Baby Travel Systems: 2014-06-01

Saturday, June 7, 2014

What is the best jogging stroller at an affordable price?

kldepalma

I am looking for a good jogging stroller. I have a 19 month old son and I have been using the Graco travel system stroller when I go walking jogging. I go almost every morning and bring my son with me. The Graco stroller is not ideal for jogging because it has 4 wheels and I struggle and get tired very easily when I start to jog. Anyone have any suggestions?

Answer
Jogging strollers can get pretty expensive. You can get the Baby Trend Expedition jogging stroller for a decent price. Its not the best jogger out there but great for the price!

Check it out: http://www.stroller-obsession.com/baby-trend-jogging-stroller.html

Looking for a second hand one is a good idea too, I second that!

Good luck!

Julie

I'm looking for a 3-wheeled stroller?

Danni

My husband and I are looking to get a 3-wheeled stroller, but there are so many out there I don't know which to go with. I was hoping someone owning a 3-wheeled stroller could help me out? I've looked at different makes/brands but these reviews are driving me nuts!
So, if you own one...
What brand do you have? Do you like it? Would you recommend it to others? I love the travel systems, but I guess it doesn't necessarily have to be one. Some brands I'm looking into so far are: Mia Moda Energi stroller, BabyTrend Expedition Travel System, Graco Trekko, and also the Jeep 3-wheeled stroller.
Is anybody able to weigh in with their opinions?

Answer
I would recommend going to a store like babies-r-us and trying some out. We have a Baby Trend and honestly I do like it. But I don't recommend a jogging stroller until they're 6 months up. As far as I know, there isn't a 3 wheeled stroller that lays flat, and newborns need that. It's also not good to rely on the car seat because the slope that they're kept at can interfere with breathing (SIDS recommendations are to keep the baby sleeping on a flat surface.) My favorite combo? A nice ergonomic carrier (like the Ergo or Moby-Wrap) for the first 6 months, then a nice 3-wheeled stroller with off-road capabilities once they're able to sit up. :) I did that with my son, pushing his sister in the stroller, and it was WONDERFUL, they're so little and snuggly against you at that age there's no reason to need a travel system or even use a stroller for them. And biologically they want to see your face and snuggle up by you, not be in a stroller, until they're able to physically start exploring a bit then they seem to like a stroller more.

It also sort of depends what you're using it for. If you're jogging with your stroller, then the Baby Trend isn't a good one because the front-wheel is loose or you can lock it in place, so for serious joggers that front wheel tends to come loose with time and wobble, not good. If you're going off-road though, then I prefer one like the Baby Trend because you can leave the front wheel so it turns and it's not hard to control, also the wheels are bike-wheels so you can get all-terrain bike wheels or just carry a bike-repair kit and if you get a flat then it's not hard to fix. If you're wanting city-type living, one handed folding, etc, then one like the Britax B-Agile will work, with smaller wheels.

I have never liked the Jeep 3 wheeler, every one I tried just didn't work for us. I like my Baby Trend because of the big wheels and how easy they are to fix, but don't like how it's not really great for jogging, still we use ours mostly off-roading. In stores, the long profile can get in the way, but the narrow width makes it so that anywhere I can walk through comfortably, the stroller easily fits.

So really it all depends on what you want it for. If you want it for jogging and exercise, get a real jogger with a fixed front wheel. If you want it for city, then the big wheels and long profile can get in the way on buses and in stores, the smaller wheeled varieties will serve you better. If you want it off-road (sand, big curbs, trails, rocks, etc), the big wheels and turning front wheel capabilities are far better. If you plan on having more kids, consider things like the Britax B-Ready (ridiculously expensive, but you can find other brands that do the same thing) where there's 4 wheels, but very maneuverable and able to be adjusted for a flat pram-like bed or 2 kids riding in it.

owners of orbit baby, what do you think of the whole system?

Mario

my wife is 8 months pregnant and me the husband have been doing my research on strollers and i think the best so far is the orbit baby. but there isnt alots of or feedback of it.

Answer
We have the Orbit Baby and we absolutely LOVE it. I can't say enough good things about it.

Probably the best thing about it is the functionality of it, and the quality of it. We have never had an issue with it, which is rare for a stroller/travel system that has been used SO often (we've been all around the world with it too). The rotating base is unlike any other feature that other strollers offer and it's a must have..you'd be surprised how much it comes in handy. We've owned a lot of travel systems and strollers and we will never own anything else but the orbit.

The only negative that I can think of is it's not really lightweight, and for someone really small like me it's often hard to collapse and lift in and out of the trunk, etc.

Valco Baby Strollers....any thoughts?

kelmigs

I am between a Valco and a Bumbleride stroller. Does anyone have any experience/thoughts on either of these?

Answer
My husband and I looked at both of those brands, and agreed that both seemed perfectly fine. Nothing too helpful to offer you in regards to either, since we went with a Graco travel system. Man oh man, did that set come in handy. If my son fell asleep, all we had to do was take the seat out of the car and snap it into the stroller. It was quite sturdy, too!

Now that he's 10 months old, he's moved into a bigger seat, but the stoller can be used up to 45 lbs, I think. We chose the Graco because it was roomy and appeared comfortable.

I'm planning on getting a Bumbleride for when his next brother/sister comes along. To me they semed... cleaner, less cluttered.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Travel System VS Convertible Car Seat?

J. K

This is DH & I baby #1. I'm not very far along with my pregnancy but I feel super overwhelmed at everything that has to be done before baby arrives. So I'm researching early as usual. lol With that being said I've had many friends that have used those traveling systems and said they loved them however when the baby got a little heavier they would complain the entire time carrying it saying it was too heavy and that their shoulders, back, etc. were starting to hurt frequently. So my thought was to get one of those convertible car seats and then buy a stroller with no traveling system but now those same ladies are saying 'no no no you are being silly.' My Mom is with me and says to get a convertible car seat and save the money in the long run.
I just want to know the opinions of others.
And if you used a convertible car seat what did you do with the baby when you went to a restaurant because as of right now thats the only way I think the travel system would be better.
Thanks everyone! :-)

Answer
Skip the travel system. This isn't a popular answer, but it's the truth. Travel systems encourage unsafe use of the car seat.

According to studies done, until babies are 3-6 months old they should be laying flat or being carried upright in someone's arms (or a baby carrier.) When they are put in a car seat, bouncer, stroller with an incline, swing, etc, their oxygen levels dip. The more premature they are the more danger they are in, and if they have any breathing issues the more danger they're in. The recommendation is that car seats are used for travel in cars, not for sitting, riding, being carried in, going in the stroller, being put on shopping carts, as a feeding chair, etc. And most dangerous of all, don't let the baby SLEEP in them. That's also why they are so adamant about a 45degree angle recline in car seats for infants, it helps them breathe. Some of the best strollers for newborns (like the Chicco, it lays fully flat and puts their feet up too so it's like a little bed) come with car seats to hook into them, basically negating the safest way for the baby to ride, and encouraging the parent to leave them in the seat.

Basically when you see a baby riding in an infant seat, sitting in one during dinner in a restaurant, that baby is in danger for the parent's convenience. I never felt comfortable leaving my daughter in a car seat in a restaurant... we actually bought a travel-high chair that reclined very well and used that, or just held her. Oh, the travel-high chair was so much better than a normal one as well. Perfect to take to a friend's house, or to a BBQ, and didn't take up as much room for us to use every day. See the second link, that's basically what we have.

So for safety reasons it's better not to use a travel system.

Add: Never, never, never under any circumstances put a infant carseat on a shopping cart! Not only is it bad for their breathing, it's not how shopping carts are designed and has been consistently warned against doing for years now because of the number of infants injured or killed from having their carseat put on the cart.

travel systems vs. convertible car seats?

katelyn.

Is it better to get a travel system and have to buy a bigger car seat later?
Or get a convertible car seat and a separate stroller?

Answer
We got a travel system so we could clip the car seat in to the stroller, we can still use the stroller without the car seat so we saw it as a win win. It's a lot easier to just clip the car seat in than to take baby out of the car seat and put them into the stroller, especially if they're sleeping.

I was going to get a carrier any way so it just made sense for us.

travel system or separate stroller/car seat?

carcar

i want to save money by not having to buy a new car seat for my newborn (she'll be coming in october)
i've been looking at travel systems but it looks like they usually only work for babies up to 20 pounds, while if i were to buy a stroller and car seat separate, it looks like they can accomodate babies up to 40 pounds...
i'm so confused and i really need advice on this
what should i buy before the baby comes!!
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=sc_pfc_r_4_0_1041968/602-1231252-8529404?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000E0IKT4

this is kind of what i was looking at, and buying the car seat that fits.

but really-- i'm so clueless and i don't have close friends or sisters or anything to offer advice and the last kid my mom had was in 89 so... her advice is a littttttle outdated!

Answer
If you're going to go with an infant seat (you could just skip that step and use a convertible designed for use with infants through preschoolers) then I would definitely check out the Graco Safeseat1. It will last your baby longer than any other infant carrier on the market, as it allows for taller and heavier babies, or, for smaller babies, will last a long time. It will last most babies for at least their first year. Most infant carriers are outgrown between 4-6 months of age, and then you have to move to a rear facing convertible car seat. With a Safeseat, some babies fit until they are 18 months old!

The best thing for you to do would be to visit a baby boutique (here we have Babyland and USA Baby) or Babies R Us and try out the seat in your car. The BEST car seat is the one that 1)fits your baby, you won't be able to tell this yet, but any infant seat should be fine on this count
2)fits your car - this is what you want to make absolutely sure of. Car seats are NOT universal.
3)will be used correctly each and every time. Make sure that you are able to easily install it correctly, or plan on leaving it alone. Make sure the carrier is easy for you to put on and off the base so that you'll be assured to do it correctly every time. Make sure the harness adjuster (the strap you pull to tighten the harness) is easy for you to use.

Those are things to look at, and then, once you've picked a particular brand and model, choose a pattern. Infant seats come in lots of patterns. Here's some things to steer clear of:
1)Used seats: gigantic no-no see links below.
2)3 point harnesses. Babies have managed to slip out of them, especially if it is a very small baby or a preemie. There becomes a huge gap between the crotch strap and the baby's pelvic area, with no belts over the hips to help make it fit better. Check the pics out in this thread on car-seat.org: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=14982&highlight=three+point+harness and here: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=21450&highlight=three+point+harness

ON the other hand, it really could be a savings to you to skip the infant seat altogether, and pick out a great stroller that will last you as long as you need it, since lots of the travel system strollers are kind of crappy in my opinion. You could go straight to a convertible car seat that can be used for a newborn through toddler. If you get one with high harness slots (where the harness is at the shoulders) and a high weight limit, you may even be able to get by with one seat for 4-6 years! Remembering of course, that car seats expire 6 years after the date of manufacture. Some GREAT choices:
Evenflo Triumph Advance (NOT the original Triumph, the Advance is different: rear faces to 35lbs, forward faces to 50lbs, will last the average child until 5 years of age. For a newborn, I'd go with the $150 version at Babies R Us, it has more supportive padding. This car seat is awesome. The harness has endless height adjustment, meaning, you put it exactly where it supposed to be, AND you get to move it without taking the seat out of the car, without re-threading the harness straps. No other car seat does this. And there is no pain in the butt strap to pull to tighten the harness - you tighten and loosen it using the knobs on the sides. There is a less padded version at Walmart/Target for $130. Wide open belt path makes it easy to install. And even once it is forward facing, it can still be reclined, great for when toddlers sleep. 17" top slots.
Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe. This seat is made by Britax for Fisher Price, it is a watered down Britax Marathon. Britax quality at less than half the cost! About $150, cheaper on sale online. Rear faces to 33lbs, forward faces to 55lbs. Easy to install. Lasts most kids 5-6 years. 17" top slots.
Britax Marathon - this one may not fit the tiniest newborns - though it is supposed to go from 5lbs like the others. You will need rolled up blankets on the babies sides as it doesn't come with any newborn padding. Pay extra for a Britax Boulevard or Decathalon and it comes with the newborn padding. Rear faces to 33lbs, forward faces to 65lbs, top slots are 17" tall. Will last most kids 5-6 years. Many 6 year olds still fit in it. Also, it can be tethered rear facing (read instructions!) giving added security. Has built-in lockoffs so you never have to use a locking clip (trus me, they'er a pain!) which is needed in vehicles pre-1997 or w/seatbelts that don't lock. Easiest car seat I've ever installed in my life, no matter what car I put it in it goes in in under 2 minutes. Yes, its expensive, but worth every penny b/c of how long it lasts, and the added features that make it easy to use.
That's about it. I really wouldn't bother with any model that only goes to 40lbs. Kids should be kept in a 5 point harness as long as possible, and a seat that only goes to 40lbs will only keep the average child in it till 4 years old! No 4 year old should be using a booster seat! Save yourself buying another harnessed seat later.
Remember these things:
1) the best car seat fits your car, your child, and will be used correctly 100% of the time
2) kids should stay rear facing AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! Not just to 20lbs/1 year. See links for why.
3) after being turned forward, kids should stay in a 5 point harness as long as possible. Being graduated from each car seat stage is not something to be looked at with anticipation - each stage marks lesser safety.

Do a search on any of the seats listed above and you'll find sites that have them. The Evenflo TRiumph Advanced you can find locally, though. The other two are going to be cheapest online.
www.elitecarseats.com
www.albeebaby.com
www.babiesrus.com

P.S. If it were me - you can tell my preference is to skip the carrier - it is a total pet peeve of mine. People use those carriers too much! I see babies sitting in them everywhere BUT the car! Grocery stores, garage sales, church, nurseries, doctor's offices, its rediculous. They are car seats, or to be used on strollers. Even the instructions are specific saying not to keep babies in them for several hours. It's not good for a baby. Babies are meant to be held. Get a convertible seat, then take the money you saved by not having to buy a carrier and then a convertible, too, and use it to buy a sling. Babies LOVE them, you can breastfeed discretely in them, and it keeps your hands free. MeiTei carriers are great, as are ring slings.

Are there any Jeep stroller travel systems?

Shelley

Im looking for a travel system stroller and like Jeeps's strollers. Was just wondering if they have travel systems.

Answer
Jeep strollers at least the all terrain ones can accommodate a bunch of different infant car seats to form a travel system. The vendors that have car seats that can be used to form a travel system with Jeep strollers are: Baby Trend, Britax, Chicco, Cosco, Graco, Peg Perego and Safety 1st."

Hope that helps. Good luck with finding the right stroller, I have a Baby Trend Jogger and I love it. The all terrain strollers are so durable.

Can anyone give me advice on a stroller/travel system??

allybd76

Any advice? good/bad.... Any suggestions or experiences are appreciated.

We registered for the Eddie BauerÂ® Adventurer Travel System - Cambridge, but I read some reviews and many people have not given favorable reviews. PLEASE HELP!!!

Answer
Go to Babies R Us and test drive strollers.. We got ours as a gift a Graco Travel system.. The infant car seat was nice, but we didn't use the stroller very much.. Then when we had another baby two yrs. later we ended up buying a tandem stroller with a standing/sitting jump seat.. Joovy ! I love it.. Becasue it folds nearly flat and weights quite a bit less than our Graco. The infant seat adapter comes with it! I would suggest maybe buying a used or borrowing a Graco travel system if you can.. They are nice, but really heavy and take up a ton of room and they are a pain to fold... If it were me and I was looking for a stroller I would opt for getting a car seat that was for 5lbs-40lbs or 80 lbs and getting a regular lightweight stroller... Especially if you have more than 1 vehicle if you wanted a base for each car atleast for the graco strollers it's an extra $40... However, I got one at a garage sale for $10.. It's all dependant really on how much you want to spend and how much you are going to use it.... Look at ebay or Craigslist and see if you can get one used.. I'm selling ours with an extra infant seat/base for $70. The Graco's atleast retail for $170 for the travel system.... Good luck

Price matching at Babies R US?

Gina

Does anyone know if they price match at Babies R US. They have a deal to get a Gifr Card if you buy an item but the same item is on sale at target for $10. So, I would like to buy it for $10 and get the $5 Gift card.
Regardless of how expernsive they are the the price difference is not that great, it is a better deal to get the item there even with out the price match and recieve the gift card for $5.

Answer
They do on certain items. I have a mailer I just got from them yesterday and it says within 14 days and in store only and a list of what counts.

Car seats
Strollers
travel systems
high chairs
play yards
swings
bouncers
bassinets
entertainers

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Baby stroller travel system grows with baby?

Erik7

Our first baby is due early June and we are in the market for baby stuff. I'm reading reviews on car seats, and we think we would like to get a stroller travel system for the convenience.

My question is:

Once our baby outgrows the infant seat, is there another baby seat that will fit into these strollers? I'm kinda confused about that. In the videos I've seen about these strollers, a 2 or 3 year old is shown riding in the stroller without the baby car seat. So what does the baby ride in in between infant and 2 years old? is there another car seat that i need to buy that will attach to the stroller?

This is one of the travel systems we are looking at.

http://www.target.com/p/graco-fastaction-fold-classic-connect-travel-system-monroe/-/A-14243407#prodSlot=medium_1_3

Thanks,
Erik

Answer
We skipped the 'travel system' and went with a stroller that reclines flat for a newborn. (chicco cortina). And we bought a good convertible to fit our tiny 5 pound newborn.

Infant car seats can be outgrown as early as 6 months of age. You cannot put convertible seats in a stroller, they stay in the car. And after about 5-6 months please put baby in the stroller to see their world. Nothing worse than seeing a baby that age struggling to look around, only to give up because they are strapped in a car seat (that should have stayed in the car). Plus, babies that age are too f darn heavy to lug around in those seats! Also, the bigger the baby the higher level of injury risk
for baby when those seats are used outside the car.

The 'travel system' stroller will allow you to put baby in at a certain age depending on recline, and can be used without the car seat. This stroller also reclines flat according to the website, so you can use this without the car seat for a newborn. You can even buy just the stroller, and not as a set.

http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/22/baby-essentials-that-arent-part-2-infant-car-seats/
http://www.attachedtobaby.com/

Our lil guys were all out seeing the world as tiny babies, carried in ring slings and not some plastic bucket. After a couple of trips. baby gets used to the routine of getting in and out of the car and falling back asleep. We used the sling, or laid them flat in the stroller. Car seats are for cars, not for carrying babies.

http://www.thefirstyears.com/Convertible-Car-Seats/True-Fit

Baby Travel System Help?

Rocio

Okay so we are shopping for baby items now! Yay!
My husband and I really want a convertible car seat, particularly this one "Safety 1st Complete Airâ¢ 65 Convertible Car Seat - Great Lakes" (here is the link http://www.sears.com/safety-1st-complete-air-153-65-convertible-car-seat/p-04918152000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2)
But we are wondering if this car seat, or a similar convertible car seat would work for those new "snap n go" strollers, where its just a base, and you should just "click" the car seat in.
We want a travel system, but wish they wouldnt come with just the seat for the infant. Which is why we want the convertible seat, it lasts longer.

(this is what that snap and go stroller im talking about looks like http://www.sears.com/safety-1st-clic-it-33-infant-seat-carrier-black/p-04901811000P?prdNo=23&blockNo=23&blockType=G23 )

Please help.

Answer
The Safety First Complete Air is a great car seat... but it's not an infant snap-n-go type of seat. There's no convertible that will work with the snap-n-go strollers because they are all 'install and keep it there' seats. But really you don't need the snap-n-go Travel System. They're not worth it.

First, SIDS recommendations are that babies lay flat when they're not being carried. Even sitting in a car seat causes their oxygen level to dip and babies have died sleeping in car seats. Car seats are the safest place for them to travel in the car, but it's not for sleeping or spending long periods of time in.

Second, a snap-n-go stroller is cheapest NOW, but once the baby outgrows the infant seat (some as early as 6 months, most by a year or two) the stroller is garbage. You can't use it without the infant seat. And I'll tell you now, most babies want to sit up more from 6 months on. Compared with a normal stroller that will go to usually 50lbs and will last you for 5 years? No contest which is the better stroller. If you want something that lasts longer you do NOT want the snap-n-go, you want a normal stroller. I personally like the Baby Trend 'jogging' strollers with the big wheels for an economical choice. Try them out in stores. Small wheels tend to have problems going through sand (like at parks) and going up and over curbs/cracks/stairs are harder with small wheels.

To point it out, strollers are also rarely recalled and you can buy them used without worrying about an expiration date. So you can go on craigslist and buy a used one without it being an issue. The strollers that don't lay flat the baby can use once they can sit up while propped and their head is steady, usually from 4-6 months on. In the meantime, babies are usually very easy to carry, or get something like a Moby Wrap or Ergo and wear them (for the record, you can't put a baby seat on shopping carts, and using a stroller to go shopping is hard since it's not a cart, but put the baby in a sling/wrap/carrier and they'll fall asleep. It works WONDERFULLY.)

If you really want a snap-n-go you may be able to find one and a car seat to go with it on craigslist. Do NOT use the car seat in the car, that's not safe. However, if you're just using it for the stroller, then you should be able to do that.

What is the best baby travel system for the price?

Laura H

I don't want to buy the best of the best but I don't want to buy a piece of crap either. I have decided not to buy graco because it seems like they are having a lot of call backs on their products which doesn't make me feel comfortable buying them. I am a person who buy's for quality. So lets here some reviews/opinions on the systems you have all bought?

Answer
Travel systems seem like they're just designed to trap first-time parents. I don't know many parents still using theirs by the time they have a second child. And I know SO MANY parents who buy the travel system at first but then end up gradually accumulating more different strollers and carriers and things because the first one didn't really meet all their needs. We never bought such a thing because we sat down and really thought about all our needs and what we would realistically use. So in the end, we didn't get a "system" at all.

We got a fully convertible seat rated and tested even for newborns, and we got the appropriate official inserts for him to use it as a newborn. Never messed with an infant carseat at all. For a stroller, we picked one that folds up easily like an umbrella style stroller but is a little more durably built and also allows to lay back almost completely flat or sit up all the way. And for runnings errands and other general uses, we got a wrap carrier.

Even if you still think you want a travel system, here's the main thing that's bad about them and about infant carseats in general:

It's really convenient and easy for the parents to just leave their baby in the carseat. Yet, based on research about how oxygen saturation drops while in the carseat even in healthy babies without known respiratory problems, it is NOT recommended to leave babies in carseats for longer than is strictly necessary. No more than 2 hours a day and preferably not all in a row is what's currently recommended. Of course we all have to go on car trips sometimes. But the point is that you should be making it a point to get the baby OUT of the carseat as fast as possible, not looking for ways to make it easier to just leave baby in the carseat longer. Furthermore, when you run errands into a store, you should also know that you are NOT supposed to put your infant carseat on the top of the shopping cart. Says so right on most of the carts as well as in many carseat handbooks or online guidelines. What you're supposed to do is put the carseat down in the main basket area of the cart... which completely takes up most of the room for getting your groceries. That's another vote for a baby-wearing carrier of some sort INSTEAD in my book.

Was it slightly more inconvenient to have to unstrap and lift out my newborn and move him into a wrap carrier on me every time I stopped to run into a store? Sure, I guess. But for one thing, I never have used an infant carseat so I don't know how "easy" those are anyway. (They look bulky and awkward to drag around to me, though.) And for another thing, babies just aren't convenient. To a certain extent, we parents need to get over this notion of making babies as easy to deal with as we can and realize that sometimes, we have to do what's best or safest or healthiest even when it's not convenient.

Just some food for thought. I know I didn't help you at all with what you actually asked for (brands for a travel system). But I really do think it's worth considering again why you think you even need a travel system.

Best Travel System for Baby?

hanna

Which travel system do you recommend? Do you like the one you have? Why, why not? Thank you.

Answer
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2864796

I looked at Target, Walmart, Babies R Us, and Baby Depot (Burington Coat Factory) and this is the only one I found that I liked. Bad thing was that I had to buy it online, it wasn't in the Babies R Us store that I'm by, so instead of it being $160, it was $200 with shipping and handling. But it came very fast, it was expected 7-10 business days, got it in 5 business days.

It is very good quality-the fabric is definitely not cheap looking. The infant car seat shade is kind of small (short), but oh well. The stroller is bulky, but I think I would get that with any travel system. They are big units.

I highly suggest it.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

What brand of buggy/pram/stroller do you like/have......I need help!?

Ms_S

Hi all,

Im looking to buy a new pram/buggy whatever you call them where you are. My daughter is 16months, but my husband and I have decided that we will try for a 2nd child in the new year, so I thought I would buy a pram when we are on holiday because I'll find it much cheaper in the UK (where we are going) that where we live. And my daughter can use it until the new baby comes.
Are there any sites that you can check off what you want in a buggy and they list those to your requirements? What brands or pram styles can you recommend?

I want --

A pram that starts from newborn and goes to like 2-3 years old. Say maybe with a newborn bassinet that you can take out and then you are left with a seat that can recline back to flat so they can nap.

It needs to have good tires and suspension because I live in a cobble-stone and pot-hole and gravel filled town. lol Maybe a three wheeler might be good, but not totally necessary.

It needs to be well enclosed and covered, In the summer it gets hot hot hot here and bright oppressively strong sun, and in the Winter the wind comes right off the sea and chills you to the bone. Those stupid attachable shade umbrellas don't do a thing.

Neeeeds a basket, I hate those clip on bags that you put shopping in.

Would really prefer one-hand closing....like easy to colapse and re-open would be great.

The whole travel-system thing is not hugely important. Like if it doesnt have car-seat attachments...I dont care, I don't drive. If it has them, fine, if it doesnt...no problem.

Thanks people. and websites would also be a great help :o)

Answer
We bought a pram that we thought was ideal, we live in the mountains so it gets really cold here too, and everywhere is bumpy and rocky so it needed to be good for rough ground too, it doesn't tip up easily when you push down on the handles, and the space underneath is adequate for a medium shopping trip. It's wheels aren't too big that they get stuck at checkouts. And the rain cover accessory is fine. It's a pram that turns around into a stroller and it all comes apart and is washable. It's called Infa Voyager.
The only thing is, with 3 wheels, it does tend to tip a bit on really rough uneven ground, and it doesn't fold up very small, and it is pretty heavy too, although you can use it from age 0 to about 5 years old.

http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=31903

Hope this helps. xx

Best Travel System for Baby?

hanna

Which travel system do you recommend? Do you like the one you have? Why, why not? Thank you.

Does anyone know what the best baby stroller travel system is?

frosty

Answer
I WORK AT BABIES R US AND WE HAD TO GO THRU A TRAINING ON STROLLERS AND THESES ARE THE ONES THAT I RECOMMEND:
The Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe travel system includes the Quattro Tour Deluxe stroller, SafeSeatâ¢ infant car seat with a 5-Point front adjust harness and a stay-in-car adjustable base. The Quattro Tour Deluxe stroller is made of aluminum tubing and promises years of comfy strolling for infants through toddlers. The one hand gravity fold simplifies life for parents and the 180 degree rotating canopy with peek-a-boo window shades your child from any direction. The 4-position, flat reclining seat keeps your child comfortable while the parent organizer tray with storage compartment and cupholders provides convenience for mom and dad. The lower and load storage basket is the perfect place for storing babys essentials. Best of all, this travel system includes the SafeSeat infant car seat for your infant from 5-30 lbs. and up to 32.

baby elegance beep travel system?

Kimberley

just wondering if anyone has this buggy adn what do you htink i had decided on the mychoice 4 but now i thinkin i love the beep!! my bf isnt too keen on it..id be happy to change his mind :)

Answer
Hi The Beep Plus is a great package as you get a hi-tech buggy with all the other items for a lot less than a Quinny. The carrycot is from the birth and the buggy is suitable from 6 months.

The sister product is the Ego which looks similar but has 4 wheels, so the buggy is suitable from birth.

If you happen to be in our area we would bring you one to see, but the web is a big place so its unlikley.

Both systems are great value from a long established Irish manufacturer.

We have deals on both at the moment and would be happy to answer any question on the phone or via email.

If you like iCandy but want to hang on to your Â£1k then have a look at our I'COO's, sturdy, shiny and eye catching. They are not cheap but are also good value.

Best wishes

Tracey

The Graco Symbio Travel System?

Drea.S

does anybody know where i can buy th graco symbio travel system? i could only find the them in UK sites and im not sure if the deliver to the US please help i really love this stroller

http://edinburgh.gumtree.com/edinburgh/87/48956987.html

http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Babies-R-Us/Travel-and-Pushchairs/Travel-Systems-and-Pushchairs/Pushchairs-and-Strollers/Graco-Symbio-Pushchair-in-Slate(0068319)?cm_mmc=Affiliate%2fAwin-_-36799-_-Feed-_-Graco%20Symbio%20Pushchair%20in%20Slate&aw_link=aw

Answer
i noticed graco seems to give different prettier travel systems to the UK,
i've liked them as well

ETA:
on albeebaby.com
they have quinny buzz 4 for 349.00 (very cheap)and it's similar to that..

travel system????/???/?

mother2abo

i had my heart set on the silver cross 3d pram system with car seat but the seat doesnt fit in our car.
lol our car is an Audi A6 and the seat belt was about 4 inches to short to fit the seat. im very disappointed.

but i seen another travel system its not as nice and never heard of the brand so would like some advice???? cant find any reviews online.

its a Hauck. condor travel system.... any advice???

Answer
brand its not what you need to look for its the one that fits the best when travelling with car and also budget and if its confortable for the baby
I have mini city jogger stroller its excellent it folds with one hand its extremely light i bought the car seat by itself the one from birth till 4 years old
i haven't had any problems so far
well spend money

I just got the Eddie Bauer Travel System...any reviews?

CLK8

Before I decide to keep it... anyone know anything about it's safety or do you have it? I can't find any reviews.

Answer
It depends which model you have. They make a lot of different kind of travel system with different features.

These might help:

http://www.epinions.com/pr-Eddie_Bauer_Aluminum_Travel_System_01-754-HML/display_~reviews

http://www.epinions.com/Eddie_Bauer_Lightweight_Travel_System_01_750_AFD_Stroller/display_~reviews

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/B0009HLSSM/ref=cm_cr_dp_pt/104-8408705-3702361?ie=UTF8&n=165796011&s=baby-products#customerReviews

http://www.shopping.com/xPW-Eddie-Bauer-Aluminum-Travel-System-01-754-HML

Good luck

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Bugaboo stroller?

just a tho

What is so great about the Bugaboo stroller? Is it really worth it? Also, has anyone tried the Bob stroller? I asked before but got no answers.
http://www.bobgear.com/strollers/strollers.php
http://www.bugaboostrollers.com/home.jsp?sNav=2
The bugaboo is like $750; that's why I want to know what could make it worth so much? Is it just trendy?

Answer
We just bought a Bugaboo Cameleon today and I am in heaven! It maneuvers super well. You can push it with only one hand easily, the suspension is amazing, you have the option of a reversible handlebar if you want your baby facing either your or the world, the shopping bag in the undercarriage is big enough and has closing loops so you can avoid that anything falls from it by simply tightening the straps. It's an all-terrain stroller, which I'm looking forward to testing in snowy day. We had a Chicco Cortina travel system for when our son was little and it was okay. Not wonderful by a long mile. Then we purchase the Maclaren XT, which I still love. But on days when it snows it is really hard to maneuver it around Manhattan. The Bugaboo design is super slick too. I just love it. And if I had to name the main reason for buying it is because I want to look at my baby every now and then when we are strolling together. With the Maclaren, I am always picking through the peek-a-boo window and see my baby looking up at me. I know it will be rewarding to just look at each other and make funny faces while walking around town. For me, well worth the money.
One advice though. If you have a small trunk don't even consider it. The chassy and seat are bulky even when folded and will take up space.

What Light Weight Stroller System do you Recommend??

MommatoONE

I'm starting to look into stroller combos for an infant, and would like to purchase one in future once I have another baby next year. I've been browsing online, but I'm not sure which ones are good and lightweight. I don't have a huge, heavy bulky stroller. I had one of those for my 1st, and i hated it. Any advice would be great, thanks :)

Answer
Most travel systems that have a carseat/stroller combo are pretty horrible to travel with. I mean, I know they are travel systems, but that just means that you can take the car seat out of the car and clip it on the stroller and go. I would suggest looking for a stroller that folds up smaller than most travel system strollers do, and not worry about a travel system.

I've heard really good things about bug a boo strollers, blut they are very expensive. http://bugaboo.com
Depending on what you are wanting a stroller for you may be able to get away with an umbrella stroller with a small cargo area underneath.

Another option, if you don't use a stroller often, could be to get a wrap or a sling. Super portable, super light weight, and no bulk like a stroller! Okay, that isn't what you're asking, but they may be good for you. Good luck!

Tips for an American going to England?

Cat

I don't have plans to go over seas right now, but I'm very interested with England. I just wanted to know if traveling to/living in England would be something I could do. I would be interested in knowing about anything you think would be useful to me. However, I think the most essential things to know would be about money, transportation while there, etc...
P.S. I have one cat and one small dog that I might like to take with me.
Thank you all for taking your valued time and spending it on me and my question!

Answer
Don't just consider England. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are all really worth visiting, and the landscapes also tend to be more dramatic (particularly in the North Wales and the Scottish Highlands).

Here are some general tips:

Money: as you know, Britain uses the pound. The notes look different in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but it's all worth the same. Britain in general is a fairly expensive country, particularly for buying food (as an island nation in Northern Europe, it needs to import a great deal of it). Some shops will accept Euros, and a few might accept dollars. In general though, you certainly can't rely on that.

Transport: like most of Europe, Britain has a fairly extensive and reliable public transport network, particularly within and between cities (it's not as extensive in rural areas, but miles better than in the US). Buses tend to be reasonably cheap (though everything's expensive in London). Train travel can be quite expensive, unless you book in advance.

Language: as you know, almost everyone speaks English, but 20% of Welsh people also speak Welsh. There are also some Gaelic speakers in Scotland and Irish speakers in Northern Ireland. Many Scottish people will vary between speaking English and Scots, a close relative of English, but quite hard to understand for non-Scots unfamiliar with it. Also be aware, as I'm sure you are, that some terms are don't mean the same thing. Words like suspenders, fanny, and fag are obvious examples. One that people often aren't aware of is that a public school in Britain is a special form or private school.

Animals: it's a complicated process taking animals into Britain (read this: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/ ) and you may decide it's not worth the hassle, especially as long-distance travel can be very stressful for pets.

Alcohol: the legal age to buy alcohol is 18, but children can drink under responsible adult supervision at home from almost any age (the law kind of assumes that responsible adults might let their older kids try a sip of beer, but won't give babies vodka shots, which would count as child abuse -- the point is that it's about the danger posed to the child, not drinking alcohol as such). 16 year-olds can drink with a meal in restaurants.

What to call people: Welsh, Scottish, and Irish people will be very irritated if you call them "English", because they're not. Scottish people also hate being called "Scotch". If in doubt, go for "British" (unless you think they might be Irish, of course).

Units of measurement: although Britain is moving vaguely, and very slowly, towards the metric system, it still uses many imperial measures. Land distances tend to be measured in miles, human height in feet and inches, and human weight in stone (equal to 14lb). Food is measured in both imperial and metric units. Beer is sold in pints and half-pints (each slightly larger than the American equivalent). Temperature is measured in celsius.

what does it mean?

jesusismys

what are some of the theories behind the mark of the beast?6 6 6
i know one is that it will be what the anti christs name will be numerically and i also heard the one about it meaning incompleteness becasue it being one less than 7 wich symbolizes being complete... please help...thanks
ok and now i didnt think i was actually going to have to do this....

serious answers only... no reagan answers no june 6th answers... this is for my bible history class... that means it is a grade... please do NOT waste my time

thank you very much
also note the word theories in the question... not asking what 666 is... just the theories... thanks

Answer
I thought this was an interesting article:

RFID "the next thing you can't live without"

I was laughed at a month ago when I suggested a little-known federal government program known as the National Animal Identification System was akin to modernizing Nazi holocaust practices.

After all, who should care if some chickens or other farm animals will be required to have radio frequency identity tags implanted into them by 2009? And who should care if farmers will be required to report all movements of the animals to the government?

The Nazis used tattoos and paper cards and carried out the holocaust because they were crrr-rrrazy. We're using the Global Positioning System and radio chips and are doing it to track the spread of bovine diseases and avian flu â not to mention injecting chips into pets so they don't get lost. Microchipping babies is unthinkable, right?

Not in Mexico, where a company called Solusat markets the rice-sized VeriChip to parents who fear their children will be abducted. Other uses include using the chip as a credit card or a storage device for medical information.

Proponents of chip-tracking technology like columnist Kirby Snell at the University of Evansville Crescent argue we have nothing to fear from chip technology and that there is nothing inherently wrong with implants that allow people to be tracked anywhere and everywhere at any time. Chips are good, they say.

Yeah, chips are good like a metal shackle around the throat.

First, the tags will be voluntary. The rich and the privileged will get the chips to make it fashionable and acceptable. Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson already has volunteered to get the chip implant.

Employers like surveillance company CityWatcher.com already have jumped to implement the technology. Some City Watcher.com employees already had chips injected into their arms.

Next the chip will be incorporated into everyday activities such as going to a theme park or shopping. Wannado City theme park in Florida has patrons wear wristbands that allow them to be tracked. Wal-Mart has been tracking consumer habits using radio frequency identity tags implanted into packaging of products like Gillette razors. General Motors' OnStar system has been tracking drivers' every moves for a decade.

After chipping people becomes normal, expect the crackdowns on people who refuse to submit. Laws will start being implemented requiring everyone to be chipped by de facto mandate. A chip will be needed to get a driver's license or passport. Insurance companies can celebrate once again because without a chip, doctors won't treat you, and insurance won't cover you. Some aspiring politician will push for laws to require the lowlifes of society, pedophiles and child rapists, to be chipped for, we are told, "our own safety."

Chips will be marketed as the next thing you can't live without. For many people, as was the case with cell phones and iPods, the glitz, social pressure and promotions will outweigh the negatives like the loss of privacy and loss of unabated brain waves.

I thought it was bad enough my beloved First Avenue music club has started requiring workers to use their fingerprints as IDs.

It's for your own good, we're told. Without money, the world would fall into degenerative chaos, we're told. Without war, there would be no peace. Without medication, we have no true emotions. And without radio frequency identity tags, our sense of personal freedom could never exist. The people and corporations in power tell us a lot of things to make it seem not so bad.

I know better. It's bad enough to make one fade into the anonymous hillsides of Ireland or secretly travel the United States in a van that runs on vegetable oil. In this fight between savages and the tech-savvy world state, I'd rather be a savage.

Questions for parents/pregnants?

Joey

So, getting very few responses in the actual baby section, but I know this section is full of parents, pregnants and TTCs, who actually respond. We're TTC and looking at travel systems.

1) do you use a travel system or do you have a separate car seat?
2) how often do you use the carseat on the pushchair?
3) do you use isofix or not?
4) do you use a carrycot or just the "lie-flat" baby position?
5) opinions/personal experience on this travel system? http://www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10751&langId=-1&productId=215516&source=froogle&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Shopping%20Sites-_-CPC-_-Froogle&rw.cm=Google+PLA,ppc,&cm_mmc=icrossing-_-Google+PLA-_-Product+Feed-_-null
6) would you consider the above pushchair to have a unisex colour?

for twins/two young children
7) side-by-side or tandem? why?

Answer
1 - We used a travel system when our son was small...and we LOVED it

2 - I used it every single time I was out alone with the baby. I'm small and found the carrier too heavy, so I'd just click it into the stroller. When my fiancÃ© was with me, we used it in the stroller for longer trips, but if we were only going to be thirty minutes or so, my fiancÃ© held the carrier.

3 - We did and still do. We're all about getting whatever we can to enhance safety.

4 - We were given a carrycot as a gift and we thought it would be awesome to keep him warm because he was born in the middle of Canadian winter. However, we only ended up using it once or twice. We opted for one of the car seat covers with the warm lining instead. We had one like this: http://best-car-seats-reviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/41uBjeBOIiL.jpg He slept in it no problem, and it was nice because if he fell asleep in it we could just attach it to the base in the car instead of having to take him out and wake him.

5 - It's cute! I have no personal experience with that brand, but it looks very versatile and I like the wind breaker attachment. We had a similar travel system where the seat converted into a flat surface, which was really nice when he outgrew the carseat but was still using the stroller. I don't know how important this is to you, but I couldn't have a travel system that didn't have cup holders or storage on the handle. I always kept a drink for myself in the upholder and a teether or something in the storage compartment. But that's all about the individual preference.

6 - Ehhhh I guess so. My automatic assumption was boy, but I guess it's kind of unisex. I think this one is more unisex, granted it isn't as cute
http://www.kiddicare.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10751&langId=-1&productId=206340&source=monetate&cm_mmc=Kiddicare-_-Shopping%20Sites-_-CPC-_-Monetate.

7 - I don't have twins, but I used to babysit twins who had both. I MUCH preferred the tandem. The side-by-side was sooo awkward. It's absolutely massive, almost impossible to navigate through stores, difficult to get through doorways, and you take up the entire sidewalk. The tandem was so much easier since it's the same width as a single stroller. They had one a lot like this:
http://www.online4baby.com/baby-jogger-city-select-tandem-travel-system-ruby

Monday, June 2, 2014

What do you think of baby trend products?

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.

Buying first stroller/car seat/travel system?

Dorkus

So my first baby is due in May, and I figured it's time for me to get things started and buy our first car seat, stroller, travel system.

Right now the brands I'm looking at (that also fit my budget and seem to be pretty popular) are Graco, Chicco and Safety 1st.

So here are my questions:
1) I noticed there are some car seats that are meant to hold infants up to 22 lbs and others up to 30 and even 35 lbs. Is there really a benefit to sticking to a bigger or smaller car seat, ie. the bigger car seat seems like it allows more future-proofing as the baby grows, but does the smaller one (which will have to be replaced sooner) fit infants better?

2) I was building my own travel system as it seems the largest amount of complaints for current travel systems are that they are quite bulky/heavy. So I was thinking about getting one of the lightweight infant strollers and then getting a different stroller when the infant outgrows that stroller. However, I noticed the infant strollers tend not to have canopies, also do not have nice features like shocks? are those really important?

Anyway, this is my first baby. My budget is fair, I can probably spend about $300-$400 on the travel system/stroller/car seat combo. What would you recommend? just getting a travel system (or building one), should I bother with the lightweight infant car seat stroller?

Thanks

Answer
1) The current recommendation is to keep a baby rear-facing to 2 years old. So either you would want to go with a car seat that will accommodate to 2, or older, from the get-go (which would be a convertible and won't work with a 'travel' system) or you would want a baby seat that rear-faces to that higher amount. The bigger seat is tested to hold the baby safely to 35lbs in a collision up to 30mph if I remember right. The smaller one is only good for up to 22lbs, then it fails the tests. Both fit fine. Even the huge convertibles fit a newborn fine.

2) The recommendation for SIDS prevention is that babies do not sleep in their car seat or at an incline until they are able to sit up. So a stroller for a newborn shouldn't use a car seat, but should lay flat (like the Chicco strollers.) I find that most strollers in travel systems have small wheels that don't go up and down curbs well or handle sand, grass, gravel, etc. So I personally like the large wheeled ones (Baby Trend Jogging Stroller for instance) but those shouldn't be used until they're about 4 months old (not for jogging, just for walking.) Personally I'd skip buying a travel system and 'build your own' as you are talking about because then you can pick and choose what you want. And I'd honestly look into the Ergo baby carrier instead of a stroller.

My personal experiences...

With my daughter I bought a Graco travel system, snugride-22lbs. My daughter was very small, so she was 15 months before we replaced the seat, and the stroller was hardly used. It was bulky, hard to maneuver, control, go up and down things, go into a playground, etc. It was recalled eventually so I got rid of it then. I got the BabyTrend Jogger Expedition for about $80 and it was able to go through the gap in the fence around the playground by our house rather than having to walk around to the bigger gate, we were able to walk in any store and walk around the aisles, it was narrower, quieter, more easily controlled, and the big wheels made it so I could go anywhere! It was SO light to push as compared to the old one too. The instructions say I could have used it from 2 months on, but I feel more comfortable with 4months up. The car seat... my daughter was 15 months and we decided to replace it with a bigger one before a vacation. We bought a Britax Decathlon because it goes to 33lbs rear-facing and like 65lbs forward facing, so I figured it would keep her rearfacing a while. She's still rear-facing in it at 4 years old (she's small, in the 2%) which is REALLY good.

Now, with my son we bought a Graco-snugride-35. The infant seat is more of a shell than a convertible and I believed it would protect him better, but I was wiser about car seats and left his seat always in the car because of the dangers of taking it in and out of the car (shopping carts are not a place for a car seat, every time you take it in and out you risk it bumping or not working as well, babies shouldn't sleep in the car seat...) Instead I would take him out, put him in the Ergo Carrier, my daughter in the shopping cart or Baby Trend stroller, and away we'd go! It was SO much more convenient and easier, plus he was facing me (this has proven benefits on speech and language as well as helping them calm). He fit in the car seat fine, and at a year old about my sister was ready to have a baby so we bought the Britax Boulevard and put him in there. I'll tell you right now, in the long run it's cheaper to get something like that. It rear-faces to 40lbs and then forward faces to 70lbs, so it's going to be pretty much the only seat he'll need until he's like 7-8 years old (which is when the seat would expire.)

With my next baby we will go directly to a Britax Boulevard. The way they're built I believe is as safe as an infant seat, and in the long-run it's cheaper, and definitely safer than most of the Graco Snugrides (and infinitely more comfortable.) I like the Boulevard because you can adjust it, so I've actually put my nephew when he was 6lbs in it and tightened the belts and everything and he was very secure and comfy there. Then adjusted it just like that to put my son back in it, or even my daughter. It's a much more convenient seat, and I love how the LATCH is set up on it compared to the Graco My-Ride, Snugride-22lbs, Snugride-35lbs, and Britax Decathlon we've tried over the years. The ONLY negative I can think of is that they typically cost close to $300 (but remember, you're not replacing it in a year, 2 years, or even 7 years. The next seat you will get literally will be the booster seat.) And note, next to last link is the one I've got (except mine looks like a bunch of cows died to make the cover...) for $239. And the last link is our stroller for $80 (but again, I'd really recommend the Ergo for the first year then get a stroller.)

what stroller would you recommend- I'm making a baby registry?

Amanda

I know this is the wrong section but nobody answered on the Parenting section.
Is there a stroller that you really love that you would recommend to me that is under 300$ ? Some info about me- I am 5"4 so don't want something too big. I don't jog, and the sidewalks here are pretty smooth. It will be winter when I have the baby. I don;'t care about fashion- just functionality.
Would you recommend a travel system or a separate stroller and car seat?

Here are some that I looked at- what do you think of each of these?

This one is 50$
http://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Cherokee-Sport-Stroller-Impulse/dp/B002SNAG4C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1280026426&sr=1-1

This one is close the $300
http://www.amazon.com/First-Years-Wave-Stroller-Urban/dp/B002WB2GLQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1280026489&sr=1-1

This one's a jogger
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-City-Single-Stroller/dp/B002MZZJU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1280026548&sr=1-1

and this one's a travel system
http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Travel-System-Barcelona-Bluegrass/dp/B002RL7UQC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1280026630&sr=1-1

Answer
I personally think travel systems are the best way to go. However, if your baby is big, you won't be able to use some of the infant seats past 20 or 22 lbs. They all have different height/weight limits. Some infant seats go up to 35 lbs. which is GREAT for a big baby. My son grew out of his infant seat at 5 months, but my daughters could stay in theirs until they were 14 months old because they were not yet 22 lbs. and weren't 29 inches tall yet.

I think travel systems are great if you're out a lot, or if the baby is going to be 0-6 months during the winter. This way you can keep them bundled up more... And see my babies always wake up if I try to get them out of their car seats and transfer them to a stroller. So I liked being able to just pop them into the stroller while they were in their car seats.

Which is the best car seat for my 6 month old baby?

firsttimem

My son is almost 6 months old but he is 19lbs(8.8kg) and 69cm(27inches) tall!! We have a Graco deluxe travel system which has been great but now the straps are really difficult to get around him. Time for a new seat. Of course I want to buy the safest for my son and I would like one that I can use as he grows (booster?) I am looking for suggestions of what to buy or what to avoid buying.

Also, given that he is only 6 months, should it still be rear-facing? Or because he is so big is front facing ok?

Confused Mom
THANKS for the clarification about the rear-facing thing!! P.O.I. I live in foreign country and can't go shopping to get some advice... I am counting on you guys :) Thanks again~~

Answer
Definitely rear facing for the first year...
we switched my son into his convertable seat around 7 months, and I did a lot of research beforehand.
If you can afford it, Brittax is wonderful... a bit out of our price range though. We were happy with our Graco infant carrier, but I didn't like the convertables as much. We ended up with Evenflo Triumph Advance, and have been very happy with it! http://www.evenflo.com/Homepage/ProductList/tabid/203/Default.aspx?categoryid=0967b93d-ca99-479b-99cd-cb460e254ea8 and it's pretty gender neutral. Good luck. I'd try going on sites like Babiesrus.com and reading the parent reviews on different seats. I found that to be quite helpful.

what are basic things i should buy before baby is born?

Maria C. V

we will not be having a baby shower. my husband and i are struggling so we are living with my mom and sister. he just lost his job yesterday and he wants to buy a few things for the baby with his last paycheck. my sister and brother in law are getting us a travel system. i already have a crib and mattress. what are other things we need? i get too overwhelmed at babies r us and have to leave before i start getting cranky. can someone give me a list of what to buy?

Answer
Very BASIC essentials:

-A pack of size 1 diapers...why not newborn? newborn diapers are only good until 10 lbs. If you have a bigger baby, you won't get much use out of them. If you have a smaller baby, it's very easy to run out and get a pack. Plus if you do have a smaller baby, the hospital will send you home with whatever is left from the pack of diapers you've opened to use while you were there. No hospital wants to give a new mother an opened package of diapers to use on their babies,so that will give you enough time to go get the size you need. You know for sure that your baby will use the size 1 diapers. Not so much the newborn size.

-a pack of 6-12 receiving blankets. These will double as burp cloths as well as ways to swaddle your newborn. Get them as large of a size as you can.

-a nursery care kit, which includes a thermometer, nasal aspirator, medicine dropper, and nail clippers. HOWEVER, it is very rare that you will go home from the hospital for the first few days to weeks needing anything but the nail clippers. Newborn's nails are very sharp, but you can bite them off very safely yourself once the nail hardens a little bit.

-a fleece blanket

-You'll need clothes, for the first 3 months they don't need to have anything more than sleepers and onesies. I'd get, to be safe, at least 6 onesies and sleepers each, in size 0-3 months. Don't bother too much with the newborn size until you actually give birth, there's a chance your baby won't even fit in the newborn size anyway. get another 6 sleepers and onesies in size 3 months or 3-6 months. 3-6 months will be a bit bigger but you'll get more use out of them for longer. Hint: do NOT bother buying brand new! Look in second hand stores. Baby clothes are hardly ever stained, keep great quality since they are not wearing clothes out before they grow out of them. I get brand name clothes in my area from a second hand store and consignment store for less than a dollar a piece.

-a waterproof change pad. No need to get a full change table. we have one but disassembled it and just change the kids on the floor. Very easy. I'd actually recommend 4 change pads if the pad is fabric and not all plastic. I got two packs of waterproof pads, 2 in each pack, at Wal Mart for I think $12 each. It might be of benefit to get a...

...-basket to put changing items in for wherever you set up the changing station. In the changing basket, I keep a pack of wipes, 6 diapers, diaper cream and vaseline, a travel size baby powder, body cream, a comb, and any medicines needed that do not need to be refrigerated.

-a pack of socks

Newborn babies really require very little. We have our little guy rooming with us right now, so he has no dresser, etc. We have no room in our room for anything but a co-sleeper. Once he gets older and he gets his own room and all, he'll have everything our older child has. for now, keep it minimal. No need to go money crazy.

Baby #1 on the way? Name and what to get?

Sporty Bab

Name: Skylar Ann or Haylee Rose?

Also, what all do I need to get for her?
Person with everything I need gets best answer!

If needed, her birthdate is late march or early April!

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

What kind of travel system should I purchase?

babs

I am mainly interested in purchasing a Graco travel system for my baby due next month. I found the Graco website a bit overwhelming and the customer service representative not too helpful. I would like the stroller with the removable car seat. Does anyone recommend one over the other. The only information I really found out was the Snug Ride goes up to 22lbs and the Sung Ride 32 goes up to 32 lbs. Unfortunately some of the patterns I like don't come on the strollers I necessary like. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
I don't like the big strollers that come with travel systems so what i did was I got a Snugride32 carseat, so then the baby will be more likely to fit in it till he's a year old. And then I got the snugrider infant carseat frame. Its just a stroller that just the carseat clicks into...any graco seat fits. It folds up a ton smaller and it super light.

As for the carseat I absolutely love it. its a little bit heavier then the plain snugride but I love it. It feels a lot safer and I feel better about that. And I love the pattern, I got it in the lemongrass design and I love it... hope this helps!

Did you find your travel system useful?

With Child

I was reading blogs yesterday and came across one that was about things that you won't need with a baby. The list had things like wipe warmers and other things that I understand are a little much... But also, it said that a travel system wasn't necessary. I found this a bit odd and already have my travel system but I just want to get other opinions from moms who have already had their children. Do you use your travel system or would you rather just carry your child everywhere? That's what the blog said that they just carry their child everywhere and have an umbrella stroller for when they are older. What do you think of this? Accurate or not?
I have horrible back problems and there's no way that I could carry my infant everywhere I go... Just btw.

Answer
We use it everyday for walks.. and my son is barely 4 wks old. I think it's safe to say that a travel system is useful.

I couldn't imagine unbuckling my kid everytime I wanted to take him out of the car. Especially since he still seems so fragile.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

baby shower registry ......................?

futuremari

lol I know it's early for me being 11 weeks tomorrow, but when did you register for your baby shower? and did you register in advance just to go through the process and just wait until you actually knew what you were having to actually pick stuff out ..

Answer
i waited until i knew the sex....no harm in looking or even starting it for things that are gender neutral..

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

Is it ok for a 3-5 month old baby to travel a long flight?

lovebug

Im planning to travel soon after I give birth to be with the father of my baby. He's from NY, USA by the way and I'm from the Philippines. I'm gonna fly from here to Japan, then from Japan to NY. The whole trip will approximately take 20-22 hours including time in between flights. Do you think I can handle it? This will be my second time to go there but my first to travel with a baby. I don't really know what to expect. I know it's gonna be hard. I would only get economy class ticket and I'll have the baby sit on my lap. Please help.
We'll fly most probably during winter season cuz my due date is August 26, 2008 and I still have to get our baby a Consular Certificate of Birth Abroad and a US passport.

Answer
Yes its perfectly fine. Babies are fine as long as they have a parent near them and as the babe is past 3 month they are past any worries of their immune system.

One of the main sources of discomfort for infants traveling on airplanes is the change in cabin pressure when taking off and landing. This causes pressure in the ears, and can be quite painful for the baby, particularly if the baby has a stuffy nose. Prepare for this by planning to nurse or give a bottle or pacifier to the child during take-offs and landing to help alleviate the pressure.

Babies under 6 months tend to be lulled by the sound of the engine and sleep a lot.

If your baby is awake and fussy, use a Baby Bjorn or other baby sling to walk up and down the aisle to give the baby a change of scenery. Bring along an age-appropriate new rattle, book, toy, or stuffed animal to keep the baby amused, and don't forget cool teething rings for babies needing something to chew. Airsickness bags can make an on-the-spot hand puppet â just draw a face on the bottom of the bag and amuse your child with endless games of "Peek-a-Boo".

When it's time to eat, it is fairly easy to nurse on the plane. You might want to bring along a small pillow for extra support, since the ones provided by the airline are fairly small and slippery. A Boppy pillow is probably too big â a few rolled up airplane blankets or baby blankets from home will do and use an extra blanket for privacy. Book a window seat if would like maximum privacy. If you are using bottles, it is easiest to use the pre-measured, individual servings of formula. If using powdered formula, measure it out beforehand in individual baggies or in a container with compartments made just for this purpose. Bring along a small, soft-sided cooler for anything that is frozen or must be kept cool.

You can thaw out frozen breast milk in hot water using an airsickness bag. Ask the flight attendant to pour some hot water into the bag (make sure they are usually plastic lined and won't leak). Put the frozen milk in, slosh it around, and wait for it to thaw or warm up. Another idea is to get a collapsible bowl at a pet store and use this as your bottle warmer, along with hot water from the flight attendant.

Many airplanes have fold-down changing tables in the restrooms, but not all do. Ask the flight attendant which ones have the changing tables before you hike all the way to the back only to find that the changing table is in the front of the plane. Be sure to bring along enough plastic bags to dispose of the diaper. If the baby is small enough, you may be able to change him or her in the seat, but as a courtesy to those around you, take the dirty diapers to the restroom for changing.

The main thing to remember about traveling with baby is to relax â it will likely go much better than you are anticipating! For us, the times that strangers and flight crews were kind and helpful far outnumbered the occasional rude stare. It was amazing how often business people and random strangers got misty-eyed looking at her and telling us about their own kids or grandkids.

Last make sure about the fluid regulations on the plane and what ID is required for your baby, most accept a birth certificate.

For many parents, this is the best time to travel with kids. Enjoy it!

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