I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

I know I need an infant car seat and I am going to go with the Graco Snugride. I'm not sure if I should go with the snugride 32 which fits up to 32 pound children, and claims to fit 97% of one year old. That would save me from having to register for/get a convertible for a while. I don't like the patterns of the snugride32, though. Although convenience and saving money may outweigh the cuteness factor.

Should I just get the snugride and a snap and go? Or a whole travel system plus a snap and go? Or a separate infant seat and stroller? According to baby bargains, alot of people complain about the bulkiness of the travel systems and I could just use a baby carrier when shopping and stuff, but if I want to go for a walk I would rather use a stroller...


I am so confused...

ETA: What are you registering for/buying?

Message edited 4/22/2009 11:29:37 AM.

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

I went with the Chicco Cortina travel system -Chicco makes 2 car seats, one is up to 22 lbs and the next is up to 20 lbs. For me personally, I will NOT be lugging a 30lb child around in a carseat. 22 is pushing it So that made the choice easier for me.

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

That's a good point...but I was thinking about putting the heavier child in the car. It would put off the need for a convertible car seat.

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

I got the snug ride and the Graco Vie4 because it said it had adjustable height handles and I'm average height and DH is tall (and I lucked out that I loved the pattern).

I also registered for two convertible seats and we get one or both, good. If not, I won't sweat it.

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

I'd go with the regular snug ride, a snap and go and a good stroller. I don't know ANYONE that would be toting around a 32lb 1 year old in an infant seat - they're heavy enough as it is. DS was out of his as 19 lbs and into the convertible. IMO the 32lb thing is a marketing ploy.

I'm not a fan of the travel systems either, but that's a snobby aesthetic POV so if you like them or don't care what they look like, disregard that point.

ETA: def registered for the convertible seats either way. Registry is for other people to buy you stuff Also you'll get that completion coupon at the end that you can opt to use on the convertible(s) if you don't get them. I bet you will though - it's one of those things people chip in for since they know you'll need it.

Message edited 4/22/2009 11:57:27 AM.

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

UGH... the whole which stroller stuff to register for was the hardest thing for me in the pregnancy thus far!

I agree with the poster that said the 32lb thing is a marketing ploy. I really cant see keeping the kid in that thing when it's that size, and from EVERY BTDT mom that i've spoken to, they didnt even come close to using it at that point. So i never even considered the 32 (that was at least one decision i was able to avoid with this whole situation!).

I originally registered for the travel system, but the more i read about it, i thought it was a complete waste of money and space, so what we finally ended up registering for was:
SnugRide
Snap & go frame
Jogger stroller (that is compatible w/ the snug ride).

Down the line we'll probably get a lightweight too, or just stick with an umbrella stroller, but i figure we'll assess those needs when they come up. This combo should last us for a while though.

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

I am going with the SnugRide, snap & go & a all terrain stroller. Honestly I considered the SnugRide 32 & then though about how difficult it would be to carry a 30lb child in the infant seat especially since i have a bad back....

Honestly I am not a fan of the travel system bc I do feel they are bulky. When the baby is in the infant seat, I will use the snap & go unless we go on a hike & then I will use the all terrain (fits the infant seat). Plus we need an all terrain for the road my parents live on (in the country) & for the beach. The travel system just does not wheel at all.

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

I think it was Baby Bargains that also mentions how the manufacturers put the high weight limits on the label to suck you in. Chances are, as mentioned above, you will not have a 32 pound baby or a one year old in an infant car seat and will have moved on to the convertible by then.

I also agree about the travel systems being too bulky, and heavy for carrying. Not to mention, the travel system strollers fold flat and take up a good footprint in your trunk. Unlike a stroller that folds umbrella style, takes up less space and most are lighter as well as simple one hand fold.

What you may consider, if you're looking for economic options, is to go right for the convertible. You cannot put a 3 year old in an infant seat but you can put an infant in a convertible seat. Most convertibles say they can hold a 5 pound infant in rear facing position. What this option takes away is the fact that you'd have to take a sleeping baby out of the car seat unlike the infant seats that come out of the base. As well as, is an infant ready for a non supportive stroller? So then you're back to considering both!

It's a freaking catch 22 and they get you coming and going! So you have to think and/or talk to family and friend experienced mommies to see what they did and would do different and why. That's my main resource... my two sisters and sister in law. Plus go to the store and carry and fold and unfold and carry and fold and wheel and unfold each one to see what you'd like.

What I ended up registering for...

Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat with extra base
Baby Trend Snap 'n Go
Peg Perego Pliko P3
(2) Britax Marathon convertible car seat

Good luck and happy decision making!

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

Does anyone know if you can buy just the car seat part of the travel system? The pattern I posted before only comes with the travel system

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

it depends on the car seat. Like you said- some patterns only come with the travel system. We liked one, but it was only part of a TS- we ended up registering for one that was very similar, but only the car seat.

Re: I am so confused about the stroller/carseat thing...

Posted by JennyPenny

Does anyone know if you can buy just the car seat part of the travel system? The pattern I posted before only comes with the travel system