Which stroller/ jogger/ travel system would you recommend for a first time mom?

Sat, Jul 18, 2009

I have purchased only nursery furniture, clothes and a few toys so far, I am now 29 weeks and it is time to start thinking about baby carriers, transport systems and baby gear but the choice out there is daunting. I know that in a recent crash test on baby car seats they found baby trend and graco to be the safest car seats and bases so that’s were I think I will start, we need a baby car seat! I was also thinking that I would be carrying my baby in one of those baby Bjorn carriers mostly but not sure if the active or the original is best. Also my Mom is flying in from England for 3 months to help so I want some kind of stroller for her to use as I cant see her using the baby Bjorn. My husband says that if we get a jogger that he will use it to jog on the weekends but I am not sure if they are too bulky for everyday use and at the end of the day when my mom goes home I will ultimately be the one getting it in and out the car and using it as he grows. I can’t afford to get one of each
I need advice on the most practical yet safe baby gear. I also need to know if I need to by all this stuff before he is born, my husband seems to think that other than the car seat the rest can wait until our son is born then we can try him out in them but I would prefer to have it on hand before hand. Any advice?

baby bjorn carriers, baby car seat, baby car seats, Baby Carriers, Baby Gear, baby trend, clothes, crash test, england, everyday use, graco, mom, nursery furniture, safest car seats, stroller, toys, transport systems

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7 Comments For This Post

Stacy Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Joggimg Strolers ~ If you are interested a jogger that you can use everyday and still be able to jog. You should check out the BOB Revolution. It is a swivel wheel stroller that you can lock in place to jog (the only one that will hold up). Also you can use this as an everyday stroller. It even has a car seat adapter so yiou can attach your car seat to it. It is narrow and not that bulky. You can look at the Revolution at: http://www.joggingstroller.com/BOB-Revolution.pro

Car seats ~ The Graco Snugride is a great infant seat with EPS foam. You can find that at:
http://www.elitecarseats.com/Graco-SnugRide.pro

Carriers ~ You may want to look into alternative carriers. I know a lot of parents who are trying wraps vs. the tradional carrier. Some parents find them very convienct and comfortable for baby and parent. Check out:

http://www.childcarriers.com/home.jsp?siteId=10&adminUserId=336&salespersonCode=SH075

they have customer reviews on all of the different carriers from traditional and non-traditional.

Good luck and congratulations!! Being a parent is the best job in the whole world.

annabanana Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

graco is an awesome brand… they have combinations sets w/ a carseat and a stroller (and they coordinate!) You can attach the carseat to the stroller when your baby is small (it faces you), then when your baby can sit up you dont have to use the varseat in the stroller anymore… it is a regular stroller and can be used w/ kids under 45 lbs. they cost about $130.00 and are well worth it! For a jogger I reccomend the babytrend brand.

http://www.graco.com

penny century Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

These are better than the Baby Bjorn carriers. Much more comfortable and natural for mother and baby

http://www.mammasmilk.com/

I’d also recommend a small, lightweight stroller as those three wheeled ones are enormous. I had one of these from the birth of my son and found it easy to use and very manoeverable.

http://www.pramworld.co.uk/index.html?pageTitle=Maclaren_Quest_Sport_2007_Flame_Orange&pageDesc=The_stylish_Maclaren_Quest_Sport_is_an_uptodate_fullfeatured_yet_lightweight_pushchair_It_is_ideal_f&action=detail&maincatID=0&catID=&prodID=2742&brandID=

Shannon Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

The Graco travel systems(carseat and stroller combo) are awsome! I love mine. When looking for a carseat the things I suggest are a 5 point buckle and that you can adjust the straps in the front rather than in the back of the carseat. A jogger is a lot bigger and harder to lug around than a stroller. You can alway buy an extra base for a 2nd car. Check out babiesrus.com and you can view the different travel systems. They may also have highchairs, playpens, and swings to match your chosen pattern of the travel system. Good Luck!!

The baby Bjorn I wouldn’t get because you’re gonna carry your baby in his/her seat for quite sometime.

Mommy to David Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Look into slings for a carrier. Baby Bjorns and Snuglis arent comfortable for mom or baby.

Try: http://www.thebabywearer.com to get ideas of the different kinds.

And, if youre going to have a good sling, you can start with a convertable carseat and you wont really need a stroller for everyday use.

michellekyle12 Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

Oh my gosh. The Phil and Ted’s E3 stroller is amazing. I wish I would’ve bought it with baby #1 because now with baby #2 I am going to buy it. It is a single stroller but converts into a double. You can also attach the car seat to it with the travel kit which is like $24.99 more. But I have been researching strollers like crazy and everyone says this one is great. It is a little expensive but I think it is so worth it. You can use it right away from newborn up. It’s great check it out.

As far as baby carriers I love ellaroo wraps.

littlemiraclesmom Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm

With so many choices out there it can be confusing trying to figure out what stroller or car seat to buy. My suggestion is to look aroundf or what you feel most comfortable with. Here are a few good things to look for in each item to make sure you get what you really want:

Stroller- Look for these things:
does it fold compactly and easily- with one hand? Can you adjust the handles height if multiple people will be using it ( at 5 ft 1 my needs are very different than my husbands)? can you use it as a car seat combo ( like Graco products)? Do you want a lightweight, mid sized or super delux stroller? Look at the way the child gets strapped into the stroller- is it a five point harness? does it turn easily and can you manage it with one hand not just both?

Car Seats- Obviously safety comes first in this category and it’ll depend on if you want an infant seat ( generally 5- 20 lbs.or so)- or a convertable seat ( 5-60 or more lbs.) The advantages of an infant seat are that you can easily take it with you inside where as the convertable seat stays in the car at all times.

Things to think about with a car seat: Take a look at how easily you can buckle the five point harness - is it hard to open and clip? Do the straps adjust easily to make them loose or tight? Some you have to pull apart the whole seat -Will it be easy for you to take your child in and out of the seat - think rainy day here! And the big thing is to test it in your own car! Every car seat fits differently in different cars. What fits in my SUV doesn’t work in our mid sized car! Many places will allow you to give them your drivers id and test the seat in your car before you purchase… Babies R Us does this for sure!

My personal favorites from experience are:

Graco Snug Ride Infant Car seat- comes in so many patterns now and is easy to get in and out of the car - always has had a good safety rating - we used them for both children and were very happy with them. You can even purchase an extra base for a second car so it’s easier!

Britax on the high end for a convertable car seat- we have the Marathon and LOVE IT- In my opinion it was worth every penny! Easy to instal with the lock off clip once you chnage to forward facing ( 1 year and at laest 20 lbs.)- it stays in the car tightly forward facing - and easy adjustment of straps- plus GREAT safety ratings! I found it easy to use as rear facing seat ytoo - although the placement of the adjustment to loosen the straps was harder in that position - but not awful.

We have a second car seat too- the Graco Safe Seat which I am pleased with as well - it’s easy to use and also at a lesser cost has the seat belt lock off clip that keeps it snug against the seat- but this car seat would be the second after an infant seat becuase it is only forward facing.

Strollers - We had a graco stroller for my first daughter that lasted years - great durability, so I can’t say a bad thing about Graco. I also have a new Peg Perego Pliko and LOVE it - it folds compactly - it’s easy to fold and has plenty of room. My mom has the Combi Cosmo Stroller- only about $60 and it is great- we used it on vacation and I was very pleased - it’s a very light weight and compact stroller. Folds so small you won’t believe it!

My experience with a jogging stroller is to purchase one that has a front wheel that swivels- I had one that did not and it is extremely difficult to turn or use around corners, etc.. I got rid of it quickly! it is not condusive to shopping or small spaceswithout that feature at all!

Carriers- so many choices too- I useda sling carrier for a while- then wentto the baby bjorn- look online though and search baby carriers- you can get many at better prices than in the stores- and there are lots of choices out there - everything from moby wraps and mei teis to hotslings, etc…
Good luck & have fun shopping!

Stacy Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Joggimg Strolers ~ If you are interested a jogger that you can use everyday and still be able to jog. You should check out the BOB Revolution. It is a swivel wheel stroller that you can lock in place to jog (the only one that will hold up). Also you can use this as an everyday stroller. It even has a car seat adapter so yiou can attach your car seat to it. It is narrow and not that bulky. You can look at the Revolution at: http://www.joggingstroller.com/BOB-Revolution.pro

Car seats ~ The Graco Snugride is a great infant seat with EPS foam. You can find that at:
http://www.elitecarseats.com/Graco-SnugRide.pro

Carriers ~ You may want to look into alternative carriers. I know a lot of parents who are trying wraps vs. the tradional carrier. Some parents find them very convienct and comfortable for baby and parent. Check out:

http://www.childcarriers.com/home.jsp?siteId=10&adminUserId=336&salespersonCode=SH075

they have customer reviews on all of the different carriers from traditional and non-traditional.

Good luck and congratulations!! Being a parent is the best job in the whole world.
annabanana Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
graco is an awesome brand… they have combinations sets w/ a carseat and a stroller (and they coordinate!) You can attach the carseat to the stroller when your baby is small (it faces you), then when your baby can sit up you dont have to use the varseat in the stroller anymore… it is a regular stroller and can be used w/ kids under 45 lbs. they cost about $130.00 and are well worth it! For a jogger I reccomend the babytrend brand.

http://www.graco.com
penny century Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
These are better than the Baby Bjorn carriers. Much more comfortable and natural for mother and baby

http://www.mammasmilk.com/

I’d also recommend a small, lightweight stroller as those three wheeled ones are enormous. I had one of these from the birth of my son and found it easy to use and very manoeverable.

http://www.pramworld.co.uk/index.html?pageTitle=Maclaren_Quest_Sport_2007_Flame_Orange&pageDesc=The_stylish_Maclaren_Quest_Sport_is_an_uptodate_fullfeatured_yet_lightweight_pushchair_It_is_ideal_f&action=detail&maincatID=0&catID=&prodID=2742&brandID=
Shannon Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
The Graco travel systems(carseat and stroller combo) are awsome! I love mine. When looking for a carseat the things I suggest are a 5 point buckle and that you can adjust the straps in the front rather than in the back of the carseat. A jogger is a lot bigger and harder to lug around than a stroller. You can alway buy an extra base for a 2nd car. Check out babiesrus.com and you can view the different travel systems. They may also have highchairs, playpens, and swings to match your chosen pattern of the travel system. Good Luck!!

The baby Bjorn I wouldn’t get because you’re gonna carry your baby in his/her seat for quite sometime.
Mommy to David Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Look into slings for a carrier. Baby Bjorns and Snuglis arent comfortable for mom or baby.

Try: http://www.thebabywearer.com to get ideas of the different kinds.

And, if youre going to have a good sling, you can start with a convertable carseat and you wont really need a stroller for everyday use.
michellekyle12 Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Oh my gosh. The Phil and Ted’s E3 stroller is amazing. I wish I would’ve bought it with baby #1 because now with baby #2 I am going to buy it. It is a single stroller but converts into a double. You can also attach the car seat to it with the travel kit which is like $24.99 more. But I have been researching strollers like crazy and everyone says this one is great. It is a little expensive but I think it is so worth it. You can use it right away from newborn up. It’s great check it out.

As far as baby carriers I love ellaroo wraps.
littlemiraclesmom Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
With so many choices out there it can be confusing trying to figure out what stroller or car seat to buy. My suggestion is to look aroundf or what you feel most comfortable with. Here are a few good things to look for in each item to make sure you get what you really want:

Stroller- Look for these things:
does it fold compactly and easily- with one hand? Can you adjust the handles height if multiple people will be using it ( at 5 ft 1 my needs are very different than my husbands)? can you use it as a car seat combo ( like Graco products)? Do you want a lightweight, mid sized or super delux stroller? Look at the way the child gets strapped into the stroller- is it a five point harness? does it turn easily and can you manage it with one hand not just both?

Car Seats- Obviously safety comes first in this category and it’ll depend on if you want an infant seat ( generally 5- 20 lbs.or so)- or a convertable seat ( 5-60 or more lbs.) The advantages of an infant seat are that you can easily take it with you inside where as the convertable seat stays in the car at all times.

Things to think about with a car seat: Take a look at how easily you can buckle the five point harness - is it hard to open and clip? Do the straps adjust easily to make them loose or tight? Some you have to pull apart the whole seat -Will it be easy for you to take your child in and out of the seat - think rainy day here! And the big thing is to test it in your own car! Every car seat fits differently in different cars. What fits in my SUV doesn’t work in our mid sized car! Many places will allow you to give them your drivers id and test the seat in your car before you purchase… Babies R Us does this for sure!

My personal favorites from experience are:

Graco Snug Ride Infant Car seat- comes in so many patterns now and is easy to get in and out of the car - always has had a good safety rating - we used them for both children and were very happy with them. You can even purchase an extra base for a second car so it’s easier!

Britax on the high end for a convertable car seat- we have the Marathon and LOVE IT- In my opinion it was worth every penny! Easy to instal with the lock off clip once you chnage to forward facing ( 1 year and at laest 20 lbs.)- it stays in the car tightly forward facing - and easy adjustment of straps- plus GREAT safety ratings! I found it easy to use as rear facing seat ytoo - although the placement of the adjustment to loosen the straps was harder in that position - but not awful.

We have a second car seat too- the Graco Safe Seat which I am pleased with as well - it’s easy to use and also at a lesser cost has the seat belt lock off clip that keeps it snug against the seat- but this car seat would be the second after an infant seat becuase it is only forward facing.

Strollers - We had a graco stroller for my first daughter that lasted years - great durability, so I can’t say a bad thing about Graco. I also have a new Peg Perego Pliko and LOVE it - it folds compactly - it’s easy to fold and has plenty of room. My mom has the Combi Cosmo Stroller- only about $60 and it is great- we used it on vacation and I was very pleased - it’s a very light weight and compact stroller. Folds so small you won’t believe it!

My experience with a jogging stroller is to purchase one that has a front wheel that swivels- I had one that did not and it is extremely difficult to turn or use around corners, etc.. I got rid of it quickly! it is not condusive to shopping or small spaceswithout that feature at all!

Carriers- so many choices too- I useda sling carrier for a while- then wentto the baby bjorn- look online though and search baby carriers- you can get many at better prices than in the stores- and there are lots of choices out there - everything from moby wraps and mei teis to hotslings, etc…
Good luck & have fun shopping!

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