Need to get another buggy - advice please

[Utka]

Our 2.5 year old Mothercare buggy has just given up the ghost (after some pretty tough wear). Although my dh has managed to repair it on previous occasions, this time a wheel has fallen off!

We're expecting no 2 in Feb, but I've got a bit of a dilemma. Last time around, we were living in a completely flat place, dh had the car and we walked everywhere. My SIL kindly gave me her Silver Cross, which was ideal for the circumstances (great suspension, beautiful cosy accessories, didn't matter that it was huge). We bought the buggy for travelling, and to take in the car.

We now live in a really hilly part of the country. I would love to use the Silver Cross again but we seem to have to get in the car to go anywhere, and it's just not practical. I have a toddler seat attachment for it, but don't think I will be able to manage more than the shortest trips with a baby and heavy 3 year old!

The Mothercare buggy would have been fine for this baby, perhaps with a buggyboard on the back. Now I'm faced with having to buy a second buggy (and we don't plan on having more than 2 children).

I've checked out the Mumsnet product test bit, but would appreciate any other comments / advice mumsnetters may have. I'd like to get something lightweight, with adjustable handles (dh is 6'5'', and one that will work from birth (the previous one didn't - big mistake!). I don't really need a double buggy as dd is quite good at walking - would prefer to get the buggyboard. It needs to fit in the boot of a VW Polo.

Many thanks

Utka,

One of my friends just bought a Chicco Winter London stroller and is realy pleased with it. They are on offer in Argos at the mo (£59.99). It doesn't have adjustable handles but it's very lightweight, comes with nice fleece-lined footmuff, raincover etc, is umbrella fold and suitable from birth. I've pushed hers and it's a doddle to push - wish I could justify getting one actually

I've got a Chicco Trekking which is great but pretty heavy (umbrella fold though and will fit in our Rover 820 OK - you'd have to check with a Polo). It feels more sturdy and substantial than my friend's London stroller (good for hills and rougher terrain?), and is also suitable from birth - but it would be absolutely useless if you ever have to use public transport, far too heavy to fold and lift one handed. Other than that I'm really happy with it and its seat is high which I like as DS1 used to drag his feet on the ground in our ancient Maclaren one.

Hi Utka we got the Maclaran Volo; its very very lightweight, even comes with carrying strap (so you can sling it over your back when they get to the toddling age, rather than trying to control buggy with one hand and toddler with another). We're really pleased with it - previously had a bug bulky SC like yours . Its not from birth though .
Friends had a different mcclaren with reclining seats and used theirs from birth - we always envied them before changing ours, as they were so nippy. They are still using them happlily now, with kids aged about 2.