please help us choose a pushchair for an 18 month old. I've never bought one before!

[Inthebeginning]

we are (hopefully) adopting an 18 month old. We will need a pushchair. We walk lots in different weather's. Will also be using it on grass etc but also on pavements.
I don't life 3 wheeler ones.
Also not sure what price to pay as I'm imagining we won't need one for a long time?
We don't have any idea whatsoever! Please help.

[KiwiBanana]

Ooh congratulations!! I wouldn't bother with a travel system at that age as they'll soon grow out of it and need a buggy. Why don't you go to your nearest pushchair shop and have a test of them? Get an idea of what you would like and then scour eBay for it.

I've always loved the maclaren as I've found it really durable and good on most surfaces. You would probably need to get a footmuff separately though.

[KiwiBanana]

Ooh congratulations!! I wouldn't bother with a travel system at that age as they'll soon grow out of it and need a buggy. Why don't you go to your nearest pushchair shop and have a test of them? Get an idea of what you would like and then scour eBay for it.

I've always loved the maclaren as I've found it really durable and good on most surfaces. You would probably need to get a footmuff separately though.

[BigWellyLittleWelly]

I know you say you don't like 3 wheelers but I adore our mountain buggy, very robust.

We use a buggysnuggle (look them up) on all our pushchairs, fits everything.

And congratulations!

[Inthebeginning]

thanks both!
I hadn't thought of trying in store then looking on eBay. good thought!
Will look at the snuggle too.

[SqutterNutBaush]

This may sound daft but as you're adopting I would suggest that a pushchair with a seat that faces you would be an important feature. It helps to reduce seperation anxiety and enables you to have eye contact/face to face conversation whilst out and about.

For lots of walking something like the Jane Slalom Reverse, Maxi Cosi Mura or classic fixed wheel prams like Emmaljunga or Silver Cross types can't be beaten IMO.

Congratulations on your DS :)

[NotCitrus]

If you are going on 'grass', you will probably want a 3-wheeler as most off-road buggies are. A Maclaren is great but the classic XT can only really cope with smooth lawns and is really tough on grass in the park.

How long you need it for will depend on how much walking your family do - if you drive most places you wont need it much but if you often walk a couple miles then you'll need it until your child can reliably do that without collapsing on the way home (or just whinging and dilly-dallying for ever...) Few months to a few years!

[Inthebeginning]

thank you for advice. fabulous point about the front facing, hadn't thought of that.
Will check out the reccomendations.

[Fairylea]

Does your little one enjoy walking? Ds is 19 months and wants to walk everywhere!! So we swapped his old pram type buggy (silver cross linear freeway) for an Obaby stroller from kiddicare (about 50 quid) and it's much better as he can walk lots and sit in it when he's knackered. I wouldn't buy an expensive big pram or buggy for an older toddler. You need something light that you can steer with one hand while holding hands / toddler on reins in the other!

Maclaren buggies like the techno are also very good.

[FannyFifer]

Micralite is a great brand for older kids, they are so light and have big back wheels for bumping up & down stairs etc.
If you happened to be near me (Fife) I have a Micralite Toro that is looking for a new home, wld be delighted to give it to you.

[RubyLovesShopping]

You will need it for at least 2 years if you go on longer walks where he can walk a bit and come back in the pushchair. Best thing would be to get a 3 wheeler with air filled tires for the grass/mud/hills/beach walks and a v small gold up like the petite star zia for short local trips on pavements. At 18 months he is unlikely to fit in any if the sleeping bag accessories (unless he's really small) so you may need to look into buying something for a larger child to keep him warm when out. Also look at seat size of any pushchair you buy and consider if he would still fit into it at 2.5 or even 3.5. Some if them are quite narrow. CongrAtulations, you must be v excuted

[RubyLovesShopping]

Excited, sorry am on phone !

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

Baby Jogger City Mini 4 though I'd go second hand for a good bit cheaper. Fab pushchairs.

[RubyLovesShopping]

Yes and the baby jogger summit x3 for your country walks as looks like it has big comfy seat

[GlitterFingers]

micralite toro! My dd is 17 months and I just got a second hand one of eBay I've been through so many pushchairs but this is beautiful to push even on soaking wet grass. It is really ugly but I can live with that also you might need to check it can fit in your boot

[RubyLovesShopping]

Just another thought I had my friend adopted a toddler 13mo and pushchair and masses of equipment came from the foster family with the child, have you looked into what may 'come with' him?

[Nicplus2]

After many many pushchairs i am still using my petite star zia, my little girl is 2.5 and granted is now a little tall for it but this is only really a problem is she decides to lay down.
It is very sturdy for a pushchair and so easy to push even now, i must admit i am not a fan of ubmerella strollers!

Would also reccoment a baby jogger citiy mini or micro, or britax b agile.

[Inthebeginning]

Thank you everyone, will have a look at these this week. Find out for certain in February so holding off till then.
myfeet you do start to realise its little things that you don't have a clue with don't you? (What do they sleep under btw? I've seen quilts, sleeping bag things and blankets)
fanny a little too far I'm afraid. I'm in the midlands :) such a kind offer though, thank,you ever so much.

[Inthebeginning]

Hi everyone, just thought I'd update, we went for the maclaren xlr 2013. It's really nice and sturdy so should be good for him for a while yet. It's all set up and waiting for him now......,:-)