When it comes to prams, I've had my share of disappointments. I know I'm not the only one. I've had 3 children so far... and 3 prams. Although I do find this a little embarrassing and excessive, I know a couple of people who have had the same number of prams over the life of 1 child. Finding the right pram is so important! With the impending arrival of a 4th child, I'm thinking about a new pram..., and I'm after some advice.
Here is a brief history of prams (in the life of the Useful Box family):
1) With the imminent arrival of our first baby, we purchased the Beema Swallow from Babyco:
We liked this pram. Though it wasn't the best looking pram around, it was reasonably priced, had a bassinet insert that allowed me to look at my newborn bub while walking, and was excellent for navigating tough terrain. It was perfect for a time of my life when I did a lot of walking (we were a one-car family). But, this was not a forward-thinking purchase for our family. Having taken 2 years to achieve a healthy pregnancy with Miss now-almost-4, we did not expect to be needing a double pram, or the capacity for a toddler seat for a while... we were wrong!
2) Enter the Maclaren Twin Tandem:
We liked the fact that this was a light-weight double pram (under 11kg), folded easily, was side-by-side (an advantage when children are close in age) and was a trusted brand. This would have been an ideal pram for this stage of my life (when I don't do much walking with the kids, and just need something easy for zipping in and out of the car, shops etc). But, when I did use this pram, we were still a one-car family, I still did a lot of walking, and much of it was on grass or uneven footpaths. I found this pram, with its small wheels very heavy to push. By the time we decided to sell the pram, I was just exhausted by it!
3) With the arrival of #3, #1 was going to have to walk... I was not going to get a 3-seater pram. But, I did want a 2-seater that was more comfortable to push over a variety of terrain. We purchased a (second-hand) Phil and Ted's with a toddler seat.
And now, I just want my Maclaren Twin Tandem back! The reality of life with 3 children is that we do not "go for walks" as often (unless my husband is available too). If we do go for a walk, we move at preschooler/ toddler pace (e.g. not fast). I could probably manage this pace and frequency while pushing my Maclaren Twin Tandem. (And besides, my two big kids have discovered that whoever is supposed
to be taking a turn to walk is actually able to sit on the frame above
the front wheel of the Phil and Ted pram. This means that I am usually pushing 3
children in the pram, rather than 2. The pram is then just as hard to
push as the Maclaren was anyway!) Being a two-car family now has also reduced our walking frequency, but with 3 children under 3, not being a 2-car family would be really difficult. My priorities for a pram now would be something smaller, lighter, easy to get in and out of the car... The Phil and Ted pram is too bulky.
4) So, for number 4... I'm considering a second-hand Mountain Buggy Duo.
Our 2 big kids will attend preschool 2 days/ week next year (that is, if our biggest doesn't go to school... still thinking), so I will have only a baby and a toddler at home those days. I might actually be able to do some walking again! I'm thinking this pram would be perfect... I really like the side-by-side prams. The wheels are bigger, so easier to push... it looks streamlined...
Am I just setting myself up for more pram disappointment? Should I stick with the Phil and Teds... Any experience with Mountain Buggy? Other recommendations...?
Have you had a frustrating search for the perfect pram? Or, have you found one?
