Ickle Bubba, the UK-based baby brand, launched in 2013. The founders, Fran and Veronica, wanted to create a range of products that combined style and practicality, and gave parents everything they needed at an affordable price. We took the Aries Max auto-fold stroller for a test drive to see if they achieved that goal.
What’s Hot:
+ Easy to assemble: click in the wheels and you’re good to go
+ Bumper bar, footmuff and rain cover included
+ Easy one-handed fold
What’s Not:
– Fabrics aren’t machine washable
– The handle height can’t be adjusted for a more comfortable pushing position
– Front swivel wheels don’t lock into place for more challenging terrain
Aries is available in three different configurations. The Aries Auto-fold stroller comes with a bumper bar and rain cover. The Aries Max adds a footmuff and clip-on cup holder, and Aries Prime includes all of that, as well as a buggy organiser and carry bag. We tested the mid-range version, Aries Max
.
Initial construction was very simple. Release the clip and unfold the lightweight aluminium chassis, click in the wheels, plug in the bumper bar, and you’re ready to roll. Adding the clip-on cup folder was a little trickier, as it needed some force to get it into place, and I was worried about damaging it. Once attached, though, it’s the perfect size for a bottle of water or a takeaway coffee while you stroll in the sunshine.
Usability
One of the great strengths of the Aries Max auto-fold stroller is the one-handed fold and unfold mechanism. The release system in the centre of the handlebar is easy to use, with a slider at the top and a button to push underneath. Then tilt and push, and the stroller folds fluidly down and clicks closed. The bumper bar makes a convenient handle for lifting the stroller into the back of a car or onto public transport.
For the smallest overall package, the bumper bar can be quickly released and tucked into the stroller’s body for safekeeping.
Comfort
Mini Joe took the Aries Max out for a spin and was pretty relaxed throughout, even over the rougher terrain of Coombe Abbey Country Park. Before taking the stroller out for that inaugural ride, be sure to adjust the five-point harness to fit your little passenger comfortably, as it takes a little bit of fiddling to get things right. The upper straps have colour-coordinated cushioned covers to add some extra comfort, but they aren’t particularly tight on the straps, so they slide down quite readily with taller, more wiggly occupants.
The seat is a nice width, so Mini Joe had plenty of space to twist and turn without knocking his elbows on the frame or feeling crowded.
When Mini Joe nodded off, a quick squeeze of the toggle at the back of the seat allowed it to recline and create a comfortable, relaxed position. The toggle slides as much or as little as you need, giving plenty of flexibility. Aries Max is suitable from birth, as the seatback can recline to an almost flat position for newborns and very young babies. A Newborn Cocoon is also available to make it even more cosy.
The UPF 50+ sun protection hood provides decent coverage and has a peek-a-boo flap so you can keep an eye on your Mini Joe while he naps. The seat is outward-facing only, which might be less preferable for those with younger babies, but it could be a compromise worth making for the stroller’s lightweight, more compact nature, particularly if you’re intending to travel or have limited space for storing a larger stroller.
Storage
The Aries Max auto-fold stroller has an under-stroller basket with unobstructed access for shopping or baby paraphernalia. There’s also a flap-covered pocket on the back of the seat for smaller items like your wallet, keys, phone, or even snacks for a trip to the park.
For extra storage, upgrade to the Aries Prime and you’ll get the buggy organiser, with space for a couple of bottles and a covered pocket at the centre.
How does the Aries Max stroller handle?
The Aries Max stroller weighs 6.1kg, so its lightweight aluminium chassis is easy to manoeuver, even with a larger toddler onboard. Both the front and rear wheels have some suspension, which helps smooth out some rougher surfaces.
The smaller front wheels did get caught occasionally in the larger ruts of the cobbled surface we traversed, but being lightweight, a quick tilt backwards easily released the wheel, and we were off again.
The front swivel wheels can’t be locked in place, which can make some surfaces, such as sand or gravel, more challenging, but overall, the handling was easy and trouble-free.
The Aries Max stroller: Verdict
There wasn’t much that we didn’t like about the Aries Max. It wasn’t perfect, and with no ability to adjust the handle, it might be a less comfortable option for some parents. While it is available in some great colours, the lack of washability makes them much less practical than the darker, less interesting choices.
What we really like is that all three options in the Aries autofold stroller range come with all the basics you’ll need. You can, of course, choose the Max or Prime options, or add other accessories if you want to, but with the bumper bar and rain cover included, there are no immediate extra costs if you’re on a tight budget. And at £159 for the basic package, we think it offers excellent value for the quality and usability that the Ickle Bubba Aries autofold stroller offers.
Model Tested: Ickle Bubba Aries Max autofold stroller
Price: £179
Average Joes Rating: ★★★★☆
