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Original poster

Come talk to me about Maclarens

31 replies

EverySingleStar · 27/04/2009 13:10

Not even pregnant with DC1 yet, but thinking about all the necessary kit, especially pushchairs.

Having worked in the childcare industry I do know a fair bit about what's around, but wanted to ask specifically about the various Maclarens, as we plan to get at least 1, even if it's just the 'lightweight' of our 2 buggies.

So.

We have thought about getting a larger 'main' pushchair, i.e. iCandy, Bugaboo (although not particularly keen), P+T, etc. and then a Quest as well, or....

just have a Techno XLR as our only, and possibly a Volo later around age 18m+ for travel.

Any opinions on any of them? Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Ohforfoxsake · 27/04/2009 13:13

I used to buy Maclarens but have switched to Silver Cross. Just seems to be a bit more comfortable all round, a bit cheaper and a bit more robust without being heavier.

Good luck - you sound very organised

EyeballsintheSky · 27/04/2009 13:14

OK, I have an iCandy Apple (which I adore) and also bought a Techno XT as the lighter option. However, much as I love the Techno, I don't think it is the lighter option. I would almost go for a Techno or XLR as your main option and that's it if you were going down that route.

Otherwise I think the Quest is a great buggy although I don't have one. Looks comfier than the Triumph but not as unwealdy as the Techno can be (particularly if you're short arsed).

I would probably go for your option 2 tbh

Original poster
EverySingleStar · 27/04/2009 13:15

Thanks Oh, for some reason I've never liked the Silver Cross brand...that being said, I've never used one on a daily basis or even more than just a push around the shop. Are they good for newborns through toddlers or is there a certain age they're particularly well-suited for, and do you have any favourite models?

'Organised' is a nice word, far better than 'OCD' as DP says.

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MrsMattie · 27/04/2009 13:16

I got a secondhand M&P Pliko Pramette for two reasons:

I wanted a buggy that faced me/had pram option
I wanted a cosy 'winter' buggy for my newborn, as was due in November.

I got it secondhand because having already had a child and an expensive jane buggy, I knew I would be in a McClaren's stroller within a few months.

I have a McClarens Techno XLR, actually, as still wanted a lie flat option for my sleepy baby. It's a great, versatile all round-er, but it doesn't face you does it? That was my only bugbear.

Original poster
EverySingleStar · 27/04/2009 13:16

Thanks Eye, that's what we're leaning towards. Very useful post!

OP posts:
Original poster
EverySingleStar · 27/04/2009 13:18

x-posts, Thanks Mattie. Having a pram option isn't super-high on the list, as from newborn I plan on using a stretchy wrap sling for most outings, will only be using pushchair while shopping or for longer trips until about 4-ish months.

This is my nice, child-free self talking though, may all completely change after birth (!)

OP posts:
EyeballsintheSky · 27/04/2009 13:27

You wait till you've got changing bags, three lots of shopping, an array of toys and two coats hanging off the handles, plus a cup holder, tray full of organic snacks and one of those buggy steering wheel toys!

I am of course, joking, sort of...

Lizzzombie · 27/04/2009 13:36

We've had a maclaren techno XLR for DS since he was born.
Absolutely fabulous, can't fault it. He is nearly 2.5 now, and I've had no problems with it at all.

I work in a well known babycare retailer and we NEVER get Maclarens returned with any problems.

Can't say about icandy as we don't stock.
bugaboo - great if you can afford them, but most people don't seem to use them to their full potential, which I don't get. eg. use them with the car seat in only and don't get much use out of the carry cot. - I am basing this on 3 people I know who do this, and 1 person who uses it properly.
P&T - Occassionally these have been returned with fabric faults in one of the seats, but most people love theirs to bits. In all honestly if I knew I was going to be having more than one child I'd def buy one. As you will totally get your monies worth.

HTH. Good luck!

ps - Janes are fab too.

Flibbertyjibbet · 27/04/2009 13:46

I have a maclaren ryder which is just fab. My sons were both tall from birth and its the only pram that they didn't look too big for from quite early on.

If you are planning to use a sling at first then I'd wait till baby is born then spend an afternoon at mothercare trying them all out!

Personally I don't like the bugaboo type ones, they seem suited to really teeny babies!

Flibbertyjibbet · 27/04/2009 13:47

If you are planning to use pushchair for shopping then just get whatever has a big basket under neath! My urban detour was outstanding in that department!

MrsTittleMouse · 27/04/2009 13:49

I'd go for option 2. It's shocking how quickly the first few months go. And then I was very happy to have an umbrella fold, light(ish) weight and zippy pushchair as I was desperate to get out and about.

Original poster
EverySingleStar · 27/04/2009 13:54

Thanks all! Meant to say as well that we're London-ish, so do need to be able to get it on buses, trams, trains easily as we don't have a car. That's another reason one of the 'travel system / facing you' prams are not high on our list - we won't be using car seat, so most of the draw for me is gone with that.

I think the most economical thing is to get the XLR from birth, and since we do a bit (about 2-3 times a year) of inter-continental travel to see family, I envision getting a Volo as well at a later stage.

Woohoo, loving Mumsnet! (Still scared to post in AIBU though )

OP posts:
EyeballsintheSky · 27/04/2009 13:56

Go on I dare you!

AIBU to think people who buy huge travel systems are weird?

MarthaFarquhar · 27/04/2009 13:56

I have the XLR. It's really comfy to push if you are tall. It's quite big, so its footprint isn't tiny, but I found getting it off and on London buses relatively easy. It's taken a real battering doing around 2-4 miles most days, and is still going strong after 2 years.

nicolamumof3 · 27/04/2009 14:06

i am HUGE maclare fan! have had many as i just love them and when they bring out new designs etc.

Have to say found the xlr a bit of a beast tho. v.big/heavy folded and v.high to push.

Prefer the xt (i've just bought another!) the xt and the quest are the best buggies imo. i didn't like silvercross either. Maclarens have a lifetime warranty on them, speaks for itself imo.

Original poster
EverySingleStar · 27/04/2009 14:12

LOL Eyeballs!!!!

I probably will never post there as I'm getting flamed in the Education section (?!) already for asking about Waldorf-Steiner.

OP posts:
Flightattendant25 · 27/04/2009 14:13

i don't like them because they tip too easily. Otherwise very nice.

Flibbertyjibbet · 27/04/2009 16:05

are you calling me wierd????

That urban detour must have been the biggest travel system ever invented!!

I think what speaks volumes about maclarens is that other types and styles of prams go in and out of fashion. You ALWAYS see people pushing maclarens. I had a maclaren double buggy and then got rid of the urban detour for the maclaren ryder. Which is the top of the maclaren range [smug]

Just the footmuff is enough to make some peopel buy that model!

EyeballsintheSky · 27/04/2009 16:38

Oh Nicola...

I am grovelling at your feet - I didn't get to the Post office on Sat but it has definitely gone today. Sorry

naomi83 · 27/04/2009 18:03

I would go for the xt rather than the XLR, especially if you don't have a car. save the money and buy lots of funky liners etc. also, I wouldn't bother with an icandy or bigger buggy if you'll be using the sling for the first few months. The XT is very london friendly and will completely meet your needs. It's also fine to travel with, not too heavy at all.

Lizzzombie · 27/04/2009 18:50

ESS - Meant to say, Maclaren recently put their prices up so retailers have had to increase their prices.
The XLR is now rrp £245 I am sure mine was about £170 two years ago!
As you have a while before your baby gets here, do look out for special offers in Mothercare, as you can open a babyplan (£10 admin fee) and secure the buggy at the lower price, and then spread the payment over 6 months. Its a really good way of getting the best price for your item. Lots of people wait until they need it, which may not be when its actually on offer. If you see what I mean.... does this make sense?!

nicolamumof3 · 27/04/2009 18:59

no worries eyeballs im just v.happy to be receiving it!! Thanks alot xx

i got a brand new XT coming from smyths btw 2008 version which i prefer to the 09 version just £109.99!

TheHedgeWitchIsNAK · 27/04/2009 20:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
EverySingleStar · 28/04/2009 10:50

Okay, so we're getting the XT instead of the XLR, tried them both out and the XT seems slightly less bulky, and for £50 less and minus the footmuff we don't like, lol. And we will still be getting a Volo too but as I said not til DC is 12-18m+. Thanks again ladies

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nicolamumof3 · 28/04/2009 14:41

Eyeballs....comfort pack arrived this morning, im a very happy lady! Thanks xxx