I have been talking to friends and reading Baby Bargains and both recommend going with an infant carrier and then registering for one of the basic snap and go strollers rather than doing the big travel system because the strollers that come with most of those are low quality. I am very active so they also recommend getting a jogging or all terrain stroller and then one of the cheaper umbrella strollers for when the baby outgrows the carrier.
Anyone out there have suggestions/recommendations?
Re: Stroller Advice
I really dislike strollers. We rarely use them - only if we're talking a long walk around the neighborhood and then I like to use the jogging stroller because it's so easy to push. The travel systems that have the infant seat attach are junk (at least my Evenflo was). Don't waste your money on one of those.
I keep an umbrella stroller in my trunk and use that if we're out in public and DD needs to sit. But for the most part I just wear my babies. It's easier and keeps my hands free.
I would definitely avoid travel systems as the strollers are usually bulky and don't push nicely. I think the suggestions your friends had were great.
I have a Phil and Ted's, which is basically an all terrain/jogging stroller and has an optional extra second seat you can pop on for a second kid (we were in Manhattan, so it was great for bringing DD1 and my neighbor to the playground before they could both walk then later for my two kids). I absolutely love it. You can buy carseat adapters to use it with a carseat (and then skip the snap n go), although it also lays flat so a newborn can use it without the carseat (my kids hated the infant seat, so we never used it outside the car really). There are other seats with the optional second seat out now that are also supposed to be great.
As far as umbrella strollers, it depends on how much you want to spend. MacLaren strollers are fantastic, but pricey. Chicco ones are cheaper and still great. I personally have worn out 2 cheapie umbrellas, so still cheaper than getting an expensive one and works for me.
If you want something akin to an umbrella as far as being lightweight and easy to toss in the trunk and you envision using the infant seat as a carrier then a snap n go is great. I never had one but know a lot of people who love them.
I didn't use strollers a ton when my kids were little, but I have large kids who got to heavy for me to comfortably wear in a sling/wrap much earlier than other kids (maybe I'm just a weakling too) so a good stroller is definitely a lifeline for me for the first 2-2.5 years.
I would test whatever you try before you buy it. I HATED the Snap n Go but I am also a taller person so the handles were just to low for me to use it comfortably.
I LOVED my Chicco travel system and used the stroller for it for almost 25 months. I only changed to an umbrella stroller because I found a great deal on a Maclaren at a yard sale.
This pretty much exactly! I would definitely test drive and make sure you know what's going to work in your car(s). A lot of people like the Snap n Go's, but a lot of people don't. We have the Chicco travel system and love it.
We also went with a Macalaren umbrella stroller and love that as well.
DS1: Quinn - 10.22.10 and DS2: Cole - 01.18.13
https://www.target.com/p/eddie-bauer-trail-hiker-3-wheel-travel-system/-/A-14049995#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=eddie bauer trail hiker
This is the jogging travel system we purchased. It's only $250, and Eddie Bauer makes quality stuff. We love it and can't wait to use it!!
Freya Lillian - 11/15/15