Travel System/Stroller. Which would you choose & why?

MrsSmith414 · May 2013

Subject: Travel System/Stroller. Which would you choose & why?

OK Mommies & Mommies to be.. which one would you choose and why??

Option 1: Graco FastAction Fold Jogger (Blue/Grey) Love that it has a huge storage bin and sun shade, plus folds with one hand and has a kick stand. I have heard that the rubber wheels are way better. It also already has the parent tray and kid tray built in. I love the style and color of it also. Plus the car seat is the lightest on the market. Cons is it is a larger heavier stroller.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkxXUYhwr7Q

Option 2: Britax B-Agile Stroller System. Love the ease of this stroller, it reclines so far and the sun shade is large, the easy fold and lightness of it is what is drawing me straight to it. I mean I folded this baby at the store a few times and could not believe just how easy it was! BUT The storage underneath is so small I don't even know if I would be able to fit a diaper bag and you have to purchase the parent/child trays separately. I also do not like the bulkiness of the infant car seat or the style. Just not what I would have chosen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t9Sa6eGwKU

Any thoughts or advice?

I am also thinking about purchasing the Graco set and then getting a used Britax or City Mini later just to have around. Is that crazy?

SuperTreesa · May 2013

My 2 cents: Make your own travel system.

Find the infant seat that you like the most and separately the stroller you like the best. You'll be happier in the end then trying to make yourself like an existing system if you aren't already in love. And truly, your baby will be able to use a stroller by roughly 4 months if not earlier.

With my first, I bought the graco snugride 32 and a city mini. I then just bought the car seat adaptor, so the stroller could accept the car seat. But because the city mini reclines so well, I only used the adaptor for the first 3 months.

Gwyneddlesliegrace · May 2013

I have had horrible experiences with graco strollers. Honestly I avoid buying graco at all costs. (And baby trend.)

I would go with the britax or buy something separate. Baby jogger is a great choice.

allymp13 · May 2013

I just went and looked at these yesterday and I am in the same exact boat as you!

I'm kind of leaning towards the Graco b/c I love the sturdiness of it, that it comes with the adult and child trays and the under carraige thing could hold a lot. What I did not like about was it felt super heavy to me!

Britax-Was so easy to get them car seat in an out, easy to fold and super light. I don't that you have to buy addtional accessories that I feel should come with, also felt the sun shade was kind of flimsy.

Well I probably didn't help at all haha!

MrsSmith414 · May 2013

allymp13:
I just went and looked at these yesterday and I am in the same exact boat as you!

I'm kind of leaning towards the Graco b/c I love the sturdiness of it, that it comes with the adult and child trays and the under carraige thing could hold a lot. What I did not like about was it felt super heavy to me!

Britax-Was so easy to get them car seat in an out, easy to fold and super light. I don't that you have to buy addtional accessories that I feel should come with, also felt the sun shade was kind of flimsy.

Well I probably didn't help at all haha!

YES This is like my exact internal battle! LOVE the graco but its heavy. Love the Britax but hate the car seat. Another option is the City mini but then you have to buy the parent/child trays and the car seat adapter separate I feel that is too expensive!

What I am thinking about now is getting the Graco car seat I love, and the click connect stroller (Frame that you put the car seat in) and then the city mini. But even that is crazy it seems.

This whole gear choosing is way harder than I thought!

AND Now I think I like the City Mini way better than the Britax lol

kelle017 · May 2013

I'd choose the britax because graco strollers are bulky.

I'm planning on skipping the travel system. I have a city mini I won and I'll either get the attachment for the car seat or just a snap and go.

For car seat I'm either going to get the graco click connect for the reason you stated (it's only 7 1/2lbs) or the chicco keyfit 22.

MrsSmith414 · May 2013

Does the city mini ever go on sale? Ever?

MrsSmith414 · May 2013

kelle017:
I'd choose the britax because graco strollers are bulky.
I'm planning on skipping the travel system. I have a city mini I won and I'll either get the attachment for the car seat or just a snap and go.
For car seat I'm either going to get the graco click connect for the reason you stated (it's only 7 1/2lbs) or the chicco keyfit 22.

See I love that car seat.. this is why I keep going back and forth. I just hate to purchase a car seat, stroller (city mini), car seat adaptor, parent tray, and kid tray. That adds up so quickly

klewis888 · May 2013

DH and I have been checking out the Graco one as well and we are almost certain we will be going with that one. It is a little bulky but we love the sturdiness and the features. The air filled rubber wheels and large storage bin is great. Both nice strollers, but we really like the Graco FastAction.

kelle017 · May 2013

MrsSmith414:
kelle017:
I'd choose the britax because graco strollers are bulky.
I'm planning on skipping the travel system. I have a city mini I won and I'll either get the attachment for the car seat or just a snap and go.
For car seat I'm either going to get the graco click connect for the reason you stated (it's only 7 1/2lbs) or the chicco keyfit 22.
See I love that car seat.. this is why I keep going back and forth. I just hate to purchase a car seat, stroller (city mini), car seat adaptor, parent tray, and kid tray. That adds up so quickly

Yeah, I might feel differently if my stroller hadn't been free. I do love the city mini though. I've used it when I was working as a nanny, and the only downside is a smaller basket underneath.

terpchristy · May 2013

SuperTreesa:
My 2 cents: Make your own travel system.Find the infant seat that you like the most and separately the stroller you like the best. You'll be happier in the end then trying to make yourself like an existing system if you aren't already in love. And truly, your baby will be able to use a stroller nbsp;by roughly 4 months if not earlier.nbsp;With my first, I bought the graco snugride 32 and a city mini. I then just bought the car seat adaptor, so the stroller could accept the car seat. But because the city mini reclines so well, I only used the adaptor for the first 3 months.nbsp;

That's what I'm doing. I have a keyfit car seat, city mini stroller, and the adaptor.

BSnipes35 · May 2013

Just my two cents, but I never used a travel system with DS. I hated the idea of him staying in a car seat for hours. He rides in the car in it, why should he have to be pushed in the stroller in it, too? I used a jogging stroller, which turns much easier than any of those four wheeled strollers. Everyone thought I was crazy for taking a sleeping baby out of a car seat to put him in a stroller or a sling. But it was never an issue. Those infant carriers are super heavy. Then you add a chunky baby to it...it was too much for me to carry.

Chrisanna0508 · May 2013

I will be going the make my own system as well. I know it is going to be a little more expensive, but I am ok with that. I am getting the Peg Perego car seat and a Phil and Teds stroller with an adapter to snap in the car seat. Like a PP said, Phil and Teds will lay flat as well and so that will be nice and we may not have to use the adapter for that long.

scamberlous3000 · May 2013

Have you read the reviews on Amazon for the strollers and travel systems you're considering? That's where you're going to get the best advice from hundreds of moms who either loved or hated them. Those reviews are what made me without a doubt choose the Britax over Chicco, but I'm still going to test in store too...just in case. I also agree with not buying a travel system too. From what I've read, the strollers that comes with those systems besides the Britax are waaaay too bulky and most people end up buying something lighter and simpler to use.

MySunshine213 · May 2013

The britax.. I just don't love graco, and have had great experiences with britax

norbert5 · May 2013

MrsSmith414:
Does the city mini ever go on sale? Ever?

You can find them discounted on amazon. If you don't care about color you could get an even better deal.

WhenInRome11 · May 2013

I'm planning on getting the City Versa and a Maxi Cosi Mico with a car seat adaptor. I like the reversible seat on the stroller and it had a really big basket for a baby jogger stroller. It also folds up very small which is great for my little Subaru.

I just have to do a double check on the car seat to make sure it will fit well in my car.

I work in a store that sells strollers and have tried lots of them. I really like the Versa.

The city mini is fantastic too though. I would be getting one if not for the reversible seat on the versa.

kimbo1216 · May 2013

Gwyneddlesliegrace:
I have had horrible experiences with graco strollers. Honestly I avoid buying graco at all costs.

Interesting. I've had nothing but positive experiences with Graco. We used the same Graco travel system for DD that my sister used for my niece. It was in great shape and I love how much the stroller held. If it weren't expired now, we probably would still be using it.

We also have a Graco MyRide 65 and I freaking love that thing. It's more affordable than britax and just as safe. Plus I love the built in cup holders.

This time, I found a britax bagile Tavel system on clearance at target. It was an online return and marked down by 120 dollars. It was in black, the color I wanted, and was one I was looking at so I just went for it.

OP, I honestly think you can't go wrong. Both are great systems.

beesquar3d · May 2013

scamberlous3000:
I also agree with not buying a travel system too. From what I've read, the strollers that comes with those systems besides the Britax are waaaay too bulky and most people end up buying something lighter and simpler to use.

I originally wanted the B agile system but after doing reading on the travel systems being bulky, we're doing a car seat and a snap and go frame.

MrsSmith414 · May 2013

Would it be crazy for me to get the Graco Click Connect car seat that I wanted, a snap and go, and then the city mini?

I don't want to pay $60 for the adapter when I can get the snap and go for the same price?

kelle017 · May 2013

MrsSmith414:
Would it be crazy for me to get the Graco Click Connect car seat that I wanted, a snap and go, and then the city mini?
I don't want to pay $60 for the adapter when I can get the snap and go for the same price?

I don't think so because that might be what we do as well.

The only question I have about the city mini adapter is how the stroller folds up when it is attached. If it doesn't affect the fold I'll get the adapter, but if it does I'll get the snap n go.

MrsSmith414 · May 2013

kelle017:
MrsSmith414:
Would it be crazy for me to get the Graco Click Connect car seat that I wanted, a snap and go, and then the city mini?
I don't want to pay $60 for the adapter when I can get the snap and go for the same price?
I don't think so because that might be what we do as well.
The only question I have about the city mini adapter is how the stroller folds up when it is attached. If it doesn't affect the fold I'll get the adapter, but if it does I'll get the snap n go.

That is a really good question, I see what you are saying if you must remove the adapter then fold.

Anyone know?

MrsSmith414 · May 2013

kelle017:
MrsSmith414:
Would it be crazy for me to get the Graco Click Connect car seat that I wanted, a snap and go, and then the city mini?
I don't want to pay $60 for the adapter when I can get the snap and go for the same price?
I don't think so because that might be what we do as well.
The only question I have about the city mini adapter is how the stroller folds up when it is attached. If it doesn't affect the fold I'll get the adapter, but if it does I'll get the snap n go.

That is a really good question, I see what you are saying if you must remove the adapter then fold.

Anyone know?

Firefly062 · May 2013

When we went to BBrU I hated all the travel systems that I originally thought were going to be so great. They were heavy and bulky and I couldn't picture myself being able to deal with them easily.

We're going to go with:
- registered for a Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant car seat with an extra base and bought a Snap & Go (found on Craigslist for $25..they are always on there it seems)

Then we're registering for/our inlaws offered to buy us a Baby Jogger City Mini.

Wino0920 · May 2013

I love my Chicco key fit travel system. The only con is it folds long ways.

My SIL had the Gracco and hated it because of the turning ability. I guess it wasn't easy to get around.

MrsShankly1012 · May 2013

MrsSmith414:
Would it be crazy for me to get the Graco Click Connect car seat that I wanted, a snap and go, and then the city mini?
I don't want to pay $60 for the adapter when I can get the snap and go for the same price?

Nope - that's what we did (except we got the Chicco Keyfit car seat and snap n go). I love the snap n go - it's really lightweight and the basket is huge. It really came in handy when we went to the grocery store when DS was small. I was sad to retire it when he outgrew his infant seat.

I have the City Mini GT and really like it. I noticed the difference in the wheels and the handlebar compared with the original City Mini (my sister has it and we just used it this past week while we were visiting). And as far as the parents console goes, I got this cheapy one and it works great:

https://www.amazon.com/Diono-Buggy-Buddy-Stroller-Organizer/dp/B005PK1G76/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1369513761&sr=1-2&keywords=sunshine+kids+parent+console

Good luck with your decision! The other nice thing about getting a car seat and snap n go is you can wait to get the stroller when your child is a little bigger, and you'll have a better idea of what your needs will be (i.e. does compactness and weight matter more than maneuverability)

StefMurph · May 2013

My husband and I are first timers. We went to bru without doing any research first. We tested folding ability, unlatching of carrier and maneuverability. We also spoke with a sales rep about what commonly goes wrong. Once he mentioned the plastic wheels are about 50 to replace vs 5 for the bicycle tires, it helped with our decision to go with the graco jogger. We also think it will work better in grass and dirt than the plastic wheels.

tbug082810 · May 2013

Baby Joggers are AMAZING! We sell them in our baby boutique. The original City mini is great, light weight and they all have the one pull fold which is the best feature of all. The City Mini GT has the rubber tires (great for trails, gravel roads, etc) and adjustable handle bars (great for tall partners). I highly suggest either of them. I am choosing not to get the infant seat adapter because in October in Iowa, its usually cold so I doubt I will be going on tons of walks outside. If I need to transport him around earlier, I will just put him in my Ergo.

I am not as familiar with Britax, but they have a great reputation, so I am sure you will be getting a great stroller with that too. Most travel systems are bulky and unnecessary, you're better off to spend a bit more on a quality stroller you can actually lift and won't be throwing across the parking lot if you can't fold it.

It's not often you will find Baby Joggers on sale because Baby Jogger regulates how much retailers can sell them for, but they sometimes offer sales. Good luck!

Aunt Edna · May 2013

quartermisses:
SuperTreesa:
My 2 cents: Make your own travel system.
I totally agree with this.

That said, of your two choices, I would go with the Britax. If you're up for suggestions and you like what you can go pick up in the store today, I would get the Britax B-Agile over the other because you can later make it a double if need be. I have a Mutsy 4Rider and love it, but I don't think any of the big stores carry it anymore (I got it from a boutique, but BRU used to carry it online). It is very similar to the B-Agile, but has bigger, all-terrain wheels and has a different double configuration. But I think it's also more expensive.

The B-Agile does not convert to a double, the B-Ready does. The B-Agile is pretty much the City Mini, just by a different company. Baby Jogger and Britax are actually involved in a patent infringement lawsuit because they are so similar. We have the Britax and really like it, minus the small basket.

sooner1981 · May 2013

We have loved our bready and bsafe carseat. We now have a britax advocate convertible seat for our daughter.

We are Britax all the way on strollers and carseats.

Philter14 · May 2013

scamberlous3000:
Those reviews are what made me without a doubt choose the Britax over Chicco, but I'm still going to test in store too...just in case.

DH and I were trying to decide between these two as well and were sold after we went to the store and tried out the Chico. I just liked the seat, it got GREAT reviews on both Amazon and Consumer Reports and I know a lot of people are anti-travel systems, but it worked for us.

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