Redsbaby METRO2 review

It promises attention to design and functionality in equal measures, and its small range of pushchairs is understated and sleek. They include the Jive², which can be converted into a tandem, and the METRO², which is its lightest and most budget-friendly travel system.

With a generous seat, the METRO² is suitable from birth to approximately 4 years, as the seat is tested to an impressive 20kg load. The METRO² seems to be sold on the fact that it suits city living and a sociable lifestyle, with its lightweight and compact credentials - easy to fold and transport, to pop in and out of a car, travel on bus, train and so on.

Its RRP of £475 (which includes the carrycot) is very reasonable and compares well with competitors. The Babystyle Hybrid Edge, for example, has an RRP of £499 (without carrycot), although it can be converted into a tandem; while Bugaboo’s Cameleon costs upward of £800.

You can buy the METRO² directly from Redsbaby.

Explore our Buyer’s Guide to travel systems

First Impressions of the Redsbaby METRO²

My first impressions were how easy it was to put together and what a lovely rich green the ‘forest’ colour was (it is also available in black with brown faux leather accents). Inside the box was the frame, the seat unit and the four wheels which slotted straight on, taking me less than two minutes to assemble.

We have had a few pushchairs over the years, and I was immediately impressed with this one. As I wasn’t familiar with the brand, I was unsure how it would compare to some of the more expensive and well-known models I have tried, but it can definitely compete.

What age is the METRO² suitable for?

If you go for the option that includes the carrycot, you can use the METRO² from birth - or you could also use it in carseat mode, with additional adaptors. Unusually, the seat is also tested to a massive 20kg, which is approximately 4 years old, so this travel system should see you through well into toddler-hood.

The METRO² can also be used as a full travel system, you can buy the pushchair with or without the carrycot, and you can also buy separate adapters to add a Maxi-Cosi car seat.

The carrycot looks lovely and cosy for newborns. It has the same design details as the toddler seat, with peekaboo window and ventilation in the hood - really well designed. I think this pushchair is great value as a travel system, as it will last you from newborn until your child is able to walk everywhere.

How much does the Redsbaby METRO² weigh?

The METRO² weighs 10.5kg for chassis and seat together, making it very easy to lift and transport. It was so easy to get in and out of the boot of the car and onto public transport.

How do you fold the Redsbaby METRO²?

The METRO² can be folded in seconds - and in one piece if the seat is world facing (two pieces if it is parent facing): You retract the handle bar and then push two levers on the sides of the chassis and fold the buggy down.

The safety clip engages automatically, keeping the buggy from coming apart again, so it is really easy to transport. The fold is quite compact as the seat moulds around the frame, with the adjustable footrest tucking in nicely too.

With seat attached the fold is 79x37x61cm, so quite reasonable for a full-sized travel system.

We've also reviewed the Redsbaby Jive2 buggy, here's what we think about it.

10 of the most compact folding buggies

How well does it cope with different terrain?

The METRO² feels easy to push and makes light of curbs. The puncture-proof tyres make it ideal for all terrain and I had no problem in parks and cobbles with the large rear wheels. It was also lovely and smooth when out shopping.

How do you engage the brake?

The brake is easy to use and located along the back bar and the frame feels strong and durable.

Is the handlebar comfortable?

The height of the handle is adjustable up to 108cm using the levers on both sides and I found it a great height for me on the tallest setting (I am 5’9’’). It is made of a soft leatherette.

What is the seat unit like?

The seat unit is generous and easily accommodated my, admittedly petite, 2-year-old with plenty of growing space. I think the seat, which Redsbaby describes as ‘extra tall’ 53cm, would accommodate an average 3-year-old really well, and is certainly more generous than many of its competitors. In fact it is designed to accommodate a load of up to 20kg, which corresponds more to your average 4-year-old.

Best buggies for large babies and toddlers

In addition, the five point harness feels secure and consists of five separate straps that all clip together so you can just do up the shoulder straps or just the waist straps if you want. It was secure and my daughter was unable to get out of it on her own.

Does the seat recline?

The seat has three recline levels and lies back to a near-flat position perfect for nap times.

What is the hood like?

The hood is huge with a panel that can zip out and another panel that can be unzipped to allow ventilation. It also has a magnetic peekaboo flap to allow you to check on your little one.

How accessible is the basket?

The basket on this pushchair is very generous - secure and easily accessible whichever way the child is facing. It holds 10kg and is one of the largest I have seen on a travel system.

One of my favourite things about the pushchair though are the pockets on the back of the seat. They are very well designed and hold quite a bit which means you can pop a lot in there - readily accessible - for a short trip. It easily accommodates some nappies and wipes in one side and a phone and purse in the other.

What’s in the box?

• Chassis
• Wheels
• Basket
• Canopy
• Seat
• Bumper bar
• Carrycot (if selecting combined option)
• Raincover

What accessories are available?

• Maxi-Cosi carseat adaptors (£20)
• Pushchair Organiser (£25)
• Liner (£25)
• Cocoon (£50)
• Cup holder (£15)
• Cup holder insert (£10)

What should you know before you buy this pushchair?

It's good to know that you now get the rain cover free with your buggy, instead of buying it as an additional extra.

However, the pushchair is currently on sale on the Redsbaby website for £325 without the carrycot or £375 with it, which I do think is great value as this pushchair rivals many of the big names in the market and the add-ons are all competitively priced.

Who would the Redsbaby METRO² be best for?

If you buy the toddler seat/carrycot combination, you should be able to use the METRO² for many years. As the seat can be used up to 20kg, you can trust it to last up until preschool, which is great news. It is also very reasonably priced with the design details of a more expensive system, so it’s well worth considering for first-time parents.

Best pushchairs for an infant

MadeForMums verdict:

The Redsbaby METRO² is a fantastic pushchair rivaling many of the most well-known and popular names in the market. It is so well-designed - the brand really has thought of everything, and the Metro² is perfect for a modern family.

How we tested the METRO²

Becky has been testing the Redsbaby METRO² with her petite 2-year-old daughter. With three separate school runs and a busy social life, they are on the go a lot and I need a pushchair that can keep up, but also offers a comfortable place to nap on a long day.

Still undecided? Have a look at these popular travel systems:

• UPPAbaby Vista review
• Babystyle Oyster review
• Roma Vita travel system review

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