Do I need a double?

[rachyconks]

Expecting DC2 at the beginning of April, DD will be 16months. The "plan" is to keep my quinny moodd (which I LOVE, and am loathe to get rid of) and put the newborn in a sling. We also have a stroller which DD can go in (with baby in the quinny) when both DH and I are out together. Do you think this is manageable? DD is 12 months now and although cruising, shows no signs of taking off on her own anytime soon.

I got a great quote for the oyster max yesterday which I like, but it's not even the money, I just love the pram I have (plus it was a gift from my parents, so a bit sentimental about it too). I'm in two minds, because I just can't see it working/being straightforward.

At some point you will be able to get away with a buggyboard but probably not as soon as the baby is born. Realistically you may want more than one buggy so you can take one child somewhere while your partner takes the other somewhere else.

Sorry, I think that yes you may want a double as well.

Depends on your lifestyle!
We walked to groups, library, park etc, and with v nearly 2 years between them, I wouldn't have been without a double.
If you live somewhere that, for example, you drive to these places, and then play, you may get away without a double.
FWIW, a friend with a 2.5 yr gap did the pushchair / sling or pram / walking option, and was sometimes jealous of my double, but couldn't justify it.

It also depends on if your oldest is a bolter when she is mobile - chasing a toddler with baby in sling isn't fun!

See what happens.. see if you still love your pram when you have a 16month old, a newborn and one seat….

you need a double. I couldn't be without mine. 17mo age gap. dd1 can walk well but not long distances and needs steadying outside or hand holding if cars nearby. love slings but with dd2 on my front I find it hard to pick dd1 up if required. and carry a bag.

even if dd1 was a better walker I do sometimes just want to get something from a shop. not use it as a chance to practice walkng and picking things off shelves.

we have the oyster Max and love it. we are also getting a stroller equivalent for quick trips. we did sell the normal size oyster so it isn't 4 buggys

we never have taken them out separately yet in nearly3 months but that would depend on your lifestyle. if we are out as a family the other one needs to be carrying the coffees, shifting stuff in b&q, or whatever - but not pushing another buggy.

You will need a double with such a close together age gap. My DD was nearer 3 when I finally got her onto a buggy board. Believe me, its much easier to have a double, strap both children in and just go than trying to compromise with slings and boards especially when yours are so young.

Wait and see when the little one comes along. Some babies hate prams and buggies for the first few months - you'd be really cross if you paid for a double that the newborn refused to go in!

Maybe scope out double options so that you know what you might like of you need one and find out lead times for ordering. Some buggies are easy to order online at short notice, so if you change your mind you can have one delivered the next day.

We stopped using the buggy when DS was 18 months, but so much depends on your lifestyle and your child's stamina!

Thanks everyone for your advice. We have had a chat and are going to wait until a bit closer to the time to decide. Order time is 4-6 weeks so I could muddle through the first few weeks until it came. I just don't want to spend more money on prams less than 12 months after buying my last one! (Esp with having two mat leave periods almost back to back!).

So, we are saving for it anyway. Hopefully we won't need it and we can use the money for a holiday or something (I can dream!). I suspect we will though

Could you just buy a cheap second hand double? I've seen them for about £30 on local selling sites, that way you've not wasted much if you don't use it but you can always upgrade to a better one if you find you need it.

Definitely a double! I couldn't cope without mine and I have a 17 month gap. Sometimes you'll need it just get them in and power walk down the street (to actually get somewhere!) and other times you'll need as a consequence to strap cheeky monkeys in!
I have a baby jogger city mini double and still love it. Good luck!