Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Australian or NZ mothers, need advice on capsule/pram combos?




Sarah T


We are expecting for the second time around, and this time we would like to invest in a travel system, as last time around we were forever waking our little man taking him out of his car seat.

Our first pram failed us miserable by FOLDING UP! when we were walking our son and hit a crack in the footpath, the pram was proven faulty and we got our money back, but used the money to buy a 6 month + stroller (as he was 5.5 months at the time of the incident, we didn't feel the need for another pram.)

I was just wondering what are some suggestions available in Australia ( I say NZ too, because we have relatively similar stock across the board)

We were thinking the SteelCraft Strider Plus, but they are coming a bit hard to come by, we went to Baby Bunting to look at one the other day, and I was practically pushed out of the way, just so someone could swipe the last one! We do have few options to get this pram if we wish, but I just wanted to know what sort of other options there are.

Money isn't a huge issue (Don't get me wrong, we are FAR from 'well off' but after TTC for so long, we were able to save enough to get a nice little nest egg) although if I'm being honest, I'm still a tightward at heart, and usually end up opting for the cheaper option lol.

We arent huge fans of the SteelCraft cruiser system...was a little bit strange to us!!



Answer
The Steelcraft travel systems are all very similar- the reason the strider plus is such a big thing is because it has the extra seat available so that you can put a second child underneath.

Another option is the Hipod travel system available from Target (colorado pram or aspen stroller and delta capsule)
Safety First has a nice travel system, but if you can't find one of the pram frames (you have to buy the seats and capsule separate) there are other options for using a safety first capsule.
Valco does a travel system in combination with Safety First- you buy the pram, capsule and have to get a travel system adaptor kit.

I would actually go with the Safety First or Valco System- the reason being is that the capsule has a upper weight limit of a full three kilograms higher than the steelcraft ones. The Hipod System is a good cheap one too and like the safety first and valco systems the capsule is rated to 12kg.

The easiest to buy is actually the Hipod system as nearly ALL target stores stock it.
The Valco offers the most choice with pram styles- most of the more expensive Valco prams can have the Safety first seat attached to them.
I'll provide a couple of links so that you can look over my thoughts on travel systems- one of them will be my favourite store for baby stuff.
I've also noticed as I added the links- the store now has several other travel systems in- the phil and ted one has all the features of the strider and a better reputation to boot.

TRAVEL HELP! doing it Solo! NEED ANSWERS!?




Marley


I have a 16month son and 3month old daughter.
I am flying to Australia soon from NZ i was wondering if there are any mothers out there that have been in this situtation. That has doen it solo.

Any tips. Or advise . PLEASE help.
What will i need. etc etc. ?



Answer
It's perfectly normal to be anxious about traveling with little ones--you'll be just fine though!

Make sure to allow plenty of time for everything. Arrive to the airport at least 2 hours early so that you'll have time for check in and security, plus any toilet breaks before boarding.

When you first arrive, ask the person at the front desk about flying with your two children. They should be able to help you with any questions that you have.

Pack a carry-on bag full of stuff to keep your 16 month old occupied and your 3 month old happy. Although you will have an entertainment system on the plane for yourself, your kids may not be able to see it well. A portable DVD player or laptop might be a good idea, along with some movies. I've seen many parents put a movie on for their children and it seems to work great!

Here's a check off list to help you with your carry-on bag for the kids:

- Nappies (diapers)

- Snacks (small crackers, sultanas/raisins, bananas, baby food, etc.)

- Baby formula, bottles, and a sippy cup for your 16 month old.

- A Pacifier

- DVD player/laptop along with a couple movies

- Change of clothes for both your kids (in case they get their clothes messy)

I'd suggest making another check off list for packing. It'll help keep you organized and alleviate some of your stress!

You may also have to bring a car seat for your 3 month old, depending on NZ's air travel rules. I would suggest calling the airport or looking online about that first.

One more thing: Bring passports for everybody as well as a sheet of paper containing your flight numbers, gate numbers, etc. along with phone numbers of where you're staying. If it's a hotel, the address of that as well. Charge your mobile phone up too before you leave.

You'll be fine, just allow plenty of time and try to enjoy yourself! I recently talked to a mother who flew from the U.S to Australia alone with her two kids aged 3 and 6 months. She was nervous, but did just fine.

Cheers!




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