Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 travel system review

The Original Stomp pushchair was bought to the market to be a much more affordable alternative version to luxury buggies like the Bugaboo Cameleon and iCandy Peach.

Since then, the Stomp has become a well-known buggy in its own right, a ‘one purchase’ product, this travel system comes with 'everything you need from birth to 3 years all for under £500'.

Competitors include Mothercare, which has a similar travel system, the Journey, the Red Kite Push Me Fusion (£270), and the Obaby Chase travel system (£469.99).

However, none of these have an ISOFIX option like the Stomp V3.

First impressions?

I wondered whether something was missing when the Stomp V3 first arrived as there were only two boxes and neither was particularly large - it turns out the guys at Ickle Bubba really know how to pack things in and we had everything we needed from birth to 3 years.

The frame felt surprisingly light and the car seat was wonderfully padded and looked perfect for even the smallest of newborns.

What's the difference between the Ickle Bubba Stomp V2 and the Ickle Bubba Stomp V3?

Pushchair-wise there aren't any changes, it's pretty much the same product it was in the older version. However, as a travel systems, it varies at the car seat level. The V2 car seat is seat belt fitted only, compared to the V3 which uses the Galaxy car seat, which is both seat belt and ISOFIX compatible.

How does the Stomp V3 compare to other travel systems in its price range?

The Stomp V3 felt superior to some of the lower value travel systems I have used but not as easy to push or well-made as some of the more expensive ones.

I think mostly with pushchairs you do get what you pay for and the Stomp is great value for money, but not as luxurious as a pushchair that would cost you double the price (understandably).

Judges in the MadeForMums Awards 2017 loved its light frame, large basket and the included ISOFIX base, handing it the silver award in the travel systems under £500 category.

Here's the full review of the older Ickle Bubba Stomp V2, which costs £379 for the package, but not the ISOFIX base.

How comfortable does it feel for your little ones?

My baby daughter Cora seemed comfortable and secure in the pushchair. She is an average sized 10-month-old and had growing space as well as not looking lost in there.

The seat has three different recline positions so she could lie flat when sleeping which was a big bonus.

I am not convinced the seat will last until 3 years as it isn’t huge, but it depends a lot on the size of your child, and many are out of a pushchair before three anyway.

How is interacting with your little ones when in the buggy?

I am used to using an elevated seat on my pushchair so I found it a little low, but no lower than an average pushchair. I used the seat parent facing and we could happily chat as we walked.

Is the Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 affordable for what it is?

I don’t think you are going to find an all-inclusive package with an ISOFIX base for the car seat much cheaper than this so I think the Stomp V3 is definitely affordable!

• What is ISOFIX?

Is the frame strong, durable?

The frame is light but robust and we have had no issues with it so far. The chassis is easy to mark however, I scraped it accidentally early on and it is scratched along one side.

What is the weight of the buggy like?

The buggy is really light - impressively so at 6.5kg for the chassis and wheels, and folded into two pieces it is very easy to carry.

• Got more than £500 to spend on a travel system?

Would you recommend it for use from birth?

This pushchair is perfect from birth as the carrycot is cosy and secure (although not very deep) and baby feels well protected with the extensive hood and cover.

• Why your baby needs a lie-flat buggy

What do you think of the included Galaxy 0+ infant car seat?

You can use the Group 0+ car seat on the chassis and it looks snug and ideal for a new baby.

Is it compact when folded?

The Stomp is easy to fold and really compact when folded. I took the seat unit off (which requires two hands) and then folded it down as it takes up the least space this way.

It would be easy to store and we had no problem getting it in the boot (although admittedly we have a Ford S-Max with the back seats down so our boot could fit in about 6 of the Stomps).

• 10 of the most compact folding buggies

What do you think of handle?

The handle is definitely an improvement on the previous model, the Ickle Bubba Stomp V2, and is covered in a leatherette material.

It feels nice to hold and makes the buggy look much smarter. The adjustable height was great and comfortable for me at 5ft 9ins.

What do you think of the hood?

The hood is light and extensive and a thin stretchy material. I haven’t come across many pushchairs using this fabric other than the iCandy Raspberry but it is easy to use, wipes clean and keeps the sun off the baby.

What are the basket and storage pockets like?

The basket is a decent size and easy to access no matter what position the pushchair seat is in, whether forward facing or parent facing.

How easy is it to push, do the wheels lock and swivel positions make a difference?

The pushchair is easy to push and the front wheels are lockable. The large hardwearing tyres make it a smooth ride and they won’t puncture like the air filled equivalent.

How does the Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 ride on different surfaces?

The Stomp has coped well with most terrains but feels most comfortable on the pavement. The large wheels make it easy to manoevre over bumpy ground though and it has had no problems at the park and even on the beach (being pulled backwards on the back two wheels).

• Looking for a buggy that can handle serious all-terrain?

How is it on public transport?

The Stomp V3 is easy to use on public transport. Why not check out these best buggies for public transport users?

Tell us about the brakes.

The brake is long, running from wheel to wheel which is ideal as your foot can always find it - something that is very important when your baby has older siblings to chase after! It is easy to put on and off and feels sturdy.

What age child is it best for?

This is a buggy to be bought for a newborn so that you can really get all the benefits of it. As it is sold as a full travel system there is no benefits to waiting and you know you have everything ready from day one.

What’s in the box?

• Chassis
• Carrycot
• Carrycot apron
• Seat fabrics
• Seat liner
• Seat cosytoes
• Raincover
• Galaxy Group 0+ car seat
• Car seat cosytoes
• ISOFIX base
• Changing bag

Is it easy/hard to build the product?

It was easy to put together and took less than five minutes. It was a case of attaching the brake and back wheels and then putting the hood on to the carrycot.

It takes about five minutes to remove the carrycot fabrics from the frame and attach the seat fabrics instead.

Who would the product be most useful for?

This pushchair is perfect for parents on a budget, who want to buy everything they need without having to chase different parts or worry. The package really is complete.

Is there anything unique about this product?

This product is unique in the fact you really do get everything you need in one package. It also comes with a 4-year guarantee. The whole package is £449 or £399 if you don’t want the ISOFIX base.

Where can I buy the Ickle Bubba Stomp?

The latest version, Ickle Bubba Stomp V4, is available from Boots, Amazon, Argos and Ickle Bubba.

The older version, V3, is still on sale and is available from Amazon, and Kiddies Kingdom.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 is a great option for new parents on a budget as you know everything is covered in one price. The pushchair looks sleek and is easy to use and light to push.

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