@jmvander my single is a City Mini and I LOVE it. It's super light weight and the back reclines all the way down so baby (toddler) can nap or you can change a diaper. My City Mini is the reason I got the City Select.
Also, baby wearing is the best. Baby loves it, I love it, strangers don't try to touch the baby (or in-laws, if that's a problem), and if you breast feed, it's easy to nurse while you're on the go. I've been known to throw on a nursing cover and wander around Target.
I was at Target and saw the Graco Dreamglider swing and I think we'll be getting it. We're getting the Arm's Reach 3-1 cosleep for our room but won't have an actual crib in the baby's room until they move over there...but I still want a place for them to sleep in their own room at naps and such. I think it'll work for that! It seems small enough to move through doorways to move from the living room to their bedroom.
@ruby696 +1 for baby wearing! I can’t wait to get out my ring slings and ssc’s for this little one!
We also have a city select and love it. My only problem with it: it’s a beast to fold! But we mostly use it for neighborhood walks and keep it in the garage ready to go.
*TW* Spoiler
Me: 33 DH:30 DD: Aug '16 10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero surgery 11/2/17 Twin A & B born 11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU Benched 6 months BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
@meatballs37 Yes! The City Select is a huge PIA to fold. I can fold the City Mini and throw it in my car one-handed.
I'm really short, so I always assumed the ring slings would have too much material for me. I use a k'tan for my newborns and then switched to an ergo. I'm thinking about getting a tula this time.
@ruby696 I always tuck the extra material from the ring sling through the rings and I’m tall. Also the extra material will be great to breastfeed while wearing. We also have two Tulas and a Lenny lamb. DD still likes to be worn at 2. But slinging is impossible with her.
I need to look up the city mini.
*TW* Spoiler
Me: 33 DH:30 DD: Aug '16 10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks. 10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero surgery 11/2/17 Twin A & B born 11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU Benched 6 months BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
Anybody have the bumble ride indie twin? I’m looking at that double stroller as the reviews are good but don’t know anyone who personally has one.
Also the dock a tot has been at Target clearance sections and tj maxx/Marshall’s for a lot cheaper. They are usually $129 so you can start frequenting those places to look.
@ruby696 I also nurse on the go in my carrier. I use my ergo and toss a cover over and carry on with whatever I was doing. When you have other kids runn ok ng around you can't just stop and nurse for 20 minutes.
Ladies, I'm totally lost about the infant car seat.
I'm primarily concerned with it fitting in my car.... I have a 2014 Jetta that is a manual transmission, and being 5'8", I have my seat back far enough that I worry about clearance in the seat behind me. Do any STM+ out there have a smallerish sedan? What infant seat did you use and did you like it?
Ladies, I'm totally lost about the infant car seat.
I'm primarily concerned with it fitting in my car.... I have a 2014 Jetta that is a manual transmission, and being 5'8", I have my seat back far enough that I worry about clearance in the seat behind me. Do any STM+ out there have a smallerish sedan? What infant seat did you use and did you like it?
We have a smallish sedan and used the chicco key fit 30 as the bucket seat and later graduated to the next fit. It's installed in the middle though.
@harrierwife the Infant bucket seat would have been hard to fit behind my seat but I ended up installing it on the passenger side. Yes the drivers side is technically a bit safer but it wouldn’t have been if my seat had been touching it or I didn’t have room to maneuver. You could look into starting with a convertible seat from the start. Sometimes I wish I had. Some of them are more compact front-back. Also I second the idea of the CSFTL Facebook group.
@harrierwife, we have the uppababy mesa (borrowed) that fit in our Honda Fit with a touch of room to spare for by 6' tall husband. It doesn't take too much front to back room and is narrow as well, so might be a good option. Expensive, but has a 9yr life span, so can easily be re-used for future kids. The one I have has been swapped back and forth b/w me and my cousins since 2013, spanning 5 (almost 6!) kiddos! The Chicco keyfit is another great option. I'm a little car seat obsessed and really like the CSFTL and Carseat Lady blogs. Car Seat detective also has options for car seats for specific vehicles that you may want to check out. You can also google smallest front to back footprint to get an idea as well.
Ladies, speaking of car seats, has anyone done 3 car seats without switching to a minivan? We will have 1 year of our lease left when baby arrives (have a Jeep Grand Cherokee), so will need to fit 3 across in the backseat. It's looking like the Diono Radian, Clek Fllo/Foonf are my main convertible options for extended rear facing, and either sticking with the uppababy bucket or investing in the chicco might be my main infant options. I'll probably switch my older one's forward facing car seat (Diono Ranier) to a Radian/Fllo for the slightly more narrow profile, buy a new radian/fllo for DS#2 who is still rear facing and I'd like to keep using my uppababy bucket because it's sooooo easy. Now, which seat to install each into? Has anyone successfully done this before that can give me some advice? My vision into spring is being 7-8 months pregnant, crazy sweaty with 5 car seats in front of buy buy baby, configuring and re-configuring for hours. I'll probably start having nightmares about this soon...
@gabadoo We are in the same situation - we even have the same car! Right now, we can fit two Britax Marathons on each side, and a Peg Perego in the middle. There was a little room between them, but not much. It would be easier to have the infant on one of the side seats, but I don't think it's as safe? And if the older kids are next to each other, I think the backs of their Britax's will touch. So I'm not sure what to do. But I really don't want to replace 4 carseats (MH has two in his truck too) and buy a new seat for the baby (the Peg expired this year, so we have to get a new one).
@gabadoo My cousin has a Jeep Grand Cherokee and three across the back. I think her set up is a rear facing Diono Radian behind the passenger, a forward facing Diono Radian in the middle, and a Chicco Keyfit 30 behind the driver.
@ruby696 and @srscott3, thanks for the input! Looks like it'll be easiest for me to get a 2nd Diono, try and see if the Ranier can fit side by side with the Radian that I currently have and work from there. I can always invest in a 2nd Radian if the fit is too tight, but if you were able to fit the britax seats on either side, the Dionos should work! I'd like the infant bucket on one side for easy snap in and out access; also, keeping forward facing in the middle sounds like the best bet, since it's the main one that I currently install with the seat belt.
Ladies, remember that the safest place for baby is in the center of the backseat. They should never go by the window......sorry, that was a little humor. I have so many kids they are all over the place in my car.
Anyways, I'm in the market for another bucket seat because mine is expiring. I plan to just get another one of the same brand because it is compatible with my strollers. I guess that is something to think about if you aren't getting a combo.
I have the graco ready2grow click to connect double stroller and the Jeep side by side double umbrella stroller. I can give pros and cons about both (and obviously some will be just the nature of a double stroller alone) but I will be looking for another heavy duty double stroller and buying the Jeep side by side umbrella stroller again.
Graco ready to grow double stroller Pros: - Car seat clicks in easy as can be. Straight from car base to stroller and back. Great for little and/or sleeping babies. - Single file so it’s skinnier and can navigate hallways and you don’t take up a whole sidewalk or aisle - Folds up pretty easy and saves space excellent storage (under-basket can easily hold a diaper bag or more, each seat has cup holder and trays for toys/bottles/snacks and one for mom to have a drink, keys, phone, etc. right in front of you) - the seats accommodate bigger kids. My older son and daughter are 42 and 47 lbs and easily fit in the front seat no problem -handles unever ground, bumps and even things like gravel and grass easily - has a stand option - five point harness
Cons: - heavy, can be harder to lift and store - it’s almost impossible to see the front seat if you have a car seat in the back seat. I have to periodically stretch or stop and double check to see the kid in the front seat - back seat always faces mom with or without using a car seat. Can be annoying when your kids get a little older and want to see and look out of the stroller. - turning is choppy and and backing up, the wheels can make it so you do like five little turns instead of one fluid turn
Jeep side by side double umbrella stroller Pros: - very light weight and easy to push on smooth surfaces - easy to fold and store - smooth ride and both children face forward - comfortable and easy to clean - Has storage but much less given it’s a double stroller but enough to bring snacks and essentials - 5 point harness
Cons: - no car seat option so your child have to be old enough to sit up - wide so it can be tough to navigate on skinny or crowded sidewalks/paths - does not handle rugged terrain well - does not provide much insulation or protection from the elements (sun, wind, etc.) more a mild or warm weather stroller - like most umbrella strollers not able to store big things like diaper bags
I think we may spring for something like the uppababy or similar this time around for the heavier duty double stroller. I haven’t yet done my research but I do want one that I can use my car seat for the baby.
Se also have the step 2 double wagon and if you aren’t going long distances the kids all love that one especially perfect for park or the stepsons little league games. No way to easily store or transport in the car though.
@Dcwtada thanks for the review! We used graco for DD and love our single stroller so I’ve been looking at the ready2grow. Question for you...with the stand option, which from pictures online I believe it is in the back, can your older child stand facing forward? I anticipate DD will stand more than sit so curious if she could face forward standing vs sitting looking backward from that “seat”
@nmbrcrnchr1 yes! If DD likes to stand both can face forward! Honestly it was perfect for me until my 1st son hit around 9 months. My daughter wasnt even two and couldn’t stand for long periods at all and was a tad unstable in that position. My youngest son has an airway defect so I don’t want him to have to stand, even though he is probably more than fine (just the worrywart in me). Honestly I keep it or get it again if I could have both sit and face forward
EDIT here is the picture of all the different positions. I will say it is pretty easy to configure it the way you want - you don’t need to add pieces or use tools once it’s together. Adjust seat backs and such is really it.
@Dcwtada thanks! I guess I didn’t look hard enough bc I couldn’t find a picture like that! That’s perfect. I think we will prob get that one. With DD going to be 3 1/2 next summer I don’t anticipate needing a double for too many things but I want one for sure!
We were just given an "extra" bassinet (a fellow pregnant friend was given one but already has the one she's going to use with her baby so she offered it to us). Score! I think. It's the Fisher Price Soothing Motions bassinet. Anyone have any experience with these? Worth hanging on to? Our bedroom right now isn't big enough to accommodate a crib unless I stick it in the closet (which seems less than ideal) so we were going to need a bassinet or small Pack and Play anyway, if we're still living here when Baby shows up (and if we have to move, we very well could end up in a smaller apartment vs the house we live in now). But no clue on whether it's worth it to use this vs getting a Pack and Play that Baby can get used to for a longer amount of time... thoughts from anyone who's done this before? (Not sure if this is a splurge, so to speak, but seemed like the most appropriate place so far to ask.)
@ki1244 I think a bassinet is a great thing for this early months, especially if you can fit it right next to your bed. A PNP is definitely more versatile so if keeping the bassinet will prevent you from getting a PNP then I’d get the PNP. I don’t know anything specifically about that bassinet but if it’s smaller it will likely be easier for those early days. Typically 2-3 months is when they stop being appropriate for a bassinet but it will depend on the size and weight limit of your specific kind.
Thanks @ShadeofGreen816! I don't think this would necessarily keep us from getting a PNP. Just probably would keep this in the bedroom and a PNP elsewhere, unless that's overkill on places for baby to sleep. The reviews on this particular bassinet seem decent, but if anyone had experience with it suggesting otherwise (or if having more than one place for Baby to sleep is a bad idea) I'm all ears.
@gabadoo I LOVE my clek. My daughter is 2y4m and is still easily rear facing and in the first position. The seat has two settings for rear facing so we have one more to go before we have to flip her around. She seems comfy, it’s nice looking. We have no complaints. I also got it for 40% off on amazon.
I’m hoping someone will have an answer because the internet is not helping much:
Our Maxi Cosi infant seat from DD expired. I’m not going to replace it with another Maxi Cosi because its HUGE and pushes the passenger seat up really far. A friend of mine got the Safety First OnBoard 35 and its super nice. I’ve been wanting to get one of those BUT I can’t for the life of me find a double stroller that is compatible with it. I *think* the BabyTrend one might be but I need someone to confirm this for me and its also not my first choice because its kind of bulky.
I was looking at the Britax B-Ready G3 stroller and the Britax B-Safe Ultra car seat. Apparently, the B-Ready is supposed to be nice because it can convert to a double stroller and it folds up nicely without deconstructing. We are most likely going to have two kids and we aren't planning on waiting a significant amount of time to try for #2. Does anyone have any experience with these products?
@Panaceia I'm also thinking of skipping the infant seat although DH isn't convinced. I really want yo baby wear but am having trouble finding a wrap. I really want the Moby but we live in Texas and the heat is no joke especially with LO being born in June! Honestly a wrap and a rock n play are the only things I thought of splurging besides the carseat!
Re: Baby Splurges
Also, baby wearing is the best. Baby loves it, I love it, strangers don't try to touch the baby (or in-laws, if that's a problem), and if you breast feed, it's easy to nurse while you're on the go. I've been known to throw on a nursing cover and wander around Target.
https://www.gracobaby.com/en-US/dreamglider-gliding-swing-sleeper-103656
We also have a city select and love it. My only problem with it: it’s a beast to fold! But we mostly use it for neighborhood walks and keep it in the garage ready to go.
DD: Aug '16
10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks.
10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero surgery
11/2/17 Twin A & B born
11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
Benched 6 months
BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO
BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
I'm really short, so I always assumed the ring slings would have too much material for me. I use a k'tan for my newborns and then switched to an ergo. I'm thinking about getting a tula this time.
I need to look up the city mini.
DD: Aug '16
10/2017: Twins confirmed with TTTS at 22 weeks.
10/10/17 Twin B passed after in utero surgery
11/2/17 Twin A & B born
11/26/17: Twin A passed after 24 days fighting in the NICU
Benched 6 months
BFP: 6/28/18 MC:7/16/18 BO
BFP: 10/2/18 EDD 6/15/18
Also the dock a tot has been at Target clearance sections and tj maxx/Marshall’s for a lot cheaper. They are usually $129 so you can start frequenting those places to look.
I'm primarily concerned with it fitting in my car.... I have a 2014 Jetta that is a manual transmission, and being 5'8", I have my seat back far enough that I worry about clearance in the seat behind me. Do any STM+ out there have a smallerish sedan? What infant seat did you use and did you like it?
Also I second the idea of the CSFTL Facebook group.
Ladies, speaking of car seats, has anyone done 3 car seats without switching to a minivan? We will have 1 year of our lease left when baby arrives (have a Jeep Grand Cherokee), so will need to fit 3 across in the backseat. It's looking like the Diono Radian, Clek Fllo/Foonf are my main convertible options for extended rear facing, and either sticking with the uppababy bucket or investing in the chicco might be my main infant options. I'll probably switch my older one's forward facing car seat (Diono Ranier) to a Radian/Fllo for the slightly more narrow profile, buy a new radian/fllo for DS#2 who is still rear facing and I'd like to keep using my uppababy bucket because it's sooooo easy. Now, which seat to install each into? Has anyone successfully done this before that can give me some advice? My vision into spring is being 7-8 months pregnant, crazy sweaty with 5 car seats in front of buy buy baby, configuring and re-configuring for hours. I'll probably start having nightmares about this soon...
Anyways, I'm in the market for another bucket seat because mine is expiring. I plan to just get another one of the same brand because it is compatible with my strollers. I guess that is something to think about if you aren't getting a combo.
Graco ready to grow double stroller
Pros:
- Car seat clicks in easy as can be. Straight from car base to stroller and back. Great for little and/or sleeping babies.
- Single file so it’s skinnier and can navigate hallways and you don’t take up a whole sidewalk or aisle
- Folds up pretty easy and saves space
excellent storage (under-basket can easily hold a diaper bag or more, each seat has cup holder and trays for toys/bottles/snacks and one for mom to have a drink, keys, phone, etc. right in front of you)
- the seats accommodate bigger kids. My older son and daughter are 42 and 47 lbs and easily fit in the front seat no problem
-handles unever ground, bumps and even things like gravel and grass easily
- has a stand option
- five point harness
Cons:
- heavy, can be harder to lift and store
- it’s almost impossible to see the front seat if you have a car seat in the back seat. I have to periodically stretch or stop and double check to see the kid in the front seat
- back seat always faces mom with or without using a car seat. Can be annoying when your kids get a little older and want to see and look out of the stroller.
- turning is choppy and and backing up, the wheels can make it so you do like five little turns instead of one fluid turn
Jeep side by side double umbrella stroller
Pros:
- very light weight and easy to push on smooth surfaces
- easy to fold and store
- smooth ride and both children face forward
- comfortable and easy to clean
- Has storage but much less given it’s a double stroller but enough to bring snacks and essentials
- 5 point harness
Cons:
- no car seat option so your child have to be old enough to sit up
- wide so it can be tough to navigate on skinny or crowded sidewalks/paths
- does not handle rugged terrain well
- does not provide much insulation or protection from the elements (sun, wind, etc.) more a mild or warm weather stroller
- like most umbrella strollers not able to store big things like diaper bags
I think we may spring for something like the uppababy or similar this time around for the heavier duty double stroller. I haven’t yet done my research but I do want one that I can use my car seat for the baby.
Se also have the step 2 double wagon and if you aren’t going long distances the kids all love that one especially perfect for park or the stepsons little league games. No way to easily store or transport in the car though.
EDIT here is the picture of all the different positions. I will say it is pretty easy to configure it the way you want - you don’t need to add pieces or use tools once it’s together. Adjust seat backs and such is really it.
Our Maxi Cosi infant seat from DD expired. I’m not going to replace it with another Maxi Cosi because its HUGE and pushes the passenger seat up really far. A friend of mine got the Safety First OnBoard 35 and its super nice. I’ve been wanting to get one of those BUT I can’t for the life of me find a double stroller that is compatible with it. I *think* the BabyTrend one might be but I need someone to confirm this for me and its also not my first choice because its kind of bulky.