travel system or separate pieces?
I am a 1st time mom, so I want to be sure that anything I choose is absolutely safe and easy to use. My husband and I have a small car (Mitsubishi Mirage, 4 door, yr 2000…) We do not have the money to get a new car, so I need to figure out what is the best option for us as far as car seats and strollers are concerned. Obviously, the main priority is the safety of our baby (due June 20th.) However, I would like to find something that will fit well in my car, and…OK…a little stylish =p We are having a boy, so I don’t know if that narrows down the choices at all.
I have heard mixed reviews about travel systems, which was my initial choice…in fact, I found two I really like, and both from Graco. So, I need some experienced parents to give me some advice: travel system or separate pieces?? We are buying new so that is not a concern no matter what we choose. I just need someone who has been there to give me some input as to what would fit our family best.
Thank you for the help!! Can’t wait to see what everyone has to say ^^
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I would get the Travel System Combo, so you don’t have to buckle your child into his carseat each and everytime and take the chance of waking him up if he happens to fall asleep. Check out the CHICCO’s, they have them at babies-r-us, they are pretty amazing. they have a smaller size stroller and a bigger size stroller. I have one of each (full size and the smaller size). It’s nice because I just pull up on the car-seat out of the base in the back of my car and my childs seat snaps right into the carseat, or if I feel like it I can just put her in the shopping cart in the carseat:) then when it’s time to go she snaps right back in and we are on our way. If you have a seperate carseat to put your child in, then the one she is in when they ride in the car, that just takes up too much space. but check out the chiccos. they are #1 right now for safety and they hold your child up to 30 lbs where most are only 20-23.
Try a baby sling or Beco type carrier. I could not imagine using a stroller for everything…way too much hassle. Becos are ergonomic so you can carry a heavy large child without discomfort, they workup too 45lbs. The thought of going out and not touching my child until I get home (as with a travel system) except for a diaper change perhaps just disturbs me. I think contact and interaction is so important for a baby’s development.
When I wear her, we can go anywhere, the beach, hiking, a rough trail or a crowded store, we have been to concerts, the olympics, airports and grocery shopping all without any wrestling with a stroller, no trying to weave her through, no worrying if she is warm enough.
I guess they work for lots of moms though… just not me, we have to busy a lifestyle for the hassle I guess.
I don’t know what I would have done without my travel system. When your baby is sleeping and you are unable to take him/her out of the car seat, you set the car seat in the stroller and you’re on your way! If you bought them seperately not only would they be more expensive but they wouldn’t fit together.
The first travel system I got was too bulky and heavy. I have a Civic and the stroller fit diagonally in my trunk, leaving no room for much else! I ended up getting a smaller, more light weight system.