All I want to do is find a bloomin' pram!

[agnesnitt]

I can't find an online retailer that sells prams of a sensible sort for a decent price.

I want a two in one (carry cot and then seat unit) type thing that preferably has swivel front wheels.

Can anyone post me any links to suitable retailers? Mothercare, kiddicare and babiesrus have nothing I like the look of.

I'm at that nearly 31 weeks and stroppy point so am doing some research now.

Thanks in advance

Agnes

Having tried so many things out there (probably nearly everything) I absolutely love my frog so think a cameleon would really tick all your boxes. The only thing I love more is my marmet coach built but that is too much hassle as all the old biddies keep stopping me to say "it's nice to see a proper pram"

I would get something with air tyres, purely as they are lighter to push and do different terrains better than small wheels. Only problem is getting round narow shop aisles...there are some shops we just don't 'do' any more!
Swivel wheels will make your life way, way easier, especially when DC gets big and heavy! A Mountain buggy Urban has swivel wheels and is meant to be excellent. I've got an easylife sport which is a cheaper version (actually not much cheaper, but for some reason if you get one second hand, they are) but similar and built like a tank!

If you really are walking everywhere and have the hall space I'd get something big and comfy - either a 3-wheeler (Mountain Buggy Urban seems a favourite and has a carrycot for tinies, Phil & Ted's also popular but tinies end up lying facing away from you) or a classic bouncy pram (Silver Cross Freeway on a classic chassis, any Emmaljunga, Bebecar Stylo etc). Either way make sure it has a monster shopping basket (Bugaboo falls down here).

In all likelihood you will end up buying a Maclaren (probably a Triumph) in about a year's time for when you need something light that folds small - holidays, days out at Grandma's, when they're not sure if they want to walk or ride etc.
The great thing is so does everyone else so you can often pick up little-used 'big' pushchairs mentioned above on Ebay etc at v reasonable prices.

Cheapest places I've found include babyunique.co.uk, Kiddicare and the Glasgow Pram Centre. If you're near Milton Keynes you could go to twoleftfeet's RL showroom and take one home there and then, but don't try and deal with them online or over the phone.

Silver cross 3D are nice -especially the jet sport one from Mothercare.The pram is lovely.But heavy...however...might be handy for running the hussy over with.

IMO if you're going to buy a big heavy pram, at least get one with decent suspension - I'd take the Freeway Classic over the 3D any day because it bounces rather than rattles...

(really the only answer is to go to John Lewis and spend a morning pushing them all around, then buy the best one from the cheapest place online)

oh god yes suspension is a must. Far far nicer for the baby.

WE've bought the Hauck Esprite (from Kiddicare) for DS3 when he arrives - was a good price too.

Suspension or air tyres makes it smoother for the baby.

Doesn't sound like space is an issue so you should be able to get something really nice

I love my icandy apple you can get them on ebay for a good price now

Wheres the nearest john lewis to me in Dorchester?

er, probably Southampton I'm afraid

any good baby shop will do - I just like JL because they have a nice cafe

Our JL has a much smaller selection than the 'independent nursery retailer' who seems to have everything under the sun.

Right... Am having a good troll now. I forgot where I posted this thread and had to have a wander >_< I'm suffering pregnancy brain today.

I'm avoiding three wheelers as the last pram I had was one, and although I liked the height of it I found that the stability was somewhat questionable, especially with a newborn in it...

Anyway, thanks again for suggestions. I'm about to spend an hour having a peruse

Agnes

Okay ladies, I fell in love with a pram today, and I'd like your honest opinion.

Silver Cross Classic Sleepover. The Silver Cross site has the details (I'm too tired to figure out links, and it's all in flipping frames anyway >_< ).

RRP = £395, I've found a brand spanking new one for £200.

Do we think it's a good deal?

Agnes

may i ask what 3 wheeler you had? some of them especially the graco ones aren't very sturdy.

i personally like the zooper and the bebecar racer city.

the quinny 3xl is nice too.

I had an Urban Detour one, it was well built, it was just dire for a newborn as there was no weight to make it all work. I think the Quinny efforts look even less sturdy, they also look more suited to those of five foot six and less, not tall at all. Thanks for the suggestion though

Agnes

when they are newborn you are better having a carry cot.

i have the zooper zydeco which i love. you can get a carrycot for it aswell.

the bebe confort high trek has the carrycot option too.

bargain price for the Sleepover - where where where?

I'm in Yorkshire. A local market has a stall that is run by a couple of guys who own a shop that deals with 'end of line' and discontinued colourways. The model is last seasons colour so SC aren't selling them in shops any more. It's brand new, complete and pristine.

I think I shall be purchasing on Wednesday.

Agnes

buy a few and flog them on ebay

As much as I could do with the cash, I'd feel so bad doing something like that

I shall update on Wednesday if he still has the one I want when we go to get it. Mum and dad are giving me half the cash this week for it, and they're going to give me the rest in a couple of weeks. I've said they don't have to (feel quite guilty to be frank) but they want to do the same for the new baby as they did for my daughter.

Agnes

you're barmy. its called being a business woman and using your initiative!