Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix Review
*The Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix was gifted to us for review but all opinions are 100% our own.
*Photos by Tomas Preston Photography
Our daughter is growing up fast and as a bustling toddler, she now needs a Group 1 2 3 car seat Isofix bundle for travel while we put away our Grade 0 car seat ready for our newborn due any day now.
Ickle Bubba* gifted us a Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix Review (Solar 1 2 3 Isofix Car Seat) for review and as part of our feature series on picking the right car seat for your child (watch this space for the guide coming out soon!)
Read on to learn more about my Ickle Bubba Solar Group 1 2 3 car seat* review.
Buy the Solar Group 1 2 3 Isofix Car Seat from Ickle Bubba and save £40 for a limited time only*
Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix Review
Table
| Overall rating |  |
| Ease of use | |
| Fits the purpose |  |
| Style and comfort | |
| Functionality | |
| Value for money | |
What am I reviewing?
I am reviewing the Ickle Bubba Solar group 123 Isofix Car Seat in Black* with my daughter who is currently 21 months old.
A little bit about Ickle Bubba
In 2011, founders Fran and Veronica Vaughn were on the lookout for stylish and affordable travel systems when they were expecting their first baby. After spending too much money they decided to create stylish and affordable travel systems of their own. Shortly thereafter, Ickle Bubba was born.
Ickle Bubba provides stylish, practical and budget-friendly products, including travel systems, nursery furniture, car seats and strollers. They even won some awards too!
Great car seat. I bought this around 2 months ago for our daughter who is now 18 months she had outgrown her previous car seat. She loves to be forward-facing, it was very easy to instal; and feels very sturdy and secure, also great to be able to recline the seat when she falls asleep. ★★★★★
Catmac, Highlands, Scotland
What are Group 1 2 3 car seats?
Group 1 2 3 car seats are forward-facing car seats where the toddler uses the seat’s integral five-point safety harness initially or an impact cushion until they are 15kg (Group 1 Isofix car seat) and then uses the car seat’s five-point seatbelt belt to secure the child and the seat.
The seat then converts into a high-backed booster seat when your child is older and bigger and the five-point harness is no longer used. The child is secured using the car’s own seat belt.
Car seats can come with an Isofix base which is clicked onto a mechanism on the seat of cars that offer Isofix options.
Multi-group car seats can be cheaper as they are convertible car seats and your child will grow with the car seat.
How much is the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix and where can you buy it?
The Isofix car seat group 1 2 3 bundle currently costs £129 (RRP £169.99)* and you can buy it from here.*
Buy the Solar Group 1 2 3 Isofix Car Seat from Ickle Bubba and save £40 for a limited time only*
Great car seat! Great quality, easy to install in the car. Worth the money. ★★★★★
Ailsa Burton
Can you pay in instalments?
You can make three payments of £43.00 via Klarna and there are no fees attached. Learn more here.*
What can you get in the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and IsoFix box?
- The Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat either in Black, Dark Grey or Light Grey
- Ickle Bubba Isofix base
- Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat Installation Guide, Ickle Bubba Car Seat Manual and Ickle Bubba Car Seat Safety Guide
- 4-year warranty
- Two snooze shades
- Two side protection cushions
How long will it take to be delivered?
UK standard delivery takes 2 – 5 working days and you can get free shipping if you spend over £50.
Order values under £50 will be charged at £4.
Ickle Bubba aims to dispatch the car seat within 48 hours of receipt of order, but in most cases, it will take around 2 -5 working days. You will receive an email when your order has been scheduled for shipping.
Ickle Bubba delivers via courier Monday to Friday between 8.30 am and 5 pm. If you provide an email and mobile number, the courier will text or email you within a 1-hour delivery time slot on the day of arrival.
Ickle Bubba Solar Isofix car seat size and specifications
The material offers a luxury two-tone suede fabric designed to keep the child cool and includes a reversible headrest cushion, seat cushion and buckle pad to alternate the colour combination if you wanted to.
Size bullet points and key features
- Forward-facing Group 1-2-3 car seat
- Weight range: 9kg – 36kg
- Age range: 9 months to 12 years
- Integrated Isofix fitting
- Seat belt compatible
- Top tether strap
- Luxury stay cool fabric
- Magnetic buckle retainer
- 3 recline positions: upright, mid-recline and full recline
- 5 point safety harness with shoulder, lap and crotch straps
- Reversible headrest cushion, seat cushion and buckle pad
- Includes 2 x sun shades
Specifications bullet points
- Product usage from 9kg – 36kg – approximately 9 months to 12 year
- Group 1 (approx 9kg to 18kg / 15 months to 4 years)
- Group 2 and 3 (approx 15kg to 36kg / 3 years to 12 years)
- Minimum dimensions: L47cm x W53cm x H67cm
- Maximum dimensions: L47 x W53cm x H71cm
- Weight: 13.3kg
- Tested & approved to ECE R44 / 04 British & European safety standards
- Colour: Black, Dark Grey or Light Grey
- 4-year warranty
Ickle Bubba Solar Safety Rating
We couldn’t find a car seat safety rating but you do get 4 years warranty once you’ve registered your product online and kept your proof of purchase for any future claim. If you register within 28 days of receiving the item, Ickle Bubba will extend your standard warranty to 4 years from the date of purchase at no extra cost.
Click here for more information on Ickle Bubba’s warranty terms.*
Ickle Bubba Solar Car Compatibility
The Ickle Bubba Solar car seat is only suitable for use in vehicles fitted with a three-point retractable safety belt or Isofix attachments.
For Group 1 car seats always give preference to using the rear seats even if the front seat is permitted. Check your vehicle manual for advice on fitting your car seat in the front of the vehicle. Airbags can cause injury so do not use the car seat on a passenger seat fitted with a front airbag.
Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat Instructions
Make sure to store the booklet instructions provided with the car seat at all times. There is a pocket provided on the back of the car seat marked as number (2) below.
Car seat features (see image above)
- Headrest Adjustor
- Base
- Top Tether
- User Guide Box
- Tension Indicating Adjustor
- Top Tether Lock Hook
- Isofix Connectors (x 2)
- Guide Hook (for 15-25kg children)
- Jointshaft
- Buckle Retainer
- Side Impact Protection
- Lock Clips (for 9-18kg children)
- Lap Belt Guide (for 15-25kg children)
- Belt Slots
- Isofix Point Release Buttons (x 2)
- Isofix Connection Indicators
- Headrest
- Belt Slots
- Harness Shoulder Straps
- Buckle Pad (Reversible)
- Harness Adjustment Button
- Adjustment Patch Strap
- Headrest Cushion (Reversible)
- Harness Pads (x2)
- Seat Cushion (Reversible)
- Harness Adjustment Strap
- Recline Lever
- Isofix System Regulator
- Adult Seat Belt Buckle
- Adult Seat Belt Connector
- Harness Connectors
How do you use the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat with the Isofix Base?
Group 1 fitting instructions (9-18kg)
The Ickle Bubba Solar Group 1 2 3 Car Seat can be installed using Isofix and a top tether strap.
- Pull the red button out and the Isofix connector will come out automatically (see image above and B-1 below)
- Unlock the Isofix connectors of the car seat by pushing the Isofix point release button (IS) (B-2)
- Open the plastic panel to get the top tether out and close the panel (B-3)
- Hook the top tether strap on the anchor bracket and fasten the belt tightly (B-4)
- Place the car seat on the vehicle seat and connect the Isofix connectors to the vehicle Isofix attachments (B-5). There will be an indicator visible on the connector
- Attach the Isofix connectors until the Isofix connection indicators (16) turn red to green and a click is heard (B-6). This will mean the seat is locked into position
- Once in place pull the Isofix adjustor position until tight and the car seat is tight against the vehicle backrest
There are three reclining positions
By pulling the red recline lever up, you can choose from the following positions for your child:
- upright
- mid-recline
- full-recline
The top tether is located at the top of the seat back. Extend the length by squeezing the tension indicating adjustor. Locate the vehicle adjustment point which may be found on the parcel shelf, at the back of the seat or the rear boot area and hook on.
Tighten the tether strap (B-7) until the adjustor indicator shows green (B-8)
Placing your child in the car seat
- Loosen the harness and press on the central adjuster button (21) (F-1). Pull on the harness shoulder straps (19)
- Your child’s head should sit directly in the middle of the headrest and the sides of the headrest should sit just above the child’s shoulders.
- To adjust the headrest pull the headrest adjuster (1) to release the latch from the back of the seat. Pull the headrest up and locate the dial into one of the slots on the headrest (F-2) F-3)
- Ensure the headrest does not obstruct the child’s shoulders. Also, make sure the top of the child’s head does not go over the top of the headrest
- Open the harness buckle by pressing firmly on the red button in the centre of the buckle (F-5). Spread apart the shoulder straps to buckle retainers (10) to enable the child to be placed (F-6).
- Place the child into the car seat, ensuring they are seated upright against the backrest. Pass the child’s arms through each of the shoulder straps (F-7) while bringing together the harness connectors (31). Align them together and insert them into the buckle until you hear a “click” (F-8)
- Pull firmly on the harness adjustment strap (26) at the front of the seat. It’s not necessary to press on the central adjuster button (F-9)
Fitting the side impact protection cushions
Line up the two tabs located on the Side Impact Protection panels to the two holes located on the side of the car seat (see A-1 in the image below)
Push inwards and upwards until the panel clicks into place (see A-2 below)
If you are short of space there is the option to only fit the side closest to the vehicle door.
Great, comfortable car seat. I bought this for my 1-year-old, he seems really happy and comfortable in it. The straps and material are soft, breathable fabric. He also likes the recline mode for naps. ★★★★
Lp123, Plymouth
More instructions can be found in the enclosed Ickle Bubba instruction manual
Buy the Solar Group 1 2 3 Isofix Car Seat from Ickle Bubba and save £40 for a limited time only!*
Cute and comfy. I brought this for my daughter and she loves it. It’s comfortable, stylish and feels just as solid as her previous Cybex seat.
Mummie 2.0, London
And fits into my Peugeot 3008. So happy I purchased it. ★★★★
First impressions of the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and IsoFix
Our first impressions were the premium quality of the lovely soft suede material looks and feel strong and sturdy.
Was the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and IsoFix easy to put together?
Yes very easy to put together. You simply release the red button and it clicks into the Isofix system. It’s also very simple to fit and remove.
Great seat. Got this just over a week ago now. Looks great and fits well in my car. Feels plush and looks very comfortable. My daughter looks very happy in it. Was a great price too. ★★★★★
Louis82, Gosport
Did baby seem comfortable in the car seat?
Our daughter was very comfortable in the car seat, although she is too big for the additional neck and headrest padding. We had to remove it, but we’re keeping it for our next baby.
The group 123 car seat can recline in three positions so you can manoeuvre the seat to make it more comfortable for the baby during travel. When it’s upright our daughter’s head does tilt forward when she’s asleep, but to fix this you recline the seat back and it makes for more comfortable napping in the car seat.
What are the pros of using the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat with Isofix?
The 123 group car seat has a very premium feel and comfort. The harness can be adjusted and fastened easily and it was easy to clip to the Isofix base in the car. The Isofix is very simple to use and there are additional reclining positions which is a bonus. Our daughter could see everything out of the car and my ten year old could lift and carry the seat for us. All added bonuses.
What are the cons of using Ickle Bubba 123 car seat?
The car seat comes with the Isofix attached and we’re not sure if this can be removed yet. The recliner handle is supported only by a spring visible under the seat, which may tear easily. The padding is not a favourite for my daughter. As she is 21 months I have to remove the padding as it stops her tilting her head back to rest. The seat is quite heavy and the extra side protection is a bonus but it does also increase the space used by the seat.
Excellent product. I purchased this for our grandson as it’s the same seat which they use and they were very satisfied with it. ★★★★★
JT2175, Bristol
What and who would The Ickle Bubba Car Seat and Isofix be useful for?
The car seat is suitable for long road trips as it’s very comfy for your toddler who has just grown out of their Group 0 car seat. The car seat will also grow with your child until they are four years old so it is long-lasting and space-saving.
Is the Ickle Bubba Solar Car Seat and Isofix worth the money?
Yes it is definitely worth the money on initial use. Time will tell if the material is durable and the parts stay intact.
Buy the Solar Group 1 2 3 Isofix Car Seat from Ickle Bubba and save £40 for a limited time only!*
What is my overall opinion of the Ickle Bubba Car Seat?
It is a fantastic car seat and my daughter loves it despite the minor issues with the headrest which is fixable. For the price you pay which at the moment is £129.99, the car seat looks much more premium than it is valued at. So, I would definitely recommend grabbing the opportunity to save £40 now and buy the car seat for your child.
Overall rating
Premium quality material, easy to click into place and comes with three reclining positions for maximum comfort and security, not to mention the sturdy five-point harness.
Excellent buy. Bought only last week it’s so stylish, easy to fix and my son looks so comfortable in it! ★★★★★
Ksmith1995, Sunderland
Ease of use
Very easy to use and clicks into place easily. However, it is quite heavy and we’re not sure whether the Isofix can come apart. However, it does raise the seat so the baby can see out of the window.
Fits the purpose
The car seat definitely fits the purpose of travelling with our daughter in comfort and style. She seems to be happy in it and has napped on many occasions.
Style and comfort
The car seat comes with the added built-in Side Impact Cushion for safety and to reduce the impact of any side collision. The material is high quality and it looks great!
Functionality
The integrated Isofix connection and top tether strap ensures easy installation and gives you that peace of mind that the car seat has been correctly fitted in the car. This is the most important part of our review. We feel like our baby is safe.
Value for money
At just £129.00 at the moment you should jump at the chance to get this car seat as it’s very affordable for what you get. Plus when you sign up to Ickle Bubba’s emails, you could win a £100 voucher to pay towards the car seat!
Buy the Solar Group 1 2 3 Isofix Car Seat from Ickle Bubba and save £40 for a limited time only!*
| Overall rating | |
| Ease of use | |
| Fits the purpose | |
| Style and comfort | |
| Functionality | |
| Value for money | |
Easy to navigate and stylish! We love Ickle Bubba, after having a travel system for our child, we decided to stick with Ickle Bubba for our next step car seat.
Wilson, Essex
This should last us until our little one reached a certain height or 12-year-olds.
Our little one seems super comfortable in it. ★★★★
FAQ
Is an infant car seat safer than a convertible car seat?
Infant-only car seats face only face the rear seat of the car and are intended for newborns up to approximately 9 months, depending on weight. The weight generally ranges from 4 to 5 pounds to around 30 – 35 pounds. The height limit is also around 30 – 55 inches.
Once the baby exceeds the limits of a car seat they will transition to a convertible all-in-one car seat. A convertible car seat can start off rear-facing and then convert to a forward-facing from when the child is around 40 pounds or more.
Both car seats are safe and designed for the baby’s specific height and weight provided they are rear-facing and installed properly.
What is the difference between a Group 0 car seat and Group 1 2 3 car seat?
Group 0 car seats are rear-facing car seats for the baby until 9kg in weight. They are then turned forward-facing until the baby is around 18kg.
The baby then transitions to Group 1 2 3 car seats, starting with Group 1 which are forward-facing and the child uses the car seats integral harness or impact cushion until they are 15kg. They then use the car’s seat belt which secures the child and the seat.
You then get Group 2 and 3 car seats which are high-backed booster seats, although they don’t need to have a back. The back can be removed once the child reaches 22kg, but it’s advised to keep it on in the seat.
Buy the Solar Group 1 2 3 Isofix Car Seat from Ickle Bubba and save £40 for a limited time only!*
*Pricing is correct at 11 June 2021 – prices may vary after this date
*Ickle Bubba gifted us with the Solar Car Seat and Isofix base for review but all thoughts and opinions are 100% our own
*Links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
*Photos by Tomas Preston Photography
