GB Pockit Stroller Review

B Loves: So small you can put it in a plane’s overhead locker

This is a Guinness World Record Holder of the accolade of being the smallest stroller in the world (a title previously held by the Babyzen YoYo). If you’re flying, it can go in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you, so it’s perfect for holidays.

Seat: The seat is simple and suitable from six months up to about 24 kilos (that’s amazing) and has a fairly roomy seat with a high canopy, that is 60 cm above the seat back, so good even for quite tall children.  There is a piece of fabric at the top which attaches to the canopy and which acts as a soft, hammock-like head rest. The canopy is small and just flat – not really a hood – but it is good enough for keeping overhead sun off your child and it folds back out of the way when you don’t need it. Inside the seat is a five-point harness which is fully adjustable by threading the straps through the buckles at the top of the child’s shoulders – just un-popper the chest pads to gain access to these and they adjust chest and waist straps at the same time. The harness clicks together and all you need to do is push the central button to release it again. There is also a crotch pad for added comfort. There is no leg support but there is a soft plastic foot rest which older children can use.  Sadly there is also no recline on this seat, so not suitable for the under six month olds and you may not want this as your only stroller, as your child may be uncomfortable taking naps in it but as an additonal run-around and of course for holidays, it’s idea. The fabric on the seat is removable and washable so it should last well and continue to look good.

It comes in Capri Blue, Sea Port Blue, Posh Pink, , Lizard Khaki and Black from John Lewis and John Lewis also has an exclusive colour, Dragonfly Red.

Chassis: Considering how small, compact and lightweight this stroller is, the chassis is actually surprisingly sturdy. The handles are forward facing – not always the most comfortable position for pushing and you can’t really push this stroller one-handed – but again, for a holiday buggy, this will not be a disadvantage. They are height-adjustable though two positions – 93 and 99 cm which will be fine for most people and actually very good for shorties – though not quite so comfortable for very tall parents. They are foam covered for a comfortable grip.

So the fold and unfold. Take the pushchair out of the box and release the manual lock, then push buttons the two white buttons on the handle bars. It takes a little practice but soon, you will be able to shake it down and open, whereupon it locks into place. Finally, click out the rear wheels.

To fold, flip back the hood, then push the white buttons on the rear wheels and fold the legs in. This needs quite a firm push to click them into place. Next, push the buttons on the handles, push in and down and it collapses. Again, the speed an efficiency with which you can do this improves with use and as the stroller loosens up a little – it may be quite stiff straight out of the box. The sides fold in and lastly, you secure the manual lock.

It is very definitely a two handed fold and unfold but the advantages of this stroller outweigh that small problem.

It has a very small basket but it’s enough for some baby essentials for a day out on a city break or in the country; it’s best to access the basket from the back and you can get a medium sized changing bag into it.

The Pockit has a one step brake; push it down with your foot to engage and then push it up again to release it.

Wheels: Due to the compact size of the stroller, you would expect it to have small wheels and it does, at 11 cm. This is an advantage when it’s being folded and stored but may cause issues on very bumpy ground – gravel or cobbles, for example. However, on normal, flat pavements it will be as manoeuvrable as other strollers and the front wheels can swivel for taking tight corners easily. If you do encounter a rough patch, lock the wheels for added stability.

Extras: There aren’t any!

The small print

• Weight: 4.3 kg
• Suitable: From six months up to around two to three years
• Seat reclines? None
• Folded size: H35 x W30 x D18 cm
• Car seat: Does not take a car seat

Finally: The main point of course of this stroller is its size and weight – or rather, lack thereof. It’s best promoted as a holiday stroller and will be invaluable if you are flying and don’t want to take too much baby gear with you. You can put it in a backpack or even a large changing bag if you want to, though the addition of a backpack style strap or a simple carrying bag would be a great add-on, if GB would like to add this!