Pushchairs/buggies vs travel systems for newborn - mum to be confused!

[MsJo]

Hi,
I am expecting my first baby and confused about the merits (or not) of what seem to be expensive travel systems compared to a good pushchair suitable from birth. I've been offered a car seat by a friend too, which I know is in good nick and hasn't been in an accident - is it ok to go 2nd hand on this?
I'm not sure I need the full carrycot and car seat to clip on the buggie as I live in the city centre and will most probably be out and about on foot or by bus rather than by car. But are these buggies ok for newborns? Do they support them enough?
Any advice gratefully received. I've looked up the recommended list and pulled off some suggestions but any personal advice would be great. Thanks.
MsJo

Hello MsJo. I went for the expensive pushchair/cot/carseat bit. I walk a lot so the carrycot came in handy. A sling is so much better in town though. Also most new systems are very small. My DD (5months)is currently squeezing in her carry cot. tried out the pushchair which is also on the small side. So I think you are right going for just a pushchair, just make sure lie flat means lie flat. On the other hand having your newborn in one of those lie down pushchairs means you can't see them and they are a bit more open to the wind. It's really about thinking what you will want to do once your baby has arrived. Walk for hours in the meadows or hit Princess Street when its really busy.

Hi there MsJo you might get more responses on this if you post in products.

I think you would be perfectly fine with a second hand car seat as you know the history of it, its only if you don't know if you have been in an accident or not. We had a car seat system thing but we never used it as when DS was really young I didn't want him to be in the car seat for long periods and felt he was better stretched out in the pram.

One of our friends use the bus a lot and they bought a Maclaren buggy that you can use from birth. They said it was really good and folded up well, although if you were travelling on your own with the baby you may want to invest in a baby sling/carrier as unless you get one of the new style buses you have to put down the buggy/pram.

The Edinburgh NCT sales are a great way of getting cheap stuff, also local churches hold sales too. If you do go, then go very early as all the useful stuff sells really quickly.

Hi there,

Thanks to both of you for your helpful advice. The idea of a sling is good too and I'll look into that.

I looked up the product reviews here and armed with the info went into John Lewis where the helpful assistant confirmed that the Maclaren TX as voted by Mumsnet mums is the best option for buggies from birth. I also managed to carry it with one hand, which is crucial to get it upstairs to our flat.

Cheers again,
MsJo

Would highly recommend the MacLaren 4 Seasons - give it a look in John Lewis. It's really cosy for baby and has 4 linings (for all times of year) and it's suitable from birth as you can have baby lie flat and then adjust it as the baby gets more keen to see the world. AND it only cost £225 for the buggy and some extra kit (blanket, rainshield and a bag for taking on a plane).Very easy to fold and get into a car too unlike some expensive systems.