If you sold your used Travel System how much did you charge?

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Mama <3

I am selling my Baby Trend Gabriella travel system. This thing was expensive! We bought it new and its in great condition but it is used. So we paid nearly $400 for the set! I was thinking $75? It this reasonable?

Thanks!
I must add its in perfect condition. I washed the pads and wiped it down. There isnt a mark or stain on it!

Answer
When selling my no longer wanted, used items. I tend to divide the new retail price in half, and then move it up or down according to condition.

$75 is a steal, but you don't want to go too much higher, as those looking for used, will buy a cheaper system brand new, rather than pay more for a pricier used model.

I'd probably list it around $125, as it's worth more than $75, but I'm just not certain you could get the full $200 for it, when you can buy a cheaper set up, brand new for under $200.

For how many years is a typical baby travel system safe?

Erika B

We have an almost 4 yr old and are due with our second child in 5 months. We have everything we need, but a friend warned me against using our carseat and stroller again, becuase it may be out of safety regulation being almost 4 yrs old. It's a Chicco KeyFit 30, and had great safety ratings when we purchased it. Any one know typically how many years a travel system is good for?

Answer
Most car seat brands are 6 years from the date of manufacture. The KeyFit 30 is still considered to be a great seat. Flip it over and look for a "do not use after" date stamped into the shell. Once you're sure it's not expired, use the model number off the seat to search for a recall- for any seat. For the KeyFit, Chicco has only had one recall since 2001 and I don't think your seat was produced between the dates for the recall, here it is http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childseat.cfm#mfg_anchor

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What's the best stroller? What do you think of prams?

baby travel systems bugaboo image

toma

Has anyone used an Everbright? It is a stroller that converts from pram-toddler stroller. I am thinking of ordering one, but not too sure about the quality. I am looking for a stroller that is affordable, under $200, and will last me a long time, one that a toddler can use too. Also, I am in Chicago, so I need something with nice big wheels and shocks. Any help would be great!!! Thanks!!!!!

Answer
I'm a stroller fanatic, and I'll admit I've splurged on my son's rides. (A Bugaboo Frog in '04; a Quinny Zapp in '05; and a humble, but functional Kolcraft umbrella in '07 - about $1500 total.)

Still, I don't think pricey necessarily is best. I think your best bet is always to think about your lifestyle, and how you'll get around with a baby on board.

Here are a few questions to ask:

1. Do you have to climb stairs? My sister's four-floor walk-up in Manhattan requires a very different stroller than my DC rowhome with a main level garage.

2. Do you ride mass transit? Buses present specific challenges; so do subway systems if there's no elevator service.

3. How much do you walk, and do you expect to grocery shop, etc., with your stroller? Remember that you may find yourself walking *more* post-baby because it's easier than hopping a bus OR just because babies need fresh air.

4. Do you use taxis or a car service? While most taxi drivers will turn a blind eye to a kiddo not in a car seat, in my experience, car services are sticklers. And with the laws changing all the time, what's true today might not be true in six months.

5. Do you drive? If you own a car, you need a car seat ... and that needs to factor into your decision, too.

What seems to be the most affordable course of action, especially for urban dwellers who still drive/take taxis/hop rides with Grandma from time-to-time is the following:

1. Buy an infant car seat - Graco's highly rated SnugRide retails for around $125, and the patterns are far more fashion-forward than ever before - I've included a link to their dashing Lotus colorway below.

2. Purchase a universal car seat frame. You clip the infant seat to the frame and go. New they retail for about $50 or $60; they also pop up on Craig's List and at baby consignment boutiques pretty steadily.

Combined, a frame weigh about 12 pounds, and a seat about 8 - so you have a 20 pound stroller. This is comparable to my Bugaboo Frog. So if you do have to lift your child while in the stroller (you'll discover lots of steps once you're a mum), it's not impossible.

Some of the Everbright models weigh almost twice that, and I can't imagine being able to lift a 35 pound stroller *plus* a 20 pound tot *plus* my diaper bag up and down those tricky spots.

3. When your kiddo is bigger - more than six months, but almost certainly before a year - buy a lightweight umbrella stroller. Even a Maclaren, which is the gold standard for umbrellas, retails their lightweight Volo for around $100, and my little Kolcraft cost all of $20. (Again, there's a link below.)

If you buy all three items new at full price, I guess you would spend about $250. (Though you wouldn't be buying the umbrella for at least a few months.) If you get the frame second-hand and shop the sales, I think you could do this for less than $200 easily.

Though, of course, you'll eventually need a toddler car seat ... but that would be an issue - and another $100 and up - in any case.

Now if you walk many miles, travel by car rarely and can rely on elevators for mass transit, then you have a different scenario. That's our life, and it's why we went with the Bugaboo Frog. A heavier stroller holds stuff - I've walked two gallons of paint back from Home Depot on my frog, and more groceries and library books than I care to remember.

In that case, the Everbright might be a good choice. It's certainly sharp looking. I haven't test driven one, but some product reviews mention that it doesn't corner well - that's often true of heavier strollers. Heavy cars, too - they're not built to be nimble.

As for the pram function, I quite liked it, but I didn't find it essential. In fact, a true pram isn't great in the city, because in some models, infants aren't restrained when they lie flat. This can lead to jostling. On the other hand, it's great to not have to put those little limbs into a five-point harness because it's a bit like strapping in a bag of flour and doesn't seem all that comfy. On balance, I liked my pram function, but mostly for strolls in the park. It wasn't practical. What was nice was that a true bassinet can be used for baby's naps - which is how we got the most mileage out of our Bugaboo in our son's first months.

What IS important if you want to buy just one stroller is that the seat fully recline so it is safe for a newborn. Even those that are safe for newborns, however, often leave the little darlings looking rather lost and floppy, so you might also buy a liner, like the Snuzzler (link below) for about $20.

In addition to the Everbright, you might want to look at strollers by Zooper. They intro a new color line every model year, so you can get good deals on their 2007 models right now. Most of their models are over the $200 mark, but a few are at or under your target.

My other hesitation with Everbright is that it's tricky to find replacement parts for some strollers. I'd check into the company before purchasing. The powerhouse Graco, of course, makes getting parts relatively easy, as do some of the higher end companies. But even Maclaren has been slagged for worries with their wheels and a limited number of service centers in the Midwest. (Though I'd guess Chicago has one.)

As for the big wheel issue, they are nice. But it's something of a toss-up. Our Quinny Zapp, bought for travel, does just fine on rough sidewalks because, despite its bitsy wheels, it is lightweight and very, very easy to steer. The Kolcraft is the pits, but then, I bought it for visiting my sister in her (ahem) penthouse and riding the NYC elevator-free subway system. It's worth sacrificing heavy duty wheels for something that won't break my back, or leave me without a hand for my toddler.

So ... it depends. But I'm not sold on the Everbright, though it is a very handsome pushchair.

What pushchair to go for?

Lovestruck

I'm 19 weeks pregnant and were looking to go pram shopping over Christmas as there might be sales on. I'm looking at the bugaboo chameleon and the silver cross surf. My bf and me are willing to pay for the chameleon but we want it to last a few years. Our other option is to buy the surf a lot cheaper and buy another pushchair in a year or two. How long did you use your chameleon for? It is the travel system that appeals to both of us.

Answer
my daughter had 6 strollers in her 4 years of life,lol

ok 1st one she had travel sistem,i hated because it wasn't nice,all mothers around seems to me they have same and was so bored.Also when my daughter was 14 months it was hard for me to push her in so i sold travel sistem then i got for heumbrellala stroller for $30
Couple months later i hate it,it was very bad for me to push her and was small for her
So then i got for her cheaper umbrella -$20 and so she use it for a year.
When she was around 3 ,umbrella was so dirty and could notot wash it so i trow it in the garbage.
My daughter was seems not good walker and she loved just sit in the stroller so i got her new umbrella but few months later it broke.
6 months b4 her 4tbirthdayay i got for her PERAL stroller for kids from birth to 5 years old.I got this one,because we planning to have baby#2 and so this one will last for 4-5 years and it was on sale so was cheaper than even we were ready to put on
I just want to add also that my daughter hd also huge stroller at home special for rocking her and for naps (shcouldn'tnt sleep without it and was g8 for 3 years )

If u r looking for good stroller,choose the one which will hold your child not for 1 year but for atleast 4

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A really great stroller travel system for 400-500$ plz?

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Omar

My sis is 4 months pregnant . And I want to get her a nice travel system around 400-500$ plz give me names and your takes on it.. I wanted to get a bugaboo or uppa but omg the price was like 1000 and the orbit :/

Answer
My recommendation? Talk to her about what car seat she wants for the baby. Keep in mind that babies outgrow newborn infant seats. Talk to her about what she wants in a stroller. Keep in mind that a newborn needs to lay flat (not in the car seat) and personal needs (like big wheels are better for sand and off-roading, small wheels are better in malls and stores, is she riding in taxis or buses or what?) Then decide whether to get her a car seat OR a stroller. If you know she's getting a specific car seat you can get a stroller that will accommodate it if you want to. Or if she really wants a nice stroller, you can get a seat that will accompany it.

The fact is, you can find most strollers on Craigslist or your local ebay from parents who have outgrown them, and strollers aren't as recalled as carseats. So, if you found a Bugaboo stroller for a LOT less, you could still afford the car seat as well. I'm not saying to buy a used car seat, just the stroller. For instance, I did a search where I live and found a Bugaboo Frog for $125. And a Chamelon for $300. And Icoo with pram attachment for $250, and another Frog for $150. If you want to get her a Bugaboo, you may be able to find a used one for not too much and have plenty left for a nice seat.

You may find in talking to her that she wants something like an Ergo or Beco rather than a stroller at all. Or you may find that she's really wanting a very nice car seat and would prefer that. Or that she already knows what seat she wants and doesn't want anyone else to get her one (which was me.)

Okay, so some travel systems. The first link is the Britax travel systems. I like the B-ready strollers because they allow you to customize. Pram attachment for a newborn if you want it, or even a seat that goes under the first so it can become a double stroller if she has a baby in the future. The other strollers they have are also great in that they're smaller. It resembles the Bugaboo more. Second is Chicco. Their strollers all lay flat, so without the seat in it, the stroller is appropriate to use from newborn up. I found the stroller easy to push. Both of these companies are known to have great seats. I also like the Graco Trekko because where I live offroading capabilities are more important.

Good luck. :)

What Infant System Is Better, Britax or Orbit?

ddti

and WHY??
not travel lol :) Orbit Infant System- suppose to be one of the top brands but Very pricey!

Answer
Both Britax and Orbit infant systems encourage you to leave the baby in the car seat while in the stroller, which doesn't lay them flat. The Orbit infant car seat only goes to 22lbs, and I can tell you there are many babies who grow out of that in the first year which is fine if you're willing to buy a new car seat at that point but if you want to use it for the full first year you might want to consider something else. And the Orbit stroller isn't a real stroller... and I'm not sure about a car-seat base that swivels out. To me... that seems like another moving part to malfunction.

The Britax stroller works for 55lbs which is better at least. It also lays back pretty far, which is much better for the baby's breathing if you take them out of the car-seat to let them sleep there. The car seat goes to 30lbs, which is very good. Honestly, you seem to get more bang for your buck with the Britax system.

Personally, I like the Chicco travel system since the stroller lays fully back and the car seat is one of the highest rated for safety. But even the Chicco car seat only goes to 30lbs, so really I think the Britax is the better of the two you gave.

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what is the best stroller or travel system?

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Q. new baby on the way and i am researching strollers, car seats, and pack n plays. what are the best out there?

Answer
Travel systems are bulky and unnecessary. When kept in a car seat a baby can have trouble breathing, and sleeping in the car seat is even worse. So I'm going to talk 'types' rather than brands.

CARSEAT: the current recommendation is to keep your baby rear-facing as long as possible, at least to 2 years old. Look at the first link for information about why rear-facing is so important. There are infant seats that rear-face to 20lbs, and some that rear-face to 30-35lbs. There are also the option of convertible car seats which can go from 5lbs-45lbs (depending on the brand) rear-facing and then forward to as high as 85lbs. The cheapest convertible that goes to 40lbs rear-facing but then is quickly outgrown is the Cosco Scenara available at Wal-mart for $40 (including shipping.) The point being that you want a seat that will rear-face a long time, or if you want to use an infant seat to plan on a rear-facing seat when the baby outgrows the baby seat. I do like the Graco-Snugride 35, which rear-faces to 35lbs, but I've found most babies want to sit up more by 10-12 months and it might be wiser to either get a convertible or get a cheap infant seat and replace it once they're large enough to want a new one.

STROLLERS:
First, for a newborn you want the baby to be able to lay flat (sitting up can decrease oxygen levels.) Also, there is research about babies who face their parents developing better than babies who are faced out towards the public. So, if you can find a stroller that lays flat and faces you then that's what you want. However, it's rather hard to find that, and I personally find that it's easier to get a baby wearing sling (like the Ergo or Moby Wrap) and wear the baby the first 6 months. After that they typically can sit up and it's easier to find a stroller that works for them. Strollers are rarely recalled so you can try them out in the store and then watch to see if someone sells it on craigslist or something. When you try them out try going over different obstacles, larger wheels tend to handle things like sand and obstacles better, but if you're using it for shopping then you want to try weaving in and out of tight corners. If you're using it on parks and trails then you want a different stroller than if you're riding the bus with your baby every day. It's all about where you live and what you're using it for.

Pack n Plays:
Wait on this one. See the second link. As of this year, pack-n-plays FINALLY have a safety standard, and as of last month they have adopted a safety standard for the bassinet attachment (before then they didn't.) There are a lot of deaths from pack-n-plays not working right, and they are not a good place to leave your baby to sleep. With these standards there are exciting changes that probably will happen in just the next year... but it also means there may be a lot of recalls and discontinuing of unsafe pack-n-plays. Also, Disney has just released the first ever machine washable pack-n-play (that's right... before this they were not washable. We can all gross out now.) See third link. To me, that means that the play-yards in the next year or two not only are going to be safer, but they're going to start to be washable! It is NOT worth it to buy a play-yard right now, you'll only regret it in a couple of years when they're better.

BABY CARRIERS:
When I say this I am talking about a chest-carrier, like the Moby Wrap or the Ergo. However there are some like the Baby Bjorn where the baby is dangling from their crotch, and this can contribute to hip dysplasia. The fourth link explains what you want to look for in a wrap, carrier, or sling (or even how to make sure they sit in a car seat.) There are several carriers on the market that hold the baby right, I do personally like the Ergo because it goes from newborn to 40lbs and allows a chest, hip, or back position, the versatility has been something that keeps us using it year after year.

Can infant car seats rest on any stroller?

Q. I've been looking at these Travel System stroller/car seat combo kits, and I haven't actually gone to the store yet. I'm just wondering, do you have to buy the travel system together, or could you buy the car seat and stroller separately? Would they still work together? I'm only asking because I thought I could ask for them as a baby shower gift. Instead of asking for the 170 dollar travel system. I'd ask for the 90 dollar stroller and 50 dollar car seat. That way two different people could buy cheaper gifts.

Answer
If the seat and stroller are the same brand, then yes, they will likely work together with one exception: The Graco SafeSeat does NOT work with all Graco strollers. The Graco SafeSeat is bigger than the Graco Snugride, and most Graco Strollers will fit the snugride, not the SafeSeat. You'd need to register for a graco stroller that specifically says it will fit the Safeseat if that's what you wanted. Steer clear of Evenflo infant seats!!! Very flimsy, constant recalls, and awful recall fixes. They just haven't mastered the art of infant carrier making yet.

The universal car seat carrier strollers can be a good idea, cheaper than a full size stroller and will fit most major brands of infant seats. Less bulk, too, in the trunk. Baby Trend makes one, so does Kolcraft and Combi.

Also, its worth noting that you don't HAVE to get an infant carrier car seat. They are nOT a required stage in car seats. Newborns can go home from the hospital in a rear facing convertible car seat. Convertible car seats last kids until their 2-4 years old (or longer) whereas infant carrier seats are outgrown at 4-7 months, and then you're out shopping for a car seat...again.

as a single parent on a seriously limited income, I now realize I should've completely skipped the infant carrier stage. Its not a 'needed' stage in car seats, its just a convenience thing, and a recent - as in the last 15 years or so - invention to have a stay in car base and separate carrier. Here's why I think its a waste: doesn't last babies very long at all. You spend $60 and up on this carrier that is only going to last 5-8 months! And then you have to purchase a convertible car seat, and somewhere down the line a booster seat. If you skip the carrier phase, you just eliminated one seat. There is now one carrier on the market that promises to fit 99% of babies up to at least their first birthday - Graco SafeSeat1, goes to 30lbs. However, there are limitations to this awesome seat. It really will fit most kids that long, but that's a catch-22. You really going to carry your 25lbs baby in a carrier?! My son was a BIG baby (still is a BIG kid!) and outgrew his carrier at 4 months. And, after baby gets above 10lbs or so, they are a pain in the butt to carry - quite awkward. So its not as convenient as it may at first seem. And some of the 'convenient' ways people use them aren't good.
Carriers should NEVER be placed on grocery carts. It makes the carts unstable and they can tip over, seriously injuring the baby. Also, not all car seats fit all carts, and they don't lock on, they're just sitting there, posing an obvious threat. And some of the carts are shaped or sized in a way that it puts the carrier at an unsafe/uncomfortable angle for the baby. I've seen babies laying in carriers on carts with their head lower than their feet - n

How does a "Travel System" work exactly?

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Andy

Registering and people said to register for a travel system instead of a car seat and stroller separately so they'll match and it'll be cheaper. How is it different? Can I use the stroller without the car seat? Or is it just a base to attach onto it? Which is a better thing to register separately or together?

Answer
It's a stroller for smaller or older babies that is convenient because the car seat fits into the stroller so you don't have to wake up the baby. Yes you can use the stroller without the car seat.

This is very important though: Don't register for your main gear based on how they look or online reviews. *Go test them out!* Make sure you feel comfortable using the stuff, and folding it up with one hand. Pretend you're holding a wriggling 5 month old in your arm, and you have to fold up the stroller and put it in your trunk without putting the baby down. Hang your purse and a heavy bag (such as a full diaper bag) on the back and make sure it's not tipping over for safety reasons. Drive it around the store, between the clothing racks, so you can see how hard or easy it is to maneuver in tight spaces..

What is a travel system and why does it cost £900?

Trixie

Apparently it's something to do with a car seat because that question said the car seat was included. But can't you get a really good car seat for well under $200? Why spend a thousand a bucks on a "travel system"? What all does it come with?

Answer
A travel system comes with:
A stroller
An infant Carseat which fits into the stroller
A base for the carseat which stays in the car

I was bought one for $1300 NZD for my baby, and it's a great combo - the stroller can be facing you or away from you, a bassinet for younger babies, an umbrella to keep the sun away, a storm cover, the infant Carseat, the Carseat base, interchangeable coloured padding for different looks, a large diaper bag and a storage bag with wheels. The stroller lays flat for a newborn, and holds up to a 4 year old.
I would never buy this for myself.
I spent a lot of money on a diono radian RXT for my baby, my 4 year old can still fit rear facing in it. The diono is a convertible seat from 5-120lb, so I don't want an infant seat.
My mother in law bought the travel system for me and out of politeness I have had to use it (the stroller is great, but I hate the infant seat) if it were my choice, I would have bought a cheap $100 stroller and use my diono radian RXT and not used the crappy infant seat.

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Car seat questions: Which company is better?

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Snake

My wife is about a week from her due date with out little girl. We need to get a car seat now but we're torn between these because they all have good ratings so we're wondering which you think is best(coming from people who own/have owned any)? My wife's car is a 4 door 2006 Pontiac G6 and she wants the travel system so that she doesn't have to worry about getting our daughter out of her car seat all the time since she'll be taking her with her more than I will while she's very young. These are the two we think would be pretty good but we're not sure which one is better over the other. What do you think? And if they both measure out to about the same,which color would you pick for a girl? (With the second link be sure to scroll down to the Baby Trend Stride Sport Travel System - Cherry Chocolate)

http://www.discount-comfortersets.com/graco-alano-travel-system-melanie/

http://www.topratedbabystrollers.net/baby-trend-stride-sport-travel-system-cherry-chocolate/



With my truck I don't have to worry about a car seat not fitting in the back. Since I don't have to, I'm just going to go ahead and get a convertible seat so I don't have to worry about getting another seat for a while. These the first seat my friend with 3 kids recommended since she uses them. The second my brother in law suggested but he hasn't used his yet(baby hasn't been released from the hospital yet). Which do you think would be the safer and better buy? If the same,which would you pick for a girl?

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524892518853&pfx=pfx_shopcompare&cid=shopping7&mr:referralID=d9d80135-76c3-11e0-9770-001b2166becc

http://www.thefirstyears.com/product/detail/Y11266?locale=en_US

(let me know if any of the links don't work and I'll try and repost it)
I get the whole "don't leave baby in car seat too long" and all that which is another reason why I'm just going to get the covert. seat. It's what my wife wants and it's a choice that's left up to between her and I. Recommendations are just that though,recommendations. If you're a parent the choice of how you move your baby around,in infant carrier or taking them out when you go into a store or to the doctors,is up to you.

Answer
Graco is bad ass..I have a matching stroller and carseat. I couldn't live without either.

What is the best stroller?

volata_bio

I am going to be a first time mom and I need help finding a good stroller!! :)

What I am looking for:

Light weight as possible (I live on the 3rd floor)
Easy to move around corners
Has a sun shield
And most important.....
Is a stroller that has a removable car seat so I can use it for when my little girl is a newborn, infant, and toddler. I just don't want to have to go and buy a new one with each stage :)


thank you!!!!!!!

Answer
Strollers that lay flat are safe for a newborn, strollers that use a car seat actually are less than ideal because the car seat scrunches their back, tilts them forward more and can cause breathing problems as well as possible back issues. The SIDS studies still recommend laying a baby flat to sleep, not leaving them in a car seat. Also, hauling the car seat in and out of the car is heavy. It makes your 7-10 lb baby into a 27-30lb baby... which is as heavy as my 4 year old daughter and 20 month son, both of whom would be able to walk up the stairs. Basically, by the time they weighed as much as that car seat + baby they would be able to walk themselves instead of having to have me carry them up. If you want lightweight and easy to move, then you have got to dump the idea of using a baby car seat as anything but a car seat.

With my daughter I used a Graco travel system and it was miserable until I got a baby chest carrier (cheap one) and I used that a lot after she was 6 months old, so with my son I got an Ergo baby carrier and skipped the whole stroller situation. Besides, I liked the single stroller I had for my daughter (baby trend jogger, they're not that heavy, easy to push, and for going up stairs the big wheels make it easy to turn them around and just haul them up, but not while the baby is in it because of safety issues.) The Ergo was lightweight, easy to put on, easy to wear, didn't bother my back, and my son really loved it. The Ergo weighs something like 1lb if that, they do have sunshields (really) and are far easier to move around corners than any stroller on the market.

After a baby can sit up (about 4-6 months) you can get any stroller out there without worrying whether it lays flat or not. So you can find an ultralight one. Also you can go on craigslist and find one that someone is getting rid of fairly easily. Link one weighs 14lbs for instance, link 2 weighs 11lbs, link 3 is 8.8lbs!, but you wouldn't be able to put a baby in it until they were able to sit up (6 months easily). Then you'd be able to use it until your child was 50lbs (which typically is 5+.) So by putting off buying a stroller at all for 6 months and using a baby-chest carrier instead for the newborn stage, you basically would be able to get a very light stroller that would last the rest of the infant-toddler-preschooler years.

But to point it out, even now if I'm going in a store where a stroller would be hard to handle in and out or too bulky, I put my son in the Ergo and he happily rides on me while I look at the books and such. He's nearly 2. Most babies don't outgrow the Ergo until 1 years old at the earliest. And your hands would be free to hold onto the handrails walking up the stairs rather than trying to balance a stroller and carrying a car seat to boot up the stairs. Far safer.

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What are the best baby bottles and the best car seat for a new born?

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S.B

I am due in november and I want to know what is the best CONVERTIBLE car seat for babies and what are the best bottles to use. I plan to breast feed but just in case if it does not work i will put him on formula. Thanks for the help.

Answer
I had the Graco Quattro Tour travel system and loved it. The stroller was great and the infant carrier carseat was really good too. The stroller was easy to fold, easy to lift and put into the car. The storage basket was great becuase it went down so that you can reach items in it while the baby was in the stroller. FYI - if the baby is in the carseat, and the carseat is in the stroller, you will not be able to access the storage basket unless it comes down. I LOVED this feature of the stroller. The carseat has a base, it uses latch if you have a newer car. It also is able to be used without the base, with a seatbelt alone. Most are this way. You will require an infant carrier carseat for the first few months before you can use a convertibe carseat.

As far as the convertible carseat goes, I LOVE the Britax Marathon. I got it when my older son outgrew the infant carrier. He used it until he was 2 1/2 (when my 2nd son outgrew his infant carrier) and my youngest got the Britax Marathon and I purchased a Britax Regent for the older one. We love the seat because of their safety rating and the kids love them because they are comfortable. They are a bit wider then most carseats, and they do cost more, but when it comes to the saftely of your children... is it worth spending a little more? I thought so.

As far as the bottles go... I LOVED the playtex bottles with the drop in liners (not the bags). This made preparing the bottle and cleaning them soooo much easier. Doesn't seem like a big deal now, but when your'e washing bottle after bottle, it helps. Just stock up on a bunch of nipples - and you're golden ;) I breast feed and used formula. I had NO problems with either child switching between the two. Could be that the nipple is more like the real thing. I don't know. They also had less gas because you push all the air out of the bottle by pressing on the liner. Pretty innovative if you ask me. But the important thing to remember is the nipple. It has to be as close to yours as possible. And make sure you make the baby latch ontothe bottle just as he/she would latch onto you. This makes going back and forth effortless.

Anyway, I found that they carry all of these items on Amazon. You can even shop around with Amazon with a bunch of their affiliated merchants. I like that because it saves me time price comparison shopping. Anyway, I also found this link for a giftcard for Amazon... Any little bit helps - childrens' items cost so much these days.

Hope this helps, sorry it's so long ;)

Which infant carseat is the best one out there?

Evan's mom

I am having trouble deciding wheter to sell my chicco travel system to buy a graco snugride and graco double stroller.
Which car seat is better?
I also need to know does chicco make a double stroller that will hold their carseat?

Answer
consumersearch.com pulls customer reviews from all kinds of sites like eBay and Amazon and then rates the product in a few categories - - like "best overall", "best on a budget", and so on.

For infant car seats, here is the link:
http://www.consumersearch.com/baby-car-seats
They say the Graco Snugride is best. Chicco is a runner up further down the page. You can read more about Chicco by clicking on their link.

They also have a page for convertible car seats if you're interested.

Best wishes! :)

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What do you think of the Baby Trend brand stroller/car seat travel system?

baby trend travel systems jogger image

wonderingi

Particularly the "Venture" style. And, did anyone order it direct from the website? If so, where can you take it if there is a problem?

Answer
Love the stroller, hate the car seat, would never buy the travel system.

You can try out the strollers or at least some of the models at Target and Toys R Us/Babies R Us. I love them, they're comfortable for my kids, easy to maneuver, easy to go through sand, dirt, grass, whatever, and I haven't tried out a nicer stroller. I love the large wheels that are bicycle wheels so that it's easy to fix them and for them to go over obstacles. :)

However, I don't like the car seat because you can try them at Target as well, and you have to put the two hooks together then push them into the seat-belt latch, and when working with a restless baby that would be a nightmare. Graco and other infant seats let you push in one side then the other, which makes it a lot easier when you're working with a restless baby.

I also don't like people putting the baby in a car seat outside of the car. It makes the car seat at risk for knocking against things and becoming damaged, as well as it curves the baby. SIDS research says over and over that we need to lay the baby flat or be carrying the baby, and research has proven that while car seats save their lives in an accident you should limit their time in a car seat (or anything that tilts them) to less than 3 hours in a day and no more than 1 hour at a time, and basically not use it in anything but the car.

So the stroller is nice, get the stroller, but order it through something like Target or Walmart's or babies r us so that you can take it there if there's a problem. Skip the car seat, get one that is better and will work better. Carry the baby for the first 4 months, either your arms or a Moby Wrap for a cheaper alternative to something like an Ergo, it's really not hard. Do a search on car-seat breathing and you'll find the studies done about the dangers.

Add: Looked at the stroller. It's not the jogger that I prefer. If you're going to go with that style of stroller, look at the Chicco strollers. They lay completely flat, so it's better for the SIDS aspect, and have better reviews. I honestly wouldn't get a Baby Trend stroller that's not the jogger because they don't push well, don't maneuver, don't move well. It's all about the wheels and those little wheels always are a pain in the neck on strollers.

This is one similar to what I thought you were talking about. They're approved for babies about 2 months up.

What do you think of baby trend products?

<3

I had never considered anything other than Graco really because it's all my family has ever used & with my first that's all I used however today I went to babies r us and found a jogger travel system that I absolutely loved! it seemed much more sturdy than the graco because the graco was made of all plastic.... so I checked out babytrend.com and found all these things graco didn't offer.. but I'm wondering how safe the products are??

Answer
Baby Trend products do not have the best reputation. Many of my friends and myself had had problems with the seat back adjuster of the stroller snapping, sending the child back. The locking front wheel for jogging also tends to come unlocked when you are using it. The Baby Trend infant car seats receive good ratings but the handle must be down when he seat is used in the car making it difficult to use in many vehicles.
To put it simply, the seats are safe when used properly although it is a little difficult. the strollers are not reliable.

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Travelling with a 13 month old what do i do ?

baby travel systems australia image

darkangel

Hi i'm travelling overseas shortly with my husband and baby boy who is going to be 13 months old when we travel. It is a 14 and a half hour flight to Australia direct.
Has any one travelled long distance with a infant, that could give me a few hints on what to bring with me for conveninence
It's my first time travelling with our child .Thanx your ideas will be appreciated.

Answer
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 7&5), and here are some tips and advice that have always worked for me:

FAA regulations currently allow children under the age of two to fly free of charge as "lap children" (not required to have their own seat). If you are flying internationally, the airline might charge you (I say might because not all do) a 10-20% fee.

The steward/stewardess should place you in a front seat where you will have more room. Most airlines will provide you with a special baby seat belt that hooks onto yours so your child can be buckled up as well. And depending on the airline and length of flight, the steward/stewardess might give you a crib type thing that attaches to the front wall to put your child in (however you can not uses this during take-off and landing).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children to have their own seat with a child safety device, but does not mandate it because of the cost to the parents.

1.) I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulance, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, and gives you the opportunity to relax a bit.

A CRS is an airline-approved alternative to using a hard-backed seat and is approved for use on aircraft and for use in motor vehicles. Many people confuse it with a regular car seat, which it is not.
http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=29&p_created=1071174367&p_sid=mn66D6wi&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NCZwX3Byb2RzPSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWNoaWxk&p_li=&p_topview=1

This website talks about approved CRS devices and their ratings: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. Parents should call their airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

Ask your airline if they can provide a CRS for your child. If so, you may not be permitted to bring your own CRS on board, and may need to check it as baggage.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/


2.) For take-offs and landings, the best thing you can do is if your son is still nursing, make sure to nurse him. If he is not nursing, give him a bottle to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter) or a pacifier.

Baby formula is fine to take with you, and you are not limited to the amount you can bring aboard with you, do not worry.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

New regulations allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz, OR beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food onto the plane with you. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10

Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.

Another trick is that if your son is not taking to the pacifier or wanting to drink, gently rub his neck from the chin down to the chest several times - this will cause a swallowing motion which will help with the ears popping.

3.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your son. A few of his favorite toys, books, and any comfort things such as a blankie. The Fa's will also provide you with a toy or coloring book for your son also.

4.) Pack a few instant hot/cold cereals, instant rice, and other just-add-water packets (age appropriate, of course). The stewards/stewardess' will provide you with hot or cold water upon request. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food and a few other non-perishable snack items. Drinks will be provided free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request.


5.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your son. You will need this in case he gets sick, spills something on himself, or in case your luggage gets lost. Also bring any medications that you might need for him should he get sick. Do NOT give your son medicine with the hopes of it making him sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.

6.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.


I hope you have a great trip, and if I can be of any more assistance, please feel free to contact me

what is it like to fly with the infant in lap option?

sweetp2288

im flying for the first time ever and i wanted to know if flying with a baby in my lap is a pain in the butt.

Answer
The best way to see what it is like it to sit down in a chair and hold your child in your lap for the same amount of time you will be in a plane.

If you hold your child as a lap-child, try to book a bulkhead (front) seat where you will have more room, and a bassinet. Bassinets are limited, and not available on every flight. If the bassinet is available (they can only be used in bulkhead seats) it will attach to the front wall for you to put your child in (however you can not use this during taxi, take-offs, landings, or turbulence).

This is not the safest way for a child to fly and the airlines recommend children under 40lbs have their own seat with a child safety device - a CRS (Child Restraint System) - because it is safe for the child (especially during turbulence), makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit. A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant or child safety seat that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.

In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use. Almost all car seats pass this requirement.

Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.

If you haven't booked a separate seat for your child, be nice on check-in and see if they can "block" the seat next to you. They will then only use it if they absolutely need it - giving you a free seat!



I've been flying internationally and domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 8&6, and 5 months). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. In addition to that, we do another 8-10 international and domestic flights a year as a family. I have never had any problems with my children on any of the flights.

I wrote a small article about flying with children that goes in-depth, giving security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, and offering tips and tricks for the travel, etc. http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

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What have you bought for your baby?

baby travel systems australia image

Rosalilly

what are a list of things you are going to need for your baby that you've bought, recieved as a gift, or haven't gotten yet? How much has it all cost?

Answer
Oh this is going to take ages to answer.... think of it as a human being stepping off a spaceship from God onto earth for the first time. what will he need? EVERYTHING.
first off, decide if you're going to breastfeed or bottle feed. this is your first concern. if B/f, then you need to educate yourself on eating the right foods, breastfeeding articles on how to teach baby to latch on correctly, and you have to buy breast pads, nipple cream and nursing bras. but thats pretty much it, so you'll save tons on money.
if Bottle-feeding you need BPA free bottles, sterlising equipment and the right formula for your child. youll want also accessories to buy and keep in case you go out with yoru child, so a bottle warmer would help if you're on the go. this can get expensive since a can of formula feeds my child about four days tops. plus time consuming, you're always sterilising bottles! buy and keep sterilising brush and teat brush, sterlising liquid too.
Next - clothes. get a lot of onesies, they're the best since she/he wil have several changes in a day and these are easy to take on and off. What temp is the country you live in right now? its pretty much summer everywhere except australia! so buy accordingly. temp is VERY imp when a child sleeps so dont over-dress or keep them too cool. buy blankets, thermal blankets, receiving blankets are REALLY imp. bibs, burp cloths, towels, fleece blankets, socks, caps, scratch mitts. clothes like onesies, pyjamas, pants, dresses and what have you can be bought in three stages ahead - newborn, 0-3, 3-6 so that you dont have to rush yourself shopping later. or you could wait to find out what size your child is and what colours suit him/her. this too is as expensive as the parents want to get. better to buy once for the baby you're having now, and then keep his/her clothes for the NEXT child if you're plannign more than one. that saves on money - in the long run at least!
You will need bath equipment - i already mentioned towels. get a baby bath range in a mild brand, johnsons is universal i think. massage oil is good if you're planning to give massages. nail clippers, hair and comb set, toothbrush, sponge.
Diapers or nappies? one is expensive and the ohter is eco-friendly and easy on the pocket but cleaning poo nappies can be a yucky job. if you're going with diapers get the right size in bulk it will save cash. also get diaper rash cream, wipes, lotion, nappy liner or diaper genie.
travel system if you're going to go out with baby you will need an infant car seat, stroller/pram. some mothers get carriers or mei tai's that they can hold the baby close to them. the first is expensive but the carriers are cheap, maclaren has gorgeous carriers but they're only good for upto 10-12 kgs.
at home equipment - swing, bouncer, bassinet, playgym, crib, changing station, dresser, storage area like closet. all of these depend on how deep your pocket is. if you're getting a nursery done it will take lots of cash to do up to the nines. if baby is sleeping in your room in the beginning then you will need a bassinet. some ppl co-sleep with their babies. READ UP on this before you do it. while you're at it, read up on sids too.
i hope this helps. writing it tired me out, i cant imagine how you must feel but good luck. its all worth it when you see your child using the things you lovingly bought and kept ready. :)

mother to a seven month old baby girl....

What is australia's Culture consist of?

Strawberry

I have a cultural project about australians & their cultural behavior, I would like to ask all australians out there for help. What is Australia's culture consist of ? how is it different ? & what makes it different from any other culture ?

Answer
Our Australian culture is very unique and is unlike any other culture in the world. We live in a country which is the same size of the USA with a very small sparse population of only 22 million people.

Our Australian culture is built on mateship, laricanism, fair dinkumness, broadmindedness, common sense, education and protecting our culture traditions, values, customs, laws and being a caretaker of our country. Over 90% of the whole Australian population is non religious.

Every citizen in Australia including Australian children all have the same equal human rights and freedoms without discrimination.

Mateship is a very strong within our culture, we all help and look out for each other and our foreign neighbours.

Our Australian laricanism is very well known through out the world we all have a great sense of humor and can laugh at ourselves and with the people around us.

Many foreign people who come to Australia who don't fully understand our culture all find our Aussie fair dinkumness. As being totally brutal, very vulgar, offencive and think we are all racist. Being we all refuse to have our unique culture and Strine (Australian slang language) white anted away by foreign political correctness.

Public nudity is totally accepted within our Australian culture. Australian women all go topless to public beaches, pools, spas,nobody cares or stares as we all grew up with nudity being acceptable we even see it on television. Their isn't any digital covering or bleeps covering words ever on Australian television.

Business and industry runs 24/7 in Australia, you can go shopping, go to a bar, club, gym, cafe, restaurant, etc, etc anytime you want. In Australia at 18 you can legally drink and work in casinos, clubs, bars, or in the travel or the sex industries. Prostitution is totally legal in Australia so are many other things, the list is very long.

This is why their is very low crime in Australia and all the streets are safe to walk down. All Australian cities are very unique and there are no other cities in the world like them. Since English is our national language, you never see any foreign written signs on buildings or on menus.

The Australian economy is very strong and we all enjoy a very high standard of living. Wages paid in Australia are three times more than the wages paid in the USA. It's very un Australian to ever openly discuss our personal wealth or financial net worth. Most all of us working Australians are on very high five to seven figure annual incomes.

After Japan, Australia is the most hardest country in the world to ever obtain migration for permanent residency. Due to our high educational and skilled work standards. Most all Australians have more BA and MA degrees than in any other country in the world.

Being we are all taught the highest standard of education in the world. Education and apprentice skills training plays a very big part within our culture. We all are also taught fully about Aboriginal culture and all foreign cultures at school.

The weather in Australia is always too good to stay indoors so we all spend a lot of time outdoors. Most of us are all actively involved in a team sport and also go swimming and surfing everyday. This is why most of us are all dark tanned skinned and very healthy looking. In Australia you are taught to swim when your six months old. Australian children spend a lot of time outdoors, rather than sitting around watching TV.

We have a free universal health care system in Australia so we do have longer lifespans. None of our war veterans live on the street, neither do mentally challenged persons. Also their are no people living in trailers, ghetto's or in tent cities or beggars on our streets. Our government houses these people, or you if you have no where to live.

We also get $8,000 baby bonus paid to us if we choose to have children. First home and business buyers grants etc, etc. Most all of us live in defacto relationships rather than marry. From the 1st of July 2009, all defacto relationships straight or gay hold the same legalities of marriage after two years.

I hope these thing's can help you with your project, maybe one day you should come to Australia.

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How can I fold up my travel system baby stroller?

baby travel systems graco image

brilee's-m

I have the graco metrolite travel system-cherry blosom and I hav lost the instructions is there anyyy way I can fold this up to put it in my vehicle? Thankss!=]
Okay thank u=]

Answer
There should be a red button on or near the handle. Push that and it should work.

Can you put the Graco Travel System car seat in the stroller, without the base?

bejoy495

I am looking at the Graco Travel System for my upcoming baby, it's the stroller and car seat combo where the car seat comes with a base that can stay in the car so you can take the carrier part out without unbuckling and awakening your baby. I'm wondering if the base is needed to lock the car seat into the stroller, or if the base is only for the car?

Answer
The base if for the car only. The car seat will fit into the stroller securely with out it :) Congrats on the baby!

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