Strollers & Carseats - Richardson,TX

For my daughter we used a Enflow infant seat, and for my son, the Graco Snugride. I really like the Graco. It is easy to snap in and out. Stroller wise, I have a stroller that the Graco infant seat snaps into. It is not Graco brand, but it is made to fit Graco (I got it at Target). Anyway, this made life so much easier while my son was at the stage where you take the whole infant seat out with baby in it (those things get heavy quickly). I wish that I had had it when my daughter was an infant. Target also has one that is made by the same people as mine called the sit and snap- I think. It allows a place for one child to either sit or stand and a place to snap in the infant seat. Now that he sits on his own, we use an umbrella stroller. It takes up much less space than other type of stollers and is less complicated to fold and unfold. Umbrella strollers and other strollers are hard to use with a little infant unless they have a 5 point harness. The type that snap at the waist only are fine once they learn to support themselves, but before that they need the shoulder straps to help support their upper bodies. (Another reason that the strollers that the infant carrier snaps into is great- plus if they are sleeping, you don't wake them for the transfer).

As far as having two young ones, I'm trying to work that out myself. There are 3 years between my son and daughter, so that wasn't an issue, however there will slightly less than a year and a half between my son and the baby I am carring now.

Congrats and Good Luck!!

This may not be helpful b/c I do not know the brand,but there is a sroller that is more expensive that has a little bed that snaps sorta underneath the first seat and then also a seat that can go there. It can be a single or double for infant or toddler.
A good friend o mine has this and loves it.

I wish someone would have told me to get the snap and go stroller. The kind where you choose your infant carseat that snaps on. Than I could have just bought a double with the second. As it is I hated my even flo stroller carseat combo. I ended up getting a graco snug ride and I have one zooper stroller one peg (which I recomend) also one double umbrella stroller (for the airports) one really nice double stroller. My kids are 2.5 years apart and I never really used my double. It still looks brand new. Good Luck!

Instead of getting a travel system we got the Graco Snugrider Infant Carseat Frame and now use a Maclaren stroller. We really liked the carseat frame, big basket, good cup holders, etc. The maclaren is also really nice, lightweight, fits in the trunk (I drive a small car), easy to push/manuever, and it's a bit taller which is nice. The maclaren doesn't have the toy/snack tray so if that's something you want don't get an umbrella type stroller. I think they make double strollers now that hold a carseat and a bigger child. You might want to consider doing a carseat frame and then switching to something like that to accomodate two if you are planning on having them close together. Good luck deciding - who knew it was such a big decision!

i found a web site called craigslist you can some cheap things that you would need and there are the once upon a child and kid to kid store they sell about 1/2 of the price the store do . i have brought tons of things from them for my kids . Good luck on your new baby . J.

Well safety first, I know the Graco is very well rated and very cost effective. I haven't used the Chicco personally but know they are a well known brand and have never heard bad stuff about them, just expensive.

I got a Graco travel system with the snugride carseat that fits in it, knowing that I wanted my kids close in age. I love it and used it regularly when my son was in the carseat and after. I got an umbrella stroller (midsize I guess b/c there is a basket and tray for me and kiddo) b/c we went on a plane trip. It has been helpful, and used a lot, but it is already time to get rid of it b/c it is not working well (only a year old) but depends on how expensive you want to go as to how long it will last and how often you think you will use it. I used the travel system stroller a lot too and didn't find it too big or heavy.

I am now expecting my second and purchased a Graco double stroller. I would say wait on buying or deciding on what kind of stroller you will need with the two kids b/c your decision will depend on the first child's personality a lot. My son (will be 28mo when 2nd son get's here) doesn't mind his stroller and will sit in it happily so I felt confident getting a double sitting stroller. I thought about a ride and stand, snap in frame, but decided they wouldn't meet my needs or my current child's needs as well. Some kids decide early they hate sitting in the stroller (and mom decides they listen well enough to be trusted to walk...mine can't be trusted to listen or stay with me so I want him strapped in to where he can't get out) and the other strollers work better for them and their moms. Or the kids are old enough to decide if they want to sit or stand, mine isn't.

As far as number of carseats - we have the infant and now a convertible (? I think that's what it is called, faces forward for 1yr 20lbs plus up to like 40lbs or so). The new baby will use the infant and probably my son's current b/c oldest son will maybe be into a bigger seat when this one is ready for the convertible. I guess that's about 2-4 car seats per child (depending on the style you buy) till they are allowed to use the vehicle seat belt.

Just a different perspective to look at before you decide, good luck!

I love the Chicco! Definately the best one out there! It was the only stroller (cortina) that I could open!
Good Luck with your baby!
S.

Hi...first of all congratulations on your little one. My daughter just turned a year old and we used the Laura Ashley (Graco) Travel system and I really like it. It was easy to use. It had the base that stayed in the car that the carrier just attached to. It was plush and comfortable. I am still getting lots of use out of the stroller. In fact I keep it in the car at all times because I use it so much. I also have an 8 year old and we are constantly on the run and this stroller has really been useful. I have taken it on some rugged terrain areas and it has held up beautifully. It is also very pretty and feminine (which is what I liked best.) It is the Graco snugride. After my daughter outgrew the carrier car seat, we purchased the Britax Marathon which should last her until she is out of a car seat because it turns into a booster. It is very plush and comfortable and very girly (Pink and yellow w/flowers). This car seat was suitable to use since birth, but to me it was much easier having a carrier car seat until she was too big for it. I have been very happy with both of these. I would suggest also looking up your prospective buys on the babies r us website which is powered by amazon where you can read reviews written by parents who have used the products. I found it very helpful when shopping. Good luck!

What you buy is dependant on your lifestyle. I have 3 children and my first is 7, my second is 3 and my baby is 15 months. I did not need a double stroller between my first and second but it was a necessity with my 2nd and third. We are out and about ALOT with soccer, shopping, travel etc so we use ours tons. I prefer the the style where the seats are behind each outher because the side by side cannot fit down aisles very well and it is hard on your arms since the older child's side has more eight on it ... so it doesn't push easily in my opinion. Here is what we bought: the Quattro Tour single stroller with attachable carseat/carrier (LOVE IT!!@!!) and also the Quattro tour double stroller (called duo glider light) in the same pattern, which the carrier fits on it as well, that way when my daughter wasn't with me or not interested in the stroller, I can still use a stroller for the baby. I highly suggest getting a baby backpack style carrier for when you have to take your other child and the baby to the store for groceries because once you get both the kids in the cart, there is no room for groceries... and they are very cheap around 20 bucks... make sure you get the kind that the baby can face forward or backward and that they can be in front of you rather than you behind you. My luck with smaller strollers is horrible, with my 7 year old we went through about 4 different strollers before giving up. I researched them before buying one for my daughter and found a gem with the quattro tour -- don't forget to check ebay for discontinued patterns -- fabulous finds! Carseats--- you will need about 3 -- the carrier for infants, a carseat that can hold a larger infant in the rearfacing position and front facing position, and a booster when they are about 4 or so. I am loving the Alpha Omega Elite carseat because when your child gets too big for the straps, it adjusts without having to take the carseat out of the teethers or seatbelt. It also cleans easily and since we live in hot east texas, doesn't seem to get hot during the summer. it is a little pricier at about 165 bucks though.... but its suposed to work as a booster too, but we are not at that stage yet with my little one and my daughter has her own carseat still. I suggest getting the carrier and the first carseat and wait until necessary to get the other. Hope this helps and that I didn't ramble on too much, just wanted to share our finds!

I LOVED my snap-in frame stroller!! I didn't have it for my 1st child, but did for my 2nd. I wish I had gotten it for my 1st!! It was very light and took up very little room in my SUV. It had a cupholder/tray and the basket underneath, which is a must with a stroller as far as I'm concerned. That's why I was never an umbrella stroller fan. I have one, but have probably used it less than 10 times with both my boys. I used the regular stroller the most, so that is where you want to put your money!

It is all personal preference, I know. But I suggest you get a good mid-size stroller, the snap-on , and a double when the 2nd comes unless they are a few years apart. As far as seats go, your 1st will most likely outgrow the infant seat and be in a covertable no matter how close they are together. That will give you some time before you have to buy the 2nd convertable. They don't go to booster seat until 4 and 40 pounds, so you have some time for that!! Good luck to you and congrats!!

J.,

I did tons of research when I bought my system for my son and I ended up choosing the Chicco.

1. I love it it has been great.
2. My son was in the NICU for the first 3 weeks of his life. I took a class at the hospital about CPR, Carseats etc..... the instructor has been doing this for about 20 years and said that the Chicco was her favorite Carseat out. She said it was the easiest and safest she had seen. I (of course) loved hearing this, but I have been very happy with the system. It wsa well worth the money.

Good Luck.. My son is almost 5 months old and I can't tell you the joy. Being a mom ROCKS!!!

Jenn

Umbrella strollers are a waste. They are really flimsy and don't have a place for your diaper bag or for a bottle or sippy cup for the child. I wouldn't put one on your registry. As for the travel system...the stroller that comes with a travel system is very large and very heavy. I have a 21 month old little girl and when we have our next one I won't use a travel system. I will just use one of the snap in frames. My sister in law had the snap in and loved it. As far as a midesize stroller...I use the Peg Perego Aria. I love it and have recommended it to everyone who is registering. It is lightweight but has a tray for the child along with cup holder for the child and adult and the basket underneath is roomy enough for your diaper bag. It has front and back brakes and it so easy to snap up and down for travel. It is about $200 but it would be worth it to put that on your registry and see if soemone gets it for you. It also has a strap that will convert it inot a travel system so it can hold your infant car seat. Hope this helps.

Hi J.,

Congratulations! You are going to have so much fun being a mom!
I have two boys who are 18 months apart and I pretty much knew I wanted to have 2 close together as well. But, I went ahead and got a single travel system when I was expecting my first in addition to a quality lightweight stroller. The convenience of an infant seat that goes from car to stroller is priceless. Then when I had my second I bought a double stroller/travel system and sold my single travel system (to help offset the cost).
I am not a big fan of the snap in frame stroller - I had one for a while and just didn't use it - the lightweight stroller was enough.

Good luck making your decision - it is a tough one!
C.

I have the Chicco Cortina, and I really like it! I love the way the carseat adjusted from the front, and the stroller is a little lighter than some of the big Graco strollers. One of the selling features for us was that the handlebar on the stroller is height adjustable, so it was good for my 6'4" husband!! The stroller reclines completely flat and the footrest comes up to completely enclose the bed of the stroller if its flat. It also is easy to fold, self locks, and stands up on its own when foled. All the Graco's I saw had a little plastic ltach to latch it, and I wasn't sure that latch would last!!! My only complaint is that is doesn't sit completely upright, and I have to put a little pillow behind my 9 month old daughter now that she wants to see everything and sit up!
Hope that helps!

I am expecting our third child in 4 years in July. We got the graco snugride with the oldest and are planning on using it again with this baby. It has held up very well through our first 2 children. We also bought the extra base for the carrier so that we could load the baby easily into either car. We now have the oldest child in a convertible car seat/booster that is forward facing only but can convert from 5 point harness to using the car seat belt. Our 2 year old is in the carseat that can either face forward or backwards and goes up to 40 pounds. (she is small for her age so she may be in it until she is 5.) We have 2 of everything because I hate to move the seats.

Depending on how close together you plan on having your kids, you might want to go ahead and get a sit and stand type stroller. I love my Joovy sit-n-stand, and it is compatible with any infant carseats. The back, where the child would sit or stand, is not that big, and makes a great space for putting shopping bags, diaper bags, etc. I have to be honest, I do not care much for the Graco systems, after a while they just seem not to steer as well etc. Best of luck to you, and your new littles one, she will bring you lots of joy!!

Britax is the best, no question.
As far as strollers, I highly recommend the Peg Perego Pliko. It's lightweight enough similar to an umbrella stroller - but has GREAT suspension and the wheels don't start falling apart like in alot of the other cheaper strollers.
It's better to spend the money upfront than end up buying 2 or 3 different strollers.
Good luck!

Hello, if you are going to have 2 in a row i would suggest you get a Britax. they are the safest carseats on the market. they are a little pricy but if you are going to use it twice. it will be cheaper. you can go to britax.com to look at them and they have them a babies r us. i got a free infant car seat from my hospital so i bought a britax marathon for his toddler seat. it is so cool. also you might want to go cheap on the first stroller because you will need a double stroller. they will use a stroller until at least 3. and you dont want to have to spend a lot on both. they have these cool umbrella strollers for infants that the bottom slides up and down so they can sit up or it can be used as a bassinette. they also have a really cool double stroller now that the older child can stand or sit on the back and the infant is in the front. i have a maclaren stroller it is the best stroller ever. it weighs 11 pounds and it is tall so you dont have to bend over to push it. i absolutely love it. i got it on ebay so i saved about 50% and i paid 150. it is a great stroller to have so if you just take one kiddo some where. it was an awesome investment. all of my mom friends tell me they are going to get one for their next child. if you have any ?'s let me know
karen

We sure an Evenflow stroller and careseat combo that came together. It was a great price and a great buy (Wal-mart)! The stroller has a huge basket underneath. There is a one hand grip to push the stroller or the two hand grips. It has two cup holders on top and two cup holders and tray for the baby. The seat lays back for them to sleep or sits up. It also has a sunshade. It folds up really small. The car seat comes with a sun shade also. It has a base that stays in the car. I did not think we would like them but we love them! The stroller we have even taken in the wet grass, down a rocky path and all kinds of other paths with no problem. I know Babies R Us has the double stroller version of it. As for the umbrella stroller they are great now that my son wants to sit up all the time and very compart and light weight! When I have lots us stuff to put in my trunk this one takes up way less space! It great for shopping and walking around places like the mall.