please humour me, Phil and Ted's sport question...

[wahwah]

I have this pushchair for my 2 1/2 DS and 12 week old DD. Obviously she's in the flat newborn position and he's perched above. The thing is, I'm not sure what to do next and when DD will be ready for the swap and to go in the small chair underneath. Making DS walk isn't an option as we often go out all day and he needs a rest / sometimes a nap and occasionally restraining. Any advice welcomed...

I think you'll find that although not recommended by P&T, many people (myself included) put the older child in the 'back'seat so that s/he can pop in and out as needed. It also allows the smaller child to be a little more comfortable.

You do need to check the max weight recommended on the back seat though, and do be aware that the centre of gravity means that the buggy may be slightly more prone to tipping (nothing like a maclaren with loaded handles though lol!).

Youre supposed to wait until youngest can support their head before putting them in the bottom chair, around 5 months I think it says. However Id be amazed to see how many last till then as I found the cocoon too small. I moved DS in at around 4 months I think, with him in the reclined position and a head-hugger cushion, and did the kerbs very gently for a while .

You can also take the cocoon out of the flat bit and just pad it with a blanket to give you a bit more room when the cocoon is too small.

I have the same dilemma - DS is 5 months and is looking a bit cramped, but I just don't think he is ready for the upright position.

Took them out a few days ago. DS was in his cocoon and when I took him out, about 35 minutes later, he was sooo hot! Poor thing was all wet from sweating.

So, am ditching the cocoon for the warm weather.

Thank you for your great ideas, but sadly, my children are giants and DD is already lying on a blanket with her head against the end and kicking her feet up to the seat. Bit worried if DS goes underneath, a feather landing on the whole thing will tip it over. I can't believe that when we shelled out again for this bit of kit (thought DS was an only and we were done with buying these things) that we didn't think about this.

The head hugger idea just might work in a few weeks...

can you use a sling for a few weeks until your dd is ready to go in the reclined rear seat?

Yes, I carry her most of the time in my trusty hugabub, but if we're out for a long time it's good to have a break.

as your ds is 2.5 it is feasible that he could sometimes walk to give you a break. TBH I would use the sling and pop your dd in the rear seat for the occasional break - it isn't that different to using a car seat in terms of posture I should think.

How do you find going up and down stairs? Does the seat underneath (and therefore the child) get bumped on the steps? It looks like it might, and I don't want to accost someone in the street and ask them.

Brownsugar - no, the rear seat sits above the rear axle. If anything, it's the basket which gats bumped. I'm forever bumping the dcs up and down stairs!

wahwah - mine are lightweights (the dcs I mean!) so I guess that's why I can use the rear seat for the older one!

Thanks Madamy, looking to the next year or so, we use the metro a lot and walk everywhere, so loads of steps.