Total Novice - Advice Needed!

[bettyblue77]

I am 28 weeks pregnant with first and feel totally out of my depth with pushchairs/travel systems, etc. A friend told me that they are actually not in them for all that long before you end up needing something lighter, more toddler friendly. Is this true? We've been looking at Mothercare MyChoice and Spin for newborn, and have looked at others. Is it sensible to spend £450ish if, as my friend has said, they don't stay in them that long? I want what everyone probably wants - lightweight, easy to handle, folds easily and into a small boot and preferably stylish. She also insisted that we NEED a travel system as opposed to other options. Is this true? Any thoughts/advice gratefully accepted!

[Hevster]

I think it all comes down to personal choice and circumstances. We hardly used our travel system with DD1 and won't be using it at all with DD2. It's not supposed to be good for babies to stay in the car seat for too long so I only use the car seat in the car.
We bought a maclaren techno xt when DD1 was very small (which you can use from birth) and it's the best investment we ever made, fairly light, folds etc and goes everywhere and is robust enough to be chucked about on planes and still takes DD1 at 16kg.

I guess if you really want a travel system type thing make sure you get one that you are likely to continue to use when you don't need use the car seat/carrycot attachments. My best mate still uses her bugaboo daily but my brother hasn't touched his big britax system since buying a maclaren as it's just too heavy.

[bettyblue77]

Thanks, Hevster. Am looking at second hand too as I'm starting to think that if I'm this confused, maybe I ought to just buy very cheaply and see how it goes. Anyone have any knowledge/experience of Mamas and Papas Pliko Switch? Sounds decent and a second hand one is selling in my area in v good condition. It is a 2 in 1 pramette (whatever that means! lol - I am still so clueless!).

[MonkeysPunk]

I'm not a fan of travel systems. But then i don't drive. It's not recommended to keep your baby in a car seat for long periods of time. What you need pram wise will very much depend on your lifestyle and environment. Do you drive? Do you live in the countryside? Is your environment mostly urban? Do you have a dog you will have to walk daily? Personally as i have older kids and walk a lot. Often over fields and woods too, i have a baby loggers summit all terrain pushchair. This meets most everyday needs being large and roomy for a child who is spending a few hours a day in the pushchair. It also has room to carry groceries for my large family. I also have a bugaboo bee plus for when i need something lighter when i go out on the train or bus. I think it's the best thing for when I'm in the city. Compact and parent facing, really nice to use. A great quality pushchair and a luxury. But then I'm not paying to run a second car. The mama's and papa's sola would be a less expensive urban pram. I love the babyjogger brand things too. Thinking about your lifestyle might help you choose the kind of pram you need.

[bettyblue77]

Been to Mamas and Papas this morning and that really helped. :) I decided to bid on the Switch that is on Ebay and not go for a travel system as I think that I will stick to my urban walking and leave the whole car thing for the car. Thanks for your help!