travel system vs. separate car seat & stroller?

Kalyy

whats your preference?

Answer
Separate car seat and stroller.

A travel system is a car seat that comes with a particular stroller. The stroller typically is larger than a normal stroller because it has to hold the car seat without tipping. The car seat sits on the stroller, increasing the time that the baby spends in a car seat... and while a car seat is the safest place to ride in a car it decreases oxygen levels for a baby to ride in there long and it's not a recommended sleeping surface. I have never seen a stroller that was easy to maneuver and was lightweight with a travel system... and that's because they HAVE to be sturdy and hard to tip to hold that car seat on them.

I don't have a problem with a baby-bucket/infant car seat, there are situations where they are very useful (extreme weather, mosquitoes and other bugs, very small babies, etc.) Where I live, it gets very cold and we used an infant seat but kept it in the car. You are not allowed to put a baby in a car seat with a coat on, but you can put them in layered thermal outfits. The coat will compress in an accident and the baby could slide right out. With layered clothes though they're warm and it won't compress. I didn't have a problem with putting him in his car seat while it had been sitting out in the cold, but if it was very cold then I warmed the car up before taking him out there. We used a baby carrier (Ergo) and he preferred that over being in a car seat once we got to a place, it was much warmer against mommy than being left in his seat.

But I don't see why you have to have a stroller come with the car seat. Ever.

My favorite combination is for someone to get a moby wrap, ergo, or some other baby carrier that snuggles the baby to them, get the car seat they want and that will fit their car, budget and baby, and then put off the stroller for a few months. At 4-6 months old, the baby can fit in any stroller and sit up so it's not an issue... and mom can get the stroller that suits them for the next few years instead of the stroller that suits the car seat.

What are some good baby travel strollers?

I am looking for a good baby travel stroller so I can take it to the airport on a flight. I like to be able to put this stroller in the overhead compartment so I can wheel my baby around in the airplane.

Answer
Top 10 Lightweight Baby Strollers

By Heather Corley, About.com

1. Maclaren Volo
The ultra-light Maclaren Volo (9 pounds) packs a lot of style and convenience into a small package. The Maclaren Volo has a sturdy frame and beautiful steering. You won't struggle to make tight corners with this stroller. The 2005 Maclaren Volo also comes with a sunshade, which was sold separately on previous models. The carry strap and five-point harness are nice features. A small basket holds parent gear under the seat. The mesh seat is great for ventilation, but the seat doesn't recline.

1. Maclaren Volo
The ultra-light Maclaren Volo (9 pounds) packs a lot of style and convenience into a small package. The Maclaren Volo has a sturdy frame and beautiful steering. You won't struggle to make tight corners with this stroller. The 2005 Maclaren Volo also comes with a sunshade, which was sold separately on previous models. The carry strap and five-point harness are nice features. A small basket holds parent gear under the seat. The mesh seat is great for ventilation, but the seat doesn't recline.


2. Combi Savvy Soho
At only 11 pounds, the Combi Savvy Soho is one of the lightest strollers on the market today. The seat reclines partially for in-stroller naps, and the guard bar is removable, which is convenient when baby grows to toddlerhood. The Combi Savvy Soho stroller has a large storage basket, sunshade and machine-washable seat cushion. The carry strap and ultra-compact fold make this a great baby stroller for travel. The five-point harness adds safety. Some models come with a matching bag, too.

3. Peg Perego Aria MT
The Peg Perego Aria MT one of the more expensive lightweight strollers, but its features allow the Aria to be used as a full-time stroller. A multi-position reclining seat, carry strap, five-point harness, roomy seat and basket, removable child tray, parent cup holder and sunshade are all standard on this 10 pound stroller. A universal car seat attachment strap allows this stroller to hold any infant car seat, too. The Peg Perego Aria MT is a great choice for families who travel a lot.

4. Britax Preview Lightweight Stroller
The Preview is Britax's entry into the travel system market, but unlike some bulkier travel system strollers, the Preview has a sleek profile and weighs only 17 pounds. As a travel system, this stroller connects with the Britax Companion infant car seat, but it is sold separately and can easily be used as a stand-alone stroller. The aluminum frame, all-wheel suspension and removable diaper bag are the standout features of the Britax Preview stroller.

5. Zooper Waltz
Weighing in at 16 pounds, the Zooper Waltz lightweight stroller has a removable front armrest for ease in getting baby in an out, a sun shade for baby and is compatible with some infant car seats. The Waltz folds compactly for storage and has a four-position reclining seat, so it can be used for smaller infants. Parents rave about the smooth steering and one-hand fold mechanism. This stroller also comes with a rain shield and a winter boot to keep baby's toes warm.

6. Chicco Caddy
The Chicco Caddy is a sturdier version of a basic umbrella stroller. At 11 pounds, the Chicco Caddy is lightweight, but has features normally found on standard strollers. The seat has two recline positions and a five-point harness for baby safety. A sun shade, storage basket, carry strap and stroller storage bag all come with the stroller. The strong anodized aluminum frame sets this stroller apart from other flimsy umbrella stroller models.

7. Inglesina Swift
Ergonomic handles make this lightweight stroller easy on a parent's hands, while the four-position reclining seat adds comfort for baby. The Inglesina Swift has a foot pedal mechanism for folding and features a sunshade, storage basket and five-point harness. Reflective piping is a nice safety feature for families who walk or travel a lot at night. The Swift stroller weighs 11 pounds and holds babies up to 35 pounds.

8. Peg Perego Pliko
Peg Perego was able to pack a lot of convenience features into 16 pounds with the Pliko stroller. This stylish, lightweight baby stroller even features a rear footboard that allows a second child to ride. The Pliko stroller also has a universal carseat strap that allows any infant seat to be attached to the stroller. With a washable seat, carrying handle, height-adjust handles, large basket, swing-open child tray and reclining seat, the only downside to this stroller is price (nearly $300).

.....more at http://babyproducts.about.com/od/travel/tp/lightstrollers.htm

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Is Baby Trend EZ Ride Travel System Eclispe a good travel system for babies?

Porscha

Need help on picking out a good travel system for my unborn son!!!! Want a light weight car seat and stroller

Answer
I wouldn't get a travel system. Most of the time they are made to rope you into a specific car seat or specific stroller, and one or the other isn't what you'd choose normally. SIDS is a risk for babies who are in a sitting position for more than an hour a day, the position lowers oxygen levels in their blood, so while the car seat is the best place for the baby in the car it's not once you get out of the car. It's MUCH better to put the baby in a stroller that lays flat, or a sling/chest-carrier. Even if the weather is bad you're hopefully just going to take the car-seat+baby into the house, then back again. Though having the car seat on the stroller is better than on a shopping cart, there's just no real good reason to worry about a stroller that allows the car seat on top of it. If you do use a wrap/sling/carrier for the first 3-6 months then you can also look at any stroller on the market safely and not be restricted to one that lays flat, which means you can really find a good lightweight one that will fit your lifestyle.

Rather than looking for a set, look for the car seat you want. This link has a list of recommended car seats that you can look over. I personally don't like BabyTrend because of the harness-clip that they had when I checked them out, it required a bit more coordination than the others. Basically it required you to put it together, then put it in at the same time. They may have fixed it by now, but it was annoying and I couldn't see my mom being able to do it. I prefer where you can put in one side then the other. However, if you try out a BabyTrend at the store and like it, it's a good brand.

Then if you really want a stroller that car seat will work with you can usually find one that will either go with it or allow you to use it with the stroller. Like, if you like a certain Graco seat, but like a baby trend stroller, you can look up the manual online or go to a store and look at it and usually find that most infant seats will secure into the stroller no problem. Since the strollers are less likely to be recalled, you can even find something on craigslist afterwards and usually save yourself some money.

If you DO want a travel system, I recommend looking at the Chicco line since they're well known for being a good car seat and a stroller that lays flat.

But if you want something that's very lightweight and will be easy to go through say stores and everything with baby, look at slings and things like the Ergo or Beco or Boba carriers. I've used mine for 2 babies now and I can't imagine going back to carrying the baby seat and trying to juggle it or even using the stroller for a newborn. They sleep so much better against you, and there's nothing quite like them looking up, touching your cheek, and laughing while you're shopping. :) I used the infant seat with my first and it was one of the lightest on the market... but it STILL hurt our shoulders and backs. I'd go with a wrap/sling/carrier first, stroller second, stroller with a car seat... never.

what is the Best travel system?

jenniferas

i am trying to decide on a travel system & needed to know which one is better.
yes it's the carseat & stroller combo thing

Answer
It really depends on what you're looking for. There is no universal "best" system for everyone. Some have lots of storage, but are heavier. Some are lighter, but more expensive. Some are more affordable, but lack in details that might be important to you (Do you want two cup-holders? Are the styles and colors important to you? How often are you going to be using the system? Et cetera.)

I did a ton of research on them because I wanted the best bang for my buck. I initially fell in love with the Chicco Cortina system because it was easy to use and small. The reviews are also mostly positive, and the negatives were about things that didn't matter too much to me (its fairly heavy and the under-seat storage isn't as expansive as most systems).

However, after a lot of thinking, my husband and I decided that a travel system wouldn't be the best for us. I live out in the sticks, and won't be pushing a baby carriage all that often. Lugging a travel system around just seemed like a whole lot of "extra" that we really didn't need. We ended up deciding on a Graco Snugrider infant seat and bought a lightweight Graco frame to attach the infant seat to--instant carriage! It just seemed silly to us to have a huge travel system to push and infant seat around in.

Once she grows out of the infant seat, we'll pick out a new stroller. If the small, lightweight system works for us, we can pick out a cheap umbrella stroller. If we decide that we need something a little more expansive, we can get a fancier stroller. In the end, it is potentially less expensive to do it this way, plus we'll be able to buy things once we truly know what we're going to need!

So, take a good long look at what you plan to do with the travel system. Think about what you need and don't need, and consider that things may change over the next few months.

Babies R Us has plenty of fantastic (and useful!) reviews of almost all of their products. Its been very helpful to me for picking out strollers, as well as plenty of other kinds of gear. Good luck!

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Is Baby Trend EZ Ride Travel System Eclispe a good travel system for babies?

Porscha

Need help on picking out a good travel system for my unborn son!!!! Want a light weight car seat and stroller

Answer
I wouldn't get a travel system. Most of the time they are made to rope you into a specific car seat or specific stroller, and one or the other isn't what you'd choose normally. SIDS is a risk for babies who are in a sitting position for more than an hour a day, the position lowers oxygen levels in their blood, so while the car seat is the best place for the baby in the car it's not once you get out of the car. It's MUCH better to put the baby in a stroller that lays flat, or a sling/chest-carrier. Even if the weather is bad you're hopefully just going to take the car-seat+baby into the house, then back again. Though having the car seat on the stroller is better than on a shopping cart, there's just no real good reason to worry about a stroller that allows the car seat on top of it. If you do use a wrap/sling/carrier for the first 3-6 months then you can also look at any stroller on the market safely and not be restricted to one that lays flat, which means you can really find a good lightweight one that will fit your lifestyle.

Rather than looking for a set, look for the car seat you want. This link has a list of recommended car seats that you can look over. I personally don't like BabyTrend because of the harness-clip that they had when I checked them out, it required a bit more coordination than the others. Basically it required you to put it together, then put it in at the same time. They may have fixed it by now, but it was annoying and I couldn't see my mom being able to do it. I prefer where you can put in one side then the other. However, if you try out a BabyTrend at the store and like it, it's a good brand.

Then if you really want a stroller that car seat will work with you can usually find one that will either go with it or allow you to use it with the stroller. Like, if you like a certain Graco seat, but like a baby trend stroller, you can look up the manual online or go to a store and look at it and usually find that most infant seats will secure into the stroller no problem. Since the strollers are less likely to be recalled, you can even find something on craigslist afterwards and usually save yourself some money.

If you DO want a travel system, I recommend looking at the Chicco line since they're well known for being a good car seat and a stroller that lays flat.

But if you want something that's very lightweight and will be easy to go through say stores and everything with baby, look at slings and things like the Ergo or Beco or Boba carriers. I've used mine for 2 babies now and I can't imagine going back to carrying the baby seat and trying to juggle it or even using the stroller for a newborn. They sleep so much better against you, and there's nothing quite like them looking up, touching your cheek, and laughing while you're shopping. :) I used the infant seat with my first and it was one of the lightest on the market... but it STILL hurt our shoulders and backs. I'd go with a wrap/sling/carrier first, stroller second, stroller with a car seat... never.

what is the Best travel system?

jenniferas

i am trying to decide on a travel system & needed to know which one is better.
yes it's the carseat & stroller combo thing

Answer
It really depends on what you're looking for. There is no universal "best" system for everyone. Some have lots of storage, but are heavier. Some are lighter, but more expensive. Some are more affordable, but lack in details that might be important to you (Do you want two cup-holders? Are the styles and colors important to you? How often are you going to be using the system? Et cetera.)

I did a ton of research on them because I wanted the best bang for my buck. I initially fell in love with the Chicco Cortina system because it was easy to use and small. The reviews are also mostly positive, and the negatives were about things that didn't matter too much to me (its fairly heavy and the under-seat storage isn't as expansive as most systems).

However, after a lot of thinking, my husband and I decided that a travel system wouldn't be the best for us. I live out in the sticks, and won't be pushing a baby carriage all that often. Lugging a travel system around just seemed like a whole lot of "extra" that we really didn't need. We ended up deciding on a Graco Snugrider infant seat and bought a lightweight Graco frame to attach the infant seat to--instant carriage! It just seemed silly to us to have a huge travel system to push and infant seat around in.

Once she grows out of the infant seat, we'll pick out a new stroller. If the small, lightweight system works for us, we can pick out a cheap umbrella stroller. If we decide that we need something a little more expansive, we can get a fancier stroller. In the end, it is potentially less expensive to do it this way, plus we'll be able to buy things once we truly know what we're going to need!

So, take a good long look at what you plan to do with the travel system. Think about what you need and don't need, and consider that things may change over the next few months.

Babies R Us has plenty of fantastic (and useful!) reviews of almost all of their products. Its been very helpful to me for picking out strollers, as well as plenty of other kinds of gear. Good luck!

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I have a Safety First Designer Car Seat- Orchard, I was wondering which Travel system would work with it?

baby travel systems lightweight image

Glendabob

I really feel stupid for buying this car seat, I jumped the gun and purchased it because I fell in love with the design, I now wish that I had purchased a full travel system. I was wondering if anyone knew if there is a stroller that will allow me to attach the car seat to it. I do not want a frame, I want to purchase something I can use when my baby gets older, too.

Answer
I know you don't want to buy a frame (one you just sit a car seat it, not actual stroller) but take it from me, after they grow out of the infant car seat, you really aren't going to want to use a huge travel system stroller anyway. Just buy a cheap frame type thing or even a sling for now. Then later when your child is around 5 months old use a lightweight stroller. Chicco make a $50 or $60 lightweight stroller that is really nice. I have a Maclaren that is lightweight and i never use my big bulky stroller. In fact, my daughter is 21 months and i'm thinking about selling it at our garage sale next week. Invest in a really good lightweight stroller instead, you'll be happy you did later!

what baby gifts should she register for?

sleepy_grr

My friend is having her first baby, and she doesn't know what to register for for her baby shower. What sort of things should she buy/register for that will help her the most when she has her newborn? (practical stuff only... in other words, not engraved rattles or anything like that) Advice from mothers would be very appreciated! Thanks
Just to clarify... I'm not looking for WHERE to register, but WHAT THINGS to register for. Thanks.

Answer
here is my list

Nursery
Crib or bassinet / co-sleeper
Crib mattress
Crib bedding set
Crib blankets (3-5)
Receiving blankets (4-5)
Sleep positioner
Changing table
Rocking chair or gliding rocker

Nursery monitor
Mobile





Home-from-the-hospital outfit
Pullover T-shirts
Side-snap T-shirts
Onesies or bodysuits
Layette sets
Sleeping gowns or stretchies
Footed rompers
Top and pant sets
Mittens
Blanket
Swaddlers
Baby laundry detergent
Lightweight cotton sweaters (2)
Booties and socks
Shoes (2)
Snowsuit (for winter babies)
Warm hats (2)









Diapering
Diapers
Diaper bag
Diaper pail and liners
Rash ointment and powders
Wipes
Wipes warmer
Travel pack wipes













Infant tub
Hooded towels (2-4)
Baby lotion
Baby oil
Baby shampoo
Baby washcloths (4-6)
Tub thermometer
Elbow cushion


Hooded towels




Feeding
Plastic bottle (4 and 8 oz) nipples and nipple covers
Bottle sterilizer
Lap pads and burp cloths
Case(s) of formula
Bibs (6-10)
Highchair
Pacifiers
Bottle drying rack
Bottle brush
Bottle warmer
Dishwasher nipple basket



Baby Care
First-aid supplies
Thermometer
Humidifier
Baby brush and comb
Nail clippers
Nasal aspirator

Alcohol swabs




Gear
Sling or soft carrier


Bouncers & Jumpers
Playstations & Walkers
Playards


Travel Systems





Travel Systems

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