So lost on the car seat/stroller/travel system thing!

katierocks8884 · August 2010

Hi all! I don't post here much, but I am beginning my registry since we just found out we're team blue. As a first-time mom, I don't have any experience with the car seat/stroller/travel system thing.

I like the idea of a travel system and have looked at some Graco and Chicco Cortina ones. Anyone have any advice or experience? Recs? TIA!

--halo-- · August 2010

*sigh* Ditto. We've gone over and over and ooooover the whole car seat/stroller thing and are still torn between the Chicco Cortina system and the Keyfit-30 with a snap-n-go.

I hear that people hate the travel systems in general, BUT moms who bought the Chicco Cortina system really love them.

I put both options on our registry, and we'll see if we get either. If no one buys us the travel system we'll probably go with the Keyfit-30 and a snap-n-go style stroller - simply because I'm not sure I would use a full size stroller all that much.

That probably wasn't much help, but it was beneficial to me to list it out like that. lol Thanks!!

DaisyCakes18 · August 2010

We ended up registering for the Chicco Cortina travel system. I wasn't into the idea of a travel system at first, but it wasn't that much bigger than the other strollers I liked. I don't love the Chicco patterns but I liked the way the seat snapped into the stroller better than the way the Graco ones did. It seemed more secure for some reason (though they're both highly-rated, so I know the Graco ones are fine).

My suggestion is to go to the store and play around with them. I wanted to make sure I knew how to collapse them and put them back up. You may like some features better than others, too (like I liked the removable trays on the Chico - easier for cleaning...etc).

jessiesnwbrd · August 2010

I got the Graco Flip-It Travel System and I really like it...granted I haven't had a baby in it yet. I have had to move it around our house when we have been doing remodel stuff and it moves really well. A lot of tight squeezes. I'm happy with my purchase, so far. (and it's cute)

Mommysaurus123 · August 2010

My sister has a Safety 1st system for my nephew. It's so awesome, DH and I registered for one just like it!

EMOmamma · August 2010

Hi! I'm in Denver also and since I don't think we'll be doing a lot of walking outside for the first few months we decided not to get a travel system(especially if we get a winter like the one two years ago).

We got a Graco carseat and registered for the snap-n-go ($60) just to get us through the first couple months, then we received the MacLaren umbrella style (Triumph) for next summer. If we need/want something hefty after that I figure we can get it later.

tiffanyp · August 2010

A couple of my friends just bought joggers (they have 6+ month old babies), and they both told me that they wish they had gotten the jogger from the beginning along with the carseat adapter. They said the travel systems sucked and weren't worth it.

RSClementine · August 2010

Playing with them in the store helped alot. Right now I think I am going to do the Chicco infant carseat with a snap n go base, which is the same price as an adapter.

We are also going to get a Baby Jogger City Mini. They are so light and fold up incredibly easily. This will be our main stroller. My only hesitation is that the wheels aren't the big all terrain wheels. You have to get a slightly larger and heavier model for those. I am afraid I will regret not stepping up to the better model. The main reason I want the City Mini is that it is SO light and folds up so quickly. Once you see it in person, you'll be hooked.

I also registered for a cheapo umbrella stroller for travel. I would be upset if I gate checked the City Mini and it was ruined by the baggage handlers.

Chick7806 · August 2010

I'm getting the Chicco KeyFit and a snap 'n' go. I also registered for the Chicco Trevi lightweight stroller- for trips out and such. And if I want, the infant seat snaps into the Trevi, so I will I have a "homemade" travel system.

) GL deciding!

lulu8109 · August 2010

RSClementine:
Playing with them in the store helped alot. Right now I think I am going to do the Chicco infant carseat with a snap n go base, which is the same price as an adapter.
We are also going to get a Baby Jogger City Mini. They are so light and fold up incredibly easily. This will be our main stroller. My only hesitation is that the wheels aren't the big all terrain wheels. You have to get a slightly larger and heavier model for those. I am afraid I will regret not stepping up to the better model. The main reason I want the City Mini is that it is SO light and folds up so quickly. Once you see it in person, you'll be hooked.
I also registered for a cheapo umbrella stroller for travel. I would be upset if I gate checked the City Mini and it was ruined by the baggage handlers.

This is exactly what I'm doing. Chicco Keyfit infant seat + Snap N Go for the first few months and a BJ City Mini for later. I was going to get the adaptor to use the infant seat with the City Mini, but my cousin is giving me her Snap N Go.

I looove how light the City Mini is and how it folds SO easily. You literally pull on a strap and the thing folds up. And it's very easy to push.

I read a lot of posts about travel systems on the Nurseries & Baby Gear board and it seems like a lot of moms discourage them because they are so bulky.

CanMc · August 2010

I am not sure what to do either. I have not checked out the Cortina, but haven't liked the Graco strollers in the store that much. I did play with a Baby Jogger City Mini today and another stroller by Valco. Valco included the belly bar, car seat adapter, rain cover and boot, but I was very impresed by the BJCM's fold. It was less expensive, but if you did add the accessories it would add up. It reclines flat so you could use it for the baby on longer outings without the car seat although you'd need to buy an infant head support pillow. There are so many options out there. It's hard to decide!

LaLaaaa · August 2010

After a ton of research and a lot of playing with different stuff in the store we decided on the Graco Snugfit 35 and the Snugrider frame. It's much lighter than the travel system strollers. Then we registered for an umbrella stroller for when the baby grows out of the infant seat.

katierocks8884 · August 2010

Thank you all so much for the feedback. I think I'll hit up BRU and see what kind of stroller I like best and feels the easiest.

sickles06 · August 2010

This is my third baby and I did get a travel system for my first and realized it was so bulky and heavy. For my last I got the snap and go and then got one of the smaller toddler strollers (def not an umbrella stroller lol) for when the baby was out of the infant carseat. It does add an extra thing to your registry but i loved the snap and go and it was so easy to just snap the carseat right on there and didnt take up alot of room. Those strollers from the travel system weight a ton and if you have a car you pretty much cant put anything else in your trunk. Even in my truck it was just too much. They have better strollers that arent for the travel system and there really cute. Weigh both options. Good Luck!

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So lost on the car seat/stroller/travel system thing!

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