In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The GB Pockit is a very lightweight and compact folded stroller from our best travel stroller review. This stroller has the best weight and folded size score, but it earned the lowest scores for ease of use and maneuverability. In short, it is difficult to navigate even with two hands, and moving over uneven surfaces is so difficult we wanted to pick it up instead of push it. If that isn't enough of a reason to look elsewhere, the Pockit is one of the hardest strollers to use, with limited or non-existent features. The only reason to potentially purchase the Pockit is if you need to fit it in the overhead bin on an airplane, and even then, there are other options that can do that without sacrificing performance. Before making a purchase, we encourage you to check out our favorite strollers.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to lift
Fits in small spaces
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to push and turn
Tiny canopy
Awkward fold
No recline
NEW Version
The original Pocket is longer available, and we now link to the GB Pocket Air All-Terrain. These strollers look remarkably similar and seem to offer the same features and functionality. We plan to test the new Pocket in the future.
Editor's Note: The GB Pockit review was updated on April 25, 2023. The update includes information about the new version and what we are linking to.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Goodbaby International Holdings Limited is a company that is new to the US but began over 25 years ago. They make products for some of the most recognized childhood brands. They feel that they set the standard for safety, innovation, and design. Gb is one of their recognized baby products brands.
Performance Comparison
Weight and Folded Size
The Pockit weighs 10.50 lbs and measures 2,003.12 cubic inches; the Pockit is the smallest and the lightest stroller in the review. If you absolutely must have the smallest stroller, this is one to make your shortlist.
The Pockit folds in on itself to create the smallest folded stroller in the review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The Pockit is one of the hardest strollers to use in this review. Its minimal frame with a compact fold lacks a few features that make other strollers, like the UPPAbaby Minu, easier to use.
The Pockit fold is initiated by pressing in on the buttons on the handles.
If small folded size is a priority, you may want to consider the GB Pockit. It is remarkably small when folded and very lightweight. It earned the highest score in our Weight and Folded Size tests, due to its unique combination of the smallest folded size and the 2nd lightest weight. However, this stroller is difficult to use and requires a trade off for the size.
Fold and Unfold
The Pockit folds like no other stroller we have seen before. It is initiated by pushing buttons on both sides of the frame on the handles (above left). The stroller collapses in on itself like a telescope and then folds in half for a smaller final product (above right). The fold is two-handed, has a manual lock, and can stand independently. The unique nature of the fold makes it more complicated and awkward than most strollers, but it does create the smallest folded package.
The tiny brake pedal on the Pockit is really difficult to operate both because it is small and because it is stiff and can feel like it is set when it isn't.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Brakes
The Pockit brake pedal is tiny and tucked between the double rear wheels on the right, making it very difficult to get your foot on the pedal. The single-action pedal is stiff, making it hard to lift and not sandal-friendly.
Possible Safety Concern
The brakes on the Pockit can feel engaged when they are not. Parents should take precautions and double-check that the brakes are properly set before letting go of the stroller.
The Pockit storage bin is too small for a diaper bag, and you will likely need to carry a bag if you plan to be out longer than a couple of hours.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Storage
The Pockit has one central storage bin that is tiny and doesn't fit a diaper bag. However, it will accommodate up to 11 lbs and has easy access from the front and rear.
The canopy on the Pockit flips forward to provide very minimal protection from the sun.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sunshade
The Pockit canopy isn't really a canopy and only covers the passenger's head. While this might keep the sun off the top of the head, it will do nothing for the rest of the baby. Overall, it is flimsy and ineffective.
The Pockit harness is hard to use, as a result of both form and function.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Harness
The Pockit has a no-rethread harness that adjusts by sliding up and down the straps sewn on the back. It can be difficult to slide, and you'll need to remove the padding and fold the excess strap under the pads. All of the straps are stiff and hard to adjust.
Seat
The Pockit seat is as minimalist as the rest of the stroller. It has an upright back and does not recline. The only other non-reclining stroller we tested is the Dream On Me Coast Rider. The footrest is tucked under the seat, making it hard for little feet to find, and there is no leg rest. The edge of the seat is not curved and is under padded, so it feels like it could cut off circulation for legs hanging over the edge or at least be annoying.
Ease of Setup
The Pockit comes assembled and only needs unfolding. It is the easiest stroller we have ever put together, with an “assemble” time of 1:45 minutes that consisted mainly of reading the instructions.
Maneuverability
The Pockit is not the best mover, with small flimsy wheels and a dual front wheel design. Because of all the fold hinges, there is a lot of flex when strolling, and it feels rickety and rolls with friction no matter what the terrain. You need to use both hands for turning, and we kicked the back wheels when strolling. It is so difficult to push over rougher terrain that we think it would be easier to pick the baby up and walk than try to maneuver the stroll without it breaking in half.
The Pockit moves so poorly over uneven ground that you are better off picking it up instead of fighting it to stroll where you want it to go.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Pockit has plastic wheels, a sling-style seat, and no shocks. The handles are hard plastic and arranged more for fold than for ergonomic placement. This stroller feels like a child's play toy, and pushing for a long distance is likely uncomfortable for pushers and passengers.
Quality
The Pockit has a lot of flex in the frame, and the components are flimsy, giving the entire stroller the feel of a fragile umbrella resulting in a low score for quality. While the design is obviously unique and advanced, the execution feels like a less expensive product, and we think the designers sacrificed quality for the sake of size and weight.
Should You Buy the GB Pockit?
The Pockit is a very unique product that, if executed well, could be an excellent on-the-go strolling solution. However, we feel that the design still needs some work before wholeheartedly recommending it. We acknowledge that it has a folded size that is significantly smaller than the next best product, the BabyZen Yoyo2. The ability to fit this stroller in a large tote or backpack may be desirable to parents who don't want to lug around a stroller if they only plan to use it sporadically during outings. However, we don't think this is the right choice for most families.
What Other Umbrella Strollers Should You Consider?
Suppose you are looking at strollers in a similar price range. In that case, the Inglesina Quid is a bit more expensive but offers a host of convenient features that significantly improve its useability. Although it can't fit in your backpack, it is still small enough to fit in an overhead bin on an airplane easily. If an extremely compact stroller is attractive, the Zoe Traveler also earned one of the top scores for weight and size and still offers some paired down ease of use features that make it more pleasant for regular use.
