Best Budget Travel System

[Romily]

Hello

We are hoping to get a travel system that will be suitable from birth and last as long as possible. Most of the buggies/travel systems recommended are very expensive and outside our budget so I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for a good budget buy?

[SilverSixpence]

what is your budget?

[Aldwick]

Mothercare have a new one out for £250 which includes everything. Otherwise buy second hand but with a new mattress and car seat.

[Romily]

We don't have a particular budget in mind but the less we spend on equipment the more maternity leave I can take so we are looking to keep our costs really low.

Most things we will buy second hand except for the cot and the buggy. A few friends have had second hand systems break quite quickly and we would rather have one we could take back if it breaks.

I will have a look at the mothercare one, thank you for the suggestion.

[SilverSixpence]

the Joie chrome was recommended by ihateparties and comes in at £235 including carseat and carrycot. Seems very good value.

[Tiggywunkle]

I am really interested in the Joie Chrome! As soon as I can I am heading off to Mothercare to have a look! The Mee-Go Pramette has always looked good value too.

[Romily]

I have had a look at the Joie Chrome and the Mee-Go Pramette and they both look good.

Any other suggestions?

[Tiggywunkle]

I dont know when you are due, but I have a Babystyle Oyster Gem here at present and I have to say I am loving it. I dont know the official price, but a Google has just thrown up £229 (but please dont quote me on that - but thats cheaper than I thought it would be) - I think that price gives you both the parent facing / forward facing 'baby' seat and the seat fabric for an older toddler, plus colour pack. Plus you can buy a carrycot as an extra and I know it takes various car seats.
I have to say I am loving it. I wish it had been around a few years ago. It is small folding but sturdy to push - nothing like the Zapp Xtra which I know it will get likened to. The only downside is if you need a big shopping basket - but I can get 2 good sized medium rucksacks in the basket, so if you choose your changing bag wisely, you would be fine.

The Oyster Gem really is the pushchair that you wont need to downsize from after the first six months (when a lot of people switch to an umbrella fold - usually because they bought something too big first time).

If you want something bigger than look at the Mutsy Evo, or even the main Oyster Pushchair. Also the MyChild Pinto and Floe.

[BabyKnowledgeuk]

Hi,
Personally I wouldn't spend any more than £300 max (including carry cot and car seat). My little girl is 18 months old and much prefers being in a stroller now (compared to the buggy from the travel system) so they don't really last that long. There are plenty of budget travel systems that do just a good a job as the expensive ones and look pretty good too. Hope this helps. :)

[Tiggywunkle]

I differ completely. Obviously you buy what you can afford. But generally speaking (and you need to know your brands) you will get a better quality pushchair if you pay more. IF you do your homework really well, then you will find a great pushchair in your budget which WILL last from birth to 3 or 4, and there will be absolutely no reason why you would ever hanker after a cheap umbrella fold stroller instead!
YES I totally agree that there are a good number of expensive pushchairs which people feel they should have for a new baby but are completely impractical, heavy, chunky etc. and those are the ones to steer clear of. But if you find something practical, which suits your family, your lifestyle, your needs, and where you plan to go, then there's no reason why you need to spend out more money on a stroller ever!
Ebay is also your friend - I would rather pay more money for a good second hand pushchair, than buy a cheaper one new (in general) especially if the fabrics are washable or can be refreshed with a new colour pack or hood.

[genuineplacebo]

Hi,
I've just got the Graco Sky. It's from newborn to aprrox 3 years and I love it, although I've only had it a few days! It's about £300 from Babies R Us and folds up and down so easily! It stands up by itself when folded too. Massive shopping basket and car seat fits on the base. I love it!
Hope that helps!
Donna