Everyday Prams
Probably one of the biggest financial investments you make when preparing for your new arrival, with prices for the top of the range buggies on a par with some second hand cars. Budget, sturdiness, weight and comfort are all key considerations.
For us, we were recommended the Yoyo Zen, the doyen of London parents and it’s ended up being a great choice as it’s:
– Lightweight – making it easy to carry up/down stairs (useful in London when a good number of train platforms still don’t have lift access).
– Compact – it was designed in partnership with Air France to fit in the overhead luggage compartments, making it ideal for flights.
– Dual mode – it can be set up for both front and rear facing, so lasts from new born (0-6 months) to toddler years.
Running Buggies
If you like running, investing in a running buggy is a great way of combining exercise with parenting time whilst introducing your child to the activity early. For an overview of the latest running buggies click here.
They’re typically not cheap. I was fortunate to pick up a nearly new Cybex Avi Running Buggy on Facebook Marketplace. It’s sturdy and the suspension is decent, and certainly on the flat it’s easy to run with.
Accessories
A few Yoyo accessories in order of importance (to us, anyway):
- A footmuff is needed in the winter months after you’ve switched the buggy to front facing. They’re designed to keep baby warm and dry. Not only are they typically thicker and warmer than blankets, the main advantage is that they allow you to strap your baby in as normal.
- Raincover. Essential, assuming you live in the UK.
- Coffee cup holder, so you can keep your hands free and your tripple-whip choka mokka latte safe. The official holders aren’t cheap but generic alternatives are available. Also doubles up as an effective pint holder.
- Bumper bar. We bought one because, well, everyone else seem to have one. Made no difference to safety nor our daughter’s seeming enjoyment of the buggy, and just got in the way when folding the buggy.