Prams and pushchairs

[moomin35]

I'm a first time mum to be and am starting to worry about practicalities of when baby is actually here. I have a pram/pushchair from Mothercare but am worried it's too big and that going into town it wont fit around the stores etc. Whats it like using a pram every day in carparks, shops etc, any tips appreciated! :-)

[ThinkIveBeenHacked]

Those big travel systems can be a pain in the arse, but I supppse you will only know by doing it. Most downgrade to a stroller once their dc are old enough.

Have ypu had practice folding and unfolding and putting to the boot?

[UriGeller]

Why don't you have a trial run? You could take it into town, fold and unfold it into the boot of your car or take it on the bus. wheel it through the shops.

I doubt if anyone would know whether its got a baby in it, and if they asked, just tell them what you're doing, you'll be commended or your common sense.

I did this with my DP before we had our ds. It might help if you go with your partner or a friend

[naty1]

Would think it would be ok as people manage with twin ones.
But agree do a trial run. It isnt strange as often the kid is walking around with oh and im pushing empty chair for when DD is tired.
Could be very heavy when pg though.

[TeWiSavesTheDay]

Which one is it so we can check specifications?

If it's narrower than 65cm it will fit through shop doors. Some shops aren't laid out very well so even the tiniest buggy won't fit! But most are fine.

There are online review sites which can be helpful - but I'd ignore the extremes, there are some really bad reviews of the buggy I have but I live it! If there's lots of complaints about a particular thing that's more useful to know.

I'm sure yours is fine. congratulations on your pregnancy!

[moomin35]

the specifications state that when folded it is W49 x D46 x H82 - does this sound slim enough o get through most shop doors? it looks massive to me...

[NickyEds]

They all feel MASSIVE when you first get them! It does take a while but the more you do it the quicker you get used to it. My OH and I used his paternity leave to go around all of the places we thought I'd need to go- all local shops, trains, trip into Leeds etc and checked out baby facilities- changing and feeding rooms, lifts baby friendly shops- it was really handy when he went back to work and I wanted to be out and about alone. Congratulations!

[mumteedum]

Mine is a big 3 wheeler but so easy to turn and light. I've loved it from birth till now. Mum has lovely silvercross buggy smaller than mine & tried friend's buggy. I prefer my bigger one I Can steer easily any day.

[Chocolatestain]

We have an Uppababy Vista which is big, but I love it because it's so easy to manoeuvre. I take it shopping all the time and don't have any problems. We did buy a very cheap stroller to take away, but I never use it because it's so hard to push and steer (a more expensive stroller may be better though). It's a good idea to check out local facilities and if you're on your own with the pram or buggy it's ok to use disabled loos (as the only other option is to leave your baby unattended).