detachable footmuff is a lovely unexpected feature.

Whilst it was straightforward to take out of the car using the release lever, it was more of an effort to put in the car. I had to tilt the seat forward to get it hooked into the front part of the base before clicking in to the rear part of the base. Not easy with a larger than average four month old!

Although there is the all-important click, additional indicators showing it’s properly in position would give more reassurance.

Aside from this, I was happy with the car seat as it didn’t let me down when it came to the serious business of transporting my precious cargo from A to B. It was practicable and convenient.

Does the Ickle Bubba Moon fit in the boot of your car?

I had no problem fitting the Moon into the boot of my average sized car. It was very light to lift in and out, too. The adapters allow the car seat to be attached to the frame when on a short trip to the shops, meaning often, only the folded chassis needs to be transported.

How easy is the Ickle Bubba Moon to fold/unfold?

Very simple. The frame folds down into a compact little package with a push of a button – making it easy to get around with, or to store away.

Is the frame strong and durable?

The extremely lightweight aluminium frame makes manoeuvring, mounting curbs and lifting a doddle, but I wouldn’t say that it’s particularly strong. For the price though, it’s understandable that you’re not getting the sturdiest of travel systems here.

How many recline positions does the Ickle Bubba Moon's seat have?

When in pushchair mode, I was able to have the seat either forward or rear facing and in one of 3 reclining positions. I found this particularly useful when stopping for a coffee whilst my baby had a (albeit too-short) snooze.

How easy is the Moon to push?

Zipping around town felt very smooth and easy so I had high hopes for the Moon. Unfortunately, when I went on a countryside walk, the differences between this buggy and other all-rounders, became really apparent. The smooth push that the Moon has on even surfaces is countered by a less than effective performance off-road. To be fair though, the Moon doesn’t claim to be an off-road buggy.

How did you find the wheels?

The Moon does boast 'front and rear suspension for a smoother ride', yet I felt there wasn’t much in the way of suspension and the wheels felt rickety on the gravel and unmade tracks. This would be disappointing for anyone, like me, who would regularly be venturing ‘off-pavement’ with the Moon. It’s definitely more of an urban pushchair.

How comfortable does the Ickle Bubba Moon feel for your little one?

The seat felt a little wobbly in the frame – which didn’t make for a particularly comfortable ride for Harrison when we left the smooth pavements of the town centre. I think comfort levels were also hindered by the lack of seat/carrycot mattress and the narrow/not-very-padded straps.

Are the Ickle Bubba Moon's brakes effective?

The break system is a one-touch pedal that was easy to use and felt secure. I had no issues with the brakes.

How large is the basket?

The Moon has a very generous, deep basket that offered plenty of room for my baby changing bag and a bit of shopping.

How did you like the look of the Moon?

I found the travel system’s attractive design really appealing and it comes in a choice of three colours: a somewhat conservative black, silver grey or space grey. The removable leatherette handle covers are a really nice touch, with the option of either tan or black.

What’s in the box?

• Chassis
• Carrycot that converts into pushchair
• Flexible interchangeable hood
• Galaxy group 0+ car seat and Isofix base
• Car seat adapters
• Carrycot apron that converts into pushchair foot warmer
• Car seat foot warmer
• Rain cover

How much is the Ickle Bubba Moon and is this good value for money?

At £399 (or £299, without the Isofix base) it’s a bargain considering all that you get, but compromises have to be made somewhere and I found the Moon a bit flimsy. The silver lining for bargain hunters is perhaps Ickle Bubba’s slightly more expensive and sturdier Stomp V3, for £499. The chassis is just 0.5 kg heavier and it’s almost as compact when folded, but the main difference is the separate, more solid carrycot and pushchair, superior foam wheels and mattress. Whilst it does not compare to the more heavy-duty off-roaders on the market, it could be the next best option for those able to spend a little more.

MadeForMums verdict

For me, the Moon isn’t as robust as I need it to be. I want something lightweight enough for shopping, but tough enough for rougher terrain. However, if you live in the city as opposed to the country, and you do not need a pushchair for more unforgiving surfaces, I would highly recommend it. For everyday, light use and for hopping on and off public transport, I think it’s a little gem.

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