Advice on prams/strollers?

I'm due to have my second bub at the end of May, and my boisterous DD is 17 months old, running around everywhere and simply cannot be controlled when out and about unless she's strapped into her stroller, so I'm just looking for some advice from mums with two or more on what models of prams/strollers are worth looking at to keep both bubs in check?
I'm asking now so I can start saving, especially now that the baby bonus is being paid in instalments (I don't mind, as I already have all the big-ticket things like cot etc from DD1), but I still don't want to spend an absolute fortune if I can find a similar model for cheaper.
I spent just under $100 on a regular stroller from Big W for DD, and we have used it from birth even though I don't think it's designed for very small babies. She preferred being tilted up so she could look around right from birth, and has always had good neck control, so we never worried too much about having one of those flash convertible ones that lay flat and face towards you etc. But a stroller with two seats, designed for bubs of different ages (I know there are plenty designed for twins etc but this is a whole different ball game) is a pretty different concept and I'd just like to know if there are any out there that are good on manouverability, price, ease of setting up/folding down and still quite small?
I know it's a lot to ask, but if any mums out there can give me some recommendations on strollers they have used in a similar situation, I'd be very grateful.
Thanks in advance :D

Hi Gothmum,

Im am pregnant with my first, however, shopping for a pram was the one thing i found really difficult as there are so many options. Anyway, I ended up going with the Phil & Teds brand as these allow you the option to add a toddler seat and as my huband and I are planning on having 2 close together I thought this was a great idea so I wouldn't have to shop for anoher pram later down the track.
Im not sure how your budget is as these are quite expensive, but maybe other brands have this option also.

Hope this helps.

Hi Gothmum,

I had 2 children 16 months apart and my eldest most definitely still needed to be in a pram when shopping etc, especially as he would still have a sleep.

I was lucky I managed to get the old season Valco Twim Pram cheap and also we have a wagon so boot space wasn't an issue.

My friend recently purchased the Maclaren Twin Stroller on advice from baby store. It looks really good and sturdy. Doesn't appear to be all the cheap but I have seen them on ebay.

Good luck with your pram hunting

Depends on exactly what you are looking for. A twin stroller sounds like it might suit - but I know I want to be able to lay the newborn down, at least to start, so DH and I chose the Phil and Teds, for exactly the reason childondaway said!

It is light and easy to disassemble.

Good luck, happy hunting!

Oceanprincess which P&T did you get? Vibe/Dash or Sports?

I love Maclaren, they strollers are just made so well

My girls are 12 months apart so I needed something along the lines of what you're saying - toddler and newborn. I have the valco tri runabout (think that's it - the big side by side anyway) for proper walks. Its fantastic - comfortable for the girls, really easy to push, lots of lovely extras (sun and rain covers, pump etc), great storage. The downside is that it is heavy - 20kgs or so - and big when folded. So I got a tandem for shopping. DD1 hated it. Then bought a P&T - I hated it and so did DD2 once she got big enough to go in the toddler seat. I now have a steelcraft side by side stroller that I use for shopping. Cost $250 and its brilliant. Really lightweight, umbrella fold, good storage. Both the girls are really happy in it - individual reclining seats, individual hoods etc. Its not designed for newborns but FWIW I think it would be fine for a newborn. It reclines really quite flat - like you I have never had my newborns lying flat, except when DD2 was in the "cave" of the P&T.

I have the Phil and Teds sports and I love it!!

I do a lot of walking and I find it very easy to handle. It's light and folds up nicely plus there are soooo many accessories that you can buy for it to suit your individual needs.

The extra toddler seat you can buy for it is great and not too expensive. They also come in really funky colours!!:D

My friend has the Strider and she loves it. Just as easy to handle and has lots of extra room in the carriage compartment.

The only critisism I have for the P&T is that it's quite low to the ground and the storage compartment isn't very big. (I carry a lot of crap around!!)

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I now have a steelcraft side by side stroller that I use for shopping. Cost $250 and its brilliant. Really lightweight, umbrella fold, good storage. Both the girls are really happy in it - individual reclining seats, individual hoods etc. Its not designed for newborns but FWIW I think it would be fine for a newborn. It reclines really quite flat - like you I have never had my newborns lying flat, except when DD2 was in the "cave" of the P&T.

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TBH that one sounds just about perfect for what I need - I will really only be using it for quick trips to the mall, I don't do much walking or exercise or anything like that so I don't really need one of those flash athletic ones, and I only use the storage baskets underneath to stick the newspapers in when I pick them up at the shops, so I'm not fussed at all about having restricted access to them...
and again I don't want to spend a fortune on something that in all likelihood won't get used that much, and will just be stuffed in the boot of the Commodore, so yeah, that stroller sounds great for my needs (lightweight, umbrella fold etc).
Do you remember the model name at all or just that it's a Steelcraft? They're good quality products too from my experience so yeah, sounds like I'm on a winner.

Thanks heaps for the advice, ladies, like I said this is all new to me and I live in a town that only has one baby store and very meagre stock at Big W and Kmart so I don't get much chance to compare things in person, only reading online reviews etc and crossing my fingers!! But your advice has been very, very helpful and it all makes perfect sense now, so I have a much better idea of what I'm looking for. Thanks girls :D

Steelcraft Duo Twin. And I'm telling lies. I just checked the website to get the proper name and it IS suitable from newborn - told you it laid back a long way ;)

I totally agree that Phil and Ted's prams are fantastic, especially as you can accommodate a newborn and toddler or two toddlers. We have the Sports model and it's great - really easy to assemble and fold away, easy to steer and the detachable cocoon is the best thing ever - my DD sleeps in at people's houses (just in the centre of a bed), rather than having to bring in the whole pram.