need some help! Due tomorrow and having buggy wobbles

[wonderbug]

Hello Mumsnet- first post here!

I've had a number of pushchair disasters over the last 2 1/2 years and am hoping to avoid cementing the reputation I have gained among friends that I just can't get it right: some expertise from here might help!

Baby is due tomorrow & DD is 2 1/2.
The priorities for us are: rear facing and that it folds with the seat unit attached, while rear facing would be even better.

We have just bought M&P Sola (for rear facing purposes) and Buggypod but need to order larger mounting brackets to fix it on. I have the wobbles about the Sola now- I do drive, but prefer not to so we use the bus a lot. I'm just worried about the folding issue, I can't see me being able to whip it down easily to make room for other buggy users.

The buggy board seemed like a good idea but I don't think DD will be happy to stand for long and I'd like to be able to restrain her if we need to power ahead! I guess another option would be baby in a carrier...

I really really want to avoid a traditional double if poss- rear facing was so important to us with DD, it seems wrong to ditch it for this one!

Am I just thrashing about for an elusive dream? Or have I completely missed some amazing combination? Any thoughts for a woman on the brink of a slightly emotional/ hormonal mess???

I've seen an interesting double that's rear-facing, but I believa it's only available in N.America (but I'm sure it can be shipped, if you decide that it's the right one). It's called Stroll-Air My Duo (take a look ).
There are also rear-facing options in tandems as well, if you decide agains a double/side-by-side. For example, the iCandy Pear or the BJ City Select.
There's also something called KidSit, which is a seating alternative to a buggy board (but essentially the same thing, just more comfortable)

The first wheels would work for you but anything that size is going to be hard work to get in the boot or the bus.
When I had two under 2 I basically walked everywhere and I mean 5 miles a day at least to avoid the bus/car boot problem and I had a Bertini double with the worlds biggest basket, there was nothing I couldn't carry home with me.
But then I did get wet and fed up from time to time but was a size 8 (have never been again since )

The First Wheels double is very similar to that one linked so no need to go importing prams

as your eldest is 2.5 i probably wouldn't bother buying a double tbh. especially if you use public transport a lot

you'll be much better with a decent sling and a single rear-facing pram. eldest can walk and if she gets tired she can go in pram and baby can go in sling

Thanks for the thoughts everyone!

I think overall I'd rather avoid the double all together as I'm hoping that DD won't need to be in a buggy for much longer (though the size 8 thing has a certain appeal, especially as I can barely see my feet at the mo!!)

I'm going to have a look at the Kidsit and some slings....

So what is the smallest rear facing fold? Guessing it'd be either the Loola (which doesn't seem to be compatible with any kind of toddler accessory) or the Bee?

I have the Sola with buggy board for DS (3) and DD (18mo) but I have used it since DD was 12mo so DS would have been 2.8 and it worked fine on buses and for walking.
I have never had to fold it for the bus though but I can see how this would be a pain especially as it only folds with the seat facing fowards.

You could always use a Maxi Cosi on the frame when using the bus then you would only have the frame to fold and baby is safe in the car seat.