Buggy dilemma... Newborn and 2year old

[Duggeeismysaviour]

Here are my two options, please help! I just don't want to waste any more money! Dc 2 due in a month.

I definitely need a pram for 2y o that he can occasionally sleep in

1. convert Icandy back to carrycot, buy buggy board for that and also buy a cheapish single for toddler, when I can carry newborn in sling for first few months. Thinking maybe toddler will be more reliable to walk after that (and it won't be winter by that point, when he can fling himself down into wet puddles ). I'm thinking I may need to consider a double at this point, but I'll get a lot less use from it as toddler will be getting older....

2. just bite the bullet and buy a double straight away, one the can be used from birth. It does seem like a waste of Icandy, and it is nice to put newborn into that carrycot in early weeks.

Then, if I do buy one.... A citi mini, a joie aire or an out and about? Each of these three have had rave reviews from respective owners I have met in real life.

Over thinking I know, but I need some help, going round in circles!!!

What kind of icandy do you have?

Wouldn't recommend the joie aire double for anything other than occasional use btw!

If you're getting a double with age gap a tandem rather than side by side would be more useful imo.

Best thing to do is buy something specifically for the newborn that the 2 yo can’t use so he has to walk.

Had the same age gap. Spent a fortune on a silvercross double so my eldest could have a reclining seat if she needed it. She sat in it for all of 30 seconds before demanding she walked. Hasn't been in a pushchair since. We have a buggy board for when she's worn out

I had the same issue 6 months ago and bit the bullet and bought a Bugaboo Donkey. It's been brilliant so far, even if I am huffing it in and out of the car about twice a day.

Good to know about the joie!

My two year old can walk really well, he's a good boy, but we don't have a car so I'm out walking at least twice a day, and when it's past time for dinner, raining, newborn hungry and toddler wants to spend 20 mins examining every tree and Berry on the pavement.... I think I will need a pram. Plus he does sleep for a couple of hours at lunchtime and I don't want to be trapped in the house (or discourage that from continuing!).

I don't know why I can't just make a decision here!!

Ah, saw more replies here, all helpful information, thank you!

I guess the thing is, you can't know how things will evolve. So you could buy an expensive pram that gets barely any use, or faff around without one for ages that you really did need, then when you get one it's almost too late.

Sell the I candy and get a Phil and Teds second hand. Great for toddler and newborn and can be used as a single too

I went for a different option, I bought a cheap double umbrella buggy that reclined a bit (suitable from 3 months) it was perfect because it fitted in the boot. At first For short journeys Dd2 walked beside me (I put reins on her I could loop through my hand and she held the pushchair) or I took the basket off and she stood on the axle, or I used a front carrier for dd2. The double buggy came into its own as dd2 got heavier, though occasionally they both squeezed into the normal one together

How old will the 2 year old actually be when baby is born?

I would buy a good condition 2nd hand double tbh as you have a lot of stuff to cart around not just a 2 year old that still sometimes sleeps.

2.5 year age gap, we just used the single for baby. I wasn't sure whether or not I'd need a buggy board as generally the pushchair was a bag carrier, so waited until baby was here to see how it goes and it's been fine! Almost 3 now and definitely not buying a buggy board. For a 2 year age gap that's closer to 2 than 2.5 I'd suggest a buggy board. I wouldn't buy a double pushchair, it'll only be used for a few months. Maybe you can wait till baby is here and pick one up secondhand if you really need one?

Good point.. He will be 25 months (I didn't want to be that person using months to age him )

I had an 18.5 month age gap. I had a stroller (oyster switch) which laid flat, and could parent or front face. With a buggy board. Either child could go in it, I also had a sling.

A few months on I got a second hand Phil and Ted's. It's brilliant. The option is there for one to go in the back. I still use it now on days out, children are nearly 3 and 4. It's great for carrying all the stuff! (At the early stage, 2 lots of changing stuff, spare clothes, picnic, coats etc) the children rarely get in it these days but it's there us they need it.

I had a 21 month gap. Sold the uppababy and brought a icandy double peach (I think??) ds1 quickly gave up naps and demanded to walk every where.

Could you try a sling and keep your existing pushchair?

I never got on with sling wearing so I would say double, makes your life easier to have it there.

A good 3 wheeler you can steer one handed is essential nipper 360 or P&T are a good shout.

If you don't have access to a car it makes life so much easier! I could get the baby ready but her to sleep in the pushchair load up the toddler last minute and get places quickly especially in the winter!

I'd convert the icandy and get a 2nd hand Phil and Ted's dot.

I’ve got a 25 month old and in your shoes I’d use a sling for the newborn for now, and re-evaluate when the newborn is a bit older. And I agree against the Joie Air, it’s like trying to push the lovechild of a wheelbarrow and a Land Rover Defender. Up a hill.

Have the out and about double and it's been invaluable. Had a 20 month old when no. 2 was born and we used it for ages.. no. 2 is just turned 3 and no. 3 is on the way and I'll be keeping it and using it for the school run. It's got full recline for baby and the others can hop in and out as necessary. I would have been lost without it and it's so easy to manoeuvre even with the age difference. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Are you able to convert your icandy into a tandem? Sorry don't know if they all do that. I will have a 26 month gap when my baby arrives at Christmas and I've bought the adaptors to convert my egg pushchair into a tandem, it just cost me £50 for the adaptors as I can use the carrycot and seat that currently is used. I don't drive so don't want to be out all day without the option for my toddler to sleep. Sorry, this is probably not helpful if your pram doesn't convert

Had 22 month gap and a Mountain Buggy Duet. Used it for over a year because we were out and about most days nearly all day and DC1 napped for over an hour still all that time.

It was brilliant. Carrycot fitted into one side and fitted DC2 till she was 5 months. It's a side by side but fits through single doors and on all buses.

Bought it 2nd hand for £200 and sold it for £100.