So, are Maclarens really all that? Or another umbrella fold?

[sycamore54321]

I have been pushing my uppabbay vista for the past four years, with first one child and then a second using the skateboard attachment. My eldest now barely uses the skateboard and much prefers to walk. I will also be changing soon to a daily routine that involves much more frequent car travel than before.

So I am debating retiring my Vista and the Maclaren umbrella-fold stroller seems to offer a lot in terms of lightweight, easy to lift in and out of car, etc. But there are lots of cheaper umbrella fold strollers so is it worth investing in Maclaren? Or other recommendations? Youngest child is nearly two...

Thank you

I'm too short to comfortably push them (5ft), and I hate double handles. That said, my friends have raved about how easy theirs is.

Bugaboo bee here instead

I only have a maclaren (after my pushchairs) and it's definitely lighter but the brakes and tiny basket annoy me. Folds up smallish but it has to lean or hang on something if you don't want it lying on the floor.

I'd move to an umbrella fold asap though as the Vista is bulky!

Which Maclaren?

I think they are good pushchairs, and one of the best solutions if you need to fold frequently.

Umbrellas are a pain to push one handed. A city buggy that folds in half like the Bugaboo bee or cybex Mios might be a better choice depending on what you prefer

I wanted the mamas and papas armadillo when I got fed up of our bulky travel system. They are quite expensive brand new but good second hand ones are around.

I got the silver cross pop for dd, it's ok. Does what it's supposed to do, but it's not that small when folded. And yes, going from a travel system to small pushchair, the baskets are small but you get used to it.

We got a second hand one in really good condition for £60 off a local selling site. Really like ours and just much easier to bung in the car and lighter than our big buggy.

They're a pain for one handed driving. Try the Baby Jogger City Mini for amazing push, easy fold and small stowage (esp with wheels off)

Babyzen YoYo, best portable buggy ever!

We went for silver cross similar to maclaren but just preferred it

Another vote for babyzen yo-yo. Pricey but worth every penny (I have three kids and have been through countless buggies).

Rubbish for one handed pushing. Long when folded. Small basket. My parents had a mamas and papas copy which seemed identical and only £99 at the time.

My preference (after many buggies) is a 4 wheeled city mini. Not the 3 wheeler which is tippy. I think they’re about £300+ new but I got mine second hand for £100 and will probably be able to sell it on when done wit it.

Lots of babyzens on eBay... don’t need to pay full (silly) asking price like we did!

FITS IN THE OVERHEAD LOCKER on a plane!

Another vote for city mini jogger!

They're okay , I had them for my first two. I currently have a silvercross pop for my third. I'd say they are pretty equal but the pop was cheaper. The only issue with the pop is that the rain cover had to be placed over the handles so is tricky to put on in a hurry if out and about.

I can't compare either of these to the more expensive offerings as I've never owned one due to always wanting a smaller pushchair for public transport.

Another vote for the babyzen yoyo easiest buggy ever, one handed pushing a breeze and folds well

Wow, thanks everyone. I'll investigate those many options. I didn't think about the one handed thing which I do a lot when my eldest is walking so I think I'd definitely prefer that. Also good idea on secondhand. Thanks all, and any more suggestions welcome.

The vista is huge alright, but I only need to fold or lift it about six times a year at the moment. I love how easy it is to push. All will change with new job/car commute v shortly though, so compact and lightweight is the way to go.

Vote for phil&teds go :) Smaller fold and a bit more robust feel than McLaren. I also like the push of city mini but it's a bit heavy to be called an umbrella. Still good though.

Thanks all for the many great suggestions so far. One further question as I ponder it all - for those who use cars very frequently, is there a major advantage in having an umbrella-style buggy that folds into a long narrow stick, over the city-style ones that seem to fold in half? It looks like the umbrella ones would take up a lot less space in the boot and could even be laid across the rear footwell if needed, which is tempting. But by definition, they have the two separate handles and so you can't push them one-handed. Hmm, choices!