Yo, Holla! Okay, a pram you will use everyday, several times a day and for years on end (if you buy the right one that is. I have three, and have sold one in the past. And I still use all three that I have.
Things to consider:-
What is your life style?
Active = 3 wheeler pram with large wheels that handles a large amount of walking over uneven surfaces. Shops only, the brief outing = you can get by with a good stroller, easy fold with four small wheels that is suitable for paved surfaces.
How big is the back of the cars I'll be using? Take a good look at the rear of the cars you'll be using. Make sure you can fit the folded pram/stroller in the car with room for shopping also.
MAKE SURE YOU TEST DRIVE IN STORE!! TAKE IT FOR A TEST DRIVE, INCLUDING FOLDING DOWN AND UP.
Personal Experience
My first pram was the Peg Perego, the model would be equivalent to the Uno. It caters for babies from newborn to 17kgs (about 4-5yrs age). Reversible handle, which is awesome with newborns when you want them to face you, there has been a significant amount of study done, that recommends that babies face you in the pram, it assists there verbal development when they can watch you speaking to them and others. And then the rest:
- reversible and height adjustable handlebar.
- child tray with drink holder that attaches to the front bar.
- opening hood with zipper transforms into a sun canopy.
- detachable cover with zipper.
- backrest reclines to several positions
- leg rest adjusts to 2 positions.
- two carrier handles for carrying the stroller.
- large, practical basket that snaps into place.
- fold-up closing. when closed, it is free-standing.
- cup holder.
- five-point seat belt.
- child tray with drink holder that attaches to the front bar.
- opening hood with zipper transforms into a sun canopy.
- detachable cover with zipper.
- backrest reclines to several positions
- leg rest adjusts to 2 positions.
- two carrier handles for carrying the stroller.
- large, practical basket that snaps into place.
- fold-up closing. when closed, it is free-standing.
- cup holder.
- five-point seat belt.
I loved this pram, it was easy to manage, hard wearing, good one hand control, really easy up and down (2 steps).
Looking back it was totally inappropriate for me, as I did cross country regularly, walked everywhere, and was going to require a pram for a long time as I don't have a car.
This pram and this style of pram would be suited to absolutely anyone that had a car (even a small car) who was going to use the buggy primarily on paved surfaces. Just not for the active, walking jogging parent who goes to the beach as often as I do. Saying that, my peg stood up to my punishment, and was still sellable at the end of all that.
Mclaren Volo - the second pram, the first stroller
As my little person was getting less and less reliant on the buggy and more and more keen to walk, the idea entered my mind to get one of those convenient little strollers, SO my mother stepped in to buy me a decent light stroller that will last a long time, and be good for travelling overseas.
It was at this junction we found the maclaren volo. At 4kgs, it is light and lovely. Fantastic for travelling on public transport and aeroplanes. With its easy one action fold (one hand) this stroller RULES. Maclaren has truly taken the hard work out of travel with baby. It doesn't matter if you have a struggling toddler in the other hand and shopping over your shoulder, this baby is going down!
If I could do anything different with this one, I would have got the next model up so that I still had the layback option, which is still necessary for so long with kids. But other than that, the rain cover is great, the steering is amazing... Just a superior stroller, is worth the extra money for sure!
Stay tuned for the Phil and ted fan rave....
