Missing my Bee

[SpannerPants]

I originally had a Bee+ for my DS (now 19 weeks) but due to all the problems with the wheels and also difficulty folding it (had to have a new seat unit sent out from Holland) we returned it and got a baby jogger city mini instead.

I like the BJCM, it pushes much more easily than the bee and DS seems very comfy in it, but is a bit awkward to get into the boot of our cars (VW golf and fiesta). Folding it isn't as easy as it could be because I've got a john Lewis footmuff in so I have to unhook the top of the straps first to get to the folding handle. It's also a pain in the arse to get anything in the shopping basket, I end up unsnapping one corner from the frame and it doesn't fit my nappy bag - I used to hang it from the handlebars on my bee and can't do that now.

DP liked the bee because he could have the handle quite high up and can't do that with the BJCM. Also he has quite a long stride and keeps tripping on the back wheel axel and has even put the brake on accidentally when walking!

To cut a long story short, I'm thinking about getting a 2nd hand pushchair but I'm not sure what to go for. Budget is about £200, ideally something that can parent-face and will fold up easily to go in the car. Thank you for any suggestions!

[aswellasyou]

You could buy a second hand Bee, but you may notice the difference in pushability more now.

I like the look of the Jané Rider, which has a small one hand fold with the seat either way and has a handle height of 110cm, compared to 107cm for the BJCM and up to 113cm for the Bee. It may not be high enough for your husband though. It also has a curved back axel for parents with a long stride.

I'm struggling to think of any other tall handled pushchairs with room for a long stride under £200.

[SpannerPants]

I've been looking at Bugaboo frogs and geckos on ebay as there seem to be a few in my local area around my budget, but I don't think they have adjustable handles. There was also an iCandy cherry for £150 on preloved but it looks quite stained.

I'll have a look at that one aswellasyou - thank you!

[aswellasyou]

I've got a Gecko. The handle isn't adjustable but I don't know how high it is and don't have a tape measure here. My guess is that it's no higher than a BJCM though. The fold is a bit awkward (it's the same for the Frog and Cameleon) and is in two pieces. The recline is better on the Frog because you have to press two buttons on the side of the seat. On the Gecko, you have to squeeze two things together right underneath the seat. I think the seat's longer on the Gecko than the Frog though. I do really like my Gecko for the fact that it's so easy to push and you can get loads in the basket, but the two piece fold and awkward recline have started to bother me.

[aswellasyou]

I've just read that the Gecko's handle is 104.5cm, so significantly shorter than the BJCM.

[SpannerPants]

hmmm something else to think about! Why can't I win the lottery then I could afford an icandy peach

[aswellasyou]

The Cherry's handle seems to be 100cm, but the Apple's is up to 113cm. I think most of the Mutsy range have high handles. The Mutsy Urban Rider goes up to 117cm.

[aswellasyou]

I wish I could afford a Vista. I think it would cure me.

[SpannerPants]

oooh someone locally on preloved has just listed an icandy apple in good condition for £150...just need to persuade DP!

[aswellasyou]

Sounds interesting! I forgot to ask if you know that BJ make footmuffs with a slit in so you can pull the handle without moving it. I think there's a custom footmuff company that do them too, but I can't think who it is.

[Tiggywunkle]

Why don't you simply slide your hand under the footmuff at the side to grab the fold handle and pull?? Another suggestion is to pick up a second hand Bugaboo cocoon which simply pulls out each time, with or without the baby in.

[MonkeyJuice]

Spannerpants here's an idea, get the babyjogger bag that attaches rather cleverly at the side of your bjcm by means of a special support bracket that fits where the hood fastens to the buggy frame. The bag has a strong stick through the top of it that fastens to the quick release bracket. (bracket and easy fitting instructions in bag when you buy it). It really is ingenious and worth every penny.
You could get the grey "7am enfant 212 blanket footmuff" (odd name but it really is a fabulous footmuff, and size adjustable and easy to fit too) from the mothercare sale ( I think they're listed as "grey footmuff" or something equally dull on the mothercare website (hence they haven't sold out yet, which they would have if accurately listed with brand in title as these are best sellers in usa and quite a prestigious make). They are currently £79.99 on offer and beings that they're weather resistant, and thermal (in a you don't even need to put a coat on your child manner) they are good value.
You might then find your bjcm more luxurious to use and that changebag makes hopping on and off buses etc a Roddle (quick release and fling strap over your shoulder then fold your buggy in an instant!).
Just a thought, might change the way you feel about the bjcm. Oh and the parent console for the bjcm is also handy too, though pricey!

[MonkeyJuice]

The footmuff I mentioned is big mind you, but you can reach under from the foot end to access the fold strap.

[hermionestranger]

I have a frog and bloody love it. I don't know what height the handle is though, but DH is 6' 4" and finds it fine. The bag is cavernous and I like being able to accessorise it. My other is a BJCM and I have a normal foot muff in it from chilledworld.com I just push it to one side to collapse it, it's my school run pushchair.

[SpannerPants]

I went to look at the iCandy and was immediately put off by it's weight! Think I'll persevere with the BJCM. I have a bee cocoon so I'm going to try it with that in. Thank you for all the advice!