Pram and toddler seat

[shellbell3]

Hi all, we are ttc #2 and I've been thinking bout the whole pram situation.
I'd want to get one with toddler seat that way they're not big and bulky and easy to get round with. We were given a 2nd hand one when Ash was born so I've never had to look into different brands and their pros and cons.
So what do all you experts know about what brands come with toddler seats, their pros and cons, cost is a big factor, I really don't want to be spending alot and I know the Phil and Teds are expensive, are there cheaper than that?
Once I know what to look for I'll prolly check out e-bay but just need to know what I'm looking for first! Thanks!

[catherinemoses]

I don't know much...We were given an emulunga (sp) which came with a toddler seat. I think they are maybe $300?? I really don't know. It is kinda old fashioned perambulator kinda look, not too heavy but before I got my wagon I had to take the wheels off it to put it in the boot. I don't know how easy the toddler seat comes on and off cos I haven't even taken it out of the box. Definitely try eBay tho, there's bound to be something HTH probably doesn't!!

[SugarDust]

check out target!

I got a childcare 3 wheeler for $200 and then the toddler seat was an extra $60!

[mbear]

We got our three wheeler and toddler seat from Target too - 2 years ago when expecting bubs #2.

Great idea, great pram, easy to steer. Only negative i have about the three wheelers with todd. seat is once your newborn gets a bit older (6mths+) and they want to look around a bit more, then it can get tricky. Ive only this week packed the three wheeler away and got out my twin side by side stoller, coz i found my little Sam couldnt see anything out of the three wheeler, she wanted to look around, see whats going on - with the toddler seat in her view, she couldnt do that.

Great for first few months though. And i found it easy to steer too....

Good luck - you dont need to spend a fortune either......we were really happy with the target one (mothers choice), its lasted 3 kids and looks just as good as the top brand three wheelers....
HTH

[Ezz]

Some feedback on the Phil & Teds

PROS - They are so easy to use and great for 1 baby. Lightweight, fits in the car & easy to manuvoure. I love mine!

CONS - You're right, they are expensive.
When using it with two toddlers (6m+), the heavier child has to get in first - so if you have both kids out at the park, you have to hold the younger child, while you try to put the older child in the pram (I have found it a bit tricky with my 6m.o. + my friend's 20 m.o.).
When using it with a newborn & toddler, the newborn has to be in lying down position, then toddler goes on top - so newborn can't see anything & it's a bit tricky to access them.

If I had seen how the toddler seat worked before I bought the pram, I probably wouldn't have chosen a Phil&Teds. I love it for 1 baby, but it's a pain with 2.

My friend's valco seems better - both kids are accessible. But, it's expensive too & pretty heavy.

[shellbell3]

Thanks girls for all the tips.
That does sound bit tricky with the P&T. I've seen few Valco ones on e-bay tho.
I might just have to make a trip to target. I'll have to look out for when they have a sale on.
Thanks again.

[Jo+3]

Shell bell,
I have to say I had a Valco and hated it. They are very big and heavy and don't fit through the supermarket. I have a P & T now and I think it's fantastic. I actually think the toddler seat is much more comfortable and my daughter is able to sleep in it.

[krisp]

I have a P&T and think it's great. It's light and easy to use. The main reason we went for it rather than the Valco was because I wanted proper sun shade for both. The way the toddler seat goes on the front of the Valco means the seat is not protected from the sun, also the toddler seat doesn't recline or have any head support.

[sweetpea678]

check out ebay there are 3 whellers from NZ and the toddler/newborne seat goes on the top above the hood. and now has its own hood. if i was having another after this one i would get it but this is my last and my other kids are older and don't need a pram for them.