Which Pram?
- Thread starter suzannal
- Start date
I'm 33 weeks and have bought a Cameleon and it's even better than I thought it would be. That it was designed by an engineer and a doctor, not a panel of arty types is very obvious. It still looks great though, in addition to being very comfy and so easy to push. My daughter is only two but is having a great time pushing and manuveuring it about the house without any trouble at all - the ultimate test! I settled on it as it was the only decent looking pushchair available that accomodates a highly rated carseat and that is manufactured to take a buggy board. By comparison, the warranty on most pushchairs on the market is voided as soon as you attach a buggy board.
I've been told that the Stokkes look very plasticy in the flesh.
I've been told that the Stokkes look very plasticy in the flesh.
Yes, Jacardi has the Frog in stock. Please note, this pushchair is no longer being manufactured and Bugaboo state on their web site that they'll be making parts for it for two more years. The Cameleon is definitely better than the Frog as it has more features, but at least you can look and see how well they're made. My Cameleon actually cost HK$6900 including shipping as opposed to the Frog in Jacardi which is sellin for HK$6,800 from memory - only $100 cheaper and a lot fewer features.
Just interested in hearing from anyone who has used one of these prams in HK. Are they suitable for HK terrain? By that I mean:
* up and down stairs?
* on and off buses?
* in and out of taxis?
* through small openings/aisles?
* through crowds?
* etc
There are a couple of parents with the bugaboo in DB and they really seem to struggle with them in these situations. However, I'm told on normal pavements, etc they are great to push and comfortable for the baby.
Interested to hear from any users, thanks.
* up and down stairs?
* on and off buses?
* in and out of taxis?
* through small openings/aisles?
* through crowds?
* etc
There are a couple of parents with the bugaboo in DB and they really seem to struggle with them in these situations. However, I'm told on normal pavements, etc they are great to push and comfortable for the baby.
Interested to hear from any users, thanks.
I went to check out the Bugaboo Frog at Jacardi, and I have to say it looks much more steady than the Stokke one. Now, I just need to go online to check exactly what is different between the Frog and the Cameleon, but I am sure the newer model is better 
Hmm, now I just have to try to decide which colour combination...
Hmm, now I just have to try to decide which colour combination...
I just bought the Combi pram with the carry cot/car seat that can sit in the pram. I wanted to buy a US or European brand but considering all the HK factors, we bought Combi because it is designed in Japan as Japan's living conditions are similar to HK. In HK I drive but apart from IFC carpark, I find the parking spaces in HK including times square, cityplaza to be very small so we opted for something smaller. Also considering that my future paediatrician might be in Central, there is no where to park that is close to places like Prince building, etc. This means the MTR or taxi service for me. My husband insisted on Combi as it is also lighter so even when he does not go with me to the docs, my helper and I can manage on our own.
Jane, the pushchair splits in two so that's how I plan getting up stairs - have already worked out that I can hang the frame over my shoulder. I haven't tried yet but going upstairs backwards (using the big wheels) is meant to be easy. As for going down, I'm sure it will be easier then my P3 as I won't have to lower the pushchair and bubs carefully between each step and certainly a million times better than my stupid Maclaren. Buses: I always catch a wheelchair bus now, but as I can split the components I will be able to get onto non-wheelchair buses without having to wake up a sleeping little one before I can fold the pushchair. Taxis: you've got to be pretty rash to not use a carseat anyway. Even with an umbrella stroller, t is so much easier to get in and ou of cabs while your child is still small enough to be in a pod. Narrow aisles: it's not that wide and even with an umbrella stroller I always use the side gate at Star ferry etc. The pushchair's turning circle is also amazing - hence the logo. So are you thinking of buying one?
Hi Slee
Thanks for the info. The people I have seen struggling have had older babies/toddlers in them. I suppose the older bubs/toddlers are too heavy to lift out and then separate the pram.
I am expecting #2. I had a Peg Perego Pliko as a newborn pram first time round - hated it. Gladly swapped it for a Maclaren Volo @ 6 months. Unlike you - I LOVE my Maclaren, but need to consider something for a newborn. Was just interested in all the new prams on the market, so have been doing a little research and came across these.
For me, overall, I think the Maclaren will be easier to operate and will cost less, always a bonus.
I hope you enjoy your new pram !
Thanks again
Thanks for the info. The people I have seen struggling have had older babies/toddlers in them. I suppose the older bubs/toddlers are too heavy to lift out and then separate the pram.
I am expecting #2. I had a Peg Perego Pliko as a newborn pram first time round - hated it. Gladly swapped it for a Maclaren Volo @ 6 months. Unlike you - I LOVE my Maclaren, but need to consider something for a newborn. Was just interested in all the new prams on the market, so have been doing a little research and came across these.
For me, overall, I think the Maclaren will be easier to operate and will cost less, always a bonus.
I hope you enjoy your new pram !
Thanks again
We really are very different Jane. My Volo is our back up pushchair and whenever I have had to use it I end up with a sore back without fail. I actually killed our first Pliko getting it stuck in an escalator but the last time my husband used our Volo he got so annoyed at it he went to BTB and insisted in taking their display model P3 MT then and there! I know the chassis is meant to be better on the Maclaren Techno but I'd be very worried about attaching a buggy board to it.
I can completely relate to the getting excited about choosing pushchairs early. We were exactly the same and managed to wait until 24 weeks before buying It! I don't blame you, it's just so exciting.
I know friends who used the Bugaboo in London and struggled sometimes, particularly going up and down stairs with a baby as it is heavy and also in narrow shops/cafes etc because it is quite wide. They did still love it though. I used an Ingelsina Zippy in London. It's like a Pliko P3 although i found it easier to close. (with a bit of practice, can be done with one hand when holding a baby). Also there's a car seat that clicks in and it's more sturdy than a maclaren.
Since being here in HK, i have to started using a Maclaren which I find perfect. I can sling it on my shoulder and carry my baby and my bag when I need to. I would say the lighter the better as its so hilly and humid here. Also so many shops and shopping centres seem to have lots of steps around.If you are using your car all the time and have easy access to your home then maybe the Bugaboo is better. I can highly recommend the Ingelsina (I am sure it woould work with a buggy board too). I guess it depends on your lifestyle so buy one that suits that because at the end of the day, once your baby is here you really won't care what the pushchair looks like, you'll only have eyes for your baby!
I know friends who used the Bugaboo in London and struggled sometimes, particularly going up and down stairs with a baby as it is heavy and also in narrow shops/cafes etc because it is quite wide. They did still love it though. I used an Ingelsina Zippy in London. It's like a Pliko P3 although i found it easier to close. (with a bit of practice, can be done with one hand when holding a baby). Also there's a car seat that clicks in and it's more sturdy than a maclaren.
Since being here in HK, i have to started using a Maclaren which I find perfect. I can sling it on my shoulder and carry my baby and my bag when I need to. I would say the lighter the better as its so hilly and humid here. Also so many shops and shopping centres seem to have lots of steps around.If you are using your car all the time and have easy access to your home then maybe the Bugaboo is better. I can highly recommend the Ingelsina (I am sure it woould work with a buggy board too). I guess it depends on your lifestyle so buy one that suits that because at the end of the day, once your baby is here you really won't care what the pushchair looks like, you'll only have eyes for your baby!
Slee - we aren't that different, I hate the Pliko too ! It is really hard to steer and fold down. I wouldn't recommend it and wouldn't buy it again. As a first time mum I was errring between the Pliko and Maclaren and B2B recommended the Pliko a lot higher than the XT - serves me right for listening to a salesperson !
However, I do love my Maclaren Volo, no back aches here. Now just to find something for a newborn, but perhaps I can put up with the Pliko and save some money !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again for your info.
However, I do love my Maclaren Volo, no back aches here. Now just to find something for a newborn, but perhaps I can put up with the Pliko and save some money !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again for your info.
We need to buy a buggy (for our first child) and I think have narrowed it down to the Combi or the Chameleon......which do you think is best? Combi is easily collapsible & lighter - to carry as well as on the pocket! but Chameleon seems to have lots of features including big wheels & good suspension for the many HK steps.....
Hi Maggie,
Regarding jogging strollers, I had the same idea for when my baby was a newborn, but was disppointed to discover that they are not recommended to be used for young babies - some advice says from 3 months up, some from 4 months up - because of the head jolting issue when you pick up speed. Then when my daughter was old enough, I was trying to get her into a routine and found taking her out running was disruptive: either the motion would send her to sleep at a time I didn't want her to sleep, or if we went out at naptime she would wake up when we stopped, whereas she would have had a longer sleep if she had stayed at home. I did manage to go running but mostly when someone else was able to look after my baby. Evenings are good if you plan to breastfeed because your breasts will be lightest then!
So just give some thought to these practical issues before you shell out a fortune. Also, make sure you don't rush back into running before you have rebuilt your pelvic floor muscles, otherwise you might put undue stress on them before they have had time to recover from pregnancy & birth!
Anyway, I have a Mothercare Urban Detour and find it fits most of your criteria but it is not light. I don't think jogging strollers are designed to be light; they need to be somewhat heavy to provide stability at speed. Ours is not a true jogging stroller but a hybrid which is much cheaper (still HK$2000+) than fancier models. Pure jogging strollers have handbrake, wrist strap, and are elongated in shape so that baby's weight is over the rear wheels - but can be ludicrously expensive as well as impractical to transport because they are very long and won't fold into a compact shape for car boots unless you remove wheels.
I'm actually looking to sell the Urban Detour if you decide on that kind of compromise. It is in good condition and you can see the specs at www.mothercare.com.hk (it's the only 3-wheeler listed) but ours has pale blue & black colouring.
Regarding jogging strollers, I had the same idea for when my baby was a newborn, but was disppointed to discover that they are not recommended to be used for young babies - some advice says from 3 months up, some from 4 months up - because of the head jolting issue when you pick up speed. Then when my daughter was old enough, I was trying to get her into a routine and found taking her out running was disruptive: either the motion would send her to sleep at a time I didn't want her to sleep, or if we went out at naptime she would wake up when we stopped, whereas she would have had a longer sleep if she had stayed at home. I did manage to go running but mostly when someone else was able to look after my baby. Evenings are good if you plan to breastfeed because your breasts will be lightest then!
So just give some thought to these practical issues before you shell out a fortune. Also, make sure you don't rush back into running before you have rebuilt your pelvic floor muscles, otherwise you might put undue stress on them before they have had time to recover from pregnancy & birth!
Anyway, I have a Mothercare Urban Detour and find it fits most of your criteria but it is not light. I don't think jogging strollers are designed to be light; they need to be somewhat heavy to provide stability at speed. Ours is not a true jogging stroller but a hybrid which is much cheaper (still HK$2000+) than fancier models. Pure jogging strollers have handbrake, wrist strap, and are elongated in shape so that baby's weight is over the rear wheels - but can be ludicrously expensive as well as impractical to transport because they are very long and won't fold into a compact shape for car boots unless you remove wheels.
I'm actually looking to sell the Urban Detour if you decide on that kind of compromise. It is in good condition and you can see the specs at www.mothercare.com.hk (it's the only 3-wheeler listed) but ours has pale blue & black colouring.