Where to start? Need a good all-rounder...

[PeppermintInfusion]

I'm pg with DC1 at the minute, time is on my side right now as baby is due early 2015 but I like to be organised and don't know where to start on the pram front.

Really I'd need a good all rounder:
I'll probably do a lot of driving and walking with some public transport.
My car has a relatively small boot (BMW 1 series), so probably not something too massive.
I plan to walk a lot on both pavements and paths (dog walking).
Something that's easy to manoeuvre (I like the silver cross models but thought they seemed quite heavy).
Height adjustable- I'm a pretty average 5'8 but DH is 6'3 and says some of the models we looked at don't seen to adjust well for him.

I don't have a specific budget in mind- happy to spend money to get a decent long lasting pram that I can use for potential subsequent DC, but not sure I want to stretch to bugaboo prices (will if I get the perfect pram though).

Is there anything else I need to consider or brands/models you'd recommend?

I've been to look a few times, but I'm just so overwhelmed with all the different types!

The first things that come to mind are the easywalker mosey, babystyle oyster 2 possibly with air wheel kit and the baby jogger versa. If you walk and drive a parent facing fold and something robust but not too bulky is generally the best bet. Size generally not such an issue if you think you will also have a stroller or something smaller and lighter at some point. If you really genuinely only plan to have one pushchair then size is more of a factor imo.

Oh they are ones I haven't encountered yet- like the look of the oyster, especially how small it folds up
One I'd been considering and a friend recommended was the Quinny.

Maybe I'm being optimistic thinking I'll just need one buggy? I'm not that into prams as a thing, so that's why I thought I'd buy one decent one, suppose it depends on eventual age gap etc.

My MIL has acquired a Graco (Evo, I think) from her friend to use as the spare pram for her place (she'll be doing some of the childminding when I'm back to work) and it seems decent though haven't really tried it out yet.

I think the graco evo is very good, the handle doesn't adjust so perhaps not ideal for different height users but as you're both on the taller side it might not be such an issue.

One isn't necessarily overly optimistic, if you buy the wrong thing for your lifestyle then more pushchairs are more likely to happen iyswim. Re age gaps, who knows, some people have very set plans on that front, if you do then I guess take that into consideration.

If you're not that bothered about parent facing after a carrycot then a baby jogger city mini gt is a solid option for the things you describe too. Overall reversible seat pushchairs are heavier and bulkier than forward facing ones, even when they have a good fold like the versa does.

I've had a Quinny buzz 3 with both my DCs and never bought another buggy, lightweight, umbrella etc. it easily goes in my small boot, can be parent facing or outward facing, great off road, can be manoeuvred one handed, height adjustable handle, carry cot available if you wanted it (I forked out and used it about 3 times so my advice would be don't bother) Also fits most car seats. Can you tell I love my buggy?!

I have an Uppababy Vista and love it. It isn't small but fits in my boot and I have a 1 series. Height adjustable handle us useful and fib diet quite easy to steer. Everyone I know with them really likes it.

My friend has icandy apple2pear which is really versatile - it folds down small when you take the wheels off plus there is an extra long handle which is great for her OH who is 6"5. Plus it seems lighter than my peach3, and you make it a double if you need to.

Honestly, I would get yourself into a good independent shop ie not M&P; Babies R Us or Kiddicare, and tell the owner exactly what you are looking for, and hope they are helpful.

I think I would focus on your small car boot, and having a tall adjustable handle for starters. I think both these things narrow the field down considerably. The iCandy Apple2Pear has a lovely tall handle, but is large when folded. The Easywalker Mini Stroller and the new Mosey really would be where I would be starting you - very neat folding with a really tall handle - its too tall for me when fully extended. The Joolz Day has a tall handle, but I find the fold is too big for me to contend with. The Baby Jogger Versa is definitely worth a look. The fold is smaller if you pop a wheel off, but its a flat fold. It depends on the shape of your boot how it would work. The Oyster2 is a good all rounder. I would also take a peek at the new Stokke pushchairs - the Trailz and the new Scoot with the better wheels. Have a look at the Jane and Uppababy pushchairs as you pass too, although the latter have quite long folds. A Bugaboo Cameleon would also be worth a look.

Don't be afraid to fold pushchairs, or ask to put them in your car boot - YOU need to try this too, the best time to try is when pregnant . If it frustrates you now, then it will with a crying baby next to you....

Good luck and come back once you have had an initial look. Just to add, I usually visit a few shops for a play before buying. They will all have different brands on the shop floor.

Uppa baby vista if you have space or for ds2 I went with city mini baby jogger from birth with a graco newborn cocoon which I had facing me. It's wonderful and lasts forever - my two year old loves it and now I even have the double! Brilliant on pavements and off road, folds up with one hand and flat so fits in small boots. Love it and it's been absolutely done from birth with the insert

Heard great things about the bugaboo buffalo, quite a large fold though but I know someone who fits a donkey duo in hers! It's got foam all terrain wheels (no punctures) and the seat accommodates up to 50lbs. Huge basket and its the only pram certified to carry changing bag (6kg) on the handle. Pushed my friends around and it is now a strong contender for our pram along with stokke xplory.

I had a Buffalo and loved pushing it. But the fold / weight when folded forced me to sell mine in the end. It was just too much for me on a daily basis to lift and carry all the time.