Bub and toddler..which pram or stroller?

[BekZ]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 6 week old and a 20 month old and I still can't decide on what type of pram/stroller I need. Here are my requirements:

DD 20 months hates being in a stroller/pram for long periods so I was thinking the toddler seat option would be better. I don't need to worry about DD 20 months sleeping because she won't. Then in 6 months time when she is able to walk by my side I could just use the pram.

Budget - Well lets just say my DH is a little tight. I reckon I could squeeze $600 max out of him.

Small features: easy to assemble, easy to wheel one handed, good size shopping bag, able to put things in the shopping bag when fully reclined, not too heavy.

My main query is whether or not a pram toddler seat combo is the way to go or should I go for a side by side. I have a very old Childcare side by side and it won't fit down a lot of shopping aisles now through a standard front door.

Suggests would be appreciated.

[Mad Scientist]

I love my Phil and Ted's e3. I bought mine off ebay so it wasn't as expensive as in the shops. The only problem is it's hard to get things in the basket when it's fully reclined. It's REALLY light and easy to push. Easy to put up and down. My 19 month old doesn't mind the toddler seat. Hope that helps....

[maz]

Ive had about 8 prams through my time with my 4 babies and I have to agree with Nik....get a phil and ted you wont regret it!

[BekZ]

With Phil and Teds does the toddler seat go underneath? or is that for the baby? I didn't like the idea of the childs feet being in the grocery compartment..or does that not happen?

Thanks by the way

[Olive]

have you thought about getting a good stroller say a maclarens and getting a board for on the back? would she happily stand?

[skybie]

hey hun, i recently won a valco runabout with toddy seat on ebay for $90. its in gorgeous knick hardly a mark on it!
maybe see whats available on ebay, that way if it doesnt work 4 u, u havent spent a fortune.
the pram ticks all ur boxes, but the shopping basket is a bit small

[BekZ]

AJP - I have a skateboard attachment and both my older girls just love to jump up and down till bub almost falls out and DD2 needs to be restrained because she loves to take off.

Sybie - I hve been looking on ebay but I am a bit scared to buy some thing that I have seen irl. Thanks for the tip I will ook up that pram

[Erin_25]

I've been wondering the same thing for when our next bubs comes along. A few things to remember, do you go for long walks etc? the board etc are not really good for that. Also you mentioned "walking by your side in 6months".....my DS is 2.5 & still does not always do this, therefore I'd rather he be restrained to say my leaving the pram & running off after him. Also if you go on holidays etc & they get tired you dont really want to have to carry them.
The other thing for me is weight, most double strollers only go up to 16kg or so each side. My DS is already approx 13kg or so. Some double prams are the same. Same goes for the toddler seat, my DS moves about a bit also & I don't like the idea of him making the pram top heavy.
From my research & what I've been told the Phil & Ted's side by side are great...esp if you like to use it for longer walks. I've already got an exp pram so am looking on ebay for that or a Mountain Buggy side by side.

[MamaPan]

Hi Bekz
I am on the hunt for a mountain buggy atm... but i thinki have diff reqs to you.
I am personally not a Phil and Teds fan... but that's me.. I find them a bit awkward to put down and i dont like the newborn being under the toddler. I do know heaps of ppl who like them though...