Pushchairs: Where to buy? Which one to buy?

[f1silver]

My husband and I are finally starting our pushchair/travel system (to be honest i don't understand the difference) search. I am due early November and it seems these things need to be ordered fairly quickly in order to be available by then. What we're stuck on is where do we go where we can see a large variety of pushchairs on display? We live in South East London and don't have a car. We've spent several weekends already attempting different Mothercare stores but none of them seem to have a large variety of brands (certainly not the ones we really want to check out). So my first question is, where do parents-to-be go for good displays?

We our basically city folks so don't necessarily need an all-terrain type. In fact we prefer a compact pushchair that folds small, has a reversible seat, and can fold with the seat on. We live in a small flat and will have to keep folding the system all the time to be able to squeeze it in the storage cupboard. We don't own a car but will get a car seat for the few times we do rent a car to go out of town. Also, I have a few long haul trips planned for the first year so it would be handy if I can get an opinion on traveling with the pushchair.

Our short list (with comments) is as follows:

1. Bugaboo Bee (have seen) - I personally don't like how low it is
   
2. Babystyle Oyster (have seen) - Won't fold with seat on according to the Mothercare assistant
   
3. iCandy Strawberry (haven't seen) - I understand the seat unit is from 6 months?
   
4. Maxi Cosi Elea (haven't seen) - for the life of me I can't find it on display anywhere
   
5. Jane Muum (haven't seen) - I'm very interested in this but can't find any reviews or a shop that displays it
   
6. Easywalker June (haven't seen) - just discovered it but can't find any reviews or shops
   
7. Uppababy (haven't seen) - we are very much inclined towards the Vista but want to try the Cruz as well. Do you know how long is the waiting time for this? Also, can the Vista be folded with the bassinet on?
   

Apologies I do realise this is one long post, but any help will be appreciated.

[Nanny01]

Just wanted to throw another in to the mix. The Cossato giggle. It comes with everything you need. Bassanette, rain cover, bag, coseytoes. I bought iy as a replacement for the vista that me and ds found to heavy like others have said. I am keeping the vista asI hope that it will be used when my circumstances change. However until then. The Giggle is great even takes a carseat. I have had it for 4 months and enjoying a lot more than the vista. I wish it had been out when ds was first born. May not buy another as practically it works sowell. Forgot to add it was £330 car seat would be another 90 but feel I got so much more value for money than the vista where everything was a extra ( pet peeve).

Musty evo would be my second choice gotofferedthedemo at the show for a£100 was really tempted. Baby show on the Sunday afternoon last thing is a good place fora bargain.

[Tiggywunkle]

I have just come back to update this thread a bit. I put the Uppababy Cruz away for a while and opened it up this weekend. There is a lot to attract me to the Cruz - light seat which is easy to switch around, HUUUGGGGE basket, easy fold, good reclines / footrest positions, big hood etc. With my Versa sadly gone for a short while, I thought I would open the box again and give it a fresh look. As I opened the box I was reminded how light the Cruz was, how narrow, how neat it was standing etc. But today putting it into the car - even without the seat on - and later with the seat on - I remembered how long and unwieldy it is. It was, thankfully, easy to put together and fold (given the pouring rain) but I was NOT impressed when as I gently lifted the raincover off, all the water poured in through the peekaboo window onto my sleeping son.
The crux for me was always the suspension.....and today the Cruz only went from the car into school and back, but it was the most rattly horrible thing - the small wheels and lack of suspension really let the whole pushchair down. It makes a Quinny Zapp feel cushioned!!!!!!!!!! Its going back in its box again and this time I WILL sell it!!! LOL

[Tiggywunkle]

Why did the Surf not parent face - that is one of the advantages of the Surf?

The NJoy Petite Star Bubble is really good. It is an umbrella fold pushchair with a seat back that really easily (a squeeze of a handle) moves so that the child can either parent or forward face. The hood flips inside out so that it too faces the correct direction. It works very well. It feels sturdy to push, but it is an umbrella fold with two handles, which is quite different to the Surf. There isn't much storage space, but enough to squeeze small bits or a small bag of shopping into. Its lovely to have a child parent facing. However, it does look very odd with the harness on the front and no visible child - I hope that Petite Star make the front cover come all the way down on the seat to hide it TBH. I did a few second glances at it.
But the Bubble is great though that you dont need to swap the harness - especially useful if children of different ages are likely to use it. But for one child, TBH, I am not sure you would ever use the forward facing seat until they were much older. So if you plan to only buy one pushchair ever, then this would work well. But TBH I think something like the new Babystyle Oyster Gem would work better where you can swap the seats as your child gets older.
I think that the Bubble does what it does well though and if you want an umbrella style pushchair, then its one to consider.

[pramlover9]

This is my first post on an internet discussion, my friend uses them regularly and suggested that i give it a go. Im expecting my second child in early 2013 and i had problems with by first pushchair (sivercross surf) as i could not see my babys face due to the seat faceing away from me.
Im looking for a pushchair with an adjustable seat which can face both ways. Ive heard of this pushchair called Njoy Bubble and was wondering if anyone has heard about it and has any feedback as it looks like it called be the perfect match for my expected child.

[Diamond7]

Last thing, You can also fold the cruz with the seat in rear-facing. It just doesn't go as flat.

I am looking forward to trying the Versa though too.

[Diamond7]

Cruz order time at Tommy's is 6-8weeks.

[Diamond7]

Sorry just spotted lots of typos and it doesnt completely make sense. Should have re read before posting!

[Diamond7]

I went to see the cruz at Tommys in Peckham today and loved it. The suspension is the same as the Vista. Reviews on the vista are brilliant, it's just too big.

Loved the higher seat hight of the cruz and the massive basket. I also liked the fact we don't need a bassinet. All push was lovely, not quite as good as the chameleon but still nice. It probably won't be as good on all terrains due to smallish wheels but definitely better than some, bugaboo bee and this is the compromise to get a smaller, lighter urban pushchair.

With regard to the weight. I can easily carry it, found it very light.

Loved it, just wish the did more colours. And it's only £350 at huggles in nw3 and I think Tommy's will price match.

Sorry this is reviving an older trend.

[HarlettOScara]

f1, don't be too seduced by the Jane Matrix lie flat car seat. I have one here and it weighs a ton! DD is only 4 weeks old and i'd struggle to lift the Matrix with her in it and I'm no weakling! It's also quite difficult to fit in the car in lie-flat mode. Thank goodness we only have the Jane as our second pushchair for dog walking as I wouldn't want it for everyday general use - I have the iCandy Strawberry for that and absolutely love it.

[Runningblue]

I've no idea if there is any display as massive as at kiddiecare near Peterborough. The range of pushchairs etc is massive, I know a few people myself included who have had a cheeky visit to simply have every single option laid out in front of them, then bought elsewhere if price better. Highly recommend an outing.

[Tiggywunkle]

My worry about the Versa is the weight and also the length when open - its nearly as long as a couple of tandems I have here at present.

I think the Evo is a better all round, will go anywhere pushchair than the Cruz. I would never worry about it.

The June is the pushchair I desperately am hoping is my 'one' but it too has a long fold and is heavish too.

My DH turned to me earlier and said its an exceptional pushchair that gets to stay here and he's correct....and if it helps I am dithering about keeping the Cruz or not especially after it coped so well on mild off road the other day with my nearly 4 year old in. The fold is one of my biggest issues...but it would stand neatly by my front door.....and I love love love the basket....

[milk]

The Baby Jogger City Versa: Minimum age in seat is 6 Months+

Unsure about the EasyWalker June.

[f1silver]

So after a lot of reading up and calling around we finally went and saw some of our short-listed models.

The husband and I are both besotted with the Mutsy Evo. Thank you Tiggy for putting it on our list. I love the fold, the fabric and the fact that the seat is from birth. I'm not particularly keen on the bassinet as the seat serves the purpose and the bassinet will take up too much space in our storage (it doesn't fold). But I have looked around and there do appear to be places where you can buy it without the bassinet. And for about the same price we can add the car seat so the total spend with the bits and bobs shouldn't exceed GBP 500! I'm quite pleased with that given that there was a time we thought we're looking at a spend of about 800! My only regret is that we won't be able to buy it from the nice gentleman who displayed it for us because they only sell the combination.

We also liked the iCandy strawberry. Seemed like such a smooth push. But the fold was just too chunky for us.

The same shop also had the Jane Muum but it was in storage and they wouldn't take it out as it was almost closing time. However, it seems to be the same budget as the Mutsy Evo so we're not very disappointed not being able to see it. The shop is too far so i doubt we're going back there just for the Muum. I must add the Jane Matrix car seat/bassinet is very impressive.

We also went to "visit" the Vista and the Cruz. The Vista I guess sets the benchmark, a real solid piece of equipment, but just too big for us. I really liked the Cruz (it was great on the shop floor) and the basket was enormous! But I agree with Tiggy, the fold is quite big. Plus the seat that claims to be from birth is quite buckety for a newborn even though it does recline 180 degrees flat. So that is again adding the bassinet for us.

So that is just leaving the BabyJogger Versa and the EasyWalker June to demo. I doubt we'll wait for them now. My husband has his heart set on the Evo and is getting all panicky that we haven't bought anything yet (our 100 day countdown started last week). I am still dallying between the Cruz and the Evo, but probably based on the value for money and the fold I'll go with the Evo too.

What is everyone else leaning towards?

[minipie]

Thanks Tiggy. I think it's probably down to the Cruz or the iCandy Cherry - if we can live with the non extending handle (saw a couple of friends today who are roughly the same heights as us and they find it ok). Will be going to see them all next weekend after 20 week scan and will be sure to test over some bumps .. somehow! Thanks again!

[Tiggywunkle]

I have mainly been on pavements and shop floors and it's all felt ok. even on the bumpy stuff it felt generally ok. The bumps did feel bumpy though - I have had smoother rides. I just couldn't really see the suspension going up and down at all - it would do ie it moves. But i am not convinced. I love everything else though. It's got a lovely decisive brake and the seat is so simple to lift off. It's one of the best pushchairs I have seen. Simple but effective.

[minipie]

Oooh it's sounding a lot better yay . Light push is v important for me and the gliding over everything sounds fab. Size folded not such an issue for me as we rarely use the car and won't fold it at home. I am definitely urban!

So, silly question probably but if the crap suspension doesn't cause it to be hard to push, what does it do? does it give your DC a bumpy ride? did you find your arms/hands hurt...? Did you try it on pavements?

Thanks, and so sorry for the pestering! You are a star! I will be going to have a look next weekend I think (but in a shop so limited testing I can do!)

[Tiggywunkle]

Yes, a Mountain Buggy :)

I have taken the Cruz out again today and the huge basket is seducing me. I am say with it now debating whether to keep it or sell. I would keep it for the basket alone as I got approx 2 wire basket fully of shopping underneath earlier all be it carefully stacked. But not many single pushchairs will get that much home.

I have put my heavy nearly 4 year old in and been slightly off road this afternoon - over bumpy grass, up and down edges, kerbs, over thick gravel, over sticks etc ie not manicured grass and it's been fab. Bizarrely it just glides over it all. Maybe it doesn't need suspension and I am just too used to softer feeling pushchairs.

But for the Cruz to stay it has to replace something else and I think sadly the tall fold will be the downfall of the Cruz. It fills my boot, the one piece fold is actually annoying because I need parent facing do I need to keep turning the seat around (or leave it off). I can see so many positives in the simplicity but I prefer other pushchairs better. I think for an urban based parent I would recommend having a look. I still don't like the hard ride, but TBH the Cruz practically pushes itself so maybe the light push carries it through?

Go and look for yourself. It's simple but effective. Just check out the fold and 'suspension'. It does tick almost all my boxes for a perfect pushchair and maybe I am just too fussy!

[minipie]

have fun! I am guessing you have something tucked away with big wheels that would be great for the safari park...

[Tiggywunkle]

The Urbo was hurting my hands - not the Cruz. But I haven't pushed the Cruz long enough.
My hands were just hurting - I think just from the vibration as you say. The Urbo on that occasion was used around an out of town shopping centre - so flat pavements etc.
I haven't had chance to silicone it yet - nor will I probably until Sunday. We are off to a Safari park place this weekend and I dont think its quite the pushchair I need to take, so it will get swapped.....but what to???!!

[minipie]

So disappointing Tiggy. I am off to a big baby shop in a week or so, they have the Cruz as well as lots of my other candidates so I will give it a try there but it's good to be forewarned to look out for hard suspension/not nice pushing as that is v important to me. London pavements are urban but are definitely a lot bumpier than mall floors!

When you say hurting your hands to push, why is that do you think - is it the vibration from the bumpiness? look forward to your thoughts post silicon.

thanks again.

[Tiggywunkle]

f1 I have the Twone and if the handbrake is like that one (and there is one part on the Twone labelled "Muum"!), then I am finding it very flimsy - in fact I am a little scared of breaking it. Its nothing like the Baby Jogger one which is easy on and off. I also dont like the fabrics - they "pull" really easily under little finger nails in places, or the plasticky handlebar.

I think I will see if I can carefully add some silicone spray onto the Cruz and see if that helps, but I am not entirely sure it will make much difference TBH.
Its funny because reading the main reviews out there at present, the word "urban" comes up a lot - and TBH thats where the Cruz fits - on a smooth shopping mall floor. I did take it out today again. I am still a little shocked by the length of the fold and I looked it up earlier and I think its only 12cms shorter than the Vista. I have had the Vista, and the size was one factor in it leaving us, but all round the Vista was better (and more money too but you get the carrycot and car seat adaptors and the double option later).
I have to say I am pretty fed up really. Everything else about the Cruz - except the fold size and the push - are absolutely right for me. It's so easy to use, easy to fold, easy to fling stuff in the basket, large seat, loads of seating options, flick out visor, easy lift off seat etc etc etc. (really refreshing after the more faffy Cameleon, Bee, Oyster etc), but its just too hard to push. The nearest I can get to what its like, is that its like the Mamas and Papas Urbo which within 15 minutes was hurting my hands to push. This isn't hurting...yet...but its not forgiving either! I dont even like a bouncy suspension on a pushchair - in fact I like a pushchair that isn't bouncy!! LOL The Cruz is too far the other way for me.

[kalidasa]

That's a relief. Thanks minipie for enlightening me. We will definitely do an early morning JL trip at some point, we did that when we moved into this flat and needed loads of stuff. They even gave us one of those fun scanning machines to record our choices.

[f1silver]

Tiggy... If you are online and on Facebook the Uppababy folks are answering questions about the Cruz. May be you can raise your concerns there.