Pushchairs and upstairs flats

[mummysmellsofsick]

What are the best ways of getting a buggy up and down stairs? And what are the best buggies for upstairs dwellers?

I've seen people with Bees and maclarens pick the pushchair up with child in and carry it... I've seen people bump up and down stairs, but I'm not sure it's all that safe... I currently tie DS in our seat unit, leave him upstairs propped up in the corner, take the chassis down, go back, carry DS down in the seat, attach seat to chassis and go. This is obviously a pain but seems safe and works, but I end up using a sling 80% of the time still (and he's huge) because it's just easier.

So, I just thought it worth asking for any ideas. I'm tempted by the babyzen yoyo but DS does like to parent face. I'm tempted by a bee which i might be able to carry down with DS in but I find them too low seated and rickety... Any ideas? Also I travel a lot by train so end up going over footbridges, this stairs problem is not just at home (public transport is another reason why I still use the sling so much).

[Tiggywunkle]

Strangely I was contemplating the Stokke Scoot today as a good option for people who live upstairs. It folds as one piece - one handed - and forms a nice chunk like a suitcase to carry - rather than a longer Baby Jogger Fold. It parent and forward faces and folds with the seat on in either direction.

[JassyRadlett]

I always kept my iCandy in the car when I lived in an upstairs flat - chassis only when he was in carrycot, chassis plus seat afterwards. Relatively straightforward to assemble and disassemble one-handed.

For nursery I got a BabyJogger City Mini which has been brilliant to fold and carry up and downstairs, over footbridges, and on public transport. A very easy one-handed fold and easy to carry up and down the stairs every day.

[mummysmellsofsick]

Yes, the scoot is what we have now. It's lovely, very sturdy and the fold is, as you say, easy and compact. We've just discovered that the stokke footmuff does work well with it and I love that the stokke blanket poppers on too- good for napping.

I'd still like something lighter though because the scoot isn't all that light. Think I'm going to get a yoyo, as I'm sure DS will be ok front facing for shorter rides as he gets older... Has anyone tried picking up a yoyo with a baby in it and carrying it up/ downstairs? Is it light enough to feel safe doing this and is there a convenient bit at the side to hold to do this? Also does anyone know where I'd be able to see a yoyo in London before buying?

[jumpinghoops]

I'm not sure how old your LO is but I've been doing the carry up and down thing for nearly 3 years now and highly recommend the Maclaren Quest if you're thinking of picking it up/down in one go rather than folding. Is really light, really manouverable, perfect for on/off tubes and trains as well.

[mummysmellsofsick]

He's almost 17 months. Yes I was thinking of a quest or a yoyo for short trips and for carrying up & down stairs. I prefer the fold on the yoyo but the quest is way cheaper and has a calf rest for comfier napping. Will probably go for yoyo but need to find where to have a play with one in London when they arrive...

[StrawberryMonkey]

The Yezz might be a good option for a city dweller who has stairs to contemplate.
It's fairly basic in that there's no recline and little onboard storage, but it does fold very small, is very light, and can be carried over the shoulder by it's carry strap.
In its favour it has good quality wheels with sealed bearings (like scooter wheels or roller blades) so it doesn't squeak after rain like your maclaren's, and it has less "rolling resistance" i.e. it pushes more easily as a result. Making lighter work of the load.

[VinegarDrinker]

I an carry DS up and down plenty of steps easily in our Maclaren and he is 2 (and I'm 29 weeks pregnant). Did it today in fact at the train station.

At home we leave it folded in the communal hallway downstairs.

But like you we use slings most of the time (or he walks)

[PandaNot]

I used to leave mine in the boot of the car and just carry the baby up and down but that's probably not the answer you're looking for, sorry!

[VinegarDrinker]

Never had a squeak out of our Maclaren, which was already quite battered when we got it second hand, and it was seriously rainy today!

We have a Techno btw.

[mummysmellsofsick]

Only just saw there were more replies, thanks! People keep saying get a maclaren but I find them a bit tippy and I'd prefer not to have 2 handles. I'm campaining for a yoyo now, but DH thinks they're too expensive. I want something 6kg or under.

[Tiggywunkle]

Keep campaigning! Its worth it!