Help! Baby sling/travel system/stroller dilemma!!?

MJ MCK

Hi,

My first baby is due in early July, and I'm wondering what to do about a stroller. I'm leaning towards using a sling most of the time, and wondering if I would need to buy a travel system with the car seat, or just a stroller and car seat separate...wondering if I could please have the opinions of parents with experience with these?? Thanks!!

Answer
We got a travel system because everyone told us it was essential. We found out that it was not essential! It was handy for the first two months, thereafter it was a huge pain. If we have another baby I will get a convertible car seat and use a wrap to carry the baby in. We bought a Britax Marathon when our daughter was 10 months old. I wish we would have started with one, they are 100% better than the Graco Snugride we had. The Britax seats are much better quality and construction and way easier to install. I am not sure I would use the Marathon from birth, we would probably get the Boulevard instead, since it has a body pillow for smaller babies.

What are some quality value priced baby travel systems?

TG

I need to purchase a sturdy, attractive stroller/ car seat for a newborn that won't go over $150.00. Does anyone know of specific travel systems that fit this category? Thanks

Answer
I got a practically brand new chicco travel system on craigslist for $100.00 and that included the carseat, 2 bases, and the stroller

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What are some quality value priced baby travel systems?

TG

I need to purchase a sturdy, attractive stroller/ car seat for a newborn that won't go over $150.00. Does anyone know of specific travel systems that fit this category? Thanks

Answer
I got a practically brand new chicco travel system on craigslist for $100.00 and that included the carseat, 2 bases, and the stroller

poll: travel system OR light weight baby strollers?

Q. i like the travel system,but its so heavy and bulky even when its folded..
i like the light weight because its light!! but i still need a car seat... what should i do?
@ jen, i wish they were that cheap in my counrty :( the travel system costs around 480 $ and the light weight is around 130 $ :(
i cant afford both

Answer
OK, so I have both....Travel system and convertible seat and light weight stroller. Yes the travel system is conveienant when they are newborns and sleep alot, b/c the infant carrier can just be taken out of the car, without disturbing the baby. It's very nice that the infant seat secures to the stroller too. Especially b/c most light weight/umbrella strollers don't recline or have infant neck support. However.....Had I known that my son was going to outgrow his infant seat at 7 months, I would have skipped the travel system completly. My travel system was extremly expensive, Graco Quattro ($250), and now that my son is 1 year, it barely even gets used at all (the stoller stays at my moms now, just for when he goes there sometimes). I love my convertible seat, I have the Eddie Bauer 3 in 1 ($100 @ Costco or BJs) and never need another car seat again. The lightweight stroller I have is the Chicco Capri. It's a very good quality umbrella stroller, that wasn't cheap either ($80) It's not a flimsy plastic type. The handles are higher up,(my fiance is 6' 2" and doesn't have to be all hunched over to push it), the frame is metal, but it's still super light, and I love it. Once I finally started using that, I questioned myself why I was such a jack*** to be luggin the big heavy stoller around all those months. If you can't afford both, I highly suggest getting a good convertible seat and a nice lightweight stroller....Both of those will be used for MANY years, whereas the travel system will probably only really be useful for several months (at least the seat part anyway), you can use the stroller for many years, but they are very bulky, and you would still need another carseat anyway.
Hope I helped.

Here is what I have
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3028964
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4201518 (did not buy at Babyrus, boought it much cheaper at Costco)
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3420746

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

i can't afford my baby?

Q. i am 18, i had a full time job, right when i got pregnant my boss fired me.I would think its illegal to do that but thats not my concern as of now. I am 16 weeks pregnant, i need some advice as to diapers and formula (if i am unable to breast feed . exclusively) i am going down to the welfare office this week, but if my mom makes too much for me to qualify, what do i do? I don't want to live off my mom and i don't want her fully supporting my baby. my boyfriend has a full time job, makes 1200 a month, 900 car payment and insurance, 200 groceries, and 100 left for extra. which also won't be enough. I have a crib, storage dresser, changing table, and pack n play, travel system and newborn clothes taken care of. but what about everything else ? do i qualify for cash aid? my mom makes 125,000 a year in the same household as me . she feeds me, gives me water and shelter but is not financially responsible for me as i don't want her to be, and i was on birth control and it didn't work... I'm not stupid i am perfectly happy for my baby and new family, but would like some creative ways on not spending too much with a newborn

Answer
As long as you file for child support against the father, you will probably be eligible for TANF, cash.
You will probably have to participate in a work program for 20-30 hours per week, until you deliver.
Usually works out to $3 an hour.
Some states you have to be in your last trimester to qualify.
You will probably be exemped from the work program the first 3 months after you deliver, then back to the work program.

We call this gaming the system.
Your mother makes more than median income, but you would rather the taxpayers support you, than her.

Say, does she claim you as a tax deduction?
If she does, she supports you over 50%, or is commiting fraud.

How can you be a tax deduction for her, but her not financially responsible for you?

If you file separate from her (tax year 2012), different story.
It is a new tax year, ask her if she is willing to give you up as a tax deduction.

Did you save your LO's infant carseat?

Q. We recently switched our little one from her infant carrier to a convertible car seat. I am curious as to if I should save her infant carrier. We definitely plan to have children in the future but the car seat will expire in a few years and Im not sure how soon we'll be having another. So, did you save your little ones infant carrier? We have the Graco Snugride that is part of a travel system. We will probably use her stroller for the next couple of years. So, should I probably NOT seperate the two?

What, if anything, did you save from your child? I feel like such a pack-rat. LOL
ETA: If I save it, and we have a boy next time.. can I order just a replacement cover from Graco? Right now, it's pink & has polka dots and totally won't work for a boy. LOL

Answer
I would save it. Definitely don't separate them. I am still using Haley's carrier. It goes up to 35lbs so I'm going to keep her in it until she outgrows it. But I got a neutral travel system so I can use it again for the next baby. We will probably have another in in 2012 so I'm sure it will probably still be good then, then I will sell it altogether. You never know, you could have another girl. But if not, at that point you might be ready to ditch the stroller you have and buy something new. So you can sell the whole travel system together. I know a lot of people go for the double strollers now that you can put an infant carrier in the back of and the older child can sit up front and then it can be converted to a double stroller later.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the tone of this poem?

roon

I believe the tone is gloomy and straightforward. Gloomy because of the description she gives and straightforward because she's saying things as they are. Can anyone help me out though? Why would it be gloomy?


Saturday morning armies
of Black women
young
and old
and, young and old in the same time
in the same face
in the same care and time and work-worn hands
you rise with the dawn
leaving home and brown babies
behind you, in the day's early light
pulling coat and scarf close
avoiding the mirror
shrinking of the cold morning of
bus ride
to prestigious street corner

you are not alone
you are with your sisters in this
Northend - to Southend
Jane Finch - to Rosedale
Montreal - to Outermont
Harlem - to Scarsdale
wearing head-rag
carrying dust-mop, scrub-bucket
in-service three days of week march in the dawn.

you possess a key, cherished girl (never woman)
of this house
you tap and scuffle and wipe feet at the back
and enter the world of
day's
day's
day's work in service
taking your place in that army of
round and strong and weary backs
moving with grace and sure familiar stride
from your kitchen
your babies
your own forgotten morning at home
to this
three days-a-week armies of Black women
in service

Answer
I feel it is more realistic of life than truly gloomy. Capitalism and for that matter any system in any age creates a hierarchy and some are at the top of the pile while the majority are at the bottom or in stages between. This poem deals with people (women) being exploited by the system but they appear to be black. For centuries those with white skins have dominated those with yellow, brown or black skins. Why is this? I feel that when the mass immigrations of around 30,000 years ago out of Africa those who travelled to Europe had their skins changed to a paler shade due to the lack of sunshine. The 'whites' found they were in latitudes that helped them develop advanced feudalism that led to industrialised capitalism, which exploits everyone whether they are black or white. If you are working class and black you will feel very exploited and this will give rise to this type of poem. Gloomy not, realistic yes.

US history: Suburbia?

What factors fueled the rise of the new suburbs surrounding Americaâs cities? What were some positive and negative effects associated with the rise of the suburbs? What factors caused the suburbs to be overwhelmingly racially white, creating a 'segregated landscape'? Can you predict any problems this might cause in future years?

Answer
the web page (below) provides: An Overview of Suburbs
The History and Development of Suburbs
What are Suburbs?
Suburbs are the communities surrounding cities that are usually made up of single-family homes, but are increasingly including multifamily homes and places like malls and office buildings. Emerging in the 1850s as a result of a fast rising urban population and improving transportation technology, suburbs have remained a popular alternative to the city even today. As of 2000, about half the population of the United States lived in suburbs.
Suburbs are generally spread out over greater distances than other types of living environments. For instance, people may live in the suburb in order to avoid the density and untidiness of the city. Since people have to get around these vast stretches of land automobiles are common sights in suburbs. Transportation (including, to a limited extent, trains and buses) plays an important role in the life of a suburban resident who generally commutes to work.

People also like to decide for themselves how to live and what rules to live by. Suburbs offer them this independence. Local governance is common here in the form of community councils, forums, and elected officials. A good example of this is a Home Owners Association, a group common to many suburban neighborhoods that determines specific rules for the type, appearance, and size of homes in a community.

People living in the same suburb usually share similar backgrounds with regard to race, socioeconomic status, and age. Often, the houses that make up the area are similar in appearance, size, and blueprint, a layout design referred to as tract housing, or cookie-cutter housing.


History of Suburbs
Though they appeared on the outskirts of many world cities in the early 1800s, it was only after the general implementation of electric railways in the late 1800s that suburbs began to grow extensively, especially in the United States. Such a relatively cheap and quick method of transportation made it practical to travel from home to work (in the inner city) on a daily basis.
Early examples of suburbs include areas created for lower class citizens outside of Rome, Italy during the 1920s, streetcar suburbs in Montreal, Canada created during the late 1800s, and the picturesque Llewellyn Park, New Jersey, created in 1853.

Henry Ford was also a big reason why suburbs caught on the way they did. His innovative ideas for making cars cut manufacturing costs, reducing the retail price for customers. Now that an average family could afford a car, more people could go to and from home and work everyday. Additionally, the development of the Interstate Highway System further encouraged suburban growth.

The government was another player that encouraged movement out of the city. Federal legislation made it cheaper for someone to construct a new home outside of the city than to improve upon a preexisting structure in the city. Loans and subsidies were also provided to those willing to move to new planned suburbs (usually wealthier white families).

In 1934 the United States Congress created the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an organization intended to provide programs to insure mortgages. Poverty struck everyone's life during the Great Depression (beginning in 1929) and organizations like the FHA helped to ease the burden and stimulate growth.

Rapid growth of suburbia characterized the post-World War II era for three chief reasons:


â¢The economic boom following World War II
â¢The need for housing returning veterans and baby boomers relatively cheaply
â¢Whites fleeing the desegregation of urban cities brought on by the civil rights movement (the "White Flight")
Some of the first and most famous suburbs in the post-war era were the Levittown developments in the Megalopolis.


Current Trends
In the United States more jobs are now located in the suburbs than in central cities as a result of the movement of commercial and industrial parks from the inside to the outside of the city. Express highways are constantly being constructed to and from major hubs or edge cities, and it is on these roads where new suburbs are being developed.
In other parts of the world suburbs do not resemble the affluence of their American counterparts. Due to extreme poverty, crime, and lack of infrastructure suburbs in developing parts of the world are characterized by higher density and lower standards of living.

One issue arising from suburban growth is the disorganized, reckless manner in which neighborhoods are built, called sprawl. Because of the desire for larger plots of land and the rural feel of the countryside, new developments are infringing upon more and more of the natural, uninhabited land. The unprecedented growth of population in the past century will continue to fuel the expansion of suburbs in the coming years.

see web page for more and embedded "hot links"

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Baby registry must haves?

Q. I'm finishing up my baby registry. As a first time mom-to-be, I'm not sure if I have everything or not. I have the basics but what are some often overlooked must haves or essentials? Thanks for your answers!

Answer
well, u can go to babies r us website and they have a list for ppl who are going to register..of course it has a lot of things on there that you don't need, but if you weed through you can get what you need out of it...the things i liked;found most useful, etc......

.i would def recommend:
a diaper genie 2; idk why ppl don't like them, there is NO smell in my dd 's room
changing table..will save your back, good for diap changes, clothes changes, sponge baths, etc and you have shelves to store your new baby must haves....i have canvas bins on the shelves to store things that are good to have in reach or easily available...
monitor--i like the graco imonitor, recently bought a second one for another room in the house bc i liked the other one so much, it has been working well for over 8 mos now, and it has good range, battery life, and i can hear EVERYTHING; never any interference....it works great..
boppy pillow with cotton covers, soft ones don't fit as well for some reason
lots of baby hangers, and baby hangers with clips to keep outfits together
primo euro bathtub
prince lionheart diaper depot and wipewarmer; ours works well and the wipes are still very warm when we get them to out dd's bottom; and she doesn't freak out when we are out and they aren't warmed, but seems to appreciate it when they are..
health kit: brush, comb, thermometer (not an ear one, not as accurate), nail clippers, etc.
baby meds, generic is just as good and a lot cheaper...desitin(or plain zinc oxide if you can find it)..not creamy, has less zinc ox in it....infant mylicon and tylenol
lots of diapers , make sure wherever you buy them will let you exchange them for a diff size if you need to even after the return period...brus let me do that, and buy a small pack of a couple brands to see which you prefer before you open the big boxes...wipes, lots of them, without alcohol or fragrance! we use swaddlers diapers and pampers sensitive wipes; no rashes, no reactions to their ingredients, diapers hold a lot when they have too and the netting tends to keep the wet off her bottom...
lots of baby washclothes, you may have to use them on baby's bum if it is really sensitive and gets a rash....and baby towels, but you could use your reg towels if money is an issue

swing, pref swings two ways and plugs in instead of batteries
bouncy seat
infant travel system! easy, easy, easy--we got the graco tour deluxe; it is great, folds with one hand, several seating positions, lays flat for sleep; has a big basket underneath and cup holders for mom and dad, one for baby , place for snacks for baby, and a 'pocket' up top for keys, cell phone, whatever you wanna put there...
play yard, get one with bassinet feature if you want to, easier to keep baby in your room for a while before putting them in crib in their room=we have chicco discovery and it is awesome, has more padding than most, easy to wash..machine wash, most are wipe down...very sturdy, has nightlight, vibration, etc and a flip up change table, has wooden slats that slide in under mattress for support...not that much more exp than the others and much better in my opinion
passys--she loves soothies and that is all she will take..
baby wash, again frag free, dye free
frag free , dye free laundry detergent
clothes hamper or basket
lingerie bag for socks, mittens, anything little so they don't get lost in the wash...
something to put baby toys in
extra toy links
lullaby cd and small cd player; my dd has come to love white noise, she naps with a fan and a womb bear; sleeps at night with a fan....
oh, mosquito cover for your infant carrier..it's where you can see in , baby can see out, but strangers cant just walk up and touch your baby, and they will!!!!!
all i can come up with now...LOL
diaper bags; big one for everything you may need, leave in car unless you will be somewhere a long time, and a small one to stick what you will need for a short run in so you don't have to haul the bigger one

if ffing:
avent formula dispenser; has better review than the ones made by sassy, and convert to a snack cup later...i loved it so much i bought a second one!
bottles--really liked playtex ventaire advanced when she was young, more pieces but it's easy to get them clean when the top and bottom comes off...and they vent through the bottom instead of the nip so no bubbles or foam going back up into baby's milk; they will leak if you don't put them together correctly, but we have had no probs with them and have never had to replace any parts on them..if u decide on them and have leaks, email me and i will explain how to keep them from leaking...:O)
bottle and nip brushes--i really like the ones by munchking that don't have a sponge on the end of the brush, they come in diff colors mixed with white and have a great nip brush in the handles....
drying racks--again, i really like munchkins...
formula mixer: i like dr brown's formula pitcher bc you don't shake it it is only abo

Travel System?

Q. Okay so I was looking for a stroller and car seat. I would like one of those car seats that hook into the bottom thing, that always stays in your car you know, not the kind you strap the seat belt over the top or anything.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9870497

Okay, is that the same thing? And like does that car seat somehow clip into the stroller? I think that would be a good idea. Or are they just seperate, and you just put your baby in the stroller?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
That's it...the base stays in your car. One thing I will mention...when I was looking at travel systems, I found out that The Safety First brand had a lot of recalls. I opted for Graco as I found that it was better, and less problems.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Baby Items?

Toadsputum

My husband and I are expecting our first baby. We have no idea what things a baby needs. Any ideas? We have the basics down (crib, stroller, high chair, car seat, etc), but are things like the diaper genie really necessary? What baby items could you not live without? Which items do you consider a waste of $?

Answer
Important things:
Travel system stroller-- do not buy used.
Bassinet-- you will want the baby in your room for the first few months. I recommend a Pack n' Play with the bassinet option. That way you can use it as a playpen later.
Changing pad-- just put in on the dresser; it's so much cheaper than a changing table.
Crib-- to include snug-fitting mattress and sheets. The rest is purely decorative and serves little or no purpose.
Baby monitor-- you get what you pay for with these things. I recommend something with over 1000MHz.
Bottles-- get at least 10 so you want have to wash them constantly. Get a bottle brush too.
Flannel receiving blankets-- you'll use them for everything, so get at least a dozen.
Onesies-- Again, at least 10.
Socks-- 10-12 pairs
Footed sleepers-- 6 or so will do
Little hats-- I have no idea why, but people will constantly tell you to cover your baby's head.
Diapers-- obviously. Keep at least 20 on hand in the nursery at all times.
Baby wipes-- unscented, alcohol free. Otherwise they're pretty much all the same.
Petroleum jelly-- for the butt thermometer, to coat the inside of the diaper if you have a circumscised boy, and for little lips when they get chapped from nursing.
Rubbing alcohol-- to clean the belly button.
Q-tips-- for the belly button
Cotton balls-- for every purpose under the sun
Digital thermometer-- this goes in the butt. You can buy one that's specifically rectal, but there's really no need. Just don't use it for anything else and clean it with alcohol after each use.
Crib blankets-- 4-6 of these. You'll learn to do a nice burrito roll with a crib blanket.
Bibs-- 10 or so to use at feedings for inevitable spit up.
Baby tub-- they outgrow these so fast that any kind of infant tub will do. I prefer the kind that fit in the kitchen sink.
Baby wash-- Johnson's is the standard.
Baby lotion-- Again, Johnson's.
Teeny nail clippers-- Geber's are good.
Bulb syringe-- for booger removal.
Infants' saline nose drops-- also for booger removal.
Diaper rash cream-- Desitin works best for me.
Diaper pail-- just a small trash bin with a lid and foot pedal is fine.
Teeny washcloths-- the only thing that can clean between baby's toes. Get at least 6.

Optional but useful things:
Diaper wipe warmer
Swing
Bouncer seat
Crib mobile
Bottle warmer
Microwave sterilizer
Bunting bag-- if you live in a cold climate
Sling/front carrier
Scratch mitts-- if you're too scared to trim baby's nails at first.
Crib mirror
Swaddling blankets
Adorable hooded towels.

Useless things:
Booties
Diaper Genie and other overpriced, over-hyped diaper disposal systems.
Crib bumper-- actually kind of a suffocation hazard.
Gripe water
Changing table-- use the pad on the dresser instead
Video baby monitor-- don't waste the cash on this.
Tons of silly outfits
Tons of toys-- babies can't even hold onto a toy until around 8 weeks and are not really interested in them.

Good luck!

Baby Trend Jogger Travel System.....if anyone owns it..... just a little question....?

lovely lul

Do you think the stroller is compact (when folded) enough to fit in the trunk of a 03 Mustang?

What about the car seat, is it compact enough to fit in the backseat?

http://www.target.com/Baby-Trend-Jogger-Travel-System/dp/B001O9DT1S/qid=1247198697/ref=br_1_5/184-1546255-6675816?ie=UTF8&node=3579971&search-alias=&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=3579971&rank=price&rh=&page=2
Or do you think this travel system would work better?

http://www.target.com/Safety-1st-Acella-Travel-System/dp/B001FOUJR4/qid=1247198650/ref=br_1_4/184-1546255-6675816?ie=UTF8&node=3665411&search-alias=&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=3665411&rank=price&rh=&page=4

Answer
Hmmm... I have the baby trend system. I would think that it would fit in the trunk of a mustang. It will be a tight fit, but it will fit.
As for the car seat fitting, it should. I have a dodge caliber and it fits with a little room. Our issue is that we have to have the front seat pulled all the way up, but then again, I am normally alone with the baby in the car. You can alway buy it and try it. If it doesn't fit, take it back.
I LOVE my baby trend stroller, but I am not a huge fan of the car seat. I just don't like the way it clips together, but I don't think I would really like any clips since my son HATES the car seat :-)

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What does the Laura Ashley travel system look like?

Wewe

A girl is giving me the Laura Ashley travel system for my baby. I have never seen it. She said its purple and brown. Does anybody have pics or know a site where I could find it? I have heard it's a really good travel system to have.

Answer
http://www.babygearbuyer.com/products/graco_laura_ashley_travel_system_canterbury.html
i found this link

Stroller for your baby girl?

Q. What travel system did you buy for your baby girl & how satisfied are you with it? Please give a brief review. We are expecting a girl in May and we are currently looking into strollers. Please include links if possible. I like neutral colors. I am looking into a Graco brand one and it has good reviews..there's just one negative comment about how it makes their baby sweat so much :(

Thanks in advance! Best answer will be given to the person with most detailed information.

Answer
We bought the Evenflo Aura Elite Travel system in "Oh So Big"

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2864792

The colors are completely gender neutral, which I wanted so I could use for baby #2 if I choose to have another..also, she wears so much pink and purple, I didn't want to add that to a pink stroller,too!

I love the travel systems, very easy to go from car to stroller without removing the baby and bouncing them around from place to place. The steering on it is impeccable and the handle in front allows for steering with one hand.

It has a handy wiper container built in and has 4 cup holders! (2 up top, 2 infront of baby)

It's pretty light and folds up/down easily.

The car seat handle is nice, it's one if the easiet to carry (that I've used) The seat itself is pretty light which makes carrying a hefty baby a tad easier on your arms and back!

The carseat base is adjustable and when Olivia was a newborn I was able to recline it back a bit so she was laying down and her neck wasn't flopping forward.

We go for walks almost everyday and the stroller and wheels are holding up very well, it's definately well built. It was also very easy to assemble!

There you have it!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What was/is your fav. travel system?

LuLu

Why do you love it?
Would you buy it again? why or why not?
Trying to pick! Too many options with too many pros or cons!

Answer
Well... I hate the Graco one. So I'd never do a Graco one again. The wheels on the strollers are too small and the strollers are monstrously huge, can't fit them in a trunk, can't maneuver them. Yuck.

Now I haven't pushed the Chicco stroller around. But that travel system would be tempting if I was getting one again. The stroller lays completely down, fully down and the foot-rest goes up, so that it's like a pram. That's good for a newborn (you don't want them sitting in the car seat in the stroller, even if it's made like that. It's not good for their breathing. They should lay flat until 6 months if possible, or be reclined so far back that their chin does not rest on their chest.) The Chicco car seat is a high quality and highly tested. So even though I wouldn't use them together (baby shouldn't ride in a car seat except when riding in a car... again that breathing thing) they would be a good deal to get together. Also because the stroller can lay completely flat and the feet rest go up you can use it around the house like a bassinet. :) Multitaskers are wonderful things.

The other would be the Baby Trend jogging stroller + car seat combo. Again, the car seat is highly recommended (though I hate the fasteners. If you try them out you'll see what I mean. Every other car seat you can clip in one side and then the other, with that one you have to clip them at the same time and it's just a pain.) And I love our Baby Trend jogging stroller. They lay down far enough to be appropriate for a 2 month old (in the meantime, use a baby-chest carrier) so long as you don't run with them. They have an H harness, cup holders, and I really like the big wheels. You can go over cracks, in sand, up and down curbs, and it's not a problem. Some people talk about how bulky they can be, but you can take the back wheels off without much difficulty and then they fit in any trunk we've tried it in.

Add: Because the Metrolite is NOT the standard Graco travel system stroller. The "lite" part of the name is a big part of how it's not standard Graco. It folds down further, weighs less, and is considered maneuverable by comparison to other Graco strollers, however it's still an awkward large size. Also, the Metrolite has a history of wearing out sooner and still is only really good on smooth sidewalks/stores, not as good walking to the park. If you use it in stores and smooth sidewalks (not what I have around my house...) then it may last years.

But for me, the things that I like most in a stroller are 1) can be used from birth up (and I don't mean with the car seat since again they shouldn't ride in car seats except when riding in the car but a full recline) and 2) big wheels to work with cracks in the sidewalks. The Graco strollers I've tried hit some of the cracks in my area and stop... sometimes very hard, sending the little one into the buckle. It actually hurt my daughter more than once just walking on sidewalks where I live and most parents walk in the street to avoid the cracks rather than deal with it. To me, that's just not safe.

And note. Baby Trend and Chicco are very respected baby-brand-names in themselves, if brand names are what you look for.

Are travel systems worth the money?

Q. I am due April 3rd, with my first child. I do not go out often now. I doubt that I'll go out more after the baby is born... :) Anyway, I was wondering if the travel systems are worth it, or if there's something else that would be better. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Answer
You'll need a car seat and a stroller, but if you're going to spend the money, just get a really good car seat that will last. Get a Britax Marathon or a Sunshine Kids Radian 65 or 80. These will hold your child in the rear facing position (safest position) in a 5 pt harness (safest harness on the market) until 33 or 35 lbs, respectively. Then, it flips around to be a forward facing seat using a 5 pt harness until 65 or 80 lbs respectively. It'll save you a lot of hassle in the long run and you'll only need to purchase 1 seat for your child instead of 3.
Infant--Graco Snugride $80
Convertible: Graco Comfort Sport- $80
Booster--Graco Turbo Booster-$40

So, that is 200 dollars for seats that are not top of the line and top safety rated. In fact, boosters do little to save your child in a crash, yet kids as young as 3 yrs and 30 lbs are approved in many states to use them. You couldn't pay me to put a 3 yr old in one.

1 convertible for 65-80 lbs
Marathon: $270
Radian 80-$280
Both get top safety ratings and are the best on the market

I don't tend to like Graco or Evenflo strollers or car seats. Plenty of moms will say to buy Graco because they get good safety ratings, so I'll probably get a thumbs down. I will agree, that they do get good safety ratings for their price bracket. However, if safety is important, it's worth it to spend some extra money to insure your child's safety. In terms of car seat purchases and being safest here is the breakdown of brands from lowest quality to highest:
Safety 1st
Cosco (Jeep is Cosco)
Evenflo
Graco
Baby Trend
Chicco
Peg Perego
Mia Moda
Britax
The above is for infant seats.

Evenflo and Graco strollers tend to be squeaky and bulky. They have a lot of perks like cupholders, snack holders, big storage baskets, and if that's important to you, then go with one. Personally, I like strollers that are lightweight and easy to push. I love the Skate and Pilko by Peg Perego, the Britax Vigour looks amazing--I've never used it, although people who do use it swear by it.

I have never found moving a baby from car to stroller to be a major issue, as the car seats don't really get a lot of air flow through the plastic, so if it's summer and hot outside, your baby will be sweating like crazy if sitting in a car seat in a stroller. I'd rather have the baby be more comfy in the stroller. If you want stroller suggestions, feel free to email me!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

which pram should i get? Silver cross or Mothercare Xcursion?

Kim B

i have been looking at 2 prams the silver cross 3d and the mothercare xcursion and after reading reviews on both i am still unsure of which one i want? Any one had either of these prams and can tell me good or bad points?
below are the links of each one, comments would be great... NEED HELP!!!!
http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Babies-R-Us/Travel-and-Pushchairs/Travel-Systems-and-Pushchairs/Pushchairs-and-Strollers/Silver-Cross-3D-Pram-System-in-Charcoal(0069639)
OR
http://www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-xcursion-pushchair-travel-system/dp/B001CBYBVK/sr=1-1/qid=1246039811/ref=sr_1_1/277-3651679-0033804?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A2LBKNDJ2KZUGQ&n=42764041&mcb=core

thank you x

Answer
They both are cute :)

I like the first one!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the difference between Communist Totalitarianism and our current system?

Constantin

Under Communist Totalitarianism, no one owns any property except the Party bosses who made all the rules. Under our current Capitalist-Anarchist Totalitarian system, the average individual does not own anything but the Banks,Financial institutions and Corporations are the owners. They make all the rules and can change them anytime they feel like it for just about any reason. Like Bank fees and interest rates and it is now all legal. If one of those institutions fails due to poor or shady decisions, the Government bails them out. If you or I fail for any reason, too bad! This is not the Capitalism I was taught but more like a type of Totalitarianism, isn't it?

Answer
You dont have the slightest inkling of how capitalism works do you? Under communism you dont have the option of buying anything, you cannot even choose your own career...
here read this you loon...

My wife was born and raised in the Soviet Union (Ukraine) and lived there until age 35. She can tell you exactly how it is different. She had graduated college before Ukraine became independent and it only recently (2005) became truly independent and is still not a completely free market society, but much better. Here are some of her experiences...

Men, when they reached age 21 were allowed to apply for an apartment (no private single family homes existed). They would wait a year or more and then were given a one room apartment about the size of a typical American bedroom. It may or may not have a toilet. Women lived with parents until they got married, then lived with their husband in a one room apartment which may or may not have a toilet. (many apartments shared toilets) You did not choose the apartment, you were told where it was, that is where you lived. If they had children, they could apply for a 2 room apartment.

Education was free, all the way through college, but you did not choose your education, the governemnt chose based on your abilities and aptitudes. My wife was chosen to major in literature and was chosen to be a teacher. She would be paid $150 per MONTH for teaching. She had to join communist party organizations. Young Pioneers for the younger children and the Komsomol for older children. There was NO choice, you had to join these organizations and go to their activities (indoctrination)

My wife stood in line for hours and hours to receive bread or butter or vegetables at low qulaity government owned grocery stores. Her mother would wait in line at another store for other items. Nearly every day because they had only a tiny refrigerator and could not stock up on groceries. 1/2 cucumber and some sour cream was for breakfast. Soup and a potato was "dinner" (lunch) and maybe some cheese if they could get it and bread. She ate maybe 1 kg of meat per month, maybe. If you buy a "quarter pounder" at McDonalds you are eating in one sandwich the amount of meat she might have in a week.

They did not have a car, didn't dream of ever owning one. She had 2 pairs of socks, one pair of shoes, one pair of boots for winter and one coat, very heavy for cold weather. One pair of pants, 2 skirts and four sweaters (she had so many sweaters because she knitted them herself)

They had "free" medical care from the government but there were few doctors practicing legally. If you really wanted a doctor you had to "know one" and pay cash for them to come to your "flat" or you could go to hers (almost all doctors were women)

Hot water, heat, elevators, reliable electricity, fucntioning appliances were all rare and unreliable. If an apartment had 2 rooms, only one would have heat.

You could not work and make anything and sell it. You would go to prison if caught (except for some small amount of farm products farmers were allowed to sell in public markets)

Everything was in short supply and very poor quality. Food, clothes, medicine, appliances. No travel to other countries without special permission. No moving to a new home. No changing jobs without permission.

Do you get the picture? And this was in a large city. In small rural areas, life was REALLY grim. I had to convince her with photos that even though I live in a rural area, I have electricity, a toilet, a kitchen inside the house and other "luxuries"

Things now in Ukraine are much better, still not perfect and still not the same as here, but much better. I lived there are worked there for 2 years and I promise you, my wife LAUGHS at troubles that make Americans cry like babies.

She now has the excessive amount of 8 pairs of shoes! She owns and drives a car, but to this day will not throw away a crumb of food!

THAT is what you can expect from communism.

Please tell me left wing loon, how our system even remotely equates to that?????

Which strollers lay completely flat, so that you could safely put an infant in the stroller? Under $150ish?

love

Which strollers lay completely flat, so that a mom could bypass the baby bucket?

Answer
Strollers that have the full recline are also safer than using the baby bucket. :)

Anyway, Chicco strollers lay flat, and you can usually find them under $150 or even on craigslist used (they haven't had hardly any recalls on their strollers either.) Not only do they fully recline but the foot rest will come up so that it's an actual lay flat bassinet type bed for a newborn.

The Graco Quatro Tour Deluxe also has a complete recline and runs for about the same amount. I saw one on sale at a Baby Depot not long ago, so you may find them cheaper even.

I've found that if you're not getting it as part of a travel system the strollers aren't as expensive, so just look around. But if you find a Chicco that's what I'd go with. Personally I'm choosing with my newborn to use a chest-carrier (Ergo...) for a few months until he's big enough to ride in our Baby Trend jogging stroller (2+ months, though I'll probably carry him longer than that.)

Powered by Yahoo! Answers