Pushchair for 18mth and 3 yr old

[ADOPTINGMUM]

Hi I’m new to this site and about to be new to the world of parenting!
We are about to adopt two little boys, aged 18mnths and 3 yrs old. We love the outdoors so want a pushchair that will work for the 18mnths old and with a buggyboard or something similar for the 3 yr old that will work on stone and gravel paths!
Any and all suggestions welcome!!

[bobstersmum]

Uppababy vista with rumble seat.

[pileoflaundry]

Congratulations!!!

Pushing two children is really hard work, even on smooth tarmac. If possible, I'd suggest a light scooter for the older child. Asking him to choose a scooter colour may help if he is used to being in a buggy rather than under his own steam. With stickers...

For the younger, I'd go for the lightest buggy which lies back flat or almost flat (so that you can nappy change in the buggy, even if your son won't need it flat for naps), and also a decent sized basket. Something with a single (horizontal) handle, rather than two separate handles, so that it can be pushed with one hand whilst you are holding onto a child's hand / shopping / sticky snacks /endless stuff. I liked Joie, but other brands look good too. The ultra-foldable or ultra-light buggies look amazing, not sure if they lie flat-ish though, and at 18m I'd prioritise nappy change convenience over weight.

Do you have a car? If not, and you have the funds, I suggest getting a buggy board which is easy to click on and off, setting it up and then hiding it. This will give you an emergency option if you need to get the boys somewhere when they are ill, or the older one is ill.

[pileoflaundry]

I should have added, that if your budget can stretch, the mountain buggy terrain 3 wheeler looks like it could fit your requirements. I haven't had one, but I did have a different mountain buggy (the side by side double when mine were small) and it was brilliant.

Alternatively a toddler carrier/back pack may work better off-road, if you are strong.

[concernedforthefuture]

A Mountain Buggy - they really are the best for rough terrain. You can get a buggy board for it or they also do a clip on scooter which is like a buggy board but detaches to become a separate scooter. Mountain Buggies have big seats / weight limits too so if your 3 year old is really tired, they can have a ride while the baby has a little stretch of their legs.

[concernedforthefuture]

PS I wouldn't hesitate to buy 2nd hand. We bought ours on Gumtree for £50 (and resold it 2 years later for £75). If you can find an older New Zealand made model, even better.

[EstherMumsnet]

We've moved this over to a more appropriate thread for you OP.

You might also find our adoption board helpful.

Congratulations!

[HermioneWaslib]

Out and about nipper - single or double.

[PatricksRum]

How about a baby carrier and a scooter for 3 year old?

[ADOPTINGMUM]

Thank you for the advice and tips!
I wouldn’t have thought about changing nappies in the pushchair - and I’m going to get straight on secondhand websites now!
I also like the idea of a scooter when on country / village walks but probably not when we go into town.. not sure if I’d feel in control enough.

[HermioneWaslib]

If you can get a second hand double I would - 3 year olds get tired easily and you may be grateful for a place to strap them in!

[NameChange30]

My son is 21 months and it's literally never occurred to me to change his nappy in the pushchair

[pileoflaundry]

NameChange30 I didn't either until DC had a poo emergency at least a mile from the nearest loo, and it was a revelation! No more grotty changing tables, or huge detours to find one.

[Echobelly]

Congratulations!

I'd second a buggy and a scooter for 3yo. I've never had a buggy board but I think most people don't find them that easy to use. If it's a short distance, a 3yo can walk it, if it's longer, then a buggyboard I think is fairly cumbersome for the parent for a longer stretch and a scooter for the older child would be better.

[StrawberryTraveller]

I would personally get a double to start with. With adoption, like you say, you haven't had the time beforehand to see how they walk at 3 years, how they react on roads, in shops etc. A double will allow you to safely strap them both in, and get where you need to go whilst you all adjust. it doesn't have to be forever. Secondhand is a good option.

A baby jogger gt double has big seats, or a out and about nipper double. Both side by side, both large seats. If 3 year old is small a mountain buggy duet is good as narrower, and can use as a single afterwards with a storage bag on one side.

A mountain buggy swift could be good afterwards as a single for youngest. Mountain buggy do a scooter you can add on the back like a buggy board when tired or they scoot themselves. i haven't used it but it looks good.

[Bumpitybumper]

I agree that a double may be the easiest in the short term due to the crowd control element. If you want to go shopping, do long walks or are likely to be in environments where you are on your own with the two children then IME this can be more safely and less stressfully with them both strapped in. Also if both children still nap then having a double can allow you to be out and about over naptime as they both can nap in the buggy.

It does depend on the children and lifestyle factors though.

[Derbyshirelady]

jumping on here! We’ve adopted a now 3 yr old and have got his brother arriving in the spring at 6mths old. Our 3 yr old is 1m tall and very unpredictable on his feet still - was looking for a bigger stroller for him as he’s too big for his silver cross reflex but I’m thinking now we go for a double for a bit. We do have a bugaboo buffalo for dog waking etc which is amazing but massive!

Crowd control is everything ^^ saw this up thread!
Good luck OP! So much joy. So much tiredness.