Well, it seems that the boom is well and truly back.

With a third sprog on the way, the conversation in our house recently turned to an essential piece of equipment – the buggy. It began with a discussion of what we need and quickly ended with ‘so the one we have will do grand’.

That is not an opinion shared by the masses though – buggy-mania seems to be an epidemic sweeping the nation at the moment and there is some serious profit to be made! A quick visit to your nearest baby store will open your eyes to the cost of these seats on wheels (well that’s what they are, no?). Over 1000 euro can be easily dropped on the latest model, and if it’s a certain colour you simply must have then don’t expect any small change either.

Buy cheap buy twice?

But they are an essential purchase right? Especially for the first time parent?

Yes – it is an investment. But how much is too much? We certainly didn’t pay over 1000 euro for our double buggy and it has served two children and will also play motor car to a third. I have actually been asked if I am (and I quote) going for an upgrade with a third on the way……..the only thing I plan on upgrading is my coffee selection to help me survive another newborn.

Buggy snobbery is truly alive and well. Take a trip to a shopping centre midweek. Sit in a cafe and observe the parade of high tech, high spec buggies lined up near by. They come in a range of pastels, have a number of metallic finishes and usually have the matching changing bag as standard. But here is a little insight from a mother in the know – they all roll into dog shit the same way. The baby will not avoid puking in them because you spent your communion money on it. And at the end of the day (or fertile years) they all fold into the attic and gather dust in the same manner.

So my two cents? If you can afford it, fine. But if you are looking at buggies and the price tag makes you stop and think – you probably can’t.

And that is OK. Some simple rules to live by:

Thou shalt not feel pressured into remortgaging the house for a buggy.

Thine buggy should not need fully comprehensive insurance.

Thou shalt not love thine buggy more than thine husband.

Amazing – tell someone that you shop in Penneys and your are applauded.

Tell someone that you got your buggy on Done Deal………….well, I will leave you finish that sentence for yourselves.

Trish xx