Chicco Travel System Vs. Jogging Stroller

We have the BOB Revolution jogging stroller which we love, and for trips in the car/mall/around town etc. we use our Maclaren Quest stroller (it's lightweight and folds up small). This seems to be the perfect mix for us, but we're expecting baby #2 so now I'm trying to figure out if we need double strollers to add to our collection! :)

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If you know people who have a jogging stroller, ask to borrow them and try them out. This is important if you're shorter or taller than average because the handle height isn't adjustable (at least handles weren't adjustable when my son was younger). Because I'm petite, my shoulders hurt from holding my arms at a higher-than-normal spot. But assuming your height is average, I'd still try out various models and see which is the most comfortable for you. I'd skip the travel system because it's too bulky. Instead, I'd use the jogging stroller for workouts and around the neighborhood and an umbrella or other lightweight stroller for car trips.

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THE B.O.B REVOLUTION STROLLER. Hands down. Initially I thought it was a bit over-the-top and extravagant. I was trying to be economical and smart about gift registry items, NOT extravagant. But it it worth EVERY PENNY and you will use it til your little one is like 4 years old.

I had initially registered for a reasonably-priced travel system at Babies R Us (the Graco Metrolite) because it was (a) the lightest weight, and the guy at Babies R Us told us: (b) it was really easy to fold up one-handed, and (c) it was one of the only ones that would stand up on its own in the folded-up position so you're not trying to brace it up while holding a baby in parking lot, etc. Then we upgraded to the Chico Cortina Travel System because it seemed a lot sturdier (and cooler-looking in green or orange). But we ended up returning it for the B.O.B..

I hadn't done the research first, so I didn't think we'd be able to get the baby into a jogging stroller til she was able to sit up/hold her head up (about 6 mos old). But the B.O.B. had a little adapter (purchased separately) you can snap a rear-facing infant seat into, and it's ALL we use - ever since she was 5 lbs (she's 16 months old now).

I can't tell you how happy I am just to have the big wheels and shocks and to be able to push her easily across sand, little patches of dirt or grass or gravel or whatever little escapades we're trying to put her through, and we're not forcing it or shaking her to death in the process. ANYone that goes to parks, soccer games, grassy or dirt fields, fairs/festivals, possible gravel parking lots or sand from time-to-time will be ETERNALLY grateful for the big wheels and shocks. It even great for walks on manicured trails, etc. It has a great safety-strap automatic break if you accidentally lose grip on it while you're running/walking downhill.

Also, it folds up EASY and fits in my little Honda Civic trunk even though it looks huge. (That was the critical deciding factor for me - I went to REI and tried it out to prove it to myself before we bought it.) The wheels are quick-release, but we never have to take them off even to cram it into my tiny trunk.

And DEFINITELY get the REVOLUTION version -- the one where the front wheel rotates for walks (it's INCREDIBLE how it turns on a DIME), but you can lock it to the fixed position for jogs. They sell it at Babies R Us, but we got ours at REI to get the dividend and because of their awesome return policy should anything go wrong with it.

And as an earlier respondant said, get one of those little snap-and-go stroller frames (we got the Graco Snugrider Infant Car Seat Frame) to just keep in your trunk at all times in case you are ever stuck running to the mall or other unexpected errands. It's really nice not to have to pull the (sleeping) baby out of her cozy seat to put in a sling/front carrier all the time or to lug her around in the car seat itself all the time (simple shopping means lots of bending and squatting - kiddo has an easier time sleeping if she's still; car seat gets WAY heavy & awkward to lug very far). To be hands-free AND to have a basket underneath AND to have a comfy baby makes errands way more easy. At places like Target and grocery store, car-seat-in-the-cart works really well. But malls/strip malls, etc this is way easier. And it's great to always have something in your trunk to give you the option no matter what the day turns into... then when the babe is older (wants to sit up and look forward), keep an umbrella stroller in the trunk at all times, instead of the frame. That said, we still take the B.O.B. everywhere.

As I said above, we purchased the the Chicco Cortina travel system cuz we loved how it looked and it seemed sturdier/better made that the Graco Metrolite travel system for which I'd orginally registered. However, the B.O.B is supposedly only compatible with Graco, Peg Perego, and Britax car seats. So we went back to Graco and got the Safeseat and it's GREAT, not too heavy, easy to get into my little Honda even though its slightly bigger than the SnugRide. Now, I DO have more than one friend that said they actually DO put the Chicco Cortina car seat onto the B.O.B. and that it works fine, but that's not what I learned about compatibility between the two brands, so you'll have to research this one on your own.

And after all that is said, I can also tell you that I have flown with my daughter ALONE on about 10 different round trips, including two international trips. And initially I envisioned myself traveling light with just a sling or Bjorn and maybe an umbrella stroller. But I have ended up with the B.O.B. on almost EVERY trip - and it was SO worth it. I has fit through about 90% of Xray machines. And it is SOOOOO nice to have the stroller in the airport itself to put the kiddo in AND be able to manage your backpack/breastpump, food/drinks, wallet, jackets, diaper bag, etc. Or if the baby wants to be held/worn, you can stack all your stuff on the BOB and you will feel so much better. We took the little stroller frame one time. But in every other instance, having the B.O.B. was SOOO worth it - at least while the child uses the infant car seat. (Having the car seat beyond security so SOOO worth it too, since your lap baby will OFTEN be able get his/her own seat even if you don't pay for it, if there are any empty seats on the plane, and it is SO much safer and the kiddo is SOO much more apt to nap if s/he is in the car seat with the humming of the plane. And you NEVER know when you'll be stranded in an airport for a whole day wishing you had your comfy B.O.B. for the baby to rest/sleep in....or when you'll be diverted/stranded in another city and/or have to take a cab unexpectedly, and you will be so grateful you made the effort to travel with your own car seat.....) All this is to say the B.O.B. is even worth it and manageable enough to travel with! It seemed so extravagant to me at first, and I've never regretted it for a second!

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BOB, BOB, BOB!!! It's the only stoller I've had, it's easy for everyday use, in and out of the car, no problem. Having a second in July and will get the BOB Duallie. Go give one a test-drive :)

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E.,
I bought the chicco travel system for my first child, and I loved it. But now that I've had my second child, I would have done it all differently. I bought a Phil & Ted's Sport double stroller for my second. It can be a single or double stroller, and it's the same weight as the chicco stroller (it's also a jogging stroller). It has three wheels, runs very smoothly, and has more maneuverability than any other stroller I've used. It's a little pricey, but I can't say enough about it. I really really wish I would have just gotten this stroller in the first place and saved myself the $300 on the chicco. You can buy the whole travel system, or buy the doubles kit later. You can still put a car seat into it like you would on the chicco, it just doesn't latch unless you buy a converter kit. Still, I would place my car seat in my phil & ted's and it sat pretty secure. Hope this helps!

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Hi
Everyone in my www.babybootcamp.com class has a BOB jogging stroller
GOod luck

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My daughter is 17 months and before I had her I always wanted a jogger. Everything I looked at was too big but I found the Babytrend jogger that was a little smaller and more lightweight.

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I have the Bob revolution stroller. It is heavy for everyday use but I love it for running and the mall. I use the Ergo carrier for other things. Graco SnugRider Infant Car Seat Frame is also good for quick & easy.

Good luck.

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E.,

For my shower I got both a Graco stroller/car seat combo and a jogger/car seat combo. Different people got me each one, so we tested them out with mine and my hubby's car. Our favorite was the jogger with the infant car seat attachment. Lighter, has multiple purposes (more than the Graco), and was easy to use and take places. We still use the other stroller in my hubby's car, because it's easier than changing out the car seat, but overall we love the jogger combo. We have the Expedition. Good one.

Congrats on the baby!

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I have the chicco travel system, and if I had it to do over again- I probably wouldn't get it. It is bulky. I would buy one of those (inexpensive) snap in stroller frames with the basket on the bottom and use thaat when the baby is just an infant. For me I would have gotten a more european style lighter manuverable everday stroller. I had a friend with a BOB and she loved....

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For the jogging stroller the BOB is best without a doubt. Some one the cheaper ones have good reviews, but the big problem with those seems to be that it pulls to one side or the other. As you know, this would be very frustrating when running.
For the travel system I have the peg perego. It folds up pretty small which was one of the main selling points for me. (The car seat was also rated well for safety by consumer reports) I flew international every other month for the first year and this stroller held up pretty well. I agree with the other posts that once your child is out of the infant car seat you will want something lighter like a McLaren. I'm on my second child now (she is 14 weeks) and am using the peg perego again and am happy with it.

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Hi E.,
We bought the Peg Perego Skate and I regret not getting the jogging stroller. We currently live in Europe and don't have a car so wanted a stroller that could safely transport a newborn on cobblestone streets. It works well but we ended up buying a McLaren umbrella stroller because we travel a lot and the Skate is somewhat bulky and gets heavy after awhile. Now, I want to get the BOB and get rid of the Skate. I love the Skate for general use but I want to be able to go on runs with my daughter and the Skate just isn't the right stroller for that. I hope this is helpful. L.

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I have had several strollers, spend the money on a GOOD one now, or you will pay alot more before it is over. I now have the Baby Jogger, City Stroller, and LOVE IT. I have the double (6 kids) and it is wonderful on dirt, or in the mall. I take it EVERYWHERE!! super easy to fold, light weight, adjustable handle for different heights, seats lay back, under carriage storage, back pockets for alot of things. It is by far the BEST stroller I have EVER had...I have had my share! I have had it for 4 years, and my youngest is 16 months, the 7,4,3,1 year old all ride in it. the turning radius is wonderful, and being a double it fits in all the door ways. When you try strollers in the store put something heavy in it, and try pushing turning, most are not as easy to turn w/weight in them. Good luck and enjoy!

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I loved my Chicco travel system. I bought a different brand double stroller that came with an infant seat when my second child was born and I ended up going back to the Chicco car seat and stroller (and having my older child walk when it was possible).
Good on the purchase and congratulations!

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E.,
check out the Phil & Ted strollers, they are the coolest strollers on the market. They come as a single with a double attachment option in case you have another baby. They are lightweight and easy to close.

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I highly recommend the Bob Revolution as a great all-around stroller and great for running. The front wheel unlocks for strolling around and easy maneuvering, but you can lock it when you want to run. It folds easily and I have no trouble with the weight (the Bob duelie, on the other hand, is a little heavy). I used it with both of my girls with the infant seat bar attachment. I could just pop my Graco Snugride carset onto it. It maneuvers when out shopping and fits through all doors. I also liked that when I was working back into running after after my pregnancies and was just walking with the stroller, then I could unlock the front wheel for easier steering. Most running strollers don't do this. The Bob is also good if you are going to run on dirt trails rather than just pavement.

I didn't want another full-fledged stroller or system, since I tended to use my Ergo carrier and carry Baby more often than deal with a stroller (elevators in malls are always off in the corners). However, what I did find was useful to toss in the car was a Snap and Go frame. Light, compact, and you just snap on the infant car seat. More than enough room underneath for anything that I ever did around town.

Good luck...everybody's diffent so hopefully what you choose will work for you. I'd start with less and only buy another stroller if you find a need for it.

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The travel systems are so heavy and bulky. We just had our baby in FEB and I got one of those snap n go car seat adapters, it is super light weight (huge plus right after delivery) and her car seat just fits right in. Then we bought the BOB stroller so that I can use that for everything else. Her carseat fits into the bob as well so we use that now that she is getting a bit older and I can pick up the BOB. This system worked out perfect for us. Good Luck in your decision, and Congratulations of the pregnancy!

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We bought the BOB jogging stroller and have loved it. We discovered, however, that we had to take the wheels off to fit it into our trunk. So, we bought a stroller frame that we could put the car seat into for trips around town. That worked great. Eventually we bought another stroller when our son outgrew his infant car seat. So, we loved the BOB, but if you don't have a van or SUV, you might consider another small stroller for around town.

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My everyday stroller is/was the BOB Revolution Duallie. Now that the kids are older 4 & 6, we still take it on day trips to carry our stuff and the kids if they get tired. It's a double and in my opinion - not too heavy/bulky for everyday use.

Best wishes!!
M.

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Hi E.,
After having 3 kids I definitly wish I would have not got the travel system. My suggestions are choose a great infant seat and then use a snap and go for shopping/errands and going to people's houses etc... Then get a jogger for running and one that then can be used for the everyday stoller also, when he/she is out of the infant seat. I never had it but I wish I did and still might buy it, but I have seen and heard great things about the BOB jogger/stroller. It is expensive but trust me, it is so worth it to buy the high end stuff first otherwise you end up buying 3 or 4 of the cheaper versions trying to get it right:)Hope this helps and makes sense I am in a hurry:) Feel free to ask questions, this is important because it can really make your life easier to have the right strollers:):):)
C.

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I wouldn't buy a travel system. Way to bulky. Buy a snap and go- use it for the infant carrier. It's quick and easy and light. Much less expensive. Invest in a BOB stroller- they are the best especially if you jog. Then when the baby gets a little older like 6-7months after he/she outgrows the snap and go- buy a decent lightweight (Chicco makes an great one) umbrella stroller. That is best to use- when out and about shopping, parks, etc... The jogger is too bulky for trips like that. Believe me- that is the best way to go. The Travel system is sooo heavy, sooo expensive and impractical especially if you are an active person. Good luck!

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I love the BOB revolution. It's an awesome jogger and can be used for shopping too. Yes they are heavier than a lightweight stroller but it's a stroller that you can use for everything. By the way, REI occasionally has sales on them (I think it's 20% off).
Good luck!

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The bob is a better jogging stroller. I actually got the travel system and the jogging stroller because it was so convenient to use the car seat with the travel stroller but the jogging stroller goes anywhere. I've found the Bob is pretty light-weight and folds very easily plus you can get an adapter that allows you to attach the car seat. So if you can only get one stroller I'd go with the Bob.

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I am a mom of a 6 and 3 year old and now a 7 month old. I got the Graco Lite stroller and infant care seat that I have used for all 3 kids. The stroller is light-weight and easy to fold with one hand. the car seat is also light and I am able to reach my infant easily in the car while driving to give her her pacifier or just to hold her hand if she is upset. It is difficult to run if you breastfeed. I felt very top heavy even with a good jog bra. I bought a jogger. I believe it was about $100. Front wheel is locked forward only. I am not sure if I would like one better with a swivel front wheel. The Graco is good for walking and small to put in the back of the car. Also the jogger is a little awkward to go thru stores. I think it's good to have both and you do not have to spend a lot of money on each to get a good stroller.

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