Travel systems- is a pricey one definitely worth the money?

[Ellie1986]

Honest opinions wanted please! Pricey travel systems- are they really worth the money? And would you go for a more bulky one like a Silver Cross or an Uppababy, or would you stick to smaller, lighter and cheaper?!

We live in a lovely little town with some cobbled streets and lots of big hills, so the husband thinks we need big wheels on a pram.

However I can't get over the prices of some of the travel systems. People say get an expensive buggy so you have it for baby number 2, but the cheaper ones are less than half the price of the pricey ones so where is the saving there?! Confused!!

Opinions most appreciated - and any recommendations too! Thank you!!

Well we don't have cobbles but we bought a cheap one but is already on to its second child. We only have 1 child so have passed it on to a friend and they are happy with it.

I think for cobbles you might want proper tyres though and a decent suspension!

Id go for a Phil and Teds if I lived in an area like yours. Possibly a Bugaboo Buffalo.

Im on DC4 and definitely think that pram is where its worth spending extra (along with car seat and cot mattress)

Currently we are looking at Bugaboo Cameleons.

We are pleased with the oyster 2 but mostly because it fits in the car and is easy to put up and down. We live rurally so we don't use it every day; a decent sling has been the best investment.

If you get a huge heavy travel system there's a good chance you'll get sick of lifting it and swap it for a stroller in which case spending loads would be a waste.

We've got a Jané Rider which is heavy but I love it, DD is 2.5 and I've never wanted a stroller instead. I think you need something with decent size tyres for the cobbles but (in my experience) a cheap pushchair will be a struggle to get up the hills. They just don't push as easily as the expensive ones!

Certainly do not get the silvercross 3D. It is terrible. Heavy, bulky and can only be world facing after being in the bassinet.

I started with a beautiful travel system, found it was too big for shops so downsized to a cosatto supa stroller. Loved it but then discovered baby wearing. I can honestly say I have not used my pram since DD was 8 months old. I live in an area like you so using a carrier is so much more comfortable for baby than being bounced around the cobbles in a pram!

Uppababy Vista is brilliant. Used the bassinet as an overnight cot too. Switched to the seat unit at 6 months and it faces either way easily. Pushes like a dream and quality is excellent. But they are hefty. We didn't have a car then so the Vista was excellent for lots of walking, and carrying shopping! But we swapped for a smaller buggy fold up at around 13 months. Did have an early walking child though (walking properly by ten months). Having heard complaints from friends with Oysters and Icandy's, I would choose Uppababy over most other brands. Or you could go with the Baby Jogger City Mini which has a very long life, very compact to fold, but I think the bassinet is a bit flimsy. Forward facing only too. Everyone I know that has one does rave about it though!

I live in a town with cobbles and steps everywhere. I think I will use the pram base for a second time in 3 months as somewhere to put my DD for my smear. First time was in our garden while sorting the shed. I have two stretchy slings and will move on to another sling when she gets too big.

I'd be tempted to spend more on a carseat and forget the travel system thing..

I bought iCandy Raspberry because it's a travel system but also suitable from birth - loads of storage, really easy to collapse down and pushes like a dream!

The Raspberry wouldnt do well over cobbles. Its almost the same as a Bee - that couldnt even go over slightly rough pavement without rattling like a cheap £20 Argos stroller. Id love a Bee or Raspberry but just not suitable for where I live, hence looking at Cameleons/Buffalo/Crusi.