Pushchairs from birth.

[pie]

I currently have a Maclaren Techno buggy for DD, who is 4. She hardly ever uses it these days and will be 4.5 by the time DD2 arrives this October.

What I would like to know is if anybody has used the Techno for a newborn. I know it says suitable from birth, but do people think that it is up to the job, i.e going back far enough or being comfortable enough.

If I decide not to keep the Techno for DD2 I was thinking about the 4 wheel Quinny or the Babydan Stockholm. Does anyone have any experience of either of these?

I used the techno from 5 weeks with dd2 - borrowed a 'lay flat' pram till then.

I have a techno too. Used it from about 10 weeks, but I had to buy a buggy snuggle because dd seemed very exposed in it after her pram.

Not sure if it helps you pie, but I understand that MacLaren have recently changed the design of the Techno - this years model practically does lie flat (170 degrees), whereas before I believe that they didn't recline that far. This suggested to me that they had had demands for something flatter, and I chose to buy this year's model rather than (the much cheaper) prior year model. DS2 was in it from a week old and seemed fine if a bit small. Buggy board works really well on it too. DS1 (26 months) loves the pockets on the back of the hood where he can put his drink and a snack!.

I got my Techno about 2 years ago, and I don't think that it goes back nearly as far as the 170 degrees, thanks for the info though. As the pushchair is so old I keep thinking that I should get a nice new clean one for what will probably be my last baby, though with the cost its hard to justify when I have a working buggy.

Mouli, whats a buggy snuggle? Is there anywhere online that sells them so I can think about this whole thing more?

Because I had an under two year -old as well as a baby, I carried the baby in a sling until he was old/big enough to go in the double buggy. This worked very well and would save you some money if you don't think your buggy is suitable from birth.

Jude, I was planning on using a sling, but what with the whole SPD thing and being on crutches (see 'Freaking out about my back' thread) I'm not sure if this is gonna be possible. So I'm having to reconsider the whole buggy thing....

Pie,

Quinny's are lovely but really quite hefty to lift and manoevre so may not be suitable if you are having back problems too (3 wheel version is a little lighter). Would suggest you try before you buy if you can.

sorry pie - I had read your spd thread but (as usual) not very good at "logging" that it was you who posted. My double buggy doesn't lie back 180 degrees but I put babies in at around 4-6 weeks.
Can you not borrow from someone? I have a Graco 2-in-1 pram pushchair which lies flat. You're welcome to borrow that if you're near me - Kent/SE London way.

Ok, I'm ressurecting this thread as I have a decision to make by the end of the week.

DH has had a tax rebate so we actually have the money to buy a new pushchair for the October arrival.

He has his heart set on some sort of big, sprawling Bertini style pushchair which would cost about £200.

On the other hand I have been reluctant to (a) splash out this kind of money and (b) buy anything that is as big and heavy as a fully fledged pushchair such as the bertini.

We currently have the old style Techno for DD which doesn't lie flat. We've also had the Graco citisport and felt it was quite flimsy. But both of these I would feel alot more comfortable having as their cheap and light.

So should I go with DH and buy a luxury super comfortable pushchair or should I put my foot down and tell him that I'm bying a lighter less sturdy but cheaper pushchair and maybe get a cosytoes. We already have the old Techno, is the new one really worth buying?

We don't have a car, so it would be for walking and possibly using on public transport.

And would buying a cheaper one be a false economy, do the bigger more expensive ones last better and are they better for a newborn? Anyone have a Bertini Shuttle?

Sorry if this is confusing, but DH's cheque clears at the end of the week and I don't want him doing anything foolish!!

Hi Pie, Dh bought the new techno when dd was born, we used it from birth and still do, it's been great. We also had a baby carrier of course so she didn't spend all her time out in the techno, but it does virtually go flat and we bought the black fleecy cosytoes and a little headsupporting thing and she was fine in it. Personally Dh and I both prefer small buggies to big ones

How's the spd?

I bought a Jane all-terrain 3 wheeler which allows the baby to lie flat & has a carseat which also allows the baby to lie properly. I've found it brilliant - you can use the carseat as a travel cot to start with. It is expensive though. Have you looked at the mothercare one - friends have one and they've been quite happy.

Hi Sambo, I want to get the new Techno, but DH doesn't like the one we have, but he doesn't do the pushing!!! Actually now you mention the SPD I don't do the pushing either, not unless I get pushed in the wheelchair But its the same, thanks for asking.

Eeek, I've heard good things about Jane but its waaaaayyyyy out of my price range! What mothercare pushchair do you mean?

pie, you could try ebay if you want the Jane one? I got my Alu-rax 3 wheeler brand new half price on there (had to have one as we walk our huuuuuge dog a lot and the buggy just can't cope). The manufacturer was selling ones that are sent back for any reason other than faults at half price and there looked to be a lot of good bargains.

Sambo, I've been looking at ebay, but DH says he doesn't mind where we buy from but it has to come with some sort of warranty. Which some on ebay do, say you buy from a dealer, but not if its a private sale. I haven't seen a Jane on there for ages.

But there is someone on there selling a Quinny 3 wheeler with a car seat, both brand new, and bidding is only at £102, I've heard the Quinny is very heavy though...

ARGGGHHH I thought shopping was supposed to be fun!

not when it's for buggys. I had a mare deciding!