So here's the outcome of my pram shopping. Went to the shop thinking I would come away with a city select or strider, or possibly (but highly unlikely) the phil and teds... but even though the sales rep was wanting to sell us a P & T which are cheaper, I ended up with an iCandy!
Here's why..
iCandy - was most light weight (very important for me). you could take the seat or seats off with click of one button (very easy) to separate the seat or seats from the frame to make it easier to lift in and out of the car. It took me a while to work out how to collapse the frame but I got it eventually, the only downside is the push button has to be operated with your left hand. The configuration of the seats for two children seemed to be the best set up - i liked how you could face both seats looking forwards, with the oldest child in the front seat looking out at the world and the newborn behind them but fully reclined, so giving a good view of the newborn when pushing the pram. A lot more expensive than the others, but my husband and I both felt that it just seemed like the right one for us. You start out with a single pram, and then you upgrade to a 'pear' when you have your second child, which involves a kit that attaches to the frame and then two new seats separately as you cant use the original pram seat once there are two children using it. I am and hoping and figuring by the time we get around to needing the two seats, the price of the pear kit will have come down as the pram will be not so new to the market, but if not, never mind. The other thing that I liked, is you could eventually use the original pram as just a stroller by taking off the hood and insert (flavour kit they call it), so it might last a bit longer when its just your youngest using a stroller and they are growing taller and you just need to get out for quick trips.
City select - although there seemed to be more growth in these seats, the seating configuration for two kids together just didnt seem right - in whatever way the seats were positioned, it just seemed like one child would be irritaed by feeling like the other seat was right on top of them and would probably end up kicking the seat or not wanting to sit there, it just seemed less roomy than the apple. The seats also didnt allow full recline which would be needed for a young baby. The warranty with this pram is better than with the iCandy though.
Strider - I did quite like the look of this pram and the ways it can be set up, but it was a lot heavier than the iCandy and seemed a lot bulkier and bigger. Weight was a huge factor for me in lifting in and out of the car as I am not a strong person!. The lady in the shop also mentioned that you would need to use the disability check outs in the supermarket with this pram as the wheelbase is too wide.
P & T - no way!! Far too heavy.. I couldnt even lift the thing! - I know there are many out there that use P & T's, but I did once have a physio friend of mine tell me I am the weakest person she has ever met! so for me, it just didnt happen! I also just didnt like the look of the seat for a newborn or how when it is configured for two children, the newborn is underneath the toddler and a bit hard for Mum to monitor them.
So I'm hoping its the right decision... obviously I havent had the experience of actually trying children in them yet, but with my imagination, the iCandy just seemed best.