We started our baby out with a Graco travel system. I wish I would have done more research, as my 6 month old is about to grow out of the car seat and the stroller is a total clunker that eats up my trunk space.
CAR SEAT - I would like to get something that will transition as he grows and I don't want to have to keep buying car seats at every turn. This is my only child and we are not having any more, so my thought process will never be "well, we will just use it for the next baby". For those of you who have bought convertible or 3-in-1 car seats, which ones did you like or not like and why? If it means paying a little more to have something that will last longer, I'm fine with that.
STROLLER - I'm looking for something lightweight and compact, but not frail and flimsy. It needs to be able to stand up to 3-mile walks 5 times a week. I don't need all the bells and whistles, but a cupholder for mom's cafe mocha might be nice. Like the car seat, I'd like it to be something I can use for more than a few months.
Thanks for your input!
Thanks for all the advice! It gives me a lot to think about and consider before purchasing our next carseat and stroller.
I love this seat. I bought it when my son was 6months old and now I use it for my daughter. This one is a bit fancier than the model the had a few years ago. It is one the expensive side I paid 125$ for mine and now it looks they they are around 150$ but I think its worth it.
http://www.coscojuvenile.com/product.asp?productID=2694
Love my Britax Decathlon.
It allows for rear facing tethering, which not many seats do.
It has a high height limit for rear facing. Most kids could stay rear facing for up to 3 years, which is THE SAFEST WAY for baby to ride.
It has 3 adjustment slots for the crotch buckle, so should accommodate lots of sizes for baby.
Allows for use 5 point harness to a higher weight than some other seats
Extra padding for smaller kids that can easily be removed as they grow.
The reason I chose this one over the Marathon was mainly because of the crotch adjustments, and that it has a push button instead of a lever for tightening the straps. I've heard too many stories about kids figuring out the lever and letting themselves out of the seat. My DD is naughty, I was certain she'd be one of those!
It is SO adjustable! My DD grew out of her infant seat early too. I still would have gotten it, as it made it really easy to tote her around...but what a bummer moneywise.
I have a Peg Perego Pliko P3 stroller. It folds really compact for a full sized stroller, and I have no complaints.
I have friends who love their Maclaren Volo strollers. If I were to get another stroller I would look at these.
The Britax Marathon is the best all around, IMHO. It can be used rear facing to a high weight limit. It can be used front facing to 65 lbs, and the straps are actually high enough that you may be able to actually use it to 65 lbs even if you have a larger child (unlike that Cosco one that everyone buys and they think will last them forever because it turns into a booster seat). Once they are that weight they can be put in a booster seat, and you can keep them in a 5 pt harness over 40 lbs which is what alot of the convertible seats go to/move to a booster seat at this weight limit. But I am finding that my son is about 40 lbs and no way do I believe he has the maturity to sit in a booster yet. The Marathon is also very convienent, easy to install ....with LATCH it is in there like a rock and not going to move. Plus there is also a tether. Great design. Not cheap, but if you figure the amount of time you will use it, overall it is actually the best buy, and one of the most highly rated seats in safety overall as well.
After also having a Graco travel system, I bought a McClaren Volo when my son was 2. I wanted something light and compact that would also carry my son past 30 lbs cause he was already close to it. It is about $100 which seems alot to spend on a glorified umbrella stroller, but it was the best baby purchase I have ever made. It strolls like a dream.......turns on a dime. Very comfy...seat doesn't lay back, but my son would never fall asleep when we are out and about anyway. It is light and folds up easily, has a carrying strap, and so easy to throw in the car and takes up no room. And best of all.....kids can stay in it up to 50 or 60 lbs. No other stroller has a weight limit like that....I did my research there. There are other fancier versions of this stroller that McClaren makes with seat recline/additional features and more storage underneath (not alot there) but this one suits our needs fine.
Good luck! I know you hate to spend money and find out there were better choices out there.
I would recommend the Britax Marathon. It goes up to 65 lbs. It is highly recommended at Babies R Us and is a safe and easy to use carseat. We have one and have been using it for the last 4 mths since our daughter turned 6 mths. She likes it. It is expensive, but there are nice parts to it if you are transferring it between cars often.
There are smaller strollers that still lay down (important with the little ones) and are a lot more lighter weight. I know there are several brands. Our neighbor gave us theirs.
H.
We ran into the exact same thing when our daughter was 6 months! Hope this helps...
Carseat - We have the Britax Decatholon and LOVE it. Obviously, we had it rear facing until she was 1, and then we switched it around. I believe it goes up until 65lbs. So, I figure it will last us until she is old/tall enough for a booster seat.
Stroller - We bought the Maclaren Techno Classic and it has been wonderful for us. However, if you are used to having all the under stroller storage, it takes a little time to get used to the VERY small storage space. I highly recommend buying the add-on thing you velcro to the handles, for light things like baby jackets, etc.
Good luck!
Hi A., We have a great stroller for our only child that has held up to over three years of the kind of walks you describe (and occasional jogging, too)-- the Graco Citilite. It was affordable and holds up well to constant folding and unfolding; also has the cupholder as you mentioned. Here are some opinions about it from epinions -- I agree with most of them. http://www.epinions.com/Graco_CitiLite_Navy_Gingham_Squar...
addition: I read on epinions (one person mentioned this) that they may not make this particular stroller anymore. I would still recommend Graco strollers for affordability and durability.
Good luck to you!
We love our Cosco Alpha Omega Elite!
