advice on buggies - 2nd child but out the buggy loop!

[Piaf]

Hi there,

No 2 is on her way in about 4 weeks and I have been completely disorganised and have NOTHING ready!

My daughter will be 3 and a bit but still uses the buggy when tired on the way back from nursery or longer trips. We just have a beaten up Mclaren XT for her which is probably not in a good enough state for newborn and just feels too 'flimsy' or unpadded for a tiny baby in any case.

Sooo... looking for people's views / recommendations as to a good single buggy to buy. I had an old Bugaboo Bee for my daughter which I actually liked as so small and light (was in a flat and dont drive so public transport) but we wrecked the wheels etc and ended up dumping it which is pretty poor given the cost.

Not sure that I want to fork out that much again (especially if it doesnt last)but keen on a fairly light, compact buggy/pram that can take a buggy board and/or an occasional big 3 yr old (and baby in sling). I had been thinking minijogger city or GT but would be interested in suggestions from the experts...

thanks in advance

Jude

[Pickle]

I have a Bee, it's still in great condition after 14.5 months of constant use, including two trips to NZ and back and all the associated rough handling by baggage handlers - I don't think it's normal for their life to be short?! Having had a Bugaboo Cameleon for #1, Phil n Teds when #2 arrived, and a McLaren, the Bee wins hands down.

[Piaf]

Thanks Pickle, I have to say that I am drawn back to the Bee as it is easy but then I think of the 500? price tag...

Anyone else got any thoughts?

[cornelia]

For what it's worth, I used the Babyjogger City Mini from birth, and have been so happy with it I just upgraded to a new model (the GT) for number 2. When I get round to it, I really must put the old one up for sale...

It's a very useful pram, and good value for money!

[j-mo]

Hi Jude, 4 weeks to go! Eek! 5 weeks now for me. Maybe we'll bump into each other on the ward...

I'm interested in t he city jogger too so will be interested in how you get on if you go with it.

Are you on mat leave yet? Feel free to pop by for a cuppa on way past from nursery drop off.

Jennie x

[alieh]

I have the CityMini too and love it. I bought it in the U.S. and it was very good value - think maybe ?150. I hated my MacLaren because of the double handles (can't push one-handed while helping toddler with scooter, etc.) and because it tipped over all the time. Haven't had any of these problems with the CityMini. Love the easy folding. So light and easy to steer. A tiny bit wider than Maclaren but not enough to notice in my experience.

[jollybaby]

I love my city mini too. We bought one as a 'third buggy' a few months ago as wanted a really easy buggy to travel to Australia with. We already had a maclaren and much prefer the city mini. The best things are the one handed fold - fantastic at security, being able to push with one hand, and the great sunshade.

Expecting another baby in July and have bought a soft Graco carrycot that you can clip in to the seat when reclined. This was recommended on several forums including this one.

[Convex]

The other option is the baby jogger versa - can keep parent facing for longer if that's what you want...