Can't drive, need something that will fit on bus easily!

[Baby2b]

First baby so very confused about the array of choices. I want a practical pram that converts to a buggy. I have just moved to Edinburgh and will be relying on the buses to get out and about. Don't really want to go down the sling route.

I have just seen the baby style oyster today and it looks too good to be true for the price. Two pram shops have been subtly against the I-candy range?!

Would be really grateful of anyone who can share their experiences or offer suggestions.

[suzie38]

Another good one is the M&P Sola, pushed much better in a pram shop than the Oyster i went in for...Only bad thing is customer service at M&P isn't great so i've read other people say...A more expensive option in the Bugaboo Bee Plus, i loved mine.

[PPT]

OOOOOooohhh.. I have an Oyster. I am one of the few people I know that do. I like it, it is one of the lightest travel systems. I have the car seat, the pram attachment and the buggy attachment. I like it especially because the basket is really quite big, and I can fit a decent amount of food shopping in it, and push it back home. It also fits rather nicely into my boot...

However, if you are not planning on plugging in a car seat to it- then I would just go for a stroller and not a travel system. Especially if you live in a tenement in Edinburgh, as it isn't that light to lug up and downstairs! Many strollers are suitable from birth, and they lie flat.

You'll save a small fortune too if you decide to just go for a stroller. I personally am rather in love with the Cosatto range: www.cosatto.com/products/pushchairs/strollers

[Baby2b]

Thank you, will check out the sola today. Not a fan of the bugaboo range for no good reason.

I don't need to worry about stairs thankfully. I did look at strollers but got cats bum mouths from both mum and mil. Though many strollers seem to lie flat now. Decisions, decisions! I liked the oyster because of the adjustable handles as both dh and I are tall. Back to the shops for me :)

[PetiteMum]

I hated the look of the bee plus when I was choosing, it looked like a wheelchair to me..... But ended up getting it as it was the lightest and most practical choice. I have not been disappointed and love it! Ten months on, it still looks brand new and I know I will get a good price for it on eBay when it is time to sell. I would seriously evaluate resale potential of whichever brand you go for. Bugaboo are renowned for their customer service too, which was another thing that made me decide on it. Other ones I was looking at when pregnant were the sola and oyster. I loved the sola, but it was only available in a bright green at the time. The oyster felt a bit cheaply made to me and I didn't like the finish on it.

So hard to decide, but take your time and remember things like a big sun canopy or large shopping basket make a huge difference when using everyday. Good luck!

[LaWeasel]

I bought a lie-flat stroller (there are quite a few now, but mine is a silvercross pop) and got a lot of "are you sure?!" but it was easily the best option for us and our price range, and after the first few months it is great not to have buyers remorse because you've realised it's useless past the pram bit!

Sounds like you have the right ideas about what you need though, when you're testing stuff out: I wouldn't go for anything that needs to be split in two to fold incase the bus is busy, and practice folding with one hand while holding a bag bundled against you.

Something will stand out.

[Baby2b]

Thank you for the great advice, really appreciate it