Please help me narrow down my pram search

[peachypetite]

I’m honestly finding it overwhelming!! Criteria

• suitable from birth ideally so I don’t have to have the faff of a separate carrycot for newborn unless anyone can tell me pros for this?
• not too heavy because I’m petite and weak.
• very easy to fold down
• lightweight because I live in London and don’t really see a time I’ll be needing something all terrain.

I can't help with which one to get as mine definitely didn't meet your criteria but I agree with others about the usefulness of carrycots. I initially wasn't going to get one but I was glad I did. I wouldn't want to be trying to strap a newborn in every time and they feel much more contained and snug in a carrycot. Also it can double as a place for daytime naps

I have a bugaboo bee which I’m now using for my second child. It’s light and small enough to carry up tube steps with a toddler strapped in (only if you really have to!), folds small, is narrow enough to tuck in neatly on the bus or tube and has a decent basket. My husband is 6ft4 and finds it ok to push with the handle extended all the way.
I had the carrycot as we used it for downstairs naps, and for the second it was easier to pop him in and tuck a blanket over than it would be to strap him in while also trying to get my toddler ready to go out.

I live in London and have had 6 prams/buggies etc over 4 children. Things I have learned:

1. When testing a pram, load it up to as heavy as you can and push it one handed. Small people (like me) often have small hands and a one handed push is key for navigating tight doorways.
2. There is usually a trade off that you didn't know you were willing/unwilling to make until after you have had the baby.
3. Buying second hand is fine. Babies can't tell the difference.
4. Bassinet was not much use for my autumn/winter baby but was brilliant for my spring/summer one.
5. A good sheepskin liner improved all our buggies.
6. If in doubt, get the one with the adjustable handle.

Hello, another London based mum here who walks more than she drives with a pram. I'm having a surprise DC4 and have just ordered another bugaboo cameleon. I had one for my first 3 (gave it away as I was sure I was done...big mistake). I found it super easy to manoeuvre, bassinet is a definite plus and the storage basket is a great size. No problems with getting it on and off public transport either and in fact, super easy to do so one handed. John Lewis is a great suggestion - I went to Oxford St a few weeks ago and tried out a whole load of prams before going back to my first choice.

@Sunshinegirl82

I looked at the yo-yo but it just didn't seemed that sturdy? Plus I didn't like that it didn't have a parent facing option after the initial stage. Both mine have liked being parent facing for a long time, DS2 is 16 months and still much happier parent facing.

I'd go bee over yo-yo personally!

Yeh I definitely don’t want the yo yo. Now thinking carry cot might be a better idea. Will check out the bee!

Just realised the oyster does have a carrycot option. It’s a good price. Will definitely test it out as well as the bee thanks all.

The Oyster is a really good price, it was actually the cheapest of the ones we tried out but by far the best, I'm on 5ft 1 and I felt like it just fit me well and was the easiest to handle!

Thanks all. Really helpful

I loved my Bee, really popular in London too. Everyone had one when we lived there. We had the newborn cocoon insert. It keeps them really snug. And you can fold it down with the cocoon still attached. It also makes a really great toddler buggy for when they’re older, so you don’t have to spend more!

I got the coffee cup holder free and remember being dead chuffed.

Does anyone have the icandy lime?

Noon has suggested uppababy. The cruz is amazing!

Update - went to John Lewis. Quickly ruled out bugaboo (couldn’t believe how low down it was and the assistant said this puts a lot of people off) uppababy seemed nice but very expensive. Yo-yo I don’t like because of the limitations with parent facing. I think we have settled on the oyster 3!

@MobLife

Bugaboo Bee with the soft cocoon

It's the only pram I've ever had and has seen me through 2 children from birth to toddlerhood. Perfect for London and you can easily carry it up a flight of stairs

Agreed, I've done a review of the new Bugaboo Bee 6 here loveandlykke.wixsite.com/loveandlykke/post/making-a-buzz-our-thoughts-on-the-bugaboo-bee6-stroller

(I'm promoting my blog but this isn't paid or anything - just tell me if not allowed to post that x)

I opted for the cocoon instead of the bassinet as well. Seems too much to spend on something that won't last long. My first kiddo used his carrycot for all of six weeks!

If you're after an all-terrain my one true love is the Stokke Trailz, but Stokke told me it's been discontinued. I got my hands on an ex-display though and I'm sure there's like 3 left in the UK stores. Good luck! xxx