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An 'ideal' pram - usable the longest possible, and possibly for the 2nd child as well

17 Jul 2020

Hi, Eli,

I want to state at the beginning that I know there's nothing like an IDEAL pram in the literal sense... but I would like to, at least, come close to that, and that's why I am looking for your advice.

We expect our baby in December, and so we would like a pram that will be spacious enough for the baby plus a footmuff, blanket inside... Some recommend a 2in1/3in1 system, some a carrycot-only option, and later a separate pushchair... I don't know, please helo me here.

Our requirements would be:
a practical, lightweight, compact model that manipulates well, for short as well as long walks, wit at least some suspension to tackle different kinds of surfaces; the chassis being able to accept a car seat and a seat unit - I mean, such that I can put everything on it... and, ideally, an adjustable handlebar - because my hubby is taller than me.

I don't want a model that I will want to sell after a few months because it doesn't suit me - and then, repeat the same with the next one... I would love to find something I will use from birth until I can, ideally the longest possible, maybe until the end. A system that will 'grow with the child', and maybe one that we could keep for the next baby too...

BUT - I don't want to pay crazy much for some kind of ultra-modern ro a super-stylish one that just looks good; I don't even need a brand new one, I'll be ok with a second-hand one if the features will be what I need. But there's so much to choose from that I don't know where to look first as a first-time mum.

I sincerely hope for some good advice, and I'll be very grateful for any input. I hope I am not too idealist in my expectations and there will be at least a handful of options for us 🙂

Thank you.

Eli • 17 Jul 2020

Hello, my dear!

I will first tell you you are getting there in a good way, and I appreciate your thinking. I really like how you are mainly considering the functionality and not the prettiness or the price to be the deciding factor... I also want to say, prepare you for making compromises - it's always a compromise with some main priority taking over the other thing. Here, you should maybe brace yourself for the fact that you may need one more pushchair - no matter how fantastic your system will be. I mean, it will be a different type, a lightweight forward-facing one. You know, your and your baby's needs will change over time, and so will your routs and habits, even with going for walks and trips... And this will not mean your system was not good. It will just be an extra that will not burden you when the child is older, and you need something super easy to end your stroller days, or for traveling. Even in this case, I can help you - now or later when it's time thinking about that - just let me know when or if you need help, but it may be you will understand what you want and need at that moment.

So, how to choose a system that you will truly use as much possible - I would advise being focused on the seat and the pushchair mode, and the overall pushchair functionality. This part you will use the longest, so it's the most important. You can usually use it even for a small baby (with insert in some cases), and a carrycot for a winter baby will be large enough pretty much any. Really, the baby will be tiny, so even with a lot of winter layers, it will still fit even into a smaller bassinet. That is why I would advise the high-quality, functional Baby Jogger City Premier. This would probably be my first choice because the seat is large, spacious, weight a high weight limit... while being compact enough.

Next, I would look at the ultra-sturdy Emmaljunga NXT60 or the NXT60 F (= lay Flat seat). This is a smaller (less tall), but all-terrain line great for any terrain and even more children - the super-high quality is adjustable telescopically as well as by rotating, so really it will fit any parent height.

The Gesslein is also a brand I would look at - if available to you, these are the prams that drive very well, and they can handle a lot. From their lighter models, absolutely check out the new FX4 Classic. The sturdiness and all-terrain push are also great with the TFK brand - their Joggster Trail with the possibility of the convertible Multi X carrycot/parent facing seat would be great, even though a sporty-looking choice with a very nice weight for what it is (12,9 kg).

Yes, I didn't suggest the smallest nor the lightest models there are - but that is the price to pay for a sturdy, all-terrain, but still, a relatively compact system that even used will tackle even bad terrain and hold up even more children. Also, I was choosing those models with spacious seats that theoretically will handle even a larger toddler; this may last you until the end. As I said, you might be wanting to complement the system with something smaller... but that you will see depending on your lifestyle and situation.

Your -very berry- Eli.

Now, this is your place to ask. I'm listening.