Pushchairs/Prams?? Where to go??

dantheman2010

Good morning all,

My partner and I want to purchase a pram/pushchair suitable for a new born but that perhaps if possible will be suitable for them up until about 3 years old.

Most of the ones at Argos seem to be forward facing, we would prefer if the baby was facing us.

The ones at mamas and papas seem to be interchangeable but dont have very good reviews.

Where and what would you guys suggest we go for?

Thanks

onlyroz

Go and have a look in somewhere like Mothercare, and then buy it online (e.g. kiddicare, bambinodirect etc). Choosing the right buggy is important because otherwise you'll end up having to buy two or three. Things to consider:

- do you want to take it offroad?
- do you have a car and how big is the boot?
- do you need capacity to carry shopping?

bylromarha

We bought with the idea that it would be a through pram from birth to 3, but the things they need at birth are different to those they need at 3. I got fed up at about 8 months with lugging the heavy travel system and ended up buying a cheap pushchair.

Don't discount the idea of buying 2 cheaper pushchairs rather than 1 to see you through 3 years of use.

dantheman2010

It would only be for general use. It would need to be used for carrying shopping as such.

Just for when we want to go for a walk out and about.

Did buy one from Argos but this is forward facing so will be taking it back.

I just want to make sure we get the right one, but not too expensive if we end up needing a different one later down the line.

ema_o

Hi
I found it was a bit of a minefield with all the models and brands available. I think the only way to do it is to try out as many as possible and start getting your head around what you want.
If you have a local independant baby shop that might be a good start especially if they stock several different brands.

My list of essentials was faces both ways, suitable from birth, fits in car, suitable for off and on road (round town and at the rugby club!). We have gone for the M&P Sola (has very good reviews and is one of the Which best buys, so not sure why you think all M&P have bad reviews).

Other thing as mentioned above, most friends have changed for a more lightweight smaller fold pushchair once baby is over a year old, so might be worth considering this rather than trying to get something that will be suitable for 3 years.

dantheman2010

Thank you, I meant just the one individual one we looked at on M&P had poor reviews. Only had a quick look this morning, going to have a detailed look tonight and also at the weekend.

Lilium

Definitely agree with those who say it might be best to look at two pushchairs...

We got a Bebe Confort Loola when DS was little thinking it'd last us all the way through. It can go forward or rear facing and can be used as a travel system if you buy the car seat. It was great as a travel system, really light and fit in our small car boot because all you needed was the chassis to clip the car seat onto. Fantastic for quick trips as well as long walks.

Though once DS reached a year old and grew out of the car seat it became a pain because now we needed to take the pushchair seat unit in the car too...which meant it was heavy to lift out of the boot and took up the entire boot of our little car. That might not be an issue if you don't mind the weight and have got a big enough car but we ended up buying a Petite Star Zia once DS was 1.

dantheman2010

Thank you, where did you buy the first one from and if you dont mind me asking how much was it?

I am going to go to Mothercare tonight so we can physically see them. Are we correct in thinking a pram/pushchair (reversible seating option) and a car seat is going to set us back in the region of £250 - £300? This is the general price I have seen on all websites suggested in everyones posts.

Thank you.

dantheman2010

Lilium, I was looking at the Bebe Confort Loola Up, from Boots £165 and we can get a Bebe Confort seat to match for about £70, so £235 all in, does this sound right? All the reviews of the Confort Loola seem good.

skintchick

My friend has the Loola and loves it.

I paid £600 for my travel system, Silver Cross, and my pram is not available from M&P or Mothercare, so don;t only look at those places, try looking around all the manufacturer's websites, then looking for what you want as cheaply as possible.

I still use my pram, parent-facing, at 19months, so not everyone chooses to swap to a cheaper pushchair later on. I love my pram/pushchair!

Also, second-hand is OK for prams and pushchairs, although not car seats, and that can mean bargains on eBay and at NCT sales. Just decide what you want then go looking.

Becles

I had a Silver Cross Kensington pram that I absolutely loved but I needed something really weather proof as I walk long distances with my collies in all weathers through exposed fields.

Then I had a cheap stroller that could be used from birth for keeping in the car to push round town etc. It was forward facing but I was usually busy doing shopping, banking etc., so couldn't give them my full attention anyway.

Once they could walk, we'd take the stroller on the dog walk and I'd let them walk part way until they could manage the whole walk without it.

You might not need it until they are three. I ditched mine just after Charlotte's second birthday as she was able to walk a mile without complaining.