Second hand pram - thoughts?

[tavileh]

I'm looking at buying a secondhand pram, because it doesn't seem like a good deal to buy such an expensive one as a first time mum, when I'm not sure exactly what I need.

I live near a big forest, do loads of hiking and running with the dog, so thinking all terrain is good, but likewise I'll have to use a sling in winter because of the mud. And will want a running buggy later!

Wondering between buying an older model option for less money now, and then seeing how it goes, or buying a newer one straight away and spending a bit more. Anyone have any advice?

The two specific options I'm looking at are a Bugaboo Cameleon first version, and a Baby Jogger City Mini that is almost new!

Baby Jogger all the way. Had a single and a double second hand and they’re indestructible. The baby bassinet is perfect for using from Day 1.

Not sure they’re actually recommended for running though!

What about a second hand out n about? There’s a Facebook page for buyers and sellers that might be worth looking at. They’re great off road even in mud and suitable for running x

We bought a mountain buggy terrain and have a similar lifestyle to you. Didn't bother with the bassinet, just bought adaptors for £30 so the car seat can be plugged on to it. It can be used with a newborn as the base goes flat, and can be used for running from 6 months of age. It is a little more bulky than some designs when collapsed, and a little heavier, but it doesn't bother me and we were happy to take that to have better functionality! It cost us around £550 brand new. Since our baby arrived we've used it a fair bit and think we made a good decision. It's really manoeuvrable and handles off roading really well. Haven't tried running with it yet as baby not old enough but imagine it will work just fine. I do use our sling a lot when walking our dogs as it's easier to have my hands free but think the buggy will come into its own once she's bigger and heavier, and once we can start running.

We had a second hand cameleon first version, we used for both DDs and couldn’t really knock it, it was free though so I forgave it a lot. Definitely couldn’t have run or done much boggy terrain with it! It managed non paved woodland paths fine.

Our main pram is second hand and on baby 2 for us (and had already done 2 kids!). It cost me £50 - it’s a mountain buggy urban jungle. I bought the new carrycot plus for it for baby 2 as it converts to a parent facing seat, but we still have the soft cocoon that it came with. I’ve replaced bits like the brake and handle foam, aside from that it’s great condition.

I later bought a small folding pram that fits our Cybex lie flat seat on, the small fold pram stays in the boot of the car.

We have a third hand bugaboo chameleon. It's pretty good in the forest.

Most of all though, I'd definitely recommend a second hand pram. They lay so well and it saves fortune that can be better spent elsewhere!

Make sure you get the gt version of the citimini the standard one has smaller wheels and is not so useful off road. We had the single, now have the double and both are great for what you need. The out about also looks good but the seats seemed to be smaller which was an issue for us.

Out and about nipper sport is great for running and woodland walks but probably wouldn't recommend it for shopping. Mountain buggy terrain is a good all rounder but is pretty big.

We bought a new travel system… but a cheap one as we knew we wanted a running buggy too!
So yes, absolutely buy something cost effective to afford the running buggy… the headspace of being able to go running once baby is 6 months is so worth it!
You can get “hybrid” buggies (out n about nipper or Thule urban glide) that you can use from newborn with a bassinet etc but also lock the wheel for running - the wheels are smaller so it’s not as much of a mission for shopping etc, but also, they are a bit less fun to run with than a buggy designed solely for running.

The best off road pram/pushchair I’ve had is an old silver cross sleepover on the bouncy chassis. They don’t fold particularly small but will go over or through anything.
Babystyle also make them and immaculate ones can be found on Facebook for as little as £40
I also have a city mini double (also second hand and I couldn’t find a gt) it’s fairly good off road even heavily loaded.
I wished to avoid anything with inflated tyres as I would get punctures from the hedges frequently

City Mini GT or Out n About Nipper. I prefer the Nipper slightly but both are great prams and handled the woodland/off-road trails we did with DDog just fine. Not flashy or expensive, just immensely practical.

I had a second hand Bugaboo Cameleon for DS. I spent £550 on it, it was in excellent condition (still under warranty), very well looked after. I bought it from eBay and inspected before paying for it. My advice would be, if you can afford it, look at the ones that are over £400-£500 (ish) as they will be (mostly) in great condition. Any cheaper and you really can tell they'd been used a lot! I also bought one for £90 (bugaboo) to take with us on travel / plane journeys, and OMG, you absolutely could tell the difference in price!!

2nd hand is good. Just check for puke.