Do any of you have an XL mountain buggy ?

[TheodoresMummy]

think that's what it's called, the mountain buggy with the bigger seat suitable for a child up to 8 or so apparently.

DS (AS) is only 4.6 but is really getting far too big for his pushchair. Don't know whether to try to get hold of one of these for him.

He won't walk anywhere really other than the park. He runs away from me and has no reliable road sense. I don't drive. Am I silly to consider getting one of these ?

They are expensive...

Yes indeedy, we have one.

It is handy at bridging the gap between "normal" buggies and the great big three-wheelers. Some thoughts:

• it's a "terrain" model, which means it has a fixed front wheel. It's carefully balanced so their weight is over the back wheels and you steer by pushing down gently on the handle. But if you're not used to fixed-wheel buggies will be weird to start with
• we got ours mostly paid for by NHS wheelchair voucher. Supplied by specialneedspushchairs.co.uk - Nigel there is a v nice chap, handles as much of the voucher admin for you as possible.
• it really is just a standard MB with bigger canvas. Advantages: fits in many cars (OK, not eg in the back of a mini, but larger cars are usually fine), can steer round the shops etc. Incredibly rugged/robust, will definitely last till he grows out of it.

Disadvantages: depends on how big he is of course but it won't last much longer than age 8. That isn't actually very far away, considering what they cost. I imagine (DD1 is only 4 1/2 so don't yet know!) will get a bit heavy to manoeuvre by then too.

Have you considered the Major? If you can't get funding, then I imagine a 2nd hand Major would be cheaper than a 2nd hand MB. MBs tend to hold their resale value. Plus the major is more common so would probably come up on ebay more often. Another thought - if you can get hold of a 2nd hand standard MB, there is an "upgrade kit" to the SN version which is still pricey but if the buggy itself was a steal that might be cheaper than buying the SN one new.

ive had both the MB and the Mac major, i would definately recomend the MB, my son was so much more comfortable in it,and its definately easier to push than the Major!!!
try ebay you can sometimes pick bargins up there,,i sold mine last week!!!!

can i advise something?

we have a babyjogger - really big inside but a doddle to push, swivel wheel at front, and a dream to fold! its a handle that you pull up and keep holding and the thing collapses absolutely flat. DS4 is just 3 but the size of a 5y/o and its still got plenty of growing room! it goes up to either 8/10yrs (cant remember which). It is designed as a mobility pram, but its really (hate the say the word) stylish. will try and find the link for you if you want.

found the babyjogger website .

But a cheaper place to buy is kiddicare a few others do it too.

Grrr kiddicare dont seem to have the exact one at the moment..

but this is the one im talking about

As it happens, here's an xl on ebay

Thanks for replies

Now just need to make DH understand that DS does still need a pushchair.

Perhaps I should send them off to town with a great big shopping list and see how he feels when he comes back