Best for public transport?

[CitizenOscar]

Hi - I don't have a car so really need a buggy that suits public transport and walking. Any recommendations?? If not specific models/makes, then some ideas of what to look for would really help. I'm assuming lighter weight would be best but otherwise I have no idea. Help please!

[MonkeysPunk]

I think the problem with the zapp is - although it folds really small, it takes two hands to fold and set up - which is tricky if you are holding a baby!
This is why most people who are using public transport get some kind of umbrella fold.
The baby Jogger city mini is not umbrella fold - BUT - it does fold with one hand and set up again with one hand - and is as light as an umbrella fold. So for public transport - you are not just looking for something light and small folding - but also something you can manage to fold/unfold while holding the baby (and change bag) too!

[brillopads]

Marks thread- expecting my first LO and not a driver so buggy + public transport has been a concern. Looking in Mothercare today the Quinny Zapp Xtra felt very nippy, but this thread seemed to be dissing it
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pushchair_chat/1008386-New-Quinny-Zapp-Xtra

[MonkeysPunk]

The connecta carrier is an excellent one - that is easy to use and comfortable until your child is at least 3y!
//www.connectababy.com
Out of the pushchairs, either a Maclaren - or a baby jogger city mini (also does some slightly rougher terrain as it has larger wheels than a maclaren).
The baby jogger city mini is super-fast and easy to fold one-handed and carry on the bus. I also like the single handlebar for pushing one-handed. I find the city mini is more stable - and less likely to tip than a maclaren and has a larger - more easily accessibly shopping basket.

[CitizenOscar]

I do like the idea of a sling (probably subject of my next thread...) but was worried that I was being over-optimistic about my ability to carry the baby around after the first few weeks (i.e. once it grows a bit).

[CitizenOscar]

Yes, it's my first - can you tell?!!

[mamadiva]

Oscar is this your first LO?

Can I just say having gone through 5 pushchairs (and a lot of money) that there is'nt actually a perfect one. If you can I would suggest getting a larger one for walking and smaller one for car/public transport.

It also depends on your budget, but don't be scared to ask on around on here or look on Ebay as there will always be someone trying to flog the pram you wannt cheaper.

If I had to do it all again I would have the Hauck Infinity for walking as it has air tyres which makes it a lioghter push and baby can face you up until they don't need the pushchair anymore. The only downside is you do need to buy a carrycot but these can be bought for around £50 new on Ebay. And I would have the Baby Jogger city mini (again ask on here for cheapest deal) for public transport because it is lightweight and you can fold it with baby in the other hand if you need to on bus which is a lot handier than it sounds .

If money is tight then something like Chicco Multiway gives the best of both worlds, it is umbrella fold BUT is wider than a standard stroller so is heavier and bigger when folded. This would be good for walking though as it has big wheels and comes with everything you need so you would'nt need to buy anything else pushchair wise which is fab for the price.

Failing all of that you could try a sling for buses and have a pushchair for walking for the first few months then get a cheaper standard stroller.

[CitizenOscar]

Thanks everyone for your tips - at least gives me somewhere to start. I really hate shopping so have been dreading the buggy shopping - especially as there are so many to choose from and you really don't want to get it wrong!

[maxybrown]

It also depends on your transport as our buses don't allow larger folded pushchairs on (only say a small mac at push) but will allow 2/3 walk on pushchairs at a time and the buses are frewuent so don't have to wait too long to get on. A double buggy will fit down a bus to the seats - has to as a wheelchair has to! I have had loads on buses - silver cross sleepover, other prams, baby jogger elite (and loads of others, strollers too) and now have baby jogger classic which i take on!

[onimolap]

Maclarens are narrow, light and easy to fold one-handed if you need to.

[slhilly]

Not silly q at all

Narrow enough to go down aisle of bus, in my case (fair choice for single buggies, tougher for doubles -- we went with a Jusonne Othello, which I think is little short of miraculous)

[mamadiva]

I love, love, loved my Baby Jogger City Mini for this because it folds so easily and is compact open and closed.

Only thing is it is not rear facing but can be used from birth laying flat or you can use it as a travel sytem with car seat and/or carrycot.

Best to buy second hand as they can be expensive but soo worth it!

[suzie38]

A similar pushchair to the Bee is the Oyster...I have a Bee Plus which i love but think the Oyster looks so much nicer but have read mixed reviews though...I've used my Frog on the bus when it snowed but not ideal as it is a 2 part fold if you did need to fold it down.

[sickoftheholidays]

really, you need a bee. Unless your DH will be pushing it (and folding/unfolding it with baby in tow on public transport) then its what you like/need thats important.

[CitizenOscar]

Thanks. My friend has a bugaboo bee for the same reason but my husband isn't keen so need to investigate alternatives.

Possibly a silly question but: how narrow is narrow enough?!

[slhilly]

Hi there

Good luck!

Other things to look for:

• narrowness to squeeze through on buses
  
• speed with which you can put it up and down
  

We have a bugaboo bee which is stupidly expensive but is narrow, light and quick to collapse / put up.