Looking for parent facing, lightweight, compact when folded - should I get the Petite Star Bubble?

[theclockticksslowly]

I'm looking for a stroller that can do parent facing is lightweight and extremely compact when folded (folding in one piece rather than have to separate the seat from the frame).

The Petite Star Bubble seems the best fit and good price but is it really compact when folded? A proper umbrella fold stroller?

Are there any alternatives for a similar price? If you have the Bubble what do you think of it?

I currently have a Graco stroller that folds in half so not very compact. Is the Bubble significantly more compact? I am slightly concerned that it's pretty long to fit in the boot of a car but I guess its a standard length?

Thanks for any advice!

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I don't know but I gather that Baby Jogger have bought the bubble and are releasing their version in the spring. They might make improvements but they also may bump up the price.

[smallinthesmoke]

Yes it will be perfect for you. It folds up as small as my McClaren. The only glitch is the hood sometimes needs re attaching.
I adore mine.

[Staceysb]

Would you wait for baby jogger version or do you find it good as it is?

Does the raincover work well both ways?

[theclockticksslowly]

Thanks! I think I'm kind of settled on getting it. Do other footmuffs work with it or only the official one?

[smallinthesmoke]

Yes other foot muffs work with it. I am currently using a buggy snuggle which is slightly annoying as it doesn't tie onto anything obvious; my McClaren foot muff fits better as it doesn't depend on ties to stay in place. You wouldn't find a foot muff convenient if you wanted to keep switching between forward/ backward facing modes, say on the same outing.
The raincover works both ways. It does the job, flaps a bit and tore after a year or so.
I really love having a light backward facing umbrella fold. DD2 is 2 and still faces backwards though she is tall so we sometimes bang our knees on her feet.

[theclockticksslowly]

Great, thanks for the information. I think I'm going to go for it as it sounds ideal. Wasn't looking forward to no longer facing my DD on walks and at least now will have the option.

[bochead]

Have a look here www.nurseryvalue.com/reworked/petite-star-njoy-up-bubble-purple-black-reworked-b

for just £99 it seems worth taking the risk.

[Tiggywunkle]

The Baby Jogger version wont be coming to the UK. Just the US. The Bubble is a similar size to most umbrella folds.

[Ijustworemytrenchcoat]

Oh no, is that confirmed that the Vue won't be released here Tiggywunkle? I hoped they'd be releasing their version here as I heard Baby Jogger have made the Njoy a little lighter and narrower and I was hoping they would refine the design a little to hide the side of the seat and harness not in use.

How does it look in person smallinthesmoke? Is there anyway to arrange the hood and seat to disguise it a little?

[lis07n]

The bubble is a standard umberella fold so not that compact whilst its good it faces both ways and has a nice big hood the hood does have a tendency to pop off when folded. I got rid of mine as found it rickety, the seat back felt hard like you could feel the inner metal work so definately needs a padded liner the harness was short and difficult to strap my less than 1 yr old son in and hes small for his age and to top it off the harness clasp snapped poor quality imo. If I was going to spend £200 again id not buy bubble and go for a quinny zapp xtra or the new zapp xtra 2 which folds with the seat on as its a much more sturdy manoevarable stroller can be both parent and forward facing and has the compact fold and quick release wheels

[lis07n]

I found folding the footrest up disguised side not in use and the hood is very covering if that helps

[smallinthesmoke]

Hi OP
I have never particularly bothered about trying to disguise the fact that it can face both ways. If I'm pushing it I can't see the front so the aesthetics don't bother me! Lis07 mentions short straps; she is right there but they still fit over my two yr old (who is large for her age) if I yank them.
It is particularly ideal if you'll be taking public transport as the wheel base is narrower than other backward facing buggies.

[Tiggywunkle]

The front seat does look exceedingly odd with no child in the harness. Pulling the hood over stops passersby doing double takes!

Have you seen the new Silver Cross Reflex??

[elfie99]

Baby Jogger Vue is definately coming to the UK later in 2014. Spoke to a lady at Justkidsthings who now have it on their website albeit without a date for delivery which is hopefully autumn time.

[Squtternutbaush]

Petite Star have gone bust so you can't buy new anymore (unless old stock obviously) and the bubble is very hard to find.

[Tiggywunkle]

The Baby Jogger Vue apparently looks a lot smarter than the Bubble - better fabrics, better execution etc. I am hoping it is good. It still has to undergo UK / EU safety testing but should be here in a few months time, fingers crossed.