I've been trying to keep these questions for The Bump and not here, but there are just SO many ladies over there and there are too many suggestions!
I'm not sure if a travel system all in one is the best way to go. But it seems by the time you choose your separate pieces (stroller, carrier/car seat), you're in the $400-600 range, which seems pricey. I am just now researching prices, so maybe that's not a high price. And, I'd pay whatever for quality/safety in certain items and I think a stroller/car seat should be one of them.
So my question is did you purchase an all in one, or did you by separate pieces? And do you have recommendations? I'm due at the end of November, and it will be chilly. So I'm also considering, skipping the stroller for awhile and just using my ergo-carrier when I go out.
Re: Mommas and Mommas to be:
We have the travel system, car seat that attaches to a stroller and comes with a base. We also are going to get one more base so we each have one in our car.
We will have to upgrade eventually when she doesn't fit in the carseat, but for now it makes the most sense for us to do the combo.
I just looked into what brands are best and have highest safety ratings, then picked my favorite pattern. I don't know if we'll get another stroller later on that is compact or for exercise, it's a possibility, but for now we're just planning on solely using the travel system in it's entirety.
We didn't get a travel system. The main reason was that DH's BF gave us their car seat to use. I know some people are totally against that but I had no issue with using a used car seat since I know this guy, how anal he is and the fact that it has not been in an accident.
We got the baby trend snap n go, but I am debating whether we will actually use it or not so I haven't taken it out of the box.
We registered for this stroller (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3502257) and after reading about it I found out that it can form a travel system with the car seat we have. Since it can become a travel system, that is the main reason we are thinking of returning the snap n' go. The stroller is a little bulky and on the heavier side but we liked that it had big tires since we walk daily and we don't have sidewalks were we live so we have to walk in the street. I don't think I would use this stroller if I was going to the store, but would rather use my ergo for that.
We got a car seat with a snap & go base. We also bought the Chico Liteway stroller for when she can sit up. I am not sure if it was more cost effective this way but the travel systems are too heavy and bulky for me.
The Chico Liteway stroller came recommended to me from atleast 2-3 friends who have it and love it.
This. We went with the Graco Snugride system AND bought the extra base
This is what we have, but I'm not against travel systems. This is what I got from the Ellen Show when I was pg with James.
My sister is on more of a budget and she just registered for the Babytrend travel system. It's really economical and has great safety ratings from consumer reports for the price.
We bought the Chicco travel system and an extra base for DH's car. We loved it and still use the stroller with B. It's held up really well, it's easy to maneuver and I'm able to get it out of the car and open it with one hand while holding B (and he's 40 pounds now).
We just bought a Joovy Ultralight Caboose Sit 'n Stand for both of the kiddos and I'm really pleased with it, Joovy seems to make really great strollers too. I love that our carseat fits into it too, so we can switch back and forth between the single and double stroller depending on where we are.