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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Buggy/Car seat/Pram help please

13 replies

teamrigby · 07/09/2015 13:41

Hi all,

We're due in December and my parents want to help out and buy something for us and the baby. I am going to suggest Buggy/Car seat/Pram but want to locate a make/model before I hit the shops with my mum.

I would like an all-in-one affair, whereby you get the car seat and carrycot etc and each can be clipped to the pram frame as and when needed. Is there such a thing?

Any suggestions would be greatly received.
Many thanks.

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islablossom15 · 07/09/2015 14:16

The price ranges for travel systems vary so much it really depends on what your budget is, some come with the car seat included but a lot take a few different brand of car seats that will be sold separately and attach with adapters. They also all cater for different needs - do you walk mostly or drive? town or country? do you want a large storage basket/large hood, that kind of thing so remember to take all of that into consideration.

if you take a look on-line you will be able to see what kind of thing is on offer and for how much.

www.preciouslittleone.co.uk
and
www.mamasandpapas.co.uk
both have good selections to browse through on-line as well as mothercare, john lewis etc.

I've tried lots of different pushchairs with my children and my all time favourite brand is bugaboo

sorry to not recommend anything directly but I don't want to push you into the direction of something that isn't suitable for your needs

acquiescence · 07/09/2015 16:40

I was completely clueless and bought a bugaboo chalmeleon and maxi cosi car seat on the recommendation of a friend. I am still pregnant so haven't used it yet but am really pleased with it. I bought second hand and it is expensive new so depends on your budget. It is worth thinking about if you want to use it in parks, off road, just on the pavements? And are you and your partner/ mum/ whoever else will be using it frequently very different heights- will you need an adjustable handlebar? These were my main two considerations but I'm sure there is a lot more to think about that others can advise you on.

Topsy34 · 07/09/2015 18:05

I would say set a budget first, then go shopping. Make sure your first priority is the fitting of the car seat, as this is essential that i fits. We had alot of problems finding one to fit my old car because of seat belt length, luckily we managed to get a suitable one with isofix. Then we chose the Mutsy 4rider buggy to go with it

Notapinkgirl · 07/09/2015 18:45

I'm getting a uppababy vista which I know Kiddicare do sell with a car seat, it's great if your planning on more than one child because you can get great add on attachments.

Melmam · 07/09/2015 18:59

I got the beep twist travel system haven't used it yet as i am still pregnant I have liked this one from the start i bought it second hand and its in great condition previous owners baby is only 5 months. I was also looking at the bugaboo and icandy but the cost was way too expensive for me.

ammature · 07/09/2015 19:10

Im in the same boat, baffled by it all. We just saw a few on mother care and favoured the Bugaboo Chameleon but my mate had this and didn't like it, so now unsure. Will watch this thread.

DefinitelyNotElsa · 07/09/2015 19:20

We've gone for an Uppababy Vista with a Maxi Cosi Pebble car seat. The car seat attaches really easily to the pram chassis and you get a carry cot and buggy seat with the buggy.

We didn't buy it altogether, but know several retailers sell them as a package (along with the isofix base for the car seat, if you need that too).

I'd definitely recommend booking an appointment at John Lewis to try out different travel systems. I found the advisor there to be really clued up on the differences between each model and there was no pressure to buy on the day.

BikeRunSki · 07/09/2015 19:23

Look at Travel System packages on Kiddicare website. They are always well priced. Step away from M&P, totally style over function and terrible customer service.

trilbydoll · 07/09/2015 19:25

I would go somewhere big (we started in Kingston JL I think) and just try out as many as you can. You very quickly realise if you want 3 wheels or 4, and if you think the folding mechanism is good or not. Then once you've decided the basic criteria you can see what falls into your budget.

LilacRain · 07/09/2015 19:37

We went to Mamas&Papas and tried out lots of different travel systems. Manger helped us and was very good at suggesting different models to suit our lifestyle and budget, she asked lots of questions about what we'd be using it for, what's important to us etc (we wanted something compact, lightweight and easy to fold) then she matched us up with suitable models and described pros and cons of each one. I didn't feel any pressure to buy or make a decision there and then, she was happy to write down details of the different travel systems so we could go away and think it over. She also encouraged us to push them round the shop and try assembling/folding etc to get a feel for them, and she came out to car-park with us to try out various different car-seats in our car.

We ended up going for the Armadillo Flip XT, which can be used from birth as has a lie-flat option. We also bought the bassinet and car-seat to attach to frame. I find it very easy to fold or switch attachments (can do it one-handed) and it's very compact, yet not too flimsy. It's expensive but I feel it's a good investment as we plan to have several DC and want something that will last!

I'd highly recommend Mamas&Papas if you're not sure what you want and are keen to try some out in the shop.

ARV1981 · 08/09/2015 09:06

John Lewis were very helpful to us when we were choosing our system. If you park there, they'll let you try putting it in your boot, which may be helpful if you have a small car.

We went for the Uppa baby vista in the end - it's good off road and in the city, fits our tiny car and is very comfortable to push.

WhatTheJeffHasGoneOnHere · 08/09/2015 11:10

Depends on your budget and your needs. Size of car, where you're going to use it, do you live in a city or will you take it out in the countryside more. Do you have to carry it upstairs, what storage do you have etc.

I have a Bugaboo Bee and love it, it's light weight and folds easily, faces both ways and has height adjustable handles. The new version has a carrycot. Depends what you want it for, best thing to do is go and have a play in somewhere like mothercare or john Lewis.

christinawatts55 · 09/09/2015 12:39

Peach 3 is a pretty good travel system, has loads of accessories, i cant think of them all so check out the icandy sight, but its well made and can also convert to a double pushchair, meaning if you have future kids you wont need to by another, it can be used with a carry cot and car seats.

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