Stroller for use on bus.

[SmilingandWaving]

I need a lightweight & easy to fold pushchair to use on the bus and train. It needs to be quite compact when not folded and also easy to fold whilst holding on to a wiggly 10 month old. Ideally it'll last until DS is walking everywhere, at 10 months he's the size of a 12 month old so needs to be quite roomy. It also needs to lay flat.

I had looked at this as I originally didn't want to spend a lot.

Then I decided a Maclaren would be worth the extra spend, but then I had a trawl on here and it seems everyone raves about the BJCM. I couldn't see a thread about if they're any good for bus use though so now I'm really confused.

I currently have a Bugaboo Gecko which is far too big for the bus and a cheap 2nd hand stroller which I think is a Hauck. It really is appallingly bad though, every time I walk I'm kicking the break peddle & it actually makes my hands hurt trying to manoeuvre it. I did see a review of the BJCM on Mothercare that said they had the same problem with kicking the break peddle so has anyone experienced this? That would be a deal breaker for me as it really drives me mad.

I was in a similar situation to you. I have a Mothercare Spin, which is far far too big for buses/trains, so I did some research and fell in love with the Maclaren Techno Xt.
I managed to pick one up practically brand new from eBay, and it's perfect!

I got it for an absolutely bargain price, but I would say its definitely worth what it is in the shops!

The Maclaren Techno is the one I've been leaning towards so far & there seem to be quite a few in good condition on ebay so I was almost sure that was the way to go. I think it was just all the talk about the BJCM that made me a bit unsure. I really like the way it folds as it looks so easy to do with one hand, I struggle a bit with umbrella folds as I'm awkward.

The BJCM is 60cm wide, which is the same as the Gecko, so there would be no point buying it if you want a narrower pushchair. I've had a Chicco LiteWay for bus use and it worked really well.

You won't get easier than a BJCM fold. It's dead simple to remove the child, tuck it under your arm and pull the BJCM shut with the other hand whilst walking onto the bus. Equally it's simple to flick open when you get off and it's got the handle to carry it with. The other pushchairs that are easy one folds one handed but are not as high spec are the Leebruss takeoff and Maxi Cosi Noa. But for those you need to bend down / lean forwards. Umbrella folds can be easy too but you have to lean forwards with the baby to fold and then stand up again. I can't kick the BJCM brake but you could always try it out and see.

Thanks for that, I hadn't realised it was that wide. Do you use the Chicco every day or just occasionally? I'm thinking I'll probably sell the Gecko and use the new pushchair everyday so it would have to be quite sturdy.

Thank you Tiggy. I guess if it's that easy then I could fold it every time I get the bus, but then I'd be a bit stuck if DS was sleeping. I also really like the fact that it can be pushed with one hand, I find that really useful with the Gecko. I'll have a look at the others you suggest.

This will be my 4th pushchair in 10 months so I'd really like it to be the last, I just find it all so confusing and nothing seems to be good all round.

I don't find the BJCM wide to be fair. The 3 wheeler at least allows the nose to be pushed into a gap. It really is a fab pushchair :)

There really isn't a perfect pushchair...yet! I only had the Chicco for about 4 months and I didn't use it that much because I didn't use public transport very often and I prefer my Gecko. They get really good reviews though. It is nice to be able to push one handed, but then you can't hang shopping off the pushchair so easily.

I've had 10 pushchairs in 13 months (although I haven't bought one for nearly 3 months now ) so you're doing quite well!

It's the back wheels that are a pain though isn't it? It's a nightmare when there are two non-strollers next to each other because one of you will need to put the pushchair sticking out into the aisle. And thenh you can't stand behind the pushchair because you'll be blocking up the whole aisle.

I think my DP would go mad if I had 10, he still doesn't understand what was wrong with our first one

I think I may have to go & test drive the BJCM & compare it to the Techno.

I have just found this Would you buy from there? It's a really good price & their feedback is good. I've seen second hand ones going for £170 on there so seems too good to be true.

the micro is rubbish, no recline as such, heavier, smaller wheels, smaller hood. if you get one get the city mini 3 wheeler or city mini 4 wheeler

I'm so glad you said that Haunted. I hadn't picked up the micro bit, it reads 'micro mini stroller' & I'd obviously focused on the mini. Thank you.

Boots.com have good deals on the bjcm at mo.

Personally I don't think you can go wrong with a bjcm and Ive only just kicked my 4 yo out of it recently.

On the addicts thread we Have just been talking about the Baby Jogger Sidewalk which I am guessing is cheaper than the City Mini (?) www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/productdisplay0_10751_-1_132395_10001 Its the exclusive version produced for Kiddicare. They aren't the same and I believe the fabrics are different etc as well as the looks. But it's worth a look.

compared to next.co.uk the sidewalk is £30 more but i still do like it

Is it really? The kiddicare ones are usually cheaper! Boots had cheap City Minis (if in stock) which is why I was hesitant.