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What are the cons (not the pros!) of a phil and teds?

35 replies

MrsFogi · 29/02/2008 09:57

I'm feeling another buggy purchase coming on and am thinking of a P&Ts for dds (4mths and 24mths). So I don't make a horrible mistake - what are the bad things I need to know about a P&Ts. I keep only hearing good things but that may be my selective hearing as I'm thinking of getting one.

OP posts:
BeauLocks · 29/02/2008 09:58

None at all. IME.

CarGirl · 29/02/2008 09:59

they are quite heavy to lift and in out of the boot, there is not a huge amount of shopping space unless you buy the panniers and the panniers do make it wider - I tended to just use one and it didn't seem to off balance it. I think the main seat looks quite small so if you hae HUGE children not so good.

lulalullabye · 29/02/2008 10:00

When you fold them, they have no method of keeping it closed. Saying that doesn't matter cause I love it !

CarGirl · 29/02/2008 10:03

Lula do you not use the wrist strap to loop over the front or something (I only have the original kiwi model)

lulalullabye · 29/02/2008 10:05

ooh did i not read the instructions properly. how do you do it ?

midnightexpress · 29/02/2008 10:06

No storage space is the most annoying thing imo. If you keep the raincover in the bottom basket it's a PITA to get it out when it rains and there's very little room to put anything else in, especially if you have both seats on.

Punctures obviously a hazard too.

When ds2 was about 3-6 months and still too small to sit up, I found he was a bit big for the back pocket bit and got really fed up in there, so I ended up carrying him quite a lot for a couple of months until he could sit up in the doubles seat.

Having said all that, I love ours.

conniedescending · 29/02/2008 10:06

The hood is flimsy and if you stand the pushchair up when folded it can buckle the hood a bit.

The brake is also stiff and awkward to get on/ off

.........still love it

CarGirl · 29/02/2008 10:09

midnight - presumably that's why the sport now has the reclining rear seat so can be used from 4 months?

Lula I don't know I'm afraid but on my model that strap press studed under the foot rest but I think on the new models it still does go somewehre.

lulalullabye · 29/02/2008 10:11

Hmmm investigation needed now

silverfrog · 29/02/2008 10:21

agree re brakes - very stiff, and if I'm using it for just dd2 almost impossible to get on and off as she's so light...

The main seat does look small, but dd1 (3 1/2 and big with it) fits well, and will do so for a while yet.

I find the straps are awful - really fiddly, and just made to be chewed (both dds do this). Also quite hard to adjust the straps if swapping dd2 into front seat.

hood does seem flimsy, and raincover seems a faff (haven't used it - dd1 would freak)

I don't find the shopping basket too bad, but it can be awkward getting things in and out (and dd2 is tiny, so maybe I get an advantage there)

Still a good buggy though, and been very useful for us

TheBlonde · 29/02/2008 12:57

never had any trouble with the brake

the straps are crappy and some kiddies can undo them, there is no padding on them - unlike in the photos

the 2nd seat will recline but it's no use if you have a tall toddler as they bash their head on the top bar

the raincover is terrible, huge and not easy to store

annwoo · 29/02/2008 15:46

The P & T sleeping bags are a really poor design (don't fit the seat and when you put a child in you can't really zip the sides up properly) They need to be much wider on the bottom half - if that makes sense.

The hood - not sure what it is there for it's not a shade and is pretty useless. Not sure how everyone else is shading their kids without a full on shade a babe.

The straps - too long and always end up behind child when you put them in the buggy which means you pull them up and annoy your child whilst trying to strap them in.

Raincover - huge, cumbersome and when you have a pannier bag on the side it doesn't fit the buggy properly.

Lack of shopping space in basket.

Lack of padding in the seats - compared to other buggies.

When children do drop off - they look very uncomfortable. Can't really recline front seat as other child in the back cramped. Not enough recline in the back seat.

Perhaps the vibe will answer all these issues - for a price.

It is a v. lightweight buggy, easy to push with one hand.

Megglevache · 29/02/2008 15:52

Message withdrawn

annwoo · 29/02/2008 15:59

Who?

hatrick · 29/02/2008 16:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Kathyis6incheshigh · 29/02/2008 16:32

The only thing I don't like is the raincover. You can't fold the buggy with it on the way you can with our Mothercare buggies.
I do love it apart from that though!

TheBlonde · 29/02/2008 16:38

hatrick - you should sell it

hatrick · 29/02/2008 16:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

hifi · 29/02/2008 16:46

the babies on the bottom are too close to car fumes/dirt flying.

pedilia · 29/02/2008 16:50

hatrick-when your ready to sell you give me a shout

aDad · 29/02/2008 16:54

the raincover is indeed huge and heavy
the P& T itself is quite heavy
just occasionally feels a bit unstable, could tip over as it is a 3-wheeler.
storage is not great.

However ours has been 100% worth it

Kathyis6incheshigh · 29/02/2008 17:03

Actually the worst thing about P&Ts is the price

pedilia · 29/02/2008 17:17

so what is a good alternative?

abidabidoo · 29/02/2008 17:46

2 yr old can't walk alongside holding onto it 'cos wheels outside the frame IYSWIM. Other than that great - I do have a 'town' one for in and out the car boot now which helps.

fridayschild · 29/02/2008 17:55

Can't steer it with one hand

nowhere to hang your handbag

not enough storage/shopping space

I love ours. We still use it and the boys are 3 and nearly 5