Roma Vita review

Roma Vita is the company’s starter travel system, offering all the key components as well as the little accessories a parent needs, for an extremely affordable £400. It’s also a head turner, part of the reason it picked up a joint silver for best travel system under £500 in the MadeForMums Awards 2018.

Similar travel systems include the sturdier but heavier Koochi Modhero (£589.95), and the Cosatto Wow (£599.95), which won gold for best travel system over £500 in the MadeForMums Awards 2018 but does not come with a car seat, footmuff or changing bag.

The sleek Ickle Bubba Stomp V3 (£449.50) is another competitor. It picked up gold in the MadeForMums Awards 2017 and comes with lots of accessories, including an Isofix base to make installation of the car seat even easier.

You can buy the Roma Vita from Roma Vita, Amazon, BabyBirds and Precious Little One

Buyer’s guide to travel systems

First impressions?

On first sight this travel system really looks the part. It has a very similar set up to our Venicci travel system but isn’t as sturdy and perhaps seems a little flimsy. However, it does cost a couple of hundred pounds less.

How easy is the Roma Vita to push and how does it ride on different surfaces?

It is very easy to push and comfortable too, thanks to the adjustable handle. I’m 5ft 10ins so a handle that adjusts to my height is a must. It is better on a smooth surface though and feels flimsy on rougher surfaces. It didn’t cope very well on uneven grass. The front wheels are lockable swivel wheels.

Do you need swivel wheels?

How easy is it to store?

The Roma Vita is easy to store, as it is lightweight and folds down compactly to 41x59x77cm (without the seat attached). If you take off the wheels, it’s even smaller at 10x49x75cm. It is also freestanding when folded.

Is the frame strong and durable?

The frame is made from aluminium and I’d say it is good for the price. But it doesn't feel like the most strong or durable on the market. The chassis is lightweight, at just 6.7kg.

What do you think of the Roma Vita's fold system?

The Roma Vita was very easy to fold – more so than our Venicci Gusto.

Take a first look at the new editions of the Venicci Gusto

What do you think of the handle?

I like it. The handle moves up and down to suit your height, meaning it is good for me being a tall woman. It’s made from padded leatherette so it is comfortable to hold too.

What do you think of the size of the seat unit?

The seat unit was a good size when my boy was 8 months but he’s in the 98th centile for his age and now at 10 months I'm not sure it will last him until 3 years old. While the width is fine I'm concerned it might be a struggle length wise.

How many recline positions are there?

The Roma Vita seat has a recline strap rather than a clip so has many positions and it reclines almost fully for napping.

How comfortable does it feel for your baby son?

He seemed more than happy, but I would say it could do with thicker padding. The harness has multiple positions to suit your child’s height and the footrest is also adjustable.

There's also a carrycot, which felt roomy yet comfortable for newborns and young babies.

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

The car seat looked the least reliable part. It would do for a small baby with a good newborn insert but in my opinion, it didn’t seem strong or sturdy enough for a larger child. t can be fixed in the car using the seatbelt but also with an ISOFIX base, which you need to buy separately. You also need to buy the adaptors to attach it to the buggy frame, which cost about £20.

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

The seat can be used in a parent-facing or a front-facing position, which is really handy. My son is already in front-facing mode but there is a little viewing panel in the hood with a cover, so I can check on him.

What do you think of the hood?

The hood is a good size and gives decent coverage but feels a little thin.

What do you think of the added extras that come with the travel system?

The added extras are all good quality and the cupholder was a life saver for milk bottle and my water bottle. The footmuff has a cosy fleece lining. The changing bag could do with being a bit wider but it is good for essentials and includes a travel changing mat, soother purse and ziplock pouch, plus plenty of pockets. The carry strap also attaches to the handle.

What do you think of the fabrics and designs?

It looks good and there is a nice choice of colours, which change each season. You can currently choose from grey, navy, tweed and olive, as well as pink or cream from the Amy Childs collection. The frame comes in either chrome, black or silver, and the leatherette is either black or tan.

Does it fit in the boot of your car?

Yes, it does. I have a Ford C Max with a large boot – but it folds down to a lovely compact size so would even suit a smaller car.

What’s in the box?

This is a travel system that comes with lots of accessories:

• Pushchair
• Carrycot
• Group 0+ car seat
• Car seat head hugger
• Changing bag
• Footmuff
• Rain cover
• Insect net
• Cupholder

How easily can you access the basket and is it big enough to store everything you need?

The basket is easily accessible and measures 40x30x15cm. It is not very deep but good enough.

MadeForMums verdict:

I’d recommend the Roma Vita, particularly to first-time parents on a budget. It has everything you need to get started with your little one, for a very reasonable price - and it looks stylish.

How we tested this product

Kate Peddle and her 10-month-old son Kit tested the Roma Vita on walks in their local area.

Still trying to choose?

• 20 of the best travel systems, as rated by parents
• Expecting twins? The best travel system compatible double buggies
• The best strollers that can be used with a carrycot

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