need a new pushchair/pram for a toddler and newborn - not a double or tandem

[enormouse]

My old travel system bit the dust a few weeks ago and I need something for Ds1 (2.3) and DS2 (due end of this month).
I have a mamas and papas 03 sport which I use for rambling and forest walks but I need something lightweight and compact that I can fold easily for public transport.
The old travel system (£150 at the time) was a u move from mothercare and it just fell apart - seams came undone, raincover split. So I want to spend a little more money and get something harder wearing (£200-£300)
I really don't want to get a tandem/double.
It would need to be sturdy enough for DS1 when he's tired of walking but lie flat for the newborn. (I have an ergo carrier and moby wrap for the very early days).
Also needs to be fairly short as I'm 5ft2. Dp is about 5ft10.
I'm reluctant to buy from mothercare again as whenever I've gone in the last few times the service has been appalling.

I like the joie chrome and aire, graco evo and the mamas and papas armadillo. But are there better pushchairs out there?

Thanks in advance

The Joie Chrome seems great value for money TBH. I have to say my choice would be the Graco Evo, as it looks great, is light to lift and carry, has a big seat and the lie flat seat you need, but its long when folded. The Armadillo may suit the public transport part better. I am not sure about the handle heights on any of these though. The Graco handle is a good height but fixed. Can I maybe suggest looking at the Graco Evo Mini instead because I think that would serve you as well, if not better than the Evo? It would be easier to fold. It has a big seat and a lie flat seat. I dont think it will feel as big to you, but yet should be ok for DP. I liked the Evo, but I preferred the Evo Mini for neatness. It would be so easy to fold one handed and carry onto a bus. With a bit of practice you can open one handed too. I think otherwise you have some good choices here.

Oooh I loved my chrome, folds with the seat either way, light to push, nicely adjustable handle and great with a buggyboard. I very nearly bought the graco evo this time two years ago for dc2 and 3, 24m and newborn. I would have if it had been as cheap as it is on kiddicare right now!

Thank you both for the replies. Did either of you wish you had gotten a tandem/double?

ihateparties which buggy board did you get? Is it the mothercare one? And did you get the chrome carrycot as well. If you did - does it still fold well with it? (Sorry for the load of questions)

I'm pretty much decided on the chrome. But I'll take another look at the evo and evo mini. Dp isn't as keen on the gracos because he thinks they seem 'flimsy'. The aire doesn't look as sturdy as the chrome so I think that's out.

Baby Jogger City Mini
I used it in a similar situation with similarly aged baby/preschooler. I used the Cocoon from my Phil and Ted's with it laid flat for the baby - worked perfectly.

I didn't try the chrome carrycot. I doubt it folds with it on but it might be worth trying it out in mothercare, just to see. If you plan to switch the children then i'm not sure how much use it would be for you, the seat lies almost entirely flat. I used a lascal mini buggyboard with it. I liked almost everything about it, particularly that it has a noticably small footprint for a full featured pushchair, the wheelbase is short and pretty narrow 57cm. The city mini is simpler but larger, which is fine as long as you're expecting it iyswim. The gt version fab. I don't like either with a buggyboard but it is doable.

I think the evo is probably a better seat for a toddler tbh, it has a footrest iirc, where the chrome doesn't so legs dangle parent facing.. and forwards until they're long enough to reach footrest on the chassis.

Oh and I did ultimately have a tandem or six but this was dc2 and 3, dc1 was 4 at the time with very questionable road safety so I needed it far more than I would have if he had not been part of the equation.