All Terrain Pram Advice Please!

[MerlotNot]

I have a totally independent, wouldn't be seen dead in a pram, 2 1/2 yr old DS already and due DS2 soon. Due to a house move we now live in an area where an all terrain pram is a necessity but I'm terrible at making decisions and poor health is making the idea of trawling around pram shops trying out a million different models pretty unbearable! Has anybody got any advice on makes/models? The Out n About Nipper is looking a good option as very reasonably priced but never seen one in real life!

I bought a second hand nipper and it has been great for my two boys. I got it when my second was 4 months old. Before that had a traditional carrycot pram with buggy board. (Which I hated - faff connecting it and makes pram hard to push).

So we got a nipper and best thing so far - the pointed end bit over the front wheel is a perfect size for my toddler to sit on. So when he is tired he jumps on and then off

And it is light enough for me to cope pushing them both and balance a balance bike on the handle bars. Been doing this now for nearly 6 months on a 5 year old model.

I find it really easy to push over bumpy ground, tree roots etc and used it a lot on the beach recently. Easy to push one handed with coffee in hand

The only downside is breaks and storage. Mine is 5 years old and brake is terrible. I added a shopping basket which holds the rain cover and my baby carrier and that is all.

But I really rate the fact it is light to push, quick to fold into the car and to keep up with my toddler

Is a sling not less hassle than a pram over rough terrain? If it’s that rough is it even accessible with a pram? (Styles etc)

Out n About Nipper is brilliant. We've used ours in all manner of places!

Another vote for out n about nipper if you want all terrain/ off road/ farm! Lots of my friends have them and they are excellent which is why I ordered one despite not seeing it in any shops to trial. Iv bought the newborn carrycot to go on it too.

@welshladywhois40

I bought a second hand nipper and it has been great for my two boys. I got it when my second was 4 months old. Before that had a traditional carrycot pram with buggy board. (Which I hated - faff connecting it and makes pram hard to push).

So we got a nipper and best thing so far - the pointed end bit over the front wheel is a perfect size for my toddler to sit on. So when he is tired he jumps on and then off

And it is light enough for me to cope pushing them both and balance a balance bike on the handle bars. Been doing this now for nearly 6 months on a 5 year old model.

I find it really easy to push over bumpy ground, tree roots etc and used it a lot on the beach recently. Easy to push one handed with coffee in hand

The only downside is breaks and storage. Mine is 5 years old and brake is terrible. I added a shopping basket which holds the rain cover and my baby carrier and that is all.

But I really rate the fact it is light to push, quick to fold into the car and to keep up with my toddler

Thank you for the detailed reply!

Love the bit about your toddler sitting on the front! DS1 has refused to go in a pram since he was about 18 months but I'm dreading him deciding it looks fun and wanting a go again so this could be a fun compromise for the inevitable 2 minutes he will want to be in it!

I'm looking at a new v4 single which is on offer at £299 and compared to Mountain Buggy etc this seems very reasonable. I'm hoping being new the brakes wouldn't be an issue and storage wise I luckily have a utility room which the dog will have to share!

Does the shopping basket not come as standard? I do hate it when they do that.... I know you have to buy a separate rain cover with the Mountain Buggy for example!

@ForkedIt

Is a sling not less hassle than a pram over rough terrain? If it’s that rough is it even accessible with a pram? (Styles etc)

I'm put off a sling due to DS1 not liking it the first time round, me having a c section and a bad back at the best of times. Would you have any recommendations for a good one as I am definitely willing to try again (hiring not buying).

It's not massively inaccessible..... but basically on top of a mountain so bumpy/hilly/muddy etc. and I know my old pram for DS1 (second hand Mamas & Papas) will not cut the mustard!

I adored the nipper-it was second hand original version and the shopping basket was a bit shot but I understand it’s improved. Other than that, flawless, really, and my bigger boy equally liked sitting on the pointy bit when tired!

@SylvanasWindrunner

Out n About Nipper is brilliant. We've used ours in all manner of places!

Ah thank you, it's nice to hear from people who have first hand experience.... did you use it from newborn or when DC was a little older?

I have an Out n About (v4) single and a Mountain Buggy Duet, I prefer the Out n About, I find it easier to steer, the suspension is great and it easier to fold and lift. I often use the Out n About for the 16 month old and sling the 3 month old.

I used it from newborn but for the first 6 months we just used car seat on it with adapters as I found that way easier than transferring to carry cot etc (and we had a lie flat car seat). DD is a big 2.5yo and still fits fine (but doesn't really want to go in it now as 'it's for babies' ).

Another vote for secondhand out and about nipper. £80 for the older model and I've had 3 children go through it. All 3 can sit in it at the same time. Lies flat so can use from birth, loads of storage (zipped pockets, understorage, pull cord pockets and hood can hold lots too). As per PP triangle bit over wheel is great as toddler seat (if they know how to hold on). It fits in all shops and goes over all terrain (live rurally). Wish I'd bought it for first baby because second seat is so handy for picnic basket, change bag etc. Dreading when we have a day out without it tbh!

Hi - no shopping basket doesn't come with it. It has a mesh basket on the back of the seat that doesn't hold much. That is what I meant by storage - not much storage on the buggy but the pockets on the hood are great.

Re sling post c-section. I had a c section for my 2nd boy who came out a chunky 8 pounds. To help round the house I wanted a sling but didn't get on with slings with the first as I think I left it too late to start.

Post c-section I used a baby Bjorn mini which puts all the weight on your shoulders and lifts the baby off the stomach area. I started using it at about 4 weeks I think for 10/15 mins a day and it was so useful. 4 clicks and it is on and so soft for the baby.

@bloodywhitecat

I have an Out n About (v4) single and a Mountain Buggy Duet, I prefer the Out n About, I find it easier to steer, the suspension is great and it easier to fold and lift. I often use the Out n About for the 16 month old and sling the 3 month old.

That's really helpful thank you as I've been looking at the two mainly. As an aside.... you must be supermum with 2 under 18 months!

Definitely get a nipper. They are bombproof!
And at one point in the summer, we had a 6 month and a 2 year old in it and 2 3.5 year olds on the footplate… still kept going!

Someone said about the brake being rubbish… I have the single sport and spraying the brake with wd40 helps when it sticks or doesn’t go down!

@MerlotNot I am a foster mum and I mainly have babies, my smallest age gap was 3 months, that was hard work for a while !