Managing with a single pushchair to start with...mad idea?

[sedgieloo]

I can't settle on a decision still with regards to a double.

I have a babyjogger Elite Single I bought when dd was 1. DD will be 25 months when DC2 is born end Oct/early Nov.

Given the time of year and the limited options for doubles suitable for newborns, I was thinking of managing through the winter with my single. Getting a carry cot for the Elite maybe a glider board also and a newborn sling and Maxi Cosi adapters (this is the car seat I have from last time) so I can switch between putting baby or dd in the pushchair depending on what we are up to.

DD was born the same time of year so can't see myself going out for walks that much to start with. Then come early spring with baby a little older I might have more options and know what I want.

Sorry this is so long, I'm loathed to make the wrong decision and find out it doesn't suit our needs and end up buying two (again)

On the other hand maybe I will be just dying to get out the house early on for my sanity and have both strapped in - I don't know!!!

I think if you dont go anywhere much then you would be fine. I suspect (I ought to try given I have an Elite here) that a buggy board on the back of the Elite would be better than most to push given the space between the back of the seat and the handle. I have to say though that my toddler at 25 months would never have stood on a buggy board - I would have got a sit on one if I needed. I also dont like the drag a buggy board creates and TBH its been bliss to return to a double after using a buggy board.

TBH though - depending on where you go, I would ditch the buggy board, and let your son walk eg through a park. But if you need him strapped in for shopping then put the baby right at the back of the Elite's recline - and sit your son on the main seat pad with his feet on the footrest - add on a harness for him with the hood flaps open so that you can check he's not leaning back on the baby - and that may see you through for several months? Not safety approved, and its your choice whether you consider it, but it worked for us when we needed it most!!

I have to say though, if you do do a lot of shopping or walk by busy roads, then I would probably bite the bullet and buy a double. You should get a years use out of one if you buy at the start and the first part will be the hardest - plus you have no idea right now how unpredictable your potentially tantrumming, strong willed, stubborn, unhelpfully "helpful" toddler will be with their own sense of direction - you could have it easy, or you could have a child that really just needs to be strapped in and go.

Hi tiggy, I was hoping you would be along to advise. I found the choice of easy to fold doubles that work for a newborn and hefty sibling (dd is 99th centile height and weight) that take a maxi cosi (I already have and would like to use) is really limited.

I was getting swayed by the TFK Twinner but the resale is poor, so I'd buy second hand but I have struggled to find any. I've also not seen one although the distributor is based in my city and would let me see one if I can just drag myself over there. If you can remember off the top of your head would you kindly remind me of my other options (I think the Donkey is out of the question due to cost and awkward porch/front door)

The range is very limited....hmmm...what can I think of. Theres the Donkey as you say and the TFK TTD. There is also the Easywalker Duo, Air Buggy Mimi, First Wheels City Twin (hopeless for a taller child though), Mountain Buggy Duet and Dup (if the latter has the newly designed car seat adaptors - but the Duo and Duet only take a baby up to 9kgs which is only around 9-10 months) and I think thats about it. The Bumbleride Indie may well take car seats but I dont think it is yet in the UK - its due any day I think.
Funnily enough I am just wading through Air Buggy Mimi notes here and although you would have to buy second hand, I thought it was a very good side by side. Its definitely worth a look TBH. I liked the Easywalker too but thats a bit more chunky. But great quality. The car seat adaptors on that are really odd though :S

I was in a very similar situation when my 2nd DC was born - he's a January baby. I managed fine walking to and from playgroup and the supermarket with dc1 on a buggyboard, and well wrapped up. I used the sling a lot, and I had a bugaboo bee so I could easily swap it between lying flat for a newborn, and sitting for my toddler (and then slinging the baby). The occasional upsets (eg dc1 wanted the buggy, but dc2 was sleeping and I didn't want to wake him) were worth it imo, for the money I saved and how much easier it was to get about with a single.

Actually I think I agree oddly enough, I would keep what you have and see how it goes. The options open up so much with a slightly older baby and toddler should you feel after having a go that you need a double. Plus you will really know at that point whether you think it's necessary to get one at all.

I did 3 months with a pram and sit down buggyboard with a 24 month gap (one of these), unlike tiggy I like boards and found manoeuvrability excellent on the combination I had, so I could hold elder sibling's hand etc. I do all walking and reasonable distances though so did know that long term I needed a good double that worked for me.

See I keep thinking about this, I was thinking of getting a cheapy maclaren double that I can just sling in the car. I don't think I go that many places where I walk loads. Ds is ok on reins at the moment, I'm going to see how well I can 'train' him.

Also if we do, I tend to have dh with me (I could use this to swing a versa out of dh).

Me too...and I'm thinking differently... I'm scared of long long newborn winter days cooped up with a grouchy toddler and not having the energy to sling it with a toddler in a single pushchair. I think I might want to strap em in and go.

I think I am going to cave and look for a decent 2nd hand double. The TFK I have seen go quite cheap used I just wasn't ready to buy at the time. I will go on an ebay mission between now and october I think!!

My ds1 and ds2 were exactly 2 years apart, late Oct babies. I alternated between Maclaren + sling and Pliko pramette + buggy board, including going out every day in the winter. I took public transport everywhere and, on top of the expense, a double would never have beeb practical.

It does depend on where you go. If you like to walk out in the open, or just go to big supermarkets, I guess a double makes sense. If you use public transport at all, or go in smaller shops or cafes, I think it would be a nightmare!