I'm going to be annoying and give advice about strollers

harborview · March 2010

I'm just looking out for you here, sorry I know it's obnoxious. Everyone I know that bought a travel system, ended up getting rid of it. They are big, and heavy, and hard to maneuver. I highly recommend getting a stroller with one big bicycle-like tire in the front. Those aren't just for joggers. It is a world of difference. Like pushing a bicycle or pushing a wagon. You can buy adapters for these kind of strollers that snap your car seat right onto the stroller, thus making it a travel system. For instance, my Phil and Ted's sport comes with a car seat adapter specifically for a Graco Snugride, but you can get one for other infant seats as well. I don't jog, but I go for long walks on roads without sidewalks, to the mall a lot, and to the beach, all with the same stroller. Okay I'm done!

AliciaCM · March 2010

thanks! now can you please rec. a good stroller for an infant? We will not have a infant carrier carseat but instead one of the convertible ones. We need something lightweight as my husband is handicapped.

mopsie · March 2010

DH and I tested out the Chicco Cortina travel system at BRU and we were actually surprised that it wasn't as heavy as we thought it would be. We're sticking with it, but thanks for the advice anyway!

AML84 · March 2010

I don't know why people might be annoyed at advice I know nothing about yet! Thanks!

MNgirl326 · March 2010

Yeah, thats what I wanted, but DH wanted to get the travel system. He feels it is a better deal. We will see if we even get one as a gift, and if we don't, I will go out and buy the one the I want.

THanks for the info!

KellyG6279 · March 2010

I agree somewhat. I'm anti travel system as well - I think it's a big conspiracy to get new parents convinced that they HAVE to buy one. Explore all your options - you do NOT have to have a travel system. There are many great strollers out there with adapters for infant car seats that will serve you much better after your LO is no longer in the infant seat.

We used a Bumbleride Flyer with our infant seat, there are also many other strollers out there with adapter kits for your car seat. Other great options are the Snap n Go or the Maclaren Easy Traveler - and then using something else more practical later on.

harborview · March 2010

Alicia there are so many in different price ranges. Go get the Baby Bargains book. They have a chapter that reviews strollers and goes into how heavy they are, etc. and rates them in different price ranges. A stroller that is good for an infant will be good for a toddler as well. You don't really need a special kind for an infant. The only thing to consider I suppose is that umbrella strollers don't always recline all the way back for an infant, and those are the lightest strollers of all.

June2007 · March 2010

I disagree, sorry! I had an awesome travel system w dd that was shaped like a jogging stroller (3 wheels) but w/o the huge wheel in front. I liked it bc it was light and easy to manuvre but it was a PITA to get through stores bc the back wheels were so wide. I did sell it on craigslist but only bc we need a double stroller now.

AliciaCM · March 2010

harborview:
Alicia there are so many in different price ranges. Go get the Baby Bargains book. They have a chapter that reviews strollers and goes into how heavy they are, etc. and rates them in different price ranges. A stroller that is good for an infant will be good for a toddler as well. You don't really need a special kind for an infant. The only thing to consider I suppose is that umbrella strollers don't always recline all the way back for an infant, and those are the lightest strollers of all.

thanks, i've read parts of the book before, I will have to go track a copy down and look at strollers...

macaroni1979 · March 2010

mopsie:
DH and I tested out the Chicco Cortina travel system at BRU and we were actually surprised that it wasn't as heavy as we thought it would be. We're sticking with it, but thanks for the advice anyway!

we have the cortina and loved it! it is not too heavy and i can fold it down with one hand. i still use it when we go to the mall, as the basket is bigger than on my maclaren. so, good choice!

The Housewife · March 2010

I agree! We used one of those stroller frames things for the infant carseat and didn't buy an actual stroller until DS was like 6 months old and had out grown his infant seat. Mine is 3 wheels (kolcraft contours - comes with carseat adapter for anyone interested) and I love it!! It works at the mall, sidewalks, sand, gravel.

MrsBalletStar05 · March 2010

I liked my travel system pretty well with DS#1. The only reason we got a new one was that the first one was a hand-me-down (no problem with that) and then the cats peed all over it when we stopped using it and I couldn't ever get the stain/stink out (now THAT'S a problem).

The infant seat was nice to carry around, and nice that anyone could pick DS up from daycare (me, DH or my BIL). We used the stroller maybe 2-4 times a month, not very much - but it was handy. It stayed in the trunk of my car, was easy to open up and easy to pop that infant seat into. I dunno. Worked ok for us I guess.

allyandpat2010 · March 2010

macaroni1979:

mopsie:
DH and I tested out the Chicco Cortina travel system at BRU and we were actually surprised that it wasn't as heavy as we thought it would be. We're sticking with it, but thanks for the advice anyway!

we have the cortina and loved it! it is not too heavy and i can fold it down with one hand. i still use it when we go to the mall, as the basket is bigger than on my maclaren. so, good choice!

This is what we have as well. I really like it.

meplusone · March 2010

I totally agree!

I have a 17 month old DD and we used the snap n go for 6 months and then the Phil and Ted.

I really recommend using the snap n go and then buying the stroller after the baby arrives and you know your needs better.

I use my Phil and Ted for beach, neighborhood walks....and now I also have an umbrella stroller which stays in the car for quick errands.

If you are going to do a lot of outside walking, most travel systems are not good for sidewalks, beach, city streets.

MoniqueJW · March 2010

glad to hear cause that's what we bought:) I didn't want a travel system cause I think the carseat will be to heavy & hard to put in & out of the car

but I did get a stroller that converts into a bassinet for when baby is little (mountain buggy)

Abc15379 · March 2010

It's not annoying, just odd that you are so against travel systems when you don't have one yourself. Strollers, like anything else, aren't going to be the same for everyone. Everyone I know who has a travel system loves it, and I can't wait to get mine. I have lifted them, and I guess I'm SuperWoman, cause they don't seem heavy to me. For me, they are most convenient, and economical. I especially love that the Snugride has an optional swing frame that turns your carseat into a swing. Can't really beat that convenience.

vansgirl68 · March 2010

mopsie:
DH and I tested out the Chicco Cortina travel system at BRU and we were actually surprised that it wasn't as heavy as we thought it would be. We're sticking with it, but thanks for the advice anyway!

We're picking this one up tomorrow!

hiskitten · March 2010

allyandpat2010:
macaroni1979:

mopsie:
DH and I tested out the Chicco Cortina travel system at BRU and we were actually surprised that it wasn't as heavy as we thought it would be. We're sticking with it, but thanks for the advice anyway!

we have the cortina and loved it! it is not too heavy and i can fold it down with one hand. i still use it when we go to the mall, as the basket is bigger than on my maclaren. so, good choice!

This is what we have as well. I really like it.

I totally understand people not liking the bulky travel systems, but we have the Cortina & its been awesome. We still use it with DS (3) when we're doing a lot of walking (zoo, etc) & its probably been one of my favorite baby items!

harborview · March 2010

Abc15379:
It's not annoying, just odd that you are so against travel systems when you don't have one yourself. Strollers, like anything else, aren't going to be the same for everyone. Everyone I know who has a travel system loves it, and I can't wait to get mine. I have lifted them, and I guess I'm SuperWoman, cause they don't seem heavy to me. For me, they are most convenient, and economical. I especially love that the Snugride has an optional swing frame that turns your carseat into a swing. Can't really beat that convenience.

I'm glad you like it, to each his own! I didn't get one because it didn't make sense to me, after hearing about my friends' experiences and trying them out/comparing in the store. I don't think I understand your point about the swing. I own a Graco Snugride Car Seat. I can use it with my Phil and Ted's stroller, and if I wanted to turn the seat into a swing, I could just buy the frame

https://www.amazon.com/Graco-SnugGlider-Swing-SnugRide-Infant/dp/B000M4K4BY

right? Why would I need the travel system? Are you saying the frame comes free with the travel system?

MoniqueJW · March 2010

just an FYI - mountain buggy (who is now owned by phil & teds) also has a frame that can be converted for use as a travel system

Abc15379 · March 2010

Sorry, let me clarify. Your OP was pretty anti-travel system. The carseat is part of the 'system'. I figured if you were suggesting people get a different stroller, you were voting against the carseat as well. I would hope that for 400 and up, the stroller you are suggesting would include a carseat, but unless I'm missing it, it doesn't look like it does. You can't quite beat the travel system's price compared to other strollers( when you are talking about the WHOLE system).

harborview · March 2010

You are right! The travel system is cheaper than buying your car seat and stroller separately, but for me it would be a bad buy because the stroller wouldn't have met my needs. Sometimes a bargain turns out to be a burden. Again, I'm glad you are happy with your choice!

StephieLM · March 2010

Great advice! Thank you!

mrsjenni · March 2010

allyandpat2010:
macaroni1979:

mopsie:
DH and I tested out the Chicco Cortina travel system at BRU and we were actually surprised that it wasn't as heavy as we thought it would be. We're sticking with it, but thanks for the advice anyway!
we have the cortina and loved it! it is not too heavy and i can fold it down with one hand. i still use it when we go to the mall, as the basket is bigger than on my maclaren. so, good choice!
This is what we have as well. I really like it.

Us too. I did love it, but we didn't use it very long. Maybe 5 months? Then we bought our Maclaren Triupmh and absolutely love that.

I actually hate strollers with the big wheel in the front. For jogging or for anything (especially shopping!) When selecting a double stroller, this is one thing that I had to make sure our stroller did NOT have. We're going with a Baby Jogger City Mini... perfect

KellyD01 · March 2010

It's not annoying! Everyone should feel free to share their experiences. That said I have a Graco Travel System and I LOVE it!!!!! Love the Snugride 32 that comes w/ it, love the ease of pushing the stroller w/ all the great storage! That thing turns on a DIME! I can manouver it through a door way one handed!!!! I truly think it's the best gift I ever got!

Pumpkin&Roo · March 2010

I'm going to replace the stroller from the travel system we bought for DD - primarily because I feel that it's really showing wear. I will not buy another travel system because I can still use the infant carrier from travel system #1. I think pattern and durability are going to be my most important criteria with whatever stroller we get now.

msditz00 · March 2010

Just my experience, but the travel systems don't SEEM heavy...until you are actually trying to get them out of the car while dealing with a fussy infant in the rain. Then they seem like a bag of boulders!

I have watched all of my nieces and nephews since they were quite young (13 days and up), and they all had different travel systems. I disliked them. Then finally one nephew had the snap and go frame - it was MUCH more convenient. So much lighter and easier to get in and out of the car!

Everyone is going to have different experiences. If you have actually used a travel system at least a few times, by yourself, while taking care of an infant, then you can really get a sense if it works for you or not.

BRU should really have an area of the store where you borrow a kid and they have a car set up so you can figure out how easy it is to get whatever it is you're buying in and out a few times!

shipoopiisforme · March 2010

i agree with op, i much rather spend a bit more on a stroller i can use from newborn for as long as we need a stroller.

i am planning on getting the baby jogger city select that i can use with our carseats, bassinets or full sized seats.

amygauntt@windstream.net · March 2010

We loved our travel system, I didn't think it was bulky or heavy at all.

And I'm confused by people saying it's not useful for very long. We still used it at almost 2 for places like zoo, aquarium, long shopping trips. DD loved it & so did we.

SeptGirl05 · March 2010

I have the Graco Deco travelsystem and have used it with the infant seat when DD was an infant and she still uses it now as a toddler - I've never had to buy another stroller. We go everywhere with it (mall, walking around town) and it's not burdensome for us (I also have an SUV so storage space in the car isn't an issue).

sopranole · March 2010

We didn't get a "travel system" per say. We bought the Graco Quatro Tour in Devon and the matching Snugride infant carrier. I LOVE this stroller. It was a little lighter than the similar travel system. But I wouldn't rule travle systems out all together. But def. get an umbrella stroller, too, for when they get older and you want something smaller.

Mizz&Shizz · March 2010

harborview:

I'm just looking out for you here, sorry I know it's obnoxious. Everyone I know that bought a travel system, ended up getting rid of it. They are big, and heavy, and hard to maneuver. I highly recommend getting a stroller with one big bicycle-like tire in the front. Those aren't just for joggers. It is a world of difference. Like pushing a bicycle or pushing a wagon. You can buy adapters for these kind of strollers that snap your car seat right onto the stroller, thus making it a travel system. For instance, my Phil and Ted's sport comes with a car seat adapter specifically for a Graco Snugride, but you can get one for other infant seats as well. I don't jog, but I go for long walks on roads without sidewalks, to the mall a lot, and to the beach, all with the same stroller. Okay I'm done!

I don't even have kids and these were the thoughts I had already Smile

I also have an obscene fear/anxiety over massive baby paraphenalia. I was actually in a restaurant once and got a little too antsy because I was surrounded by massive baby strollers. They drive me nuts!

MrsBalletStar05 · March 2010

amynjay:
We loved our travel system, I didn't think it was bulky or heavy at all.
And I'm confused by people saying it's not useful for very long. We still used it at almost 2 for places like zoo, aquarium, long shopping trips. DD loved it & so did we.

I don't get it either. I mean, once they grow out of the car seat - they can still use the stroller the other way. And it was SUPER handy for when DS wanted to lay back and take a little nap, plus there were places for snacks too, and the little basket underneath for your diaper bag or purchases.

I guess most people who want something "lighter" keep mentioning going to the beach or jogging. I don't do either (we don't have a beach!!!) . I never found the stroller to be heavy or big or awkward either though.....just fits in the trunk, pops open, click the kid in and there you go :-)

BlondeBeachBride08 · March 2010

The decision not to get a travel system was easy for me. I live in the city and I've used plastic wheeled strollers on city sidewalks and it was not pretty. The baby was pretty much vibrating because the plastic wheels don't absorb the shock of the sidewalks.

So, it's inflatable tires for me all the way. We'll be getting a stroller, a separate car seat, and an attachment to attach the car seat to the stroller for outings.

One word about the Graco swing that you can hook your car seat into. I don't think most people realize that it's not recommended to keep your child in a car seat when they are not being transported from one place to another. It's not good for the development of their heads (flathead) and it's been shown that infants don't get the optimal amount of oxygen there either. (flat on the back is best for oxygen).

The idea of leaving your baby in the car seat and snapping it on to a swing seems very wrong to me. Let the kid out of the car seat!

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