Emmaljunga???

[AJC]

I had always planned to buy an Emmaljunga Classic Duo Combi, but it seems that they are not available at the moment. Or if there are any left it's like finding a needle in a hay stack. I feel like I've been putting more effort into finding this pram than I put into buying our last car!!!

Are they really worth it??? Are they worth the money???

As alternatives we are considering Bertini X5, Valco RAD or Peg Perego skate.

Any feedback or advice would be much appreciated. This will be our first bub so we are kind of unaware of the 'practical' side of prams. We've just been looking at the weight, how easy it folds, looks & how comfy it looks for bubs. I can imagine living with a pram day in day out may sometimes bring up issues that you don't think at the time of purchase.

[Schmickers]

We absolutely loved our single Emmaljunga - we got a bassinette stand with it and Molly spent her first year in it, either out and about in the pram, or having day sleeps in the bassinette and stand.

We were less impressed with the double Emmaljunga we got when Olivia was born - it's quite heavy, doesn't have inflatable wheels, and doesn't have steerable wheels (although I see the nre doubles and singles do, which is good).

Peg Peregos are not a patch on Emmaljunga - very plasticky and flimsy.

[AJC]

Thanks schmickers - all of the reviews I have read on the web about the Emmaljunga combi duo are really positive. I think I will persevere finding one. Thanks again!

[hippiemummy]

Hi, I have brought one for our first bub (due October) so I can't say what it is like to use just yet, but I was talking to a lady who works at the place we got it and she was saying they are not importing them into Australia anymore because of the new safety regulations (red brakes ect), apparently they don't have a very big market over here for them so its not worth them making new models just for Australia. (Hope that makes sense! )

How true this is I don't know, but this particular store is no longer stocking them.

[AJC]

thanks hippiemum.

[hippymum]

May be Quakka? However, make sure in good condition and safe for your Bub.

[AJC]

thanks hippiemum but what is quakka? I thought it must be like ebay but I couldn't find it.

I actually did find one in a store last week.... but I was a day late. It was the Classic combi duo reduced from $1299 to $799. Missed it by a day. The lady lay-buyed it though so it was still there & the lady gave me a bit of a demo and a play with it. Was not as easy to handle as I thought it would be but the rolls royce of prams - just divine.

[jackrose]

I love my Bertini if that helps! Well made, light, practical, easy to manage, lives up to punishment and is often admired by others!

My advice is don't worry too much about it, none of them will completely live up to expectations.... there is always something missing or not quite right. Best to try to choose one with most features you want (and the ones you prioritize most) and focus on the positives of the pram you choose.

Enjoy the ride I say!


(just re-reading your post, I thought I'd add....

your criteria sounds exactly like mine when I was choosing a pram and you sound about as bamboozled as I was!
After 7 months of use of our pram, I would say, all of your points are still valid. Also depending on your lifestyle etc, consider the size and ease of access of the storage basket... we need to carry so much as mums and it is better for this to be big and easy. Another important point I considered when looking for a pram and one which has been envied by others when I use my pram is an easily adjustable recline on the seat. If your baby falls asleep in the pram or if you want them to, it is fantastic to have an easily adjustable seat which you can recline with one hand. Mine has a lever which moves it from upright to lay down in one movement. Some prams require a complicated handling of straps etc which could wake a dozing infant.... and frustrate a manic mum!!

other wise... I bought my pram on ebay for a fraction of the price it retails for.... $250 for a $800 pram. It makes it all so much more reasonable if you have to upgrade or trade in later! (ie if you have another and have to go the double pram route) I checked out its pedigree through user reviews on the internet. Invaluable. Try googling the name of the pram you are interested in with the word "review" to bring up relevant info.

[Marydean]

There are zillions of emmas on ebay! The newer models get snapped up pretty quickly but there are also lots of older style models that sell for a song. I had an older one that a friend bought for me with the bassinette, and seat and toddler seat and it was fantastic!

[hippymum]

Hi AJC
Quakka is WA's biggest classified newspaper selling pre-loved products. I see you are from Newcastle, maybe you have the same thing there under a different name. At least you are able to try before buy.

[katones]

You are probably finding it hard because at this present time whatever Emmaljungas are in the country that is it for now they are having a hard time getting more into the country.
Maybe because of the new laws that are out here regarding the "red brake" that has to be on prams sold after 1st July?? also they don't have a tether strap on them.
I purchased one just prior to the 1st July and only paid $499 brand new for it, what a bargin!!! i previously had an Emmaljunga and had a toddler seat on it and loved that pram to bits, so can't wait til i can use my new one

[Elaine]

I have also been looking for the Emmaljunga prams, specifically the City Cerox 360. Whilst I know that they are extremely hard to find unless you want a black one or a used one, I am still trying to hold out as long as possible. I have been emailing Valco as their head company is the Australian distributor for the Emmaljunga prams. As far as they have told me, the prams may be in Australia Jan/Feb 09. If they don't end up coming before that, I may be forced to get something else. I have checked out so many prams, and the Emmaljunga pram is it for me. I have thought at times, to get one from overseas.. but i think it might be a little far fetched. LOL

[blueiris]

I found out today that these prams won't be available here now until May 09. Sorry to be bearer of bad news ladies.

[AJC]

blueiris - thanks for letting me know. I actually lay-by'd a steelcraft strider last week because I was worried if I ordered an Emmaljunga it would not be here in time. It's always the way - they will quote the earliest possible date..then delay.....then delay.....then delay.

[katones]

The newer models of Emmaljunga will be here by the end of December (have just been speaking with the distributer for Oz) there are afew of brand new Emmaljungas at a Penrith baby shop..

[Elaine]

Hi Katones,

Which baby shop is it in Penrith? And do they have a website? Also, are they out in the shops end of December? Or are the prams being received by the distributor in December and then being sold to other retailers much later? Thanks.. Also, are all 11 colours available or only red, black and navy?

[katones]

Not all colours are available Distributer said they SHOULD be in stores by the end of December....fingers crossed. The colour we got was BLACK/GREY/ ORANGE piping, have NOT seen this colour previously.
I think it was baby kingdom?? not 100% but fairly sure thats the name...

[Elaine]

I just got note from distributor of emmaljunga (valco) in australia that they have finally got some shipping dates for the prams. Apparently, they are not due to arrive in australia until end of February, and so it may be instore by mid march. *sigh* My baby is due end of January. Will see if I can hold off getting a pram till it arrives.