My Babiie have a reputation for bringing stylish and affordable pushchairs to the table and we have been putting their latest MB250 Travel System, from the Billie Faiers Signature Range, to the test.
Quick Summary: If you are looking for a stylish pushchair for everyday use that doesn't break the bank then the MB250 could definitely be the one for you. Its stylish looks, maneuverability, roomy seat and large hood are fabulous features all of which are hard to match for the price of £369.99.
Whats good?
- Car seat
- carrycot and pushchair seat included
- Extremely compact all in one fold
- Stylish fabric designs.
- Excellent Price Point
Whats not so good?
- Non adjustable handle height
Chassis
As a neat parcel arrived at PX HQ, we couldn’t believe that a full sized travel system could possibly be concealed in that one box. The box of the MB250 Travel system proved to be much like Mary Poppins’ bag and we were amazed to find a cosy full sized carrycot, a coordinating infant carrier AND a full sized parent and world facing pushchair all for £369.99… wow!
Having already impressed us with value for money, we were eager to get strolling with the chassis of the MB250. The smart and seamless rose gold chassis is bang on trend and has a really luxurious appearance.
Lifting the chassis is easy thanks to its light 8.5kg weight. This was really useful for carrying the pushchair in and out of the car and on and off busses.
Standing behind the handlebar of the MB250, you will notice that the handlebar has a fixed height of 104cm and is non-adjustable. The handle sat at a great height and angle for our 5’6″ tester but it may be worth bearing in mind if a variety of people will be pushing the pushchair. We loved the feel of the handlebar in the palms of our hands and the leather look material of the handlebar adds to the stylish demena of the pushchair too.
The neat and tidy white walled wheels fit perfectly with the overall look of the pushchair. The back wheels are slightly larger than the front wheels to drive over pavements and smoother paths and the font swivel wheels also have the ability to lock into a fixed position for driving over cobbles and rougher pavements. As an urban stroller, the MB250 gave a super and comfortable ride thanks to the sprung suspension at the rear of the pushchair.
A simple brake pedal on the rear axle makes stopping and starting on shopping trips and days out easy and the lovely large shopping basket is easily accessible from the front and back of the pushchair. We were able to fit a few shopping bags in the basket or our changing backpack and a few coats – perfect for day to day use.
Seat and carrycot
Out of the three seating options included in the box of the MB250, you are most likely to use the carrycot and infant carrier on the chassis before you use the pushchair seat.
The beauty of having the infant carrier included in the box is that you can use it for baby’s precious first ride home from the hospital. The seat clicks on and onto the chassis of the pushchair using two small buttons on either side and coordinated beautifully in the same fabrics as your pushchair.
For every day use with babies up to 9kg or until they can pull themselves up to a sitting position, the carrycot provides a cosy space for your baby to travel. We are testing the Quilted Black colour way from the Billie Faiers Signature range and the outer black fabrics are smart and classy in their appearance whilst the inner removable fabrics are washable and make a gorgeous soft nest for baby to sleep in.
The carrycot hood has a useful carry handle in the centre of the hood making it nice and easy to transport around even whilst baby is sleeping in it.
The carrycot apron zips onto the carrycot base to provide extra protection and the apron flap has a handy viewing window in it so that you can see your baby without having to lean forwards.
When baby grows too big for their carrycot or you feel they are ready to move onto the seat unit it is great to know that the pushchair seat can be placed on the chassis facing the parent or world facing. To remove the seat altogether you need to press the buttons on either side of are out and about.
We love using the seat in the parent facing position, so that we can interact with our baby as we were out and about. The spacious seat has high fabric sides which is great for sheltering your little one from the elements and also great for them to rest against when they are relaxing or sleeping.
We also like the way the seat is roomy and deep allowing for smaller babies or larger toddlers to travel comfortably. The five point harness offers plenty of room to be extended as your child grows and a three year old can easily sit in the seat comfortably.
The recline of the seat unit is operated with a strap pull cord system. This system gives the bonus of being able to choose infinite recline positions. Whether your toddler prefers to sit bolt upright to watch the world go by or if your newborn needs a slight incline due to reflux, the MB250 seat has it covered.
The hood gives great coverage and the fabrics are great quality. We tested the Quilted Black colourway and the stitching on the fabrics is beautiful. As well as a zip open panel for extra ventilation, the hood also has a visor which can be zipped on or off the hood. It provides extra protection from the sun as well as adding to the pushchairs stylish and sleek looks.
For added protection, the seat also has a lovely bumper bar which is covered in the same leather material as the handlebar. We liked how this gave toddlers an extra something to hold on to and something to hang pram toys from. The bumper bar is easy to open from either side and does not need removing to put the baby into the seat.
Fold
For a full sized, full functioned travel system, the MB250 folds into an extremely neat and compact package.
The fold can be completed with the seat still attached to the frame when in a forward facing position, otherwise you will have to remove the carrier, carrycot or parent facing seat from the frame.
Simply press the button at the very top of the seat unit and fold the seat unit forwards and pick up the handle on the central chassis bar and the pushchair folds down in one.
If you want to remove the seat from the pushchair before you fold (which is helpful if you have a very small car) then you simply press the two buttons on either side of the seat unit to lift it off and then press the two buttons on the inside of the chassis frame and the chassis will release and fold down.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a stylish pushchair for everyday use that doesn’t break the bank then the MB250 could definitely be the one for you.
Its stylish looks, maneuverability, roomy seat and large hood are fabulous features all of which are hard to match for the price of £369.99.
Even though the handlebar is not adjustable in height, the pushchair has oodles of fabulous and practical features which make the ride for baby a comfortable one and parents can rest easy knowing that they will definitely have the style factor thanks to the gorgeous fabric designs available.
