I am a clueless FTM. When shopping for a stroller, do you think I should shop for a car seat that snaps into the stroller? I like the Graco Snug Ride 35 car seat, but this limits the strollers that fit with it. I really want a jogger stroller. This option at target (the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger) has both, but I'm not sure if I should just get the snug ride car seat and a totally separate brand for a jogger stroller. Any feedback?
Re: Do I need a matching car seat/stroller?
Do you need one? No. After hearing so much negative feedback about travel systems, and wanting a lightweight, good quality stroller that I can easily throw in the back of my tall SUV, we decided not to get a set like that. We purchased a City Mini (which I love so much, I push it around my house all the time), and will be purchasing a Chicco Keyfit 30 and Snap-n-go for when she's little.
ETA: The Snugride 35 will fit almost any stroller. Some will need adapter bars, but it is one of the most universal carseats out there.
Most of the joggers have attachments for infant seats, but i dont think you arent supposed to jog with the infant seat attached. I feel like the Graco's are much more universal than the Chicco (I have a Chicco)
I would find the stroller you like and think you'll get the most use out of. Then get the infant seat you like the best. If for some reason your jogger and infant seat dont mesh, you could just get a Snap N Go for while the baby is still in the infant seat.
I decided against a travel system as well. I really wanted a BOB jogger and I use that as my one and only stroller. I have the Graco Snugride 35 and purchased the adapter bar to be able to use the 2 together.
I love the smoothness and ease of maneuverability that the jogger gives me. I have used my friend's stroller (that was part of a travel system), and while it wasn't horrible, it was definitely more annoying to get around. I don't regret not having a traditional stroller.
We had the same infant seat & the city mini in green/grey and loved both. We switched DD to a convertible seat around 5 months so definitely pick a stroller you love & will be happy using for much longer.
And like another pp said, the matching travel systems are big & bulky. So many people I know wish they hadn't gotten them!