Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

So I was hoping I could get some insight from all the BTDT moms, especially those with limited space.
A) If you use(d) a travel system, would you do it again, or would you get car seat/ stroller separately?
B) Which travel system did you use, why?
C) I you decided not to use a travel system, what was your reasoning against it?
D) Which car seat/ stroller did you use?

Thanks ladies...we have very limited space, and I'd like to get car seat stroller that I can use for an extended period of time as opposed to several different ones that will take up space in an already crowded basement! I know that when looking for candid advice I can turn to the experienced moms on LIF...looking forward to feedback!

Re: Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

BUMP....anyone?

Re: Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

We have the Chicco Cortina system. It's okay....I actually bought Pliko 3 2 months ago and DS is only 4 months. The travel system is GREAT when DC is sleeping and you just pop them into the stroller and it doesn't disturb them. Then the infant seat is removed when DC gets big enough to sit in stroller alone. BUT....if I had to do it over again I would not have purchased the Chicco....the sun visor is TERRIBLE and really hate using the infant seat and stroller when DS needs to be blocked from the sun.....I would look into other travel systems....good luck!! HTH!!

Message edited 4/25/2009 9:36:59 AM.

Re: Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

We had a Metrolite travel system. It was awesome.

I would definitley use it again, in fact, the stroller was our only stroller until DS was 15 months old.

I never had a snap and go, it isn't that much smaller or lighter than my Metrolite to be honest.

Re: Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

i used the graco metrolite. it wasn't sold as a travel system so we got the pieces separately--but it is technically a travel system. i'm very happy with the stroller and would get it again.





for the carseat i got the britax marathon. we started using it at 9 months and are very happy





ETA: if you have a light stroller, like the metrolite, there is no point to the snap and go. i never used mine because my stroller was easier to move and they were almost the same size.

Message edited 4/25/2009 9:39:01 AM.

Re: Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

We did not use a travel system - I found them to be very bulky and heavy.

We used the Graco Snugride carseat, so for the first 8-9 months, we just popped that into the Snap N Go frame (which is super light and compact). After that, we used the Graco Metrolite, which we are still using and I don't think we will outgrow anytime soon.

ETA: You can skip the Snap N Go frame and just snap the Snugride into the Metrolite directly, if you want to minimize the amount of pieces you have to buy.

Hope that helps!!

Message edited 4/25/2009 9:40:00 AM.

Re: Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

Thank you! We were actually looking at the Chicco Cortina, so it's good to hear some criticism about it. I'm going to look into the Graco Metrolite

Re: Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

I have the Chicco too and i personally LOVE it!!! i would absolutely do it again if i had to. It's not that heavy, easy to open and close ( can do it easliy with one hand) and the infant seat is one of the highest rated in safety.

Re: Travel Systems: Opinions Requested

I have the Graco Quattro in the Deco pattern. All in all, I do love this travel system, especially the stroller. Even though the stroller is bulky & heavy, it moves nicely, it has a huge storage basket, the canopy is large to cover DD and it has a lot of room for her. I hate the infant seat. No joke, that thing weighs a ton and it only gets heavier as your baby gets heavier. I don't know how heavy the Snug Ride is, because I have the Safe Seat. I have a snap & go that I was using a lot until I got my lightweight stroller. I still use the stroller that came with the travel system, but it stays in the car and I only use it on outings with DH, so he can take it in & out of the car and save my back

Everything is going to have its pros & cons, just do your research, ask opinions and go to the store and test drive what is going to work best for you and the space that you have.