First big purchase....

Mamas & Papas Travelsystem : Glide Package in Green, with matching car seat

http://www.mamasandpapas.com/product-glide-package-blackgrass/1135c5200/type-i/

Very happy with the purchase:

• Pushchair
• Carry cot
• Parasol
• Rain cover
• Car Seat
• Change bag

All for £519 (USD $802 for my American readers!) and to be delivered (for free!) sometime in September at my request...woo hoo!

It was important for me to have a full travel system, which could face the world or face me when pushing. Lightweight, decent basket...have to pay extra for some clips but I may get them off eBay.

Main factor was cost for me.

Colleagues have spent £1000 ($1546) and £800 ($1237) and trust me I started to panic at the eye watering amounts....

Five hundred quid seems reasonable especially if I get a few years out of it.

Pram purchases needn't be stressful....


My tips for what they are worth:

• Decide whether you want the full travel system or not - no point paying for extras you don't need
• Ensure it has multiple seat positions including lying flat.
• Do you want world and parent facing
• Are you likely to be using public transport - slim line and light weight is for you!
• Are you likely to be in the country side a lot - big ol' 3 wheelers may be better
• Is it easy to fold - chances are there'll be times when it's just you on your own if your partner is at work.
• Does it fit in your car boot?
• Is it easy to store in your home - or will you need to fold it after every use? If folding does it stand up folded, this is nice and neat and a space saver
• Do you live in a flat - if you're on the first floor or higher you'll be lugging that pushchair a lot, go for light weight!
• Handlebar - if you and your OH are very different heights, make sure it's adjustable.
• Stick with your budget! Yes, there are prams with lovely bells and whistles and look really snazzy but ultimately, there's no point breaking the budget.
• Read reviews

Extras to consider:

• Choose a shop who offer a replacement if your pushchair needs to be fixed.
• Consider when you want to have it delivered - remember every month you have it, is a month into the warranty.
• Lots of high street stores price match - so shop around.
• Go to the shop and play around with it, ask for a demo. I was surprised how different prams looked online versus in the shop.

AVOID buying on impulse, in a rush and without having seen the pram in the flesh. Avoid second hand car seats unless you can vouch for it...if it's been in an accident it could be weakened.