2yo and newborn - what are the options?

[RedKites]

Hi,
I'm expecting DC2 in early October when DS will be 2.2. I'm planning on getting a sling and a buggyboard so will have the option of DS in buggy and baby in sling, or baby in M&P Switch with DS walking/on buggyboard (and maybe at a stretch reconfigure the Switch, put DS in it, and baby in sling again). However, while DS is capable of walking quite reasonable distances, he's not always the most co-operative, so I have been looking at what my options are for a double/tandem pushchair. I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the different things out there, so was hoping some of you knowledgeable people could help me (and sorry, as I know there've been some similar threads recently).

Think the relevant facts/things I'd like are:

• DS is average weight but above average height for his age.
• We've a Focus estate, so a reasonable amount of boot space
• Similarly we've probably got enough space in our hall, even if it were a pretty big fold/ needed left up
• I'd really like DC2 to rear face, although this could be via a carrycot
• DS very rarely naps in the pushchair these days. I think the only time he ever does (and then not often) is when we're out together as a family. I think the double will only get used when it's just me, so I guess I'm saying his seat doesn't need to recline
• However, I would like him to be 'comfortable' as he might be tired, although conversely I'd like him to have a reasonable view as he might be wide awake and just in there for my benefit when I'm trying to get stuff done
• I'm not sure if a double or tandem would suit us better. If we got a double, I'd want one which fits through a standard door.
• I don't go off-road much; at most to the park, and I reckon I'd be ok with one of the single pushchair options so off-roading not necessary.
• At the moment we sometimes take the bus. The buses have enough space for two/three singles, and I've never had to wait for the next one to date. I have been on one with a double buggy before, although presumably a particularly compact one. This isn't absolutely necessary - I could drive more - but it'd be nice if it were an option.

Cost-wise, I guess I'm hoping we won't be using a double/tandem for that long, so feel like we shouldn't spend loads on it, but it'd be useful to know what the different options are at different price points. I'm not averse to buying second hand if that's the more sensible option.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bump.

If what I'm looking for doesn't remotely exist then please tell me so. And if my post is just too long and doesn't make sense then please tell me that too! Thanks.

Hummmm okay.

Do you have a basic preference or side by side or tandem? You kind of imply re him having a reasonable view that you'd perhaps prefer a side by side ideally.

Usually there is a compromise somewhere, what you want does exist but with different down sides - price, quality etc.

Something like a Smyths Toys Dimples Duo at the low budget end of the spectrum will give you what you want for the baby but the toddler will have a somewhat limited view. Although as tandems go the view from the lower seat is really good on this one. The lower seat is not particularly tall either so that could pose a problem. I have tried one though and I really liked it for this sort of age gap, the only niggling doubt for me is longevity. And size slightly, it's long in lie flat mode and fairly wide at 66cm. Other cheap tandems are things like Haucks - duett and free rider but not sure how either of those can work for a newborn and toddler really.

For a bit more money the Britax B Dual is a better quality option but doesn't offer quite the same seating set up, here the baby would be in the lower seat and the toddler on top. Also wide at 67/72cm wheelguards off/on.

The micralite twofold may be out by the time you need something, this looks great with lots of options including baby parent facing etc. Not sure on budget but someone will know. It might add up with carrycot etc.

The Babystyle Oyster Max too could be very close by October, I loved this when I saw it, esp. with the top seat flat and parent facing. Hard to tell on details till the production model is here.

More expensive options seem to be narrower but not necessarily with the child seating options you're looking for. It's hard to find a tandem with a baby parent facing, toddler outward facing option. Things like the iCandy Peach, Jane Twone, Something new I have been seeing online recently is the Brevi Ovo Twin... don't know where you could get to actually look at one though.

Doubles wise I'm hearing very good things about the new narrow nipper double. Kiddicare have them, as do tesco and some other places, you should find one with discount codes etc under £300. The issue with this being the baby cannot parent face. MB Duet you can buy a carrycot for but the whole package there is quite a bit more expensive. Those are the narrowest two I can think of. There are lots more options at the 75cm wide - baby joggers, bugaboo donkey, all sorts.

Does that help a bit, some things to google etc? Also have a look at best buggy for masses of useful info and photos

Ihateparties thanks very much for your reply. You've given me lots to think about, and various options I hadn't heard of before to research.

I'm not sure whether a side by side or tandem would suit us better. Is it fair to say the advantages of a tandem are that they are generally a bit more compact and maneuverable (so e.g. better for the bus) and potentially a bit more sensible if the older child gets in and out, while the advantages of a side by side are that both children are more accessible, and potentially a better view of the little one and/or view for the big one?

In October I will have a newborn and an 18mo. I have the BJCS :)

I think the side by side v's a tandem / inline is a fundamental first decision. This is influenced by some of the factors you discuss eg storage, fold, bus, and where you go. But its also a big personal preference and I would suggest you maybe start looking in a good pushchair shop - maybe a large independent one that ideally has something like the Baby Jogger City Mini and maybe an iCandy Peach Blossom or Pear or Britax B-Dual in stock to try. You push a side by side differently to a tandem, and they will both feel different. A side by side will fold as one piece, a tandem is very likely to have lots of bits to it. I think once you know which of these will suit you personally best, then its easier to help you with the more specific details. A good side by side can in fact be easier to push and be more manoeuverable than a tandem. You can't say all side by sides or all tandems are the same because they definitely aren't

To update... We tried out a few different things, and really loved the Baby Jogger City Mini double, so ended up buying one from Boots as they had what seemed a v good deal on. DH has gone from thinking I was being a bit silly and not thinking we'll use it very much, to suggesting that we might end up using it instead of the Switch as it's so light and nice to push. Thanks again for all your ideas and advice.

I had a city mini with dc1 and dc2, very much doubt you'll regret it. All the better now you can get the carrycot on too. Good choice!

And for the record I think you will use it lots! Now DC2 is 2y7m and DC3 is 7 months I keep thinking I can get away without the double then I realise very quickly I COULD but it would not be fun AT all.

Thank-you - that's exactly what I wanted to hear !!

While I expect I could've coped without it, I think it's going to make my life somewhat easier, which has got to be good with two little ones.

Glad to hear you are all sorted. A good double makes a massive difference.