Pushchair Pros, come and lend me your wisdom!

[IhateSunday]

The last time I bought a puschair was 7 years ago, we were skint and I was very grateful that my Dad bought us a Graco travel system from Mothercare.

Fast forward to now, we are in a much better financially, but I have no idea about pushchairs, they seem to have come on so much! I have had a think about it, and have come up with a list of requirements, and I wondered if you kind ladies could throw some names at me, as I really don't have a clue..

Here goes:
1.) It needs to be able to be pushed and steered with one hand, as I have an autistic 6 year old the needs to be kept hold of at all times when near roads etc (is this even possible?)
2) I would like it to have a pram carrycot thing if possible (told you I didn't have a clue!)... I'm hoping suitable for daytime naps, as I will be able to wheel it round the house with me at first.. as I won't be able to leave LO alone with baby at first, till we all get used to the idea
3.) Car seat (iso fix?)
4.) A make that isn't chavvy...I really don't have a clue about brands, and really don't want to unwittingly walk around with a 'Burberrry' pram!
5.) Think a max budget about £700, think I would struggle to justify spending anymore...

Thankyou in advance guys

Bugaboo Cameleon is great and would do all of that but would be at the top of your budget.

Britax do some nice systems in their new range which are compatible with carrycots and car seats.

Mamas and papas have quite a few prams in their range which would be suitable.

I think that most first stage car seats are secured by a 3 point belt or some can also be used with a separate base which may be left in the car such as isofix. Look at the maxicosi range. Do you need to have one that will clip onto your pram or could you have a larger fixed seat for the car?

There are loads of systems which will do everything you need but I would also consider:
How high the handle extends as many are quite low. How heavy/big if you need to move it up stairs or fold down to put in your car. Do you need all terrain wheels or are smaller wheels ok. The reviews on here are really honest so have a read. Post questions about specific systems you look at if you are unsure, I am sure someone will answer them!

I like the Quinny Buzz travel system. You can get the pushchair seat, carrycot and maxi cosi car seat, with isofix base if you want for around £630 here depending on the colour, or Quinny Speedi fo about £620 here

I would'nt recommend the Buzz as it can be quite unstable so not great for one handed pushing.

I think £700 is a lot you could spend a lot less and get something that is just as good.

It all depends on what your requirements are.

1)Do you need the car seat to go onto the pram or would you buy seperate?
2)Is space an issue?
3)Would you have to fold it a lot or could you keep it up?
4)Do you have a car or use public transport?
5)What would it mainly be used for I.E trips into town or walking the dog etc?

It can be daunting but once you have sorted these kind of questions it does narrow it down a hell of a lot!

If space is'nt particularly an issue and you have a car or walk a lot then some thing likeBebecar Icon would be great as it has carrycot, seat faces both ways but you would have to buy seperate car seat and iso-fix base.

A great all rounder would be Baby Jogger City Mini/Metro, I have owned one of these and LOVED it soo much. It folds comapctly with just one pull of a strap, can be pushed one handed, includes carrycot and can be used with the Maxi Cosi Cabriofix car seat and base which you buy seperately and is AFAIK the safest infant seat on the market.

Hope that helps a bit and congrats :)

THanks guys, sorry for late reply.
1.) yes ideally would like car seat to click onto frame, as I will need to do this quick before child no1 clambers out of the car, as I need to keep hold of her.
2.) space not an issue, have an estate car and fairly big house (in terms of ground floor space)
3.) Fold obviously to get into car, but could keep it up in the house.
4.) Car
5.) Town trips mainly, but occasional wood walks.

My SIL has a baby jogger, and loves it, so defo something to consider. The most important thing is that I can control it and child no1 at the same time... I'm already having nightmares about it!

And thankyou for the congrats, its been a long time coming, so means a lot!

i think i would go for a bug if thats your budget, they truly are one of the easiest one hand pushes you can get. you can rf for at least 2yrs with it, has carrycot, maxi cosi fits, resale v.good. All you could want really.

The Uppa Baby Vista it's just won the Which Award with the highest ever score 85% against the Chameleon at 68%. it's a far better pushchair and better price at around £550 for pushchair, carrycot, rain covers x 2 insect nets x 2 and Maxi Cosy adapts