To be disappointed with this gift?

[Pramgate]

Name changed because I don't want to look like an ungrateful cow.

I have a young toddler and im also about to give birth, and I was very kindly bought a double stroller as a recent birthday gift (I didn't ask for it, it was suggested as they knew i needed one and I graciously accepted because my son isn't a reliable walker yet and I was going to need one regardless). They chose the pram. In terms of size, structure and practicality it just doesn't work for me and I'm gutted because it was a gift.

It has arrived and I don't know whether I'm being a hormonal idiot or just being practical but it's just too big and bulky.

I don't have ample space for it even when folded down as my flat is very compact. It's extremely heavy, hard to turn and I can see it being a problem on transport due to it's size.

I don't drive at the moment so rely heavily on busses and tubes to get around.

I feel terribly guilty for not being happy with it. It looked relatively lightweight online, at least alot more so than in person.

I also don't think it's the most practical for a newborn?

Can I have some thoughts please, or a mumsnet kick up the arse for being an ungrateful cow. Link below

www.google.com/search?q=vidaxl+double+pram&client=ms-android-samsung&source=android-browser&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiksoXgh-HhAhVCElAKHQ5PAwAQ_AUoAnoECAwQAg&biw=360&bih=520#imgrc=SOLeRp6tUX5YdM

I would see if I can change it.

it may be a well intended present but nobody in their right mind choses a double buggy for someone else.

It's also a rather cheap one (£100). What you pay is what you get. Maybe you can change it for a nice sling/baby carrier? much more useful than pushing this truck around.

Jesus it's a limousine!

Time to get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations I think, and be straight with the giver that their very kind gift isn't at all practical.

you really shouldn't keep it if you don't like it just to keep the gifter happy!

I do think it was a but presumptuous of them to think they know best and you would want them choosing such a big item like this.
If you dont like it best be honest with them. You are the one that's going to struggle with it. I think they should have at least asked.

I second the baby jogger city Mini or even just a double umbrella stroller. You want something easy to fold first and foremost because that will be the biggest issue with two kids on tube etc.

Otherwise these ones are quite easy to fold and rated well for budget pram. It’s the budget version of city mini. I had the singular not double though.

If it was bought online you should be able to return just by contacting the retailer and sending back. I think you have to get over their feelings. It’s a large gift and they would want you to be happy with it. I think it’s overly polite to pretend to love it. Just be honest and talk them through why you don’t have as much use for it as you thought.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Valco-SNAP-Duo-Double-Stroller-Black-Beauty/11248453619

Just say, “you are wonderful for buying me such an expensive gift and I appreciate the thought and generosity so much. I would feel remiss accepting such a gift and not getting lots of use from it. I know you would want me to get maximum mileage as it’s such a practical gift. My flat is small and turns out it’s not ideal for public transport. Would you mind terribly if I exchanged for another. I am so appreciative and don’t want to be ungrateful but feel it would be worst to accept the gift and not use enough. Love ....

Honestly I think they got it for you because it was the cheapest double they could find and they knew you wanted one and needed one. I wouldn’t be too worried. It’s still a generous gift but they’ve obviously struggled to find someone that is wasn’t too expensive. You kind of have to tell them unless you never meet them out and about.

Argh, agree with a pp that the really awkward thing is that this is one of the cheapest options available, so straightforwardly swapping it may be quite difficult - you're almost certainly going to need to put some of your own money in. Ideally you'd want to do the swap in a way that means the gift-giver doesn't know this, which may be quite easy depending on where they bought it from. It definitely means you want to sort it yourself not ask them to, as that'll seem like a request for them to spend more money.

Humpy's message is perfect!
OP you need to change it, bite the bullet. Don't take it out for a practice, you'll not be able to exchange it.

And if the givers do get huffy, better that than you cursing the buggy every day for the next 2 years

I copied your link and the first website said it’s suitable from 6 months. I’d use that if you’re not keeping it.

Personally i would be more offended if someone kept an expensive gift they didn't like from me than returned it. I have a tendency to supply receipts just in case this isn't clear.

They sound high maintenance to me op, that isn't much help I know but I honestly couldn't cope with people who were so easily offended

Specifications
Colour: Grey and black
Material: Steel + oxford fabric
Dimensions: 118 x 41 x 108 cm (L x W x H)
Dimensions when folded: 120 x 57 x 44 cm (L x W x H)
Both front and back with canopies
Big basket
Wheels lockable and 360 degree rotatable
Suitable for 1-2 children, with maximum weight of 15 kg each
Recommended age: 6-36 months
Fabric: Polyester: 100%
Brand: vidaXL
SKU: 10113
EAN: 8718475972075

As it can’t be used for your baby until 6 months old could you just say how much you appreciate it but you need a newborn one so could they just give you the equivalent amount so you can put it towards a more suitable one and return this one?

Just tell them you don’t have space for 2 buggies and can’t carry your baby for the whole of the first 6 months until this one becomes suitable.
Good luck.

From experience, I think you'll end up with a lightweight side-by-side twin stroller - whatever you do with this gift. If you can't bear to tell them, discreetly donate it to a charity shop. x

Phil and Ted's all the way. Loved mine, perfect for newborns and older children

I think you need to be honest. Say you love it but you've just unpacked it and it's so huge you just don't have the room.

I'd rather offend someone slightly tbh than use a pram that you don't like for the next 2 years.......

I had an Emmaljunga pushchair with my youngest 2.... it was a single pram with a toddler seat that you strapped onto the bumper bar.

I did wonder that it wouldn't be suitable for a newborn due to the lack of padding. I'm thinking perhaps saying the health visitor made her observations when she came round and said it wouldn't be supportive enough for a newborn spine. It wouldn't really, would it? If it says from 6mo I'm inclined to take that at face value.

They bought it on Amazon with their card so if I were to exchange I think it would need to go through them.

I'm actually a bit of a tit because I thought a tandem type would be easier than a side by side. I now realise that's not the case, having unpacked this one and give it some thought about weight distribution etc.

God I feel really bloody guilty.

This sort of scenario plays havoc with my personality type. Hate the awkwardness.

They're not going to see me out and about, they're not local.. I do expect them to check in from time to time though and ask how's the pram etc

OP, you need to return it to them. It's not practical for you and (the clincher) it's not even practical for your newborn. I do sympathise but there it is.

As an aside, I got a 2nd hand Phil and Teds (sport, I think) tandem and it was way more compact than that one! I got mine for 150 on eBay; keep an eye out and you might score a bargain. DS2 was perfectly fine in it for at least 2 years

“I appreciate you buying me this pram Auntie Dot, but it’s actually not really the right one. It’s a bit too long for me to manage and the newborn section is really supportive enough. I’m so sorry. Do you mind if I exchange it please? I love the pram! You made a lovely choice. It’s just not the right one for me”

God that's hideous!

What Soubriquet said. Perfect response.

Swap it for an out and about

Yes it’s a side by side as opposed to a tandem but it will fit through a standard door

Used to take mine on a bus even as a double

OP what about this? Seen it on Ebay a Phil and Ted jogger?

Either that or get a normal stroller and use a buggy board

I had a Phil and teds with my older dc. It was a dream to handle as it had air filled wheels & as the seats were one above the other the weight distribution was better balanced.

I’ve currently got and out n about mini with my two and I love it altho it is bulkier than the single pushchair I’m used to. The wheels make pushing it very easy. And it fits thro pretty narrow spaces. It is bulky to store but flattens quite well with wheels off.

That pushchair you’ve linked is going to be a nightmare to push unless you have a lot of upper body strength, it won’t be easy manoeuvring on public transport or in lifts in shops.

Id send it back and ask to swap for a pram you like and can push and fits your criteria.

If you don’t you’ll be buying your own anyway when your baby’s arrive as the one you have is not going to work for you. Plus you hate it.