Umbrella Prams or any recommendations for Light, easy to transport Prams

Thread > Umbrella Prams or any recommendations for Light, easy to transport Prams
7 replies - last reply: 01/07/10 8:37pm [Last post]
mandi
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I have a huge tank of a pram, Bertini, the old style, that is too good for a two month old to get rid of, but is hell to get up and down the stairs to our first floor apartment. Not to mention on and off the buses or trains.

It’s too big to fit in the boot of a medium car, let alone a small car.

Once he’s holding his own head up, I’d like to replace it, but I don’t want to get caught out again. So – Who uses an Umbrella Pram? Which one do you have? Maclaren is often recommended, but is it really worth the price? Are the less expensive Maclaren prams just as good?

Does anyone have a Valco?

None of the Umbrella prams looks as sturdy when I’ve looked at them in the shops, and I don’t know if that’s because the Bertini on is just better quality, or if it’s the change from a more ‘pram’ style to Umbrella prams.

Vanessa
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Hi Mandi

Umbrella prams aren't going to be as sturdy as your Bertini it's the trade-off for getting a lighter, more compact pram.

Maclaren are a good brand and yes there are big differences between the different price ranges. Wheels, hood sizes, breaks, padding, accessories and features/functions vary from pram to pram.

I recently test-drove the Valco Fleetstreeet which is a reasonably priced umbrella option, you can find the review under Out and About in the pram section.

A bit sturdier and also reasonably priced are the Steelcraft layback range. They are solid little prams with an umbrella fold. You can often find them discounted to around $179.00. Both the Valco & Steelcraft are suitable for infants.

Hope that helps, Vanessa

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Vanessa
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mum_85
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I wouldn't get an umbrella pram for a baby as there isn't enough support for them. I have a valco urban ultralight which is small great for shopping as it isn't wide and is easy up and down stairs. I also walk on uneven roads with it. It fits into my ultra small hatchback. I got it from babies galore on special for about $170. We used a head support for when my some was a newborn.
Hope this is helpful, Kayla

Vanessa
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I agree this is a great little pram and used to be my favorite budget buy all round pram until the price went up. It's now not so budget and due to be phased out by Valco (hence no review).

Also it is this weeks best buy so check it out in tonight's newsletter.

Regards, Vanessa

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Vanessa
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Mands
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We purchased and are very happy with the Maclearen Mod Quest. The main reasons....

Weight: 5.5kg. Small enough to haul around one handed (we have bad backs),

Compact - compact enough we were able to take it as carry on luggage on Qantas Domestic flight. Travel bag is durable if you want to check it also. Fits easily in boot or even under childrens' feet in back seat.

One Handed Operation- Lift it out of the car, unfold it with one action, fold it back up (foot release) and put it away..all with a baby in the other hand.

Safety & Support - Best spine support I could find in an umbrella stroller, good brakes, extendable seat as child get longer in the legs, nicely padded, strong foot rest, extendable Hood for Sun protection. Thick & comfortable harness straps with a two finger safety release. (my 17mth son can't undo this, but can undo the Bugaboo catch). Four recline positions...so baby can nap.

You get what you pay for. Many of my friends have bought cheaper prams and have had to compromise on something; safety, comfort, weight. Many of their children refuse to sit in them now and they end up not using them as much. We like ours so much I am thinking of selling the Bugaboo.

feline1981
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Silvercross fizz is great for travel too

Vanessa
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Yes, that true, the Fizz is a nice little stroller.

I'm also currently reviewing the Combi Urban Walker which is a pram rather than a stroller and it's a great option for public transport and travel. Especially for an infant.

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Vanessa
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leggohead
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Try a quinny zapp out. Bit exy but they fold up super small! Like the size of a big shoe box! The have a website.