I'm a complete stroller/car seat newbie here, but... a "travel system" is basically a car seat + stroller combo that works together? Do all of them have snap-in bases so you can have one in both yours and DH's car at all times?

I went stroller shopping the other day and immediately my head started spinning... I don't even know what features are important to look for. Someone had mentioned a certain kind of stroller that folds down with one click (and you can remain standing while you do it)... do any of the travel systems do that? What are some other "must have" features to look for? Are there some that you have to change sizes as baby grows or are there some that are fine from newborn through toddler?

Also, all car seats nowadays basically double as an infant carrier, right?

Also (sorry, I keep thinking of more things I don't know!), I plan to wear my baby via a baby carrier or wrap as much as possible. How necessary is a stroller? I will probably get laughed at for that one; I'm sure my body will appreciate a break from constant baby-wearing...

I am completely clueless about this and it's stressing me out a bit....

I'm not really much help honestly, I couldn't decide between the two, so I decided to just pick something that I really liked. I got a jogging stroller from babies r us and I love it! Its kinda big but it fold pretty easy, and I love the Ipod hookup with it so I can listen to music on speakers. Has lots of cupholders etc.

We're pretty lucky since my OH has a 3 year old nephew that we've taken everywhere since he was 3-4 months old so we've learned what works for us and what doesn't. Most travel systems are heavy and bulky so my best suggestion is to try them out in the store. Have the infant carrier in one hand and try to collapse the stroller with the other to see if they're really one handed collapse. Try and put things in the storage area, and snap and unsnap the buckles. Pick up the stroller to see how heavy it is.

We know that we want a stroller that is comfortable and safe for baby, high enough so we don't kick the brakes as we walk, that doesn't collapse down to the floor but instead folds into a standing position, that's light enough to be carried with a carry strap, has adequete storage, and that isn't the size of a barge. If you're going to use the stroller differently than us you may have different needs. We live in a very urban area and will be transporting the stroller in the trunk of a car.

Also check out amazon.com to see the reviews for any system you think you might like.

We decided to get this. I found this on Baby Talk magazine. It has great reviews too.

Chicco Cortina Keyfit 30 Travel system

You'll get a stroller, a baby carrier and the carrier base.

It's pretty cool.
You secure the base to the car seat instead of the baby carrier itself, and then you attach the carrier on top of it. With this system, it's easy to get the baby seat in and out of the car.

I suck in explaining, so here's some vids

Here's how to install the base and the carrier:


Here's the demo for the stroller:

I have decided on not using a stroller.. for the first 6 months I don't think I'll be going a lot of places and will be home with baby.. so if I go anywhere I'll probably just get a sling or something

Travel systems are strollers that come with the matching car seat. You CAN buy a car seat and stroller separately and they still might work together as one piece. I know someone with a Jeep jogging stroller and one of those car seats that has air pillows in it. The one I want doesnt come as an official system of course but the pieces match. It just ends up being more expensive on my end ($200 a piece) but I am totally in love with it and the reviews are good and the brand is good as far as car seats go.

I think they usually come with ONE base for the car but you can buy another if you have multiple cars. Otherwise you'd just need to remove the base when you switch cars.

As for size changes, I'd look closely at the stroller and its features. Once the baby outgrows the car seat, he/she will be in the stroller part for outings. I'd check out the tray and make sure it works for you. Maybe the different reclining levels for when baby sleeps. The canopy for shade, cup holders for you. Make sure its comfortable to push and that it rolls smooth. Also, open and close the stroller. Most of them these days close fairly easy anyway. Make sure it folds flat enough to fit in your car also.

And yes, most infant car seats are also carriers.. basically the ones with the handles.

Not really any help as far as the wraps go. I also plan on baby wearing a lot but I definitely want the stroller for when my back hurts or whatever.. Especially if I dont want to ALSO carry the diaper bag lol.

This is my stroller.. The car seat that goes with it too. I seriously can't wait to pay if off (lay away) and get it here!

http://www.chiccousa.com/chicco-magi...ina-magic.aspx

Can I just say, thanks for that video! We didn't think about trying to fold the stroller like that.. But I assume ours will fold that way too being one od the newest Chicco's on the market. Next time we go to babies r us, I will try and fold it this way rather than let it fall to the floor flat lol!

I feel the same way... the way I see it, pick one or two features that are really important to you and use that to make your initial cut, then narrow down from there.

For instance, I really want a rear-facing option for the stroller, for when the baby is older. So I figure I won't even look at strollers with which that's not an option.

Thanks, girls... I especially appreciate the links (and that video!) and specific recommendations. I guess I'll try again at the store... it's just hard to guess what features you THINK you'll need when you haven't used one with an actual baby for a few months!

I think I pretty much post the samething on ever stoller thread.... YouTube . Check out the babygizmos YouTube videos on tons a different buggys she rocks!!


I love this buggy right now:
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_u...?v=sdeMgSm-xe0