Hi, just thought would share some of my (unfortunately!)extensive experiences of prams/pushchairs. On 3rd now in 6 months - can be an expensive business if you don't get it right.
Mum bought me first pram when was pregnant - we wanted a parent-facing one as in my work have links with groups such as the NLT and convinced as to merits of having child facing you for as long as possible. We shopped around for ages, and finally chose one which could be parent-facing for up to 2 years if wanted.
However, despite pram being very reputable make and not cheap, quickly found it to be far too heavy for me - despite manufacturer's claims that was 'lightweight' and that it weighed 7.5 kg. What they omitted was the fact that this was the weight for the chassis alone, and that the weight almost doubled once pushchair seat in place - which of course you would need. If buying a pram for the first time, this is the sort of thing I'd recommend checking out carefully.
I did find it a bit hard to steer in shop, but put it down to being pregnant and also feeling a bit 'on show' as I wheeled it around. If possible I'd recommend that you take a friend who has kids with you as they can point out pitfalls etc. Even better if you can borrow a baby to put in for trial run to get the feel of weight etc!
I ended up buying a buggy for ease - after birth had back/pelvis problems and needed something really easy to push. To be fair, the first pram I bought is really popular and gets good reviews - just not for me in my weakened/wimp-like state! The buggy is fine, but I don't like the fact that can't see DS and that he is so low on the ground.
Enter Stokke Xplory. I had seen this before and discounted due to rather astronomical price - three figures. However, in the long run I think would have saved money and my back as this model would have been great from word go and suitable for up to 4 yrs age. Reason I am able to buy one now is that I found sites online where the prices were slashed - there's a new model coming out in April with new textiles, but nothing else much different.
This pushchair/pram is absolutely fantastic. Turns on a sixpence, can steer one-handed, light to push and to lift. Is also unique in that is only pushchair that is elevated - the baby can face towards or away from you and also sees things at your eye-level. You don't need to bend down to look at/lift baby. The handle has great height-adjustment and is circular, making it easy to hold use to steer. The Xplory has been recommended by back pain organisations and is renowned for ease of use for arthritis sufferers - great if you had a difficult delivery and/or grandparents with joint problems will be using. It also looks amazing - stunning but not in a 'chavvy' or bling sort of way.
The Stokke website has great videos and info. If you buy before end of April (not from Stokke site, still v expensive) I think this pushcahir is affordable. With all accessories you can find it at around £600, as opposed to £1 000 RRP. If you buy the newborn carrycot it bumps the price up a bit, but don't think you'd need this as has lie-flat position and comfy/padded footmuff.
I know still sounds expensive, but has everything you'd need to age 4 and might save you having to buy buggies/updates etc. You can also get quite good deals on them if you don't mind buying second-hand - you can always buy new textiles to smarten it up.
Pity you couldn't try these things out for a couple of days and avoid expensive mistakes! :-)
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choosing the right pushchair and stokke xplory
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loueden · 27/03/2010 10:45
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