Sports buggy advice

[KateW]

Hi all,

We're after a sports buggy that we can use off-road (adventures in the woods etc where the path is more gravel or bumpy) for our 11 month old daughter. We've currently got a Pliko Pramatte that was given to us but it's no good off road. I have no idea about what to buy; what would people recommend? I'd like to be able add one of those 'pods' underneath the buggy when we have another baby. Thanks!

[The Nappy Lady]

Hi Kate

Your best bet is a 3 wheeler with big wheels & good ground clearance. A fixed (or option to lock) the front wheel would help too as fixed is better on very rough ground.

Your reference to a 'pod' suggests the Phil & Teds which would work better than some high street buggys, but with 2 children I hear it's very heavy & ground clearance would be dreadful. You'd better off with new baby in a sling I think, then older child walking when baby gets too heavy to carry - but that depends on age gap of course, & how good a walker your oldest is.

We walk a lot & from 2.5 I find they can be pretty good but speed is frustrating, plus they have to be in the mood for it. From about 4 on it's better & my eldest at 6 managed brilliantly up in Derbyshire, it was a joy.

There are a lot of 3 wheel sports type buggys on eBay, search all terrain or jogging buggy. They go for quite reasonable prices as a rule so I'd take a look on there - I like ones that have a bicycle type brake on the handle, handy on hills though not essential. I like the look of the Jeep Overland buggy in yellow, but plenty of other options, oh & some have solid tyres that can't get punctures - a good plan if off roading a lot.

Check out Mountain Buggys too, solid & well made but not cheap. Good suspension on the true off road versions which makes for a smooth ride, nice not to see baby's head getting thrown in all directions!