Alternative to Phil & Ted?

[ApplebyMennym]

When dc3 is born, dc2 will be 3years 4 months. I'm hoping to not need a buggy by then (hoping hoping hoping) but if it looks like I'm going to need one, I'd rather be prepared.

I like the style of Phil and Teds with the double kit, are there any other similar ones? Maybe cheaper? I really don't want a side by side or tandem especially is dc2 will be in it for so little time. Is the larger seat on a P&T suitable for a tiny one?

[TarkaTheOtter]

Could you not get a buggy board and a baby carrier. If older child absolutely knackered the baby goes in carrier and child in pushchair. Mostly though your 3 year old can use buggy board. We have a (secondhand) bugaboo one and my toddler will kneel on it if she is tired so doesn't been have to stand but I always have the baby carrier in the basket just in case of absolute exhaustion.

[TarkaTheOtter]

To answer your q though (I also have a P&Ts) the main seat is suitable from birth as a solo pushchair without the doubles kit.
However, my guess is that your toddler might find their seat a bit small in the newborn/toddler configuration because they have to use the smaller double kit seat on the front. Will be alright when the baby can use the doubles kit seat (4-6m +) and the toddler uses the main seat but by then you might not need it anyway.

[Billynomates71]

I had a Phil & Teds and it was great.

sold it on eBay, if youre only going to need it a shortwhile perhaps consider secondhand you could save aloe of money.

at 3.5 yrs I would expect your dc to be walking by now and not need a buggy?

[Ihateparties]

There are quite a few, babystyle oyster max, jane twone, Icandy peach and apple2pear (realistically both probably have small seats for an over 3 though), obaby zezu multi, p&t promenade.

All are non ridiculous as singles but have add on seat option. Also look at seated buggyboards if you have a suitable pram for the baby already. Easy x rider etc.

[ApplebyMennym]

Yes I'm really hoping that will be the case Billynomates - but he's a right so and so now and whereas now I can at a push pick him up and carry him when he's playing up, I won't be able to do that when I have a tiny baby as well!

I hadn't thought of the buggy board option, that would be ideal if I can find one that fits on either of our existing prams - a mothercare my4 and mamas and papas armadillo. I don't really want to spend unnecessary money and with the resale value of most prams being so low unless its a bugaboo or similar I don't fancy my chances of getting something decent for not much money!

Tarka thank you, yes I was concerned about the size of the seat on the p&t - he's got acres of room in the armadillo at the moment.

[ApplebyMennym]

I'm now fantasising about getting rid of the my4 and the armadillo (both have good points but neither are perfect) and getting a bugaboo with a buggy board just out of interest what would be the best bug for my situation? No rural walking really, we have a fairly large boot so small fold preferred but not absolutely vital. I'd like it to be suitable from birth right up to toddler.

[Daisybell1]

Appleby (are you neat appleby????) If all works out then I'm going to have the same age gap. I'm preparing to have to get a tandem of some sort as dd is petite and we do a lot of walking.

[TarkaTheOtter]

I have a very old secondhand bugaboo frog with the bugaboo board. It is a smoother push than my (also very old) P&Ts sport but not perfect. I have a tall 2.5yr old and the seat is getting a bit small (she can't really fit under hood). Also the board sticks out a bit so have to sort of walk to one side. It isn't too much of a problem as she mostly walks and the board clips up out of the way and it is a nice pushchair for the 6 month old.
I think the baby jogger ones are quite roomy and take a buggy board.

[ApplebyMennym]

I'm now leaning towards a bugaboo with a board. Looks like I could get about £100 for the armadillo on eBay, and maybe £50 for the my4. I like the look of the Cameleon and have seen them for about £250 with everything included...

I think DS would love a board, and it would be the most cost effective way of doing things since he will be over three when the baby is here. There are boards available for both my current prams of course but..damnit I want a new one!