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“I Bought 10 Buggies In A Year!”

“I Bought 10 Buggies In A Year!”

Mum of three, Nicola Mardell, tells MFM about her passion for buggies

Nicola Mardell

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Maclaren Quest - Nicola loves this buggy!

I got seriously into buggies when I was searching for the perfect double for my newborn son Luka, and Tate, who was then 18 months. Too many had something I wasn’t happy with – they were either too wide, didn’t face towards me or weren’t cosy enough. I went through five different double buggies in six months.

“I finally found my dream double”

I sold each model as I bought a new one, and finally found a great one – a £389 Phil and Teds single that can be converted to a double. It was so light to use, I couldn’t tell whether I was pushing one of my boys or both. I sold my previous double and another of my pushchairs at the same time. I don’t drive, so my buggy is really important – and that double has been worth every penny.

“I always try buggies out in-store first”

I do my research by talking to other mums and scouring review websites. I always try buggies out in-store, too. My biggest gripe is buggies that are too heavy and hard to fold. I do see my buggy as an accessory, but I’d never pick one that looked nice if the boys weren’t comfortable in it.

In total, I’ve probably spent about £1,500 on buggies. I don’t know how much I’ve recouped by selling them. I wish I did, though – I may feel less guilty!

Buyer’s guide to buggies
10 of the best double buggies for a toddler and baby
10 of the best lightweight buggies under 6kg

“All mums need two buggies”

I think there are two buggies a mum needs: a lightweight one for travelling and shopping, and one with air tyres if you walk a lot on harder ground.

Since the Phil and Teds, I’ve managed to sneak in a Mamas & Papas Ziko, two Silver Cross Pop buggies (lightweight and in two different prints) and a Maclaren Quest in a limited edition Lulu Guinness-designed colourway.

I’ve ended up keeping one Silver Cross Pop and the Maclaren Quest. I also still have my Phil and Teds double. As each buggy has a different function, I reassure myself that it’s not a full-blown addiction, but just a hobby!

I’m always talking about my latest buy on the Internet forum. I love it when I’m asked for advice – I relish the challenge of finding someone the perfect buggy.

I’ve even considered setting up an online consultancy in the future, or a buggy exchange, where mums can update their buggies. But for now I’m just making the most of my buggy-buying days.”

Nicola’s tips

Ask yourself practical questions about your buggy. Will you use it on public transport? How big is the space in your car boot for storage? Consider your partner, too – if he’s going to be using it a lot, think about whether you’ll need adjustable handlebars if he’s taller.
Always try a buggy out in-store. See that your baby is comfy, that you can steer one-handed and the wheels don’t lock. Also, check what’s included – extra accessories can be costly.
Don’t be persuaded by looks alone – functionality is ultimately more important. Don’t be surprised if you have to compromise – I’m still on a quest to find a buggy that scores 10 out of 10 in both categories.

Authors

Nicola Mardell