WIBU to insist on this pram?

[aliensprig]

I really, really want a Bugaboo Fox. In the reviews it ticks all the boxes for me: sturdy, lightweight, all-terrain, great storage and obviously pretty damn gorgeous!!

BUT DH doesn't think we should spend a grand on something we'll only use for about three years and wants us to get something second hand. He doesn't understand that there are literally billions of types out there, and some of the cheaper brands are cheap for a reason!

Also he won't ever be pushing the damn thing - I don't drive, and will be doing A LOT of walking with it. We live in a hilly town with some rural areas, so just buying something at random from the Argos catalogue isn't going to cut it. It needs to be light, easily folded, have good storage and be able to tackle mud, uneven ground, hills and busy streets.

WIBU to just buy the Fox regardless? We're not rich by any means, but we're not poor either, we can afford it. Plus I expect my parents will want to cover half the cost. Or should I compromise and get something cheaper like the baby jogger city mini? I don't like that it's forward facing only, but it's another all-terrain and my husband is more likely to agree on that one...

I had a Bugaboo Cameleon back when my eldest was born. It was an absolute dream to steer/push/fold/everything. Only had a year and a half out of it as I then had twins. So then I had a triple, a double (iCandy) and a fold up maclaren - something for every occasion! Nothing compared to the Bugaboo for ease of use in every respect. I cleaned it thoroughly, took loads of photos of it and sold it on Guntree for only about £100 less than I’d paid. (I had looked after it carefully though). Those things go like hot cakes on the second hand market. So I’d say, if you can afford it, go for it. And good luck with the baby

Take a look at the Venice Child Kangaroo. It's half price at a lot of retailers right now as they're changing their UK supplier. I bought one (full price..) when my DS was born. 17 months in and still using it daily. The company used to refurb Bugaboos then decided to make their own fixing the common faults/issues that occurred in Bugaboos and other brands. Customer service is excellent and given your list it should tick all of your boxes. 5 year warranty too plus everything is included- footmuff, cup holder, rain cover etc so no additional extras to purchase. It's quite popular in US and Scandinavia but hasn't quite broken the UK market which I don't really understand as it's a great travel system.

I wished I'd got one that could adapt to two dc as I still needed it at times for about the first year of dc2 (always out and about and buggy board not enough). Bought a cheap double to tide me over, but I killed it in a matter of months, so ended up buying the decent double anyway. That then tided us over to dc3.
Anyway, if you'll end up doing the bulk of childcare buy the one that suits you, not your dh. It'll annoy you endlessly.

@aliensprig if u want to test drive a Mountain Buggy just so you know John
Lewis only stock the double ones....
Not the terrain or urban jungle which suit you requirements.... I looked up stockists on websites and rang around and found an amazing independent store that had them

Bugaboo can't be beaten IMO. Go for to. You will not regret it. And we used ours way beyond the toddler stage. We go to lots of festivals and have family abroad and we used it until she could physically no longer fit in it! It really is like a portable bed

It's definitely the best all terrain. Super easy on beaches, long walks, hills, forests, mud. And safe enough for baby's spine etc to leave in. Eg when we stayed with family, we used the bassinet as her cot. Loads of storage. Everything replaceable.

I was on my last work trip before maternity leave, in Amsterdam. The only thing I hadn't got yet was a pram - still hadn't found one I liked or that didn't have things that annoyed me. I was waiting at the airport for DH (making the most of the trip and extended for a few personal days) and saw the Boogaboo Frog. Wanted it instantly. Went to the shop who informed me that they didn't sell it widely in the UK at that time - limited outlets and very limited choice (beige, black) and accessories. Tested it out as much as you can without an actual baby . Very thoroughly (they let us take a demo one out for a bit)

Ordered it all with all the bits we wanted. They gave us a discount - their only ask was that we told everyone how much we loved it. They assured us we would (and we did!). They arranged courier etc (wasn't cheap). Great after sales service too.

Even with the extra for shipping - best baby buy by far. Used and used and used. Travelled 2 - 3 times abroad every year (twice to the US, one of which was a multi state trip introducing our new baby/toddlee to family) . Loads of festivals. You could say -maltreated... Still like new 17 yrs on

Worth every penny. And we are definitely not well off.

Ignore the 'status symbol' and so on accusations. Since when did prams become status symbols? These statements say a lot about the actual poster. I'd never heard of Bugaboo. It hardly existed outside of NL. Quality, functionality, safety, durability. You get what you pay for.

Since when did prams become status symbols?

Genuine question but haven't they always been seen as status symbols? It seems like there's always been an "in" or more desirable brand, even back in the silver cross carriage style days.

I had a Landrover 3 wheeler 23 years ago. Now that was a status symbol!!

Personally I would never spend a grand on a pram. That's because after the first year you will find yourself wanting a stroller for everyday use as they get bigger

Lots of people say this. And it was true with my first baby because I'd bought a still expensive but crap Quinny pram, which was the rival to the Bugaboo at the time.

But bought a second hand Bugaboo for baby 2 and used it pretty much every day for 3 years. Didn't bother with a stroller as the bugaboo was so good.

@PrimalLass What disappointed you about your Quinny? Just asking as I am very pleased with mine and intrigued to know what was 'wrong' with yours.

We are in DC3 and purchased a city mini 6 months ago. Hands down the best pram I've ever had and wished I got for dc1 years ago.

It was a Quinny Buzz. Front wheel kept falling off. It was fine for the first few months with a car seat but once I was using the seat attachment it was so heavy and just wouldn't turn properly. Bought the Bugaboo for £200 and it was night and day better.

Oh and the most annoying thing is that the wheels started to squeak on every turn. It was torture. John Lewis replaced it because of the wheel falling off but were not budging on the squeaking issue. Replacement squeaked too.

I used my bugaboo chameleon pretty much every day for six years solid through two DC (am also a non-driver) and it was well worth it's £1000 price tag! I also then sold it on for £300 so it even recouped some of its cost! I say go for it if you can afford it.

I bought a new bugaboo cameleon for our DC and it was worth it in my mind. I did a lot of walking, it was robust and lasted. Back then though there were v few parent facing travel systems. My DH needed some convincing but we looked after it and they usually retain a fair value to sell second hand. There are lots of bugaboo selling sites on Facebook.

@PrimalLass
ah, shame you had that experience. Can't say I've had any of those issues. (Mine is a different model of Quinny, but still.) Glad you've had better luck with your next choice!