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Original poster

Calling buggy experts...need a pushchair I can steer one handed....Micralite? Any cheaper suggestions?

18 replies

Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 16:16

Hi. Please sort me out with a buggy, wise buggy addicts.

Have a mad 2 yo who either runs off or wants to hold my hand all the time when we're out, and a 9 mo.

2 yo has to walk because otherwise he does not sleep at all at night. 9 mo has to have a buggy because I study in soft play centres, so she needs to be asleep and I need to sit comfortably, also back problems...etc.

So I need a buggy I can steer one handed whilst holding onto my 2 yo. Reins were ok for a while but he often demands to hold hands, and can't be ar$ed with all the tantrums.

Is the Micralite the answer?

I have about 400 pushchairs already, and am feeling guilty because I know that in days of yore they managed with half a shopping trolley and a bit of string. So I kind of have to convince myself that this will be the Last Pushchair. And am well skint. Have tried Volo, citisport, etc but they are not up to it. Also (ahem, phil and teds, hoxton, lightweight buggies etc...will need to ebay them soon... Blush)

Oh, and I walk upwards of 6 miles a day, and have no car.

TIA

OP posts:
vickiyumyum · 13/04/2006 16:21

no experience of them but have you tried out one of the graco buggies like the mirage? i think basically the ones with one handle seem to steer better one handed.

otherwise the micralite is a great buggy! :o

bourneville · 13/04/2006 16:24

I have a maclaren pushchair and never found any problem steering one handed. granted it's usually one handed when dd isn't in it, but i do also steer one handed around the shop with shopping basket in the other hand.

Piffle · 13/04/2006 16:44

I can do that with my zapp :)
I steer with one hand hold dd's hand with the other

Original poster
Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 16:44

Among my menagerie is a graco mirage Blush. And a volo, which is a maclaren? But thanks!

I think, on reflection, I might really want help to justify buying a micralite! (can't really admit that, though)

My mum keeps saying "but...but you have all these buggies...can't you just...manage?". And I honestly can't Blush. Ds nearly ran onto a train yesterday as I faffed around trying to stop the Phil & Ted's from capsizing. I'm too incompetant as a mother to do without a one handed pushchair, I think.

OP posts:
Original poster
Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 16:45

ooh, a zapp. Interesting, and I think £30 cheaper than the micralite?

OP posts:
Gem13 · 13/04/2006 16:49

I have looked into this with older children - 2 and 3.5 - and think Micralite is the only answer at the moment.

My needs are similar to yours. Also, I wanted one which collapsed easily and quickly so that I could hang onto both children while folding up the buggy for the bus.

Sell the others now on ebay and buy a Micralite with the money!

Gem13 · 13/04/2006 16:51

Buy one - you clearly need one Wink - but sell the others to justify it to yourself.

I have just sold a double to fund my future purchase...

I am of the 'don't like the Phil and Ted's' camp.

Original poster
Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 17:00

Thanks Gem.

But must get off my ar$e and sort out ebaying the p+t and the hoxton at least. Maybe also the volo.

How robust are they? Is it worth buying them secondhand?

OP posts:
Original poster
Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 17:01

Oh and gem, your kids are older, how old would you say they were before it became not needed, if that makes sense?

Am wondering if I am not so much a buggy addict, as moving into a new phase of buggy need? Wink

OP posts:
cupcakes · 13/04/2006 17:02

I find using my buggy with one handlebar much easier than those with two handles.

Gem13 · 13/04/2006 17:29

Not sure when it won't be needed. DS (3.5) can wander off (run away in a dozy manner!) so is made to hold the handlebar if he needs to be told off. Otherwise I hold his hand - might stop when he gets to secondary school Wink. I also want to encourage DD to walk more (not a fan of walking) so they could both walk and I could hold someone's hand.

I want more too and don't have a nippy buggy. Have a Nipper and had a double Mountain buggy. Need the next one on...

Gem13 · 13/04/2006 17:30

Oh yes, would think you could get a good one second hand as some people keep them in the car and don't use them very much.

Original poster
Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 17:51

Wanting more kids is kind of why I haven't ebayed the doubles, tbh.

I have a justification for myself now. i must not overuse the doubles (either of them) as I might need to use them (both) in the future, if I have more kids. So the most economical solution all round is to buy a £179 pushchair.

Good.

OP posts:
Original poster
Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 17:52

especially if I get it off ebay. Actually have just looked and they are going for £100 + postage. Can get one off 2left feet for around £150, + no postage (have a discount letter somewhere).

OP posts:
Original poster
Filyjonk · 13/04/2006 19:54

any more opinions, before I part with cash?

OP posts:
AllBuggiedOut · 14/04/2006 00:36

No opinions, but love your reasoning Wink

xx

misdee · 14/04/2006 00:46

can you buy me one?

heymissymum · 14/04/2006 01:48

agree with piffle - zapp you can steer with one hand but you can not collaspe it with one hand - that takes time and two hands and babies can't sleep well in zapp as there's no recline feature - I am loking for my third prammie / buggy - please let me know what you have to sell and when (*maybe post some piccies on mumsnet in For Sale!!

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