Buying a pushchair for Grandparent's Use

I should add that my DiL bought one of those those insanely expensive buggy "systems" that had different uses and it was fiddly and time cosuming to dismantle or fold. The only good aspect was being able to use the same seat in the car, but the main buggy was much too big to use on public transport.
In the end she bought a straightforward second hand Maclaren as it was easier to use when taking her daughter to nursery by bus.

Like others, I suggest that you try to find one that is easy to fold. If you're on a bus and need to fold it in a hurry it has to be simple. It also needs to be light to carry and narrow enough to push easily through doors, bus corridors and gaps
I used to like the ones that folded down to the size of a fat umbrella like MacLaren rather than the ones that have trays underneath as they make the folded size too wide and need to be emptied to fold it.
I had a quick look at the John Lewis site and they have several inexpensive, simple ones with good reviews that fold into a stick shape:
Joie Baby Nitro Pushchair
John Lewis ANYDAY Everyday Stroller

Seadragon, I’m so pleased I’m not alone in hating to see children in forward facing buggies, whilst the parents are on their phones not engaging with the child.

The one brand I would avoid is the Quinny brand my DS bought one of their travel systems at his partners request and the only thing in its favour was that the child was facing you. The buggy itself was complicated and horrible to push.

The one I hit for my grandson was a bugaboo. Marvellous thing. Very expensive but worth every penny. The miles I walked pushing him in that pushchair. Very happy memories. He’s 13 soon! 😍

When my first grandchild was born I went out and spent a fortune on everything brand new but I soon learned that lesson. My grandson buggy I actually bought off a lovely gran on facebook that she had only used for her granddaughter and after that if she was selling stuff she would inbox me and ask if I needed it before she put them up for others. If it’s only for once twice a week it’s not worth buying brand new. When my youngest granddaughter was born her parents bought one of those that did everything buggy/pram car seat etc so they bought the frame with them as the car seat was the pram too. Before you go out and get these things speak to the parents to see what they buying for

My preference has always been Silver Cross had them when own kids were babies and toddlers bought one for our 1st DGD, Sold on gumtree when she grew out of it. And am currently looking a them again for newest DGD

sarahcyn

Many of my doula clients favour the Yoyo Zen (there are several models) for compact packability. One of the models can actually go into the overhead lockers on a plane.
But if you plan to go cross-country you need to check out the all-terrain three-wheeler models with large wheels. They are wonderful!
Bugaboos are notoriously hard to fold. One of my clients found herself standing next to her car on a busy pavement one day shouting into the air, "Is there anyone here who knows how to fold a Bugaboo?"
Fortunately, she was in Chiswick so was surrounded by helpful yummy mummies in minutes.

It depends how much you’ll use it. We looked after the grandsons a lot, but mainly at theirs, so just used their carefully chosen travel systems. When the boys came to us, the travel systems generally came with them. There was no need to spend loads on something that would take up lots of space while gathering dust, but we did get a basic fold up type for emergencies from Amazon, based on its good reviews. I can’t even remember the make - it went to the charity shop last year. It got very little use here but was borrowed regularly by the family whenever they went on holiday.

Ask the parents. No doubt they’re up to date on what’s available and what they’re comfortable being used for their child.

Some let you turn the child from backwards to forward facing once they are inquisitive. I think they like to see where they are going and you can chat to them about things you see as you go.

I agree GrannyIvy! I always had one for my GC - my pushchair, my choice , paid for from my bank account, also had a second hand one.
Children were in my care one day each week with extra days if necessary. You are the one using the pushchair so it must be one you are comfortable with , one that is easy to fold and not too heavy to lift into the boot of a car. Both my DDs were grateful I had their children and were not concerned about which pushchair I had! My eldest GC is now 22 and the youngest is six , the elder one often speaks about her pre school days with me and remembers baking , painting, singing etc - lovely she has such fond memories.

I purchased a second hand buggy for £15 from facebook. Used it when I had grand daughter one day a week but now she is twenty months she walks everywhere with me so no need for the buggy. She loves to push her toy pram with her teddies in it and I think it is better for her to walk (tires her out!). I am glad I went for a secondhand buggy (and it will come in handy when baby two arrives in Autumn) but couldn't have justified the expense of a new one as it was only used for about 6 months. Definitely Italy go for one that faces you. I find it quite upsetting when I see wee ones from the local day care nursery being wheeled along facing forward, no one engaging with them.

I would ask the parents for their preference

Just had a quick Google and the frog has been discontinued. (No surprise there 😳 . ).
The chameleon is partly based on the frog but is much lighter.
I never knew that but would have guessed the frog 🐸 was the heavyweight.

It’s not that funny I was having a hysterical moment. We both had bugaboos , such a silly name…we didn’t much like ours and you liked yours.
Different model maybe, if I recall correctly, ours was a frog. An older heavier less mobile pram probably.

silverlining48

Oh calipso , you had a bugaboo too….. but liked it.

I can't quite figure why that should be funny?
I still have it. They are very good quality, excellent design and remarkably easy to push and turn on a sixpence. Forward facing or front facing, proper support for the child's legs and lie flat position for sleeping. I took time to learn the technique for folding and dismantling - it's easy. The wheels clip off quickly for washing when they are muddy. I also like the extendable hood which offers very good sun protection.
I also have a beautiful carriage pram from the 60s that I rate highly. But that's another whole story.....

Oh calipso , you had a bugaboo too….. but liked it.

I have always had my own pushchair and recommend a Maclaren which is light and easy to collapse. Fits in a small car boot easily. Some of the very posh upmarket pushchairs are so hard to put up and down and I have struggled big time using my daughters very expensive posh one so my advice is go for one you can collapse easily. Your buggy your choice! Go out and try what suits you

We used the parents pushchair, it was a horror, a second hand bugaboo, costing over a thousand when new, it was a nightmare to get in out of the car and very awkward to open and close.
We saw a straight forward pushchair on freecycle. Hardly used by us but was useful sometimes. We gave it to a new grandmother friend and think she still has it. It did us.

Same as LOUISA. It was a second hand pushchair, but chosen for me by DD1, so she could help should I have a problem with it and more importantly, DGS1 was used to and comfortable in it.
Obviously I was more than happy to pay for it.

I have 3 GDs .. all are all at school now.. always used their own pushchairs....its what they are used to and chosen by their parents.

GrannyGravy13

I would suggest you ask the babies parents their preference before purchasing a pushchair.

I agree with this. Will you be minding the baby often? Regular childcare? Will you even need a push chair? I’d speak to baby’s parents first about your expectations here. We’ve a whole gable of grands now - and a new gaggle due this year (three pregnancies at once !) and we’ve never had a need for our own push chair at all.

I have seen fantastic ones in charity shops. £30 seems to be the going rate. My friend bought one so her daughter need not bring one from Australia and it was immaculate.

While the ones that fold to fit in an overhead plane locker are ingenious and great for travelling, they don't offer much in the way of comfort or sun protection for the baby. I would absolutely go for secondhand: my preference has always been for the Bugaboo Cameleon: sturdy, easy to manoeuvre and very comfortable for the child. Whichever you choose, you will need to make yourself familiar with folding and unfolding - YouTube is your friend! And practice..... lots!