HELP - Twin buggy or Carrier?

[Mama2Monkeys]

I'm expecting DC3 in 8 weeks (due 4 days after DD 2nd b'day). Got DS 4 years now at full time school and DD 22 months and at nursery couple of days.

Was going to buy a cheap twin buggy for baby and 2 year old mainly for school run and ease when shopping. For the most part my DD is happy in the buggy but does like to walk too. Just wondering now whether to stick with the single (well worn) buggy I've got for DD use or babe and a carrier OR by a twin buggy.

Please help me by posting pros and cons. Also any suggestions regarding makes of carriers are most welcome too. Ohh dont know if it matters regarding the carriers but giving BF a go.

[Habbibu]

Well, I used a Kari-me wrap when ds was born - dd was almost 3, though, so mostly walked anyway. But the Kari-me was fab, ds adored it, it was super-comfy for both of us, and gave me the option to let dd use the buggy (which didn't really happen in the end - she used her balance bike a lot). A buggy board might be an option, though again we didn't use ours.

[bumbums]

We are very happy with our phil and ted. I like all the options and its always the width of a single buggy which is ace for manouverability.
My DC1 was 22mths when DC2 arrived and is now 3.4 and we still occasionally use it as a double buggy. On long days out when they both get tired or if I'm in a hurry to get somewhere and can't go at DC's snail pace!
Have a look on ebay for a second hand one.

[LadyBuzz]

I wouldn't be without my double but I have had quite heavy babies!!

I have the Obaby version of the phil and teds (currently selling if you are interested) and it was fab!

[Ladyem]

I did the same as Habbibu. Kari-me wrap for DS and our old Graco buggy for 2 year old DD. I wanted to see if I really needed a double buggy before I shelled out on one! And it turned out that DS was more than happy to be in the sling,(and I used to BF him in it, too! Very handy when you are out and about and don't have time to stop!) and soon enough DD was happy to walk or use a buggy board and DS went in the buggy. I'm glad I waited as double buggies are very expensive and it wouldn't have even been used for 6 months. Plus, it also meant that the money I would have spent was available to use on other things!

Congratulations and good luck!

[MerryMarigold]

I'm not sure...depends how much walking/ buggy you think you'll do. I'll probably keep twins in the buggy on the school run till the end of this school year (going TO school for ds1) as otherwise it is too slow trying to chivvy them all along! [Hopefully we'll all be walking back before long]. If you're going to do the same with dd, then I'd suggest a Phil n Ted or equivalent as it's quite a long time to use the sling. If you generally use the car, but just the school run, then the sling may work for you. Just I've never made slings work for me, so not very confident about them [and managed to bf a VERY long time without, so not necessary for that either]...

[Mama2Monkeys]

thanks ladies. will have a think.

[Lovethesea]

I am really happy pushing my nipper 360 double around - very, very light and comfy and means DD (22 months) can be contained rest when she needs to. DS (3 months) weighs almost as much as DD already and there is no way my back could take hauling him and pushing a pram around our hilly area.

[AdelaofBlois]

We got a Zoom-looks big but very steerable and has lots of combinations (either seat facing either way, eye contact with both children, seats or car seats or carrycots). We've got less use form it then we expected, but it's been brillinat when we have used it-especially now boys can face each other as we walk into town. Sling was less effective because it made picking up the eldest almost impossible, so not brilliant if the pushchair was for going somewhere where eldest would get out.

Ultimately, though, is a tough call because you don't know how much you'll use either. Can you borrow or even buy ANY old second hand double buggy just to see if you need it, then sell it on if you don't, or if you'd prefer a different model (very minimal loss if you do this on e-bay, second-hand buggies no dearer than third-hand).

[PomPotty]

I'd advise both.... I wouldn't have got out the house if it wasn't for my P&T sport after DS was born and I always take sling with double buggy in case baby is not settling

[QueenofDreams]

I'm due DC2 in December (DS just turned 2) and frankly I can't afford a double. I will continue using the battered M&P single that I was given second hand when DS was born, and will be busting out the Moby wrap for new baby when it arrives. I figure DS is already walking confidently so shouldn't really be needing to use the buggy much longer anyway :)

When DS was newborn I didn't even have a buggy at all, just took him everywhere in the sling and he loved it. I second the recommendation of a stretchy wrap - I have the Moby and it's brilliant.

[Ladyem]

Have to also say, I still use my wrap/sling for DS even now he is 13 months, just a different way of wrapping him. He isn't a small baby either!! The stretchy wraps distribute the weight so that they don't pull on your back. I couldn't use the baby bjorn-type ones once DD was past 15lbs, but have no problems with the kari-me. I could bend down to take DD to the toilet, no problems or sort her out if she needed anything. Wish I'd known about them first time round!

Just an aside if you were thinking that may be it would be hard on your back with a sling.

I know people who have the P&T and are very happy with it. Just to big for my liking (and too expensive!)

[Mama2Monkeys]

queenofdreams FYI have you got the £190 pregnancy grant form from the midwife. believe government phasing out jan 2011. www.hmrc.gov.uk/hipg/what-is-it.htm

[QueenofDreams]

mama yep MW gave me the form on Thursday, just need to fill it in and send it off :)

[NellyTheElephant]

My 3 are each 2 yrs apart and I never found that I needed a double. I found the buggy and sling combo so much easier, but then I took the bus a lot and if you have ever seen anyone trying to get any sort of double buggy - even a Phil & Teds - on a crowded London bus that's enough to put you off for good. Also I found that actually the toddler walked a lot so I'd have the baby in the buggy and toddler walking - but always have the sling with me in case I had to put the toddler in the buggy (which in practice almost never happened, but I felt safer to have the option).