Recommendations for a pushchair I can use whilst walking dogs!

[miamix]

I am a complete novice. Went to Mothercare the other day to test drive a few and was completely overwhelmed by the whole operation.

So I come to you, MN

I am looking for a pushchair that is light enough to be able to push one-handedly, manouvres easily, possibly a 3 wheeler (I always said I hated these but apparently they are best for uneven terrain) but IDEALLY a full travel system (car seat, carrycot, etc). I have two medium sized dogs and I really need something that I will be able to handle whilst having them with me as well!

Does anyone have anything they can recommend?

Much appreciated. :)

[EnglandAllenPoe]

any chair with bigger bike-style wheels will go over rough ground better. i have a knackered Graco 3-wheeler which goes over hill and dale nicely (and does fit the gRACO TRAVEL SYSTEM SEAT) though we have put in extra-tough inners in the wheels to make it more thorn-resistant.

it is easy in a straight line though crap for town as the front wheel is fixed.

[notasausage]

I have the Quinny Buzz travel system and it would probably suit you fine. I'm finding it more difficult to push now DD is older (20 months) and it's especially poor on smooth shopping centre floors but still OK on paths and can still push and steer one handed.

I would suggest something with a single handle so you can put your hand in the middle to steer while holding dogs in other hand. Depending how rough the terrain, you may find an inflated front wheel copes better rather than one with a small front wheel. Quinny does one I think called the Zoom which works with the rest of the travel system but the seat unit only faces forward which I think is fairly common with the off road type pushchairs.

It's a nightmare trying to make decisions when pg, especially when there's so much choice! Hope you get some more suggestions from MN!

[oopsandbabycoconuts]

If you can afford to splash out then I would suggest a mountain buggy. You can attach a maxicosi carseat, carry cot and then it also lies flat from birth. I have a double with a newborn and 23month old in it and I can still push it 1 handed across fields when we are out walking.

[shatteredmumof5]

I second the mountain buggy but go for the 09 or older ones as have now been taken over by P&T and made in China and the quality isnt so good!!The mountain buggys handle ANYTHING and go for the carrycot whilst baby is small :)

[oopsandbabycoconuts]

here has a couple of the older model ones as it bought out all the bankrupt stock I just bought mine from there and the servive was great and the deals were good too.

[miamix]

Thank you all so much for replying - you've certainly given me a lot to think about!

Oopsandbabycoconuts - we looked at the Mountain Buggy, sorry if this is a really daft question but do you mean that the car seat can be used as a carry cot, rather than having to purchase the whole system incl. carry cot? There are a few on eBay but some seem to be without carry cot so would be useful to know!

My mind is boggling with all the choice!

[miamix]

Oh fantastic, thanks for the link!

[oopsandbabycoconuts]

The seat lies flat so you can use it without a carrycot or you can add a carry cot or you can get adapters and click on the carseat. A carry cot is best for babies rather than the carseat as they need to lie as flat as possible and shouldn't be in carseats for longer than 2 hours maximum.

[sickoftheholidays]

dont buy a buzz, they are useless off road. They quinny speedi is pretty good though, a three wheeler, with carrycot/car seat option, and you do get a lot of pushchair for your money second hand on ebay.

[fledtoscotland]

Ive got an old mamas & papas mx3 for dog walking (which was a godsend in the heavy snow last winter). Got it for £30 off ebay and its done 2 DC so far. Also have a silver cross linear freeway for "best" where theres no mud involved.

[miamix]

Thanks Oops, that's good to know - I actually thought you needed the carry cot as well in order for it to be suitable for use from birth - didn't realise the seat actually went flat for this purpose, can you tell it's the first time I've done this?!

Cheers ladies for the comments - think I am going to go for the Mountain Buggy Urban, will order at the end of the week, how exciting!