In a nutshell
A forward and rear facing buggy that offers a nifty solution to the problem of storing a bulky carrycot.
What we tested
- Fold/unfolding
4.5
A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. - Manoeuvrability
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5. - Comfort for child
4.5
A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. - Style
5.0
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5. - Durability
4.5
A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. - Worth the money
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
4.4
Pros
- Good shopping basket size, great style, travel system compatible, smart design allows for easy storage of carrycot/buggy seat, forward or parent facing, carrycot can be used for overnight sleeping when paired with Moses basket stand
Cons
- Depending on your car boot size, be prepared to take wheels off, legrest is good for toddlers but not small babies
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Suitable from birth, the Mamas & Papas Rubix 3 in 1 offers a chassis, buggy seat, carrycot, footmuff and raincover for under £400. Its point of difference from many other buggies around is that it lets you change from carrycot to buggy seat by just sliding on a different fabric and attaching with press studs and clips. This does away with the need for a bulky carrycot, and means the part you’re not using is small and easy to store.
The carrycot can also be used for overnight sleeping, if you purchase a Mamas & Papas Moses basket stand. If you plan to do this, I’d buy an extra mattress - while the carrycot is comfy enough for daytime use, I don’t think it’s padded enough to use as a bed
The Mamas & Papas Rubix 3 in 1 is also travel system compatible. You can add either the Mamas & Papas Cybex Aton car seat (£115) and the Rubix Car Seat Adaptor (£20) or the well-known Maxi-Cosi Cabrio.Fix car seat.
The Rubix does have similarities to the Mamas & Papas Ziko Herbie travel system, which is no longer available. The Ziko Herbie had lots of good points, but I came across complaints of the chassis feeling unstable, especially when going up kerbs, the front wheels often locking, and some mums saying it actually folded spontaneously while their babies were inside. Mamas & Papas says it’s taken these problems into consideration in the design of the Rubix, so lots of the plus points of the Herbie are still there, but the Rubix feels very sturdy and durable over rough terrain and up kerbs, and the steering is very smooth.
What we love
The Mamas & Papas Rubix 3 in 1 is very easy to assemble, and moving from the carrycot to the buggy seat is quick and easy.
A big bonus is the spacious shopping basket. As a busy mum of three, who also looks after a baby girl two days a week, I need an option that can handle schoolbags, shopping, snacks and toys!
I love that the seat unit can be forward or rear facing, and that it’s straightforward to change the direction, too. This reversible seat direction allows my toddler to chat to me when we’re out and about, and to his older brothers if they’re walking alongside.
The padded seat liner and cosytoes are lovely, comfy extras for a smaller baby.
What to watch out for
The Mamas & Papas Rubix 3 in 1 is a bit bulky. It weighs around 11kg, and I had to pop off the wheels to get it into my car boot. That said, all four wheels are quick-release, so pop off without hassle.
The seat shape is great for my toddler, but not ideal for the 8-month-old baby girl I childmind - her legs aren’t long enough to reach over the bend of the legrest. It’s also a bit fiddly to adjust the seat recline with a child in it.
Who is the Mamas & Papas Rubix 3 in 1 buggy best for?
New parents after a space-smart alternative to the traditional buggy with carrycot.
MadeForMums verdict
The Mamas & Papas Rubix 3 in 1 offers all the plus points of a traditional pram and buggy, but without the issues of storing a bulky separate carrycot. The price is reasonable, especially considering the versatility of the Rubix and the durable, quality feel. Just be prepared to pop the wheels off to fit it in your car boot.