GB Pockit is probably the most famous lightweight stroller. Its innovative, revolutionary feature – smallest fold in the World – has been an inspiration to other baby stroller brands.
Of course folding size in not everything. So what other features does GB Pockit stroller have? Le’s see how does it perform and maneuver.
This article contains affiliate links.
I’m sure many of you wonder why so many parents love this stroller. How does this small and light stroller work on cracked sidewalks or in park? Are the wheels durable? And is the seat comfortable enough?
I will try to answer these and many more questions you might have so you could decide whether GB Pockit is the right stroller for you and your baby.
GB Pockit Review – Stroller Features
If you often travel or like to go to the mall with your baby, compact and light stroller can definitely make your life easier. But a good stroller is not only small, lightweight and portable, right? It has to be strong to hold your baby securely. It has to be comfortable for you and your baby so you could both enjoy strolling and exploring the World.
Let’s take a look at all GB Pockit features. What can this stroller offer parents, except for the World’s tiniest fold?
Seat
The Pockit has a regular toddler seat that is suitable from 6 months. The back of the seat is not very thick, therefore it’s suitable only for child who can sit unassisted and hold his head up.
| GB Pockit stroller weight limit is 55 lbs, and since the backrest is quite long (about 24 inches), this stroller is also suitable for tall toddler or older kid. I’ve read dozens of customer reviews and found out that many parents use this stroller for 4-year-old or even 5-year-old kids (find out more). One mom even fit her 8-year-old in the Pockit (read more here)! |
*Keep in mind that in Europe weight limit is 33 lbs/17 kg (due to different safety regulations).
Parents often ask if the Pockit stroller recline. Unfortunately the seat doesn’t have the recline function. Therefore unless your baby can sleep in sitting position, this tiny stroller won’t be good for naps on-the-go. Some moms complain about the lack of reclining backrest, so before you buy this stroller make sure it’s not a problem for you.
Keep in mind that the backrest is not fully upright either (it’s not 90 degree angle). So if you have a very curious toddler who likes to sit straight, I’m not sure this seat will be comfortable for him. There is no calf rest or footrest either.
The seat is equipped with adjustable 5-point harness system. You can fasten or loosen the straps and set them at different height as your child grows. The crotch strap and shoulder straps have nicely padded covers for the baby’s comfort.
The whole seat is also very well padded and soft to the touch. You can also easily remove the fabric and throw into the washing machine. It’s a big advantage.
| PRO TIP: GB Pockit is now on a huge sale on PishPosh Baby. You can save 20% and get a FREE travel bag! What you need to do to grab your discount? Go to PishPosh Baby website using this link and enter coupon code: AUG20 at the checkout. That’s it! Hurry up as the availability may be limited. |
Canopy
The Pockit stroller has very small sun shade. It is just a flat hood over child’s head. It doesn’t protect the baby from the sun from the front and both sides either. This is the main parents complain about the Pockit.
As you can see, the seat and sun shade on Pockit stroller are not ideal, they have some drawbacks. Remember that it is a travel lightweight stroller so the lack of several features is a trade-off for ultra-light and compact construction.
|
Keep in mind that the new model – GB Pockit Plus features reclining seat and bigger, rounded canopy that provides better shade from the sun. The Pockit Plus is available in multiple colors on the market and you can check its price and availability here. |
Wheels
GB Pockit stroller has four dual wheels. They are really small – about 4.5″. However they are more durable than they look!
Front 360° swivel wheels make the stroller really nimble and easy to maneuver. You can also lock those wheels to increase stroller stability which is very useful on uneven terrain.
Keep in mind that the Pockit doesn’t have suspension therefore there’s no shock-absorption. I don’t recommend taking it on rough terrain. It’s designed for flat surfaces and indoor use, so it’s not perfect for cobblestone or gravel. It does handle cracked sidewalks and hard-packed dirt trails pretty well (it bounces only a little bit), but that’s it.
Brake
There is a rear wheel parking brake, operated by foot. The pedal is placed between right rear wheels. It is small so it may be hard to set and release, especially in sandals or flip flops. I know that some parents do it by hand.I wish the brake pedal was bigger and more user-friendly.
Handles
This lightweight stroller doesn’t have one handlebar. Instead there are two handles that usually require using both hands for pushing and steering. On smooth surfaces you may be able to steer it with one hand, while using your phone for directions. But to increase the stability, I recommend two-hand steering.
GB Pockit lightweight stroller is very easy to maneuver and turn. However, pushing is convenient only for short and average in height parents. I’ve read that people over 6ft tall find the handles too low and they have to hunch over the stroller.
The height of the handles is not adjustable therefore if you’re very tall this stroller may be less comfortable for you to push.
Storage Space
This is a lightweight stroller for travel so we can’t expect it to have huge storage basket. The bin underneath the seat is small, but it has a weight capacity of 11 lbs. It can accommodate small diaper bag or small baby backpack. Moreover it is very easily accessible from the back and front.
Size, Weight & Fold
This is the biggest advantage of GB Pockit lightweight stroller and probably every parent knows already how tiny this stroller is.
Small size makes it perfect for trips to the mall and very easy to navigate through tight and crowded places. Fitting through narrow aisles in grocery stores or between tables in restaurants won’t be a problem for the Pockit.
Moreover this stroller is light as a feather thanks to aluminum frame. It weighs only 9.5 lbs which is literally incredible! My purse is usually heavier than this! Such a lightweight stroller is very easy to carry up and down the stairs. You can even carry it around when you’re baby is not using it – without any effort. Although it is so light, it’s still very durable and strong. Amazing!
Fold size is the feature that makes this lightweight stroller so special and so famous. It folds down into an ultra-compact handbag-shaped package.
Folded Pockit stroller dimensions are: 11.8″ x 7″ x 13.8″ which is unbelievable tiny. It is 2014 Guinness World Records most compact stroller!
So if you’re wondering which stroller folds smallest, the answer is Pockit stroller!
How do you close the GB Pockit stroller?
To close the Pockit stroller, first you need to fold the canopy away and lock the front wheels. Then you need to fold the rear wheels by using the white lever above each wheel. Then you just have to press two white buttons one the handles and push the whole stroller down. When the stroller is closed you need to fold the wheels inwards and lock the whole package manually.
You can see the whole process in the video below. It’s actually quite easy when you get used to it. Unfolding is even more simple.
Such a simple and tiny fold and small weight are very useful especially if you have a toddler who already can walk and only sometimes wants to ride in a stroller.
You can fold GB Pockit stroller when your child prefers to walk and simply throw it into your handbag or travel bag and carry on a shoulder effortlessly.
Moreover thanks to such a tiny fold size the Pockit is perfect for parents with a passion for city travel and exploring the world by plane. It fits in overhead compartment and even underneath the seat on an airplane!
It’s also great solution for those who often use the public transportation, have a small car and/or small apartment. It’s super easy to store and transport.
Pros & Cons
What Other Parents Think About GB Pockit Stroller?
You probably won’t be surprised if I tell you that the Pockit is one of the most popular strollers available on the market right now. It has been a best-selling lightweight stroller for a very long time, no wonder it has hundreds of customer reviews on Amazon (you can check the current number of reviews and overall rating here).
Parents must really love the original GB Pockit – last time I checked it was really highly-rated by the customers.
Here are the things that parents praise most often and the drawbacks they mention.
Compact fold is the biggest advantage of this stroller. It makes travel with baby much more easy. You can even take it on the plane as a carry-on, because it fits in overhead compartment and even slides under the seat! This space-saver is also perfect for parents who have small apartment and/or small car.
Moreover, it doesn’t take up much space when open either – it’s thin and tiny! It’s a perfect companionship for shopping at the mall or going to the restaurants. It makes getting through the airport much easier, it’s perfect for sight seeing in cities, traveling by trains, for Disneyland, for narrow sidewalks in NYC or crowded museums in DC.
According to many parents this stroller is very durable and more sturdy than it looks (although it’s not as strong as BOB joggers, which is obvious).
Another advantage is the removable seat fabric which is also machine-washable. Moreover this fabric is comfy and durable.
Although the basket underneath the seat is rather small, it can accommodate child’s small backpack or a small bag, or mom’s and dad’s jackets. It’s also easy to access from the front and back. But there’s no way to fit shopping bags.
Folding and unfolding takes some practice and gets easier as you get used to it.
The seat is roomy enough to accommodate even a 5 or 6-year-old child and many parents recommend it for toddlers or preschoolers who can walk, but sometimes like to ride in a stroller (especially on long-distance walks).
It’s a perfect solution during travels and trips to Disneyland. Big asset of the Pockit is that it’s a great stroller for older kids and tall toddlers.
It’s a great choice if you travel with older child (like 4 or 5 year old) and need a stroller “just in case”. Even 44″ tall children fit in it comfortably.
Parents don’t complain about the wheels as much as you could expect. Of course they work best on the flat surfaces, but they can also handle hard-packed dirt roads and bricks. They are more flimsy and wobbly on cobblestone or gravel. Lots of parents emphasize this is a travel stroller so you can’t expect as cushioned ride as the jogging strollers provide. But as a travel stroller the Pockit gets the job done!
There are two main disadvantages that parents mention. First of all, the backrest doesn’t recline at all. Customers also complain about the sun canopy – it is small and ineffective. It usually blows back, even in the slightest wind. The handles may be too short for parents over 6ft tall. Another small drawbacks are: lack of the travel back and shoulder strap.
Moms say that carry strap is a must-have. Some of them have been using this shoulder strap with Pockit.
Pockit Stroller – Specification
| Stroller | Data |
|---|---|
| Stroller Type | Lightweight |
| Stroller Weight | 9.5 lbs |
| Weight Limit | 55 lbs |
| Stroller Dimensions | 28" x 17.5" x 39.8" (L x W x H) |
| Fold Dimensions | 11.8" x 7.1" x 13.8" (L x W x H) |
| Handlebar Height | 39" |
| Wheel Size | 4.5" |
Colors
Originally GB Pockit Lightweight Stroller was available in 6 color versions: Capri Blue, Dragonfire Red, Lizard Khaki, Monument Black, Posh Pink and Sea Port Blue. However there are new colors in 2018 collection: Laguna Blue, Sapphire Blue, Silver Fox Grey, Cherry Red and Satin Black (the same colors are available for the new Pockit+ stroller).
The availability and price may vary for each color so don’t forget to check it, for example on Amazon or on PishPosh Baby (right now -20% with code AUG20!)
Accessories For The Pockit Stroller
Here are the two accessories from the GB brand, that you can find on Amazon.
| Image | Description |
|---|---|
 | GB Pockit Travel Bag – Very useful accessory that makes travel with Pockit more easy. It’s also perfect for storing the stroller at home or in car. This travel bag matches GB Pockit dimensions perfectly. |
 | GB Pockit Footmuff – For chilly winter days you can add to your GB Pockit a cozy footmuff. It will protect your baby from cold, wind and snow. It’s so warm and soft, you can be sure your kid will love it! The fabric and plastic insert make it very easy to clean. |
GB Pockit vs GB Pockit Plus – Comparison
In February 2018 the new GB Pockit+ was released on the market. These two strollers have few similar features but there are also significant differences. The Pockit Plus has all the features that the original GB Pockit lacked.
What Is The Difference Between GB Pockit And Pockit Plus?
The biggest difference between Pockit and Pockit Plus is the ability to use the latter one from birth.
There are also couple more improvement for Plus version, so let’s dive into more details comparison!
Seat: Many parents complain about the lack of reclining backrest on the original Pockit stroller. The new model – GB Pockit Plus reclines to provide the baby with more comfortable ride.
Canopy: Lots of customers think the canopy on GB Pockit is useless as it doesn’t protect the baby from the sun and wind at all. The upgraded model has bigger rounded canopy that gives the baby more shade from the sun.
Seating options for newborns: The Pockit stroller is suitable only for babies who can sit unassisted and it cannot be used from birth. On the other hand, GB Pockit Plus is compatible with GB and Cybex car seats (with proper adapters) and can be used from birth with a carrycot attached to the frame.
Weight & Size: The GB Pockit+ is about 3 lbs heavier, 1” wider and 0.5” higher than the original model.
Fold: Folding technique has stayed the same, but the folded dimensions has changed a bit. The Pockit Plus folded dimensions are: 12.5″ x 7.8″ x 14.9″, in contrast to the older model dimensions: 11.8″ x 7.1″ x 13.8″. It’s only a slight difference and the Pockit+ is still the most compact stroller in the World.
You can learn more about GB Pockit Plus in my full review or you can already check its price.
Keep in mind
The seat is suitable only for a child that has developed neck and head control. Moreover, there is no suspension so the stroller jiggles on more bumpy terrain.
3 Reasons Why You Will Love GB Pockit Stroller
|
1. It is great solution for parents who live in a small apartment and don’t have a lot of free space. 2. Thanks to the smallest and most compact fold in the World you can take it as carry-on. No more waiting for the stroller after landing and no more worrying if it gets broken as a gate-checked luggage. 3. It’s a long-term investments and can serve you as a stroller for big kid. You can use it for a preschooler who sometimes gets tired on long distances or a child with a medical condition. It’s great for day trips for example to the zoo or Disneyland. My rate:
|
If this stroller doesn’t meet your needs, check out my ranking of the best lightweight strollers for 2020. You can find there other awesome strollers that are compact and portable.
All pictures belong to GB. Source: https://gb-online.com
|
Your trust is really important to me: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something using these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me run this blog. Thank you so much 🖤 Zooey |
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂
I used this for a 25 lb child & found it too rickety & wobbly. Since the handles aren’t solid, child’s weight shifted back & forth unsteadily. Also found the tiny wheels to inhibite the free movement on pavement.
Also child kept leaning forward from uncomfortable seat.Those old-fashioned fold-long & thin umbrella strollers are a much better choice for us. Solid and deeper.
Hi Ellen! Thanks for sharing your experience with Pockit. Can you recommend any umbrella stroller that will fit older, tall child? 🙂
Hi there,
How come online it shows that it only fits up to a 37lb (17kg) child?
Hi! On GB US official website: https://gbchildusa.com/products/pockit/ it says “up to 55 lbs” and the model that is sold on Amazon has capacity of 55 lbs too.
I saw a different capacity on one website – maybe it was version from different country with lower capacity (due to different safety tests, different standard etc.)? I will look into this.
But if you purchase this stroller from Amazon it will definitely hold up to 55 pounds.
Actually, if you look in GB European websites (you can change the country at the bottom of their website) it always show 17kg. I wonder if there is an actual product difference, or if it’s simply different standards for different countries.
I’ve been struggling to find out the answer, since our kid is already 17kg, so would greatly appreciate anyone finding out if there is a difference or not (I am not living in the US but Amazon USA can ship those pretty much everywhere).
Hi Daniel,
I asked GB on Twitter about it and they confirmed that EU and US Pockit are different due to different safety regulations, however they are quite similar in size. What’s interesting, they told me that the US version is not certified to be used in Europe and vice-versa.
Hope it’s more clear for you now 🙂
In the same boat as you. Did you ever figure out if they are the same or not?