To ask for the collective wisdom of Mumsnet when selecting a pram?

[AngeloMysterioso]

First baby is due in late October, we’ve started looking at prams etc but there are so many options it’s making my head spin! We’ve got a few things to take into consideration:

• We have to go down/up a small flight of outdoor steps to get to our front door, so needs to be easy for one person to fold or pick up.
• Town we will be living in is hilly AF with lots of tree lined pavements, so able to handle lots of bumps and not mega heavy.
• Ideally one that can be converted to face both ways/use with a carry cot/car seat (if available in a bundle that’s a bonus).
• Not crazy expensive, happy to go for second hand one if necessary (would still buy a new car seat if we do).
• Won’t need replacing in 6 months time if we have a monster baby!
• DH would quite like one he can jog with... this is far from being a priority though.

Any suggestions or advice gratefully received!

Oh I didn't know that about the newer models :)

BertieBotts thank you so much for that advice, it’s really helpful!

I did venture into the pram section in John Lewis today but I was on my own and rather intimidated and backed away slowly...

DH and I might be attending a baby show in a couple of weeks, although Uppababy and City Jogger aren’t exhibiting and they were two that I wanted to look at. Have heard good things about the Vista/Cruz and also the M&P Ocarro.

IMO Uppababy is in the same category as bugaboo. I think you can get the same features for far less money. I also think the price tag attached to any buggy you can convert to a double is insane - you could simply buy a double and a single pushchair for the same amount and then you're not stuck with a really awkward double/an overly expensive pushchair you never use in double mode (because you changed your mind or whatever).

Remember the very purpose of the pram display in these stores is so that you can go and look at them and try them out so don't feel intimidated - that's exactly what they want you to do. Of course it's usual to go away and think about which one you want to buy, discuss with OH, etc, so don't worry if staff come over and start talking about things - ask them your questions, ask for recommendations, etc. There will be no pressure to make a decision on the spot.

I know exactly what you mean as I always feel embarrassed as well but honestly, if you're pregnant with your first child nobody has any experience and it's really helpful to get an idea and a feel for the differences between models, rather than buying blind. That's how you end up regretting a purchase later IME.

We have the Babyjogger City Mini and love it - if you want baby facing you, they do sell an extra bassinet, although obviously it isn’t single-hand fold with the bassinet installed.

We rented the babyzen yo-yo on holiday and it was super-light, but didn’t feel very solid and didn’t cope with cobbled streets very well.

Remember the very purpose of the pram display in these stores is so that you can go and look at them and try them out

Yes John Lewis Stratford were very patient with me sitting down and taking all the wheels off the Babyjogger and measuring it. I then couldn’t get it unfolded again and they were very understanding

I preferred independent stores to the high street ones. More of a range of different makes and models and the staff had a lot more knowledge of the products.