Mountain buggy plus one or phil and teds?

[titan]

DC2 is due in 2 weeks and I have been dithering about buying a double pushchair. There will be a 21 month age gap. Currently we have a MB Swift (old NZ made model) which I love. Mainly because it is so light and manoevrable. I guess I am attracted to the plus one as it seems closest to the buggy which I am used to but the P and T explorer looks similar. My main considerations are I would like something as light and easy to push/manoeuvre as possible. I don't intend to fold it often put it in the car, don't need car seat compatibility and don't need to use it in single mode (intend on keeping the swift). Anyone with experience of both who can advise me? Thanks!

I wrote you a long reply but its just been eaten :(

My advice is that the +One is a lot of compromises really to be able to get an older child on board. We have one and it works brilliantly. We have the same age gap, BUT we are nearly two years on from you. I think what is absolutely key is whether your eldest naps or not. If he does then don't read any further, and don't get the +One. The front seat in newborn mode doesn't have enough recline really for him to nap, and after 6 months the rear seat is bolt 90 degrees upright.
Other details, once the baby is six months and your son moves into the rear, he won't really be able to see out. My eldest at 3.5 can barely peep out. When the front seat is reclined for her brother to sleep then he's in perfect poking, hugging, hair pulling distance. Plus with the hood up on the lowest ie cosy setting, you won't be able to see either of them to know if the baby is being poked! It's very hard to do the rear harness up. We don't bother with DD being older, but at 27 months it depends on the disposition of your eldest if this is a factor.
All round, I love our +One a lot, but I am also very glad of two seperate seats in our other pushchairs.
It's very easy to push, and manoeuvre but a big chunk to lift. I struggle putting it into the car.
There's loads of information and photos here which should give you an idea of spaces etc.
I think honestly a P&Ts may be better, but not by much! I think something like a B-Dual would be a lot better with good spaces, good newborn options, basket space etc. But if you can accept the compromises of the +One it will last you years. I have just sold my Swift because there was no reason to keep both.

Thanks for that. DS does nap still but I usually make sure we are home for nap time so lack of seat recline is something I could compromise on. I hadn't thought of the fact a 2 year old in the rear seat of the plus one wouldn't be able to see out though!

I won't need to lift it and DS doesn't try to climb out so I probably wouldn't use the rear harness.

Would you say the +one and P & T explorer are the same in terms of ease to push/ manoevre? The swift is so easy to push that I know whatever I get will seem like a tank and I am dreading it so I think that would be the deciding factor.

I think the +one is much easier to push and manoeuvre than the P&Ts I have tried. It sounds like it might suit you. I love mine and love the fact it has longevity if we need a double in an emergency.

I have a p&t Sport. In fact it is my second, sold my single as I wasn't going to have any more DC. Got a double last year when DD was born. Love it, find it easy to manoeuvre and push, even one handed. Ok to fold. Older child is now 3.5, v tall -108 cm - and too tall for second seat in either position. Almost impossible to fold him into seat in "bottom" position now DD is out of cocoon and head too high now to use hood in "top" position. Just as well he now wants to walk (run) everywhere!

I have the britax b-dual, which I know you haven't asked about, but never mind!

The b-dual has so much more space than the Phil and Ted's, and the rear seat reclines so you can put either child in either seat. While your little one is, well, little, you can have him face you on top, either is a hard or soft carrycot or just on the seat (as its suitable from birth).

In my opinion, the b-dual is just leagues ahead of the Phil and Ted's, for very similar money

Thanks again for all the advice. I think it's held me decide that a +one would be better for me than a P&T. I'll have a think about the Britax too. It's got some very good reviews. Since I'm having a c section I've got grandparents around to help out for the first 6 weeks anyway so won't need to buy a double pushchair for a few more weeks. More time to mull it over!