Mamas and Papas and John Lewis Nursery Appointments

We went to mamas and papas in next in Oxford and they were so helpful. John Lewis were useless.

@Sophie ooo interesting re JL, thanks for the heads up!

We went to JL in Horsham and they were good with the buggies but we didn't have an appointment so we didn't have much time. We're going to pick up the buggy tomorrow (you also get a discount if you do have an appointment which is why we booked one haha)

I did both lol I found the JL one to be far better because they had test babies and you could check what it was like to have a baby in a car seat, how it did up, they even took the one we liked to our car to see if it fitted and how to secure it. We also got to test drive all the buggies around the store and they encouraged me to put my bags and stuff in them to see what it would actually feel like using it day to day. Also showing me how to fold/unfold was invaluable as the buggy I originally liked, I hated how it folded it was so clunky so that was valuable to have been given that opportunity before spending £££ on it. I think it was 2.5-3hrs we spent at the nursery appointment with JL and never once felt rushed or pushed to buy anything. The lady who helped us even advised against some things we were gonna get as she was explaining that they were more gimmicky and not items which were necessary for new parents.

We went to Mamas and Papas and just turned up and they spoke to use and showed us round different makes/packages etc for about 45 mins then stayed with us whilst we went back round and looked x

I went to M&P! For everything and they were really helpful! If you do book an order through, you then can get a voucher. I spent £1000 in 2 separate transactions and I got x2 £100 vouchers to use. Idk what JL does but with M&P you can put a deposit down and then you have up until 10 days before your selected delivery date to pay the remaining balance x

We did both appointments too. John Lewis was so rushed, so busy and really gave us the hard sell. There were so many people trying and they lock them to the stands so it felt like a big ask when wanted to look at them again/compare them. Mamas and papas was so nice, so much space on the floor and so much time - folded down every one several times and could go and try them in the boot of our car. We went to John Lewis first and they had limited colours on the one we went for, that’s we went to mamas and papas but so glad we did. Tried everything again. Not sure how it works at John Lewis but at mamas and papas we put our order in with out paying anything and then had a week or two to pay the balance whilst we decided. You can also pick any delivery date and we picked one 6 weeks away ( so we can get the house sorted before it comes). Was so impressed and wished I’d not bothered with JL.

We have a bugaboo fox 5 and also a mamas and papas ocarro- absolutely cannot stand the ocarro in comparison! Yes the fox5 is bulkier however it is just amazing x

Mamas and papas will also price match if you go online and find another store that has it cheaper. I got several hundred knocked off my fox 5 as I asked and they price matched and then because I spent £2 over £1000 I got £100 gift card too. Shop about with prams though and dont just decide by what your friend says. I've got a fox 5 but everyone has their own preferences and budgets.

FYI both are pretty expensive even with the voucher. I used their knowledge and testing stuff in store to decide what I wanted and then shopped round for the best deal online and saved a fortune! Think it was like £1400 for the bundle at M&P and I paid £900

I agree with Neena, we lovedddd JL. Found it SO helpful. Also they price match & you get 15% off everything if you spent over £1000! (We did this as we are having twins)

We had no help in either of them. Which is a shame as JL used to be the best place to go. In the end we found an independent family run place they had a wider choice than both JL & MP as they dont have contracts with just a few bigger expensive companies they go out test and choose what they feel is right. They were so welcoming and friendly listened to what we needed and made recommendations. No time limit and we could test out every aspect of each one to narrow down our choice. If you can find one then that would be best.