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Pushchairs

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Original poster

I have no idea which buggy I need [sad]

26 replies

MissTapestry · 12/04/2012 12:20

DC1 is due in July and I'm starting to really stress about which buggy to choose, and every time I google I just get more and more confused!

We had thought that the bugaboo cameleon was going to be our final choice, but we popped into John Lewis for a look the other week and I found the way the handle rattled really irritating. It sounded as though it hadn't been put together properly, so I asked their buggy person but she said it's because otherwise it would snap on rough terrain. All of the bugaboo models they had did the same thing, and tbh if I'd bought it I would have taken it back thinking it was faulty!

Next we thought about the baby city jogger, as my neighbour has one and when I had a play around with it I really liked the way it folds up so easily. However, when I tried pushing it up my front step (sort of a double step but do-able in one go in a four wheel buggy iyswim) it fell to the side as soon as I lifted the back wheels off the floor because then it was obviously just balanced on one wheel. So that's a fail!

I now have literally no idea what we are going to get, we go for long walks along country lanes/tracks, so need something that can stand up to that, but it would mainly be used for me to go into town (about a 5 min walk) and bring back the odd bit of shopping.

We also need something which can take a car seat, not that I particularly want to leave DC in the car seat for too long but after seeing my Dsis struggle with DNs I know that sometimes it will be necessary! Grin

Whatever we get will probably be second hand as we have a budget of about £300, so we will be limited to whatever is available, which is why I'm keen to start looking for the right thing now.

Size isn't really an issue, we have two cars with humungous boots, and I haven't used public transport for about 5 years due to where we live.

So I'm hoping someone will have a suggestion/some advice for me as I'm hormonal and it's really starting to get to me!

TIA

OP posts:
Original poster
MissTapestry · 12/04/2012 12:21

Oh God, sorry, I hope you managed to plough through all of that, I just wanted to give as many details as possible! Sorry! Blush

OP posts:
Original poster
MissTapestry · 12/04/2012 12:24

OOh, and forgot to say I'd quite like something which can be parent facing.

OP posts:
MilkNoSugarAndAShotofWhisky · 12/04/2012 12:45

Mothercare spin is lovely...tiny basket though

Honeydragon · 12/04/2012 13:05

The spins a bit crap off road, my neighbour has one. But I am a bit Envy of it, on the other hand my other neighbours UppaBaby Vista seems to cope well with light off roading?

Also I have never had a car seat / pushchair compatible combo and never had a problem Smile

Original poster
MissTapestry · 12/04/2012 13:15

I think if everything else was right the clip on car seat thing is low down on the list really. I'll have a peek at both of those later, I'm going to go to work now and try not to think about it until I get home.

I hadn't realised how much it's been playing on my mind until I read back my mammoth post!

Thanks Smile

OP posts:
AnEcumenicalMatter · 12/04/2012 13:17

The Baby Jogger City Mini comes in a 4 wheel version. Its not parent facing, though.

Harecare · 12/04/2012 13:20

I spotted a good mothercare own brand one the other day that spins the seat round to face you, forwards, sideways. The Mum said she'd had other buggies in the past, but this one was actually easiest to push, fold etc. For long walks in the country a sling/front carrier is easiest.

ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets · 12/04/2012 13:20

I have an Obaby Zezu in red, but it comes in other colours.
It's a pram that comes with a newborn liner, then flips into a pushchair which can be parent or outward facing.

It's fairly bulky but the front wheels come off for space saving, but you say you have a big boot like me. It's really comfortable to push with an adjustable-height handle, and the basket is spacious.

Comes with a foot muff and spotty rain cover (which makes mine look like a big ladybird, gets loads of comments!)

They do it in Boots for you to have a play with, but we found it quite a bit cheaper on Kiddicare.com

It takes a car seat that comes separately, but I don't use that.

I only bought it because it looked good, but it's actually a brilliant pramette!

BikeRunSki · 12/04/2012 13:22

I was going to mention the 4 wheel Baby Jogger too.

ThunderboltKid · 12/04/2012 13:37

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at poster's request

WelshCat · 12/04/2012 13:37

maxo cosi mura! loool. i have one that in selling. (im not attempting to sell it here just mentioning!)

one of those sounds like it might suit your needs though, it has everything you want and if you dont mind about size its a good option.

KathMCB · 12/04/2012 13:47

Hi, I have a Quinny Buzz and a Maxi Cosi car seat that fits on it and its great on country lanes round here. I also got the carry cot for when the LO was a few months old and he slept fab in it but it was a bit bulky

HypatiaTheProcrastinator · 12/04/2012 19:55

I definitely wouldn't get a Spin if you're buying second hand. THey've had loads of issues with them including collapsing and the rear wheels spreading and slanting like this /-\ I've seen quite a few of them with the wheel issue, but you won't be able to have a repair under guarantee buying second hand.

Have you looked at the iCandy Peach? The price of second hand ones has really dropped recently and you should be able to get one with a carrycot in your budget.
I agree with the Vista suggestion. There are also less common but very nice options like a Brio Sing or Brio Go. The Mutsy 4Rider is definitely worth a look too. Your criteria are actually not very restrictive so you have a lot of choice.

suzie38 · 12/04/2012 21:56

Brio Go is brilliant.

Original poster
MissTapestry · 13/04/2012 06:36

Thanks everyone, you've given me loads of ideas. I need to discuss it with DP now, then get out to a couple of shops to play around.

We are hoping to use a sling for some stuff, but I'm not always very steady on my feet at the best of times, and it would worry me to have a baby strapped to me in case I go doooooown!

Thanks again, I really like the look of lots of your suggestions Smile

OP posts:
TeaandHobnobs · 13/04/2012 06:43

My wish list is similar, and I think I will go for the 4-wheel baby jogger citi mini, but with the carrycot/bassinet attachment for the first few months so it can be parent facing - the carry cots seem to be about £110 new, but there are loads on eBay and the like.

My pram shopping trip tomorrow has been scrapped (stuck in hospital), so I haven't actually tried anything I've said above - can someone correct me if I've got anything wrong?

BellaOfTheBalls · 13/04/2012 06:52

Babystyle Oyster. I absolutely adore mine. If you shop about (i.e do not buy it from Mothercare & go to an independent nursery store instead) you can get some great deals. I got a full package (chassis, car seat, toddler seat, carrycot, carseat adaptors, all aprons, raincovers & footmuff) for £330.

Others you might want to look at:
Grace Symbio
M&P Sola or Herbie
Mothercare My3/My4 (their version of the Quinny Buzz 3/4)
Maxi-Cosi Mura
iCandy Apple (second hand, they are extortionate!)

HollyGoHeavily · 13/04/2012 07:01

I have a Bugaboo Chameleon and it is fantastic - i've never had an issue with a rattling handle at all. I suspect the ones in the shop hadn't been put together correctly, maybe go and try one elsewhere???

boysenberry · 13/04/2012 09:30

I agree with Holly. I think Cameleon is fantastic. Although i completely get what you're saying OP. When I first started using mine I thought it was faulty or that I hadn't put it together properly. I know exactly what you mean about the handle moving when you push. Turned out not to be an issue at all when out and about. I think this feature somehow makes it easier to push, can't explain how! Maybe its something to do with how you can flip the handle bar to use either the big or small wheels as front wheels? (really cool feature btw!) If you really like the Cameleon I wouldn't let this put you off. I have an iCandy peach blossom which is fab too as a single. The cameleon is lighter to push and I'd be inclined to use that more for off road with the big wheels in front. It's so hard to choose Grin Good luck!

Safmellow · 13/04/2012 10:15

Wouldn't recommend the Sola for country tracks x

Tiggywunkle · 13/04/2012 10:28

I too would have another look at the Cameleon. Also look at the Maxi Cosi Mura. The fold is large and although the basket is awkward you could manage a small amount if shopping. But the seat is gorgeous and it has air tyres. The Easywalker Qtro would be worth a look too as it's a 4 wheel off roader that's good about town too, has a large basket and carrycot and car seat option. Most pushchairs would cope with going on a rough track, I think you need to decide if smallish hard wheels would cope or if you need an off road type pushchair. From what I am reading it sounds like if nothing else, the length of time you walk on rough paths etc would lead me to want an off roader for good suspension etc. If you said you only went a few hundred yards then anything would probably do.

Tiggywunkle · 13/04/2012 10:45

The Versa would be fab but with carrycot etc would be way off budget.

I would never recommend the Sola EVER!

The Oyster with air tyres could be an option too.

GinPalace · 13/04/2012 10:48

Try the Obaby Zezu - well worth a look - fits all the criteria you mentioned and excellent value for money. Have had mine for two years now and it has had some tough use daily including woodland dog walks etc - It is as good as new (bar the mud splashes)

Hyperballad · 13/04/2012 10:53

I am looking for the same as you OP, the Greco Evo seems to be the best, but it's new out in march so haven't found any reviews on it yet. My mum though gave the buggy car seat and carrycot a good going over as well as the shopping assistant and she thinks it'll be perfect for me! They sell it in mothercare, suggest you take a look.

pud1 · 13/04/2012 10:55

Have you thought of a mutsy. They are usually good price when second hand. I had the 4 wheeler and it lasted through 2 Dds. Walked slot on rough terrain. It is quite big when folded but it is very sturdy. I loved mine

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