Are Maclarens better than standard m/care umbrella strollers and the like, and if so how and why?

[MyMelody]

thats all really, I've had a standard mothercare stroller in the past and been perfectly happy with it, but am considering a maclaren if they are worth the extra money, could anyone tell me how they are different because they look the same, thanks

I have had one for years and it has taken quite a battering over the years, e.g. being taken or aeroplanes in the hold BUT the raincover is impossible to put on so if you're thinking of getting one check that you can fit the raincover first.

they tend to be lighter, they lock on their own when folded, brake is pedal action so saves toes in summer, the lighter models have a shoulder carry strap so if you have to fold the pushchair to go up and down steps, you still have a hand available, better padded,

Thats interesting, they look like they have higher handles which would be good.

The thing I found with my old umbrella stroller was that by around 2yrs dd could stick her feet down and drag them along the pavement which was a bit of a pain but I suppose all umbrella strollers will have that problem, the seats seem to be very low.

Also, I wondered if you could get bumper bars for maclarens? a bumper bar would be really useful.

I have a Maclaren triumph it's the cheapest they do and it has been used for 2 children and still going strong.

I have a basic Tesco pushchair and a Maclaren xlr. The brakes are easier on the Maclaren, when I fold it the clip clips it folded automatically, which is very useful for one handed folding, and I can push it straight or turning with one hand. The Tesco one I need two hands to fold (tricky if you need one hand to restrain a raging toddler) and I need two hands to push it without it zigzagging from side to side.

You can get bumper bars for the Maclaren. I have had several different types of Maclaren, all bought 2nd hand and only sold because I fancied a change. I would say compared to other cheaper strollers they are better made and seem to last forever. Also the covers are easily removed and machine washable. I don't know any other stroller that has that.

That said for ds1 I had a £30 century stroller which lasted 3 years before dying and it was seriously abused. With ds2 I developed a buggy habit and so had tons of buggies.

Ah one handed push would be a big bonus!

Tutu, where could I get a bumper bar? Direct from maclaren?

I wouldn't touch a mothercare pushchair with a barge pole used to work there and saw the state the came back in

loved my mclarren vogue which then got manged when a car hit mine and the boot collapsed

replaced with an XT which I also loved

really sturdy, high handles (both ex and I are tall), easy to collapse and never developed that twisty loose feeling that a lot of pushchairs do

I do like the look of the xt....

It's all the little things that make them easier to use. I've had a bit of a buggy habit over the years and I've tried other buggies but always end up with a maclaren. I have abnew xt at the moment and an ancient volo. I've always found the raincover easy to use, certainly in comparison to other strollers. The fold is easy and clips shut. They've always been comfy for baby and nice to push. The brakes on the old ones were a pain but the new ones are good. The only downside is the (lack of) access to the shopping basket when the seat is reclined. I think it's similar with most strollers though.

Thank you everyone, you convinced me, I got a Quest, I'm really happy with it!

On a related note...Do maclarens ever go in the sale? I can't justify the best part of £200 on a stroller. My DD is a rather large aged 2 and no longer fits in her Babystyle Oyster (why do they make the straps so short?!)

Might have to plump for second hand unless anyone knows of any bargain maclaren shops!

I have the xlr which Ive had since dds birth (compatable with car seat and carrycot). I love it. I intend to never buy another pushchair as long as I live

My mclaren is ten years old and still going strong and has been totally battered! Been dragged on lots of hikes, gets thrown over styles etc (child removed first!!), on countless flights, round and round muddy rugby pitches etc etc. Seems like a lot of money initially but in my opinion totally worth it.

Mine's an eBay special techno xt. Paid about £120 for it and additionally bought a new cosy toes for about another £20. It does seem solid and well made, DS is a smallish 18mo but there still seems plent of room (straps, footrest etc) for growth. Whilst I don't have direct experience of cheaper strollers friends who bought some for the nursery run at the start of the year are already considering replacement. The wheels & brakes seem really robust and the flat 4-point rain cover is the easiest ever. (this is pram #4 for dc1 so I have some experience).

Downsides? I wish I could push it easily one handed (pram 2 was a second hand bugaboo bee, nothing else handles like that but it folded poorly & in the end the seat broke). I also sometimes wish I had a big wheeled cross country sort but guess that might be pram #5 for dc2 due in June.

I have used my mclarren every day for about 2 years and it is great. Had others before getting this and this is so much better. Nothing fancy cheapest one they had but it more than does the job!

And it fits in the boot of my corsa which is a bonus!

Why have a Maclaren when you could have a Baby Jogger City Mini???
(Hides from the Maclaren lovers fan club!)

Actually have a city mini and it has been brilliant but the rubber on the handle has split and wheels starting to squeak plus DD is only 15mo and already has her feet resting on the slim footwell. Used it over my bugaboo since DD was 6mo though and usually walk for at least an hour a day...lovely to be able to just fold one handed!

Am on here wondering which Maclaren to get instead! Choosing between Volo/Triumph and Globetrotter. Will be used for long walks and need a lot of bag space as I don't drive...

Sorry for hijacking thread