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Our First Child In His Stroller/Carseat Travel System |
Four months before our first child was born, I remember puzzling over all the stroller and infant carseats on the market--and feeling confused. Which one was better? Would it be preferable to purchase a travel system (stroller and carseat package combined), or purchase the stroller and carseat independent of each other? Which one would be the safest for our new baby? What features would I need in both? Was the most expense stroller and carseat on the market also the best one?
Unfortunately, I did not have anyone to recommend a stroller to me at the time, as all my friends were either childless, or had had their children many years earlier. So, I sat down one day at my local mall--and ate a chocolate icecream cone--and watched which strollers other mothers were pushing. I noticed that many of the moms were pushing travel systems, in which the carseat was attached to the stroller. To me, this looked cumbersome and I wondered why a mom wouldn't just put an infant directly into the stroller?
So, after I finished my icecream cone I walk over to Wal-Mart and decided to browse through their selection of strollers, carseats and travel systems. To be honest, I felt overwhelmed and confused--there were just so many of them! I wished that one of them had a sign that said: "Buy me! I'm the best value and I'll keep your infant safe!" Unfortunately for me, there was no such sign, and I tried my pregnant best to compare each and every one.
When I finally concluded that purchasing a travel system was a better value, I focused my search on the stroller and carseats sold as teams. I ended up selecting a gender-neutral one in light green which featured pictures of Pooh bear and friends on its fabric (shown in my photos, above). I had no prior experience with the manufacturer of the travel system, but decided it must be okay, as I had seen some mothers in the mall pushing the same brand.
That pooh bear stroller was used for about 14 months until my second child was born, and I then had to upgrade to a double stroller. The stroller and carseat worked well enough for me, but I wish that I had had a little more information before purchasing it. Below are my own insights when purchasing a travel system, stroller, or infant carseat.
Points To Consider When Purchasing a Travel System, Stroller or Infant Carseat!
- Compatible - If purchasing stroller and carseats separately, do ensure that the stroller and infant carseat carrier are compatible. Yes, you heard me right: many infant carseats carriers will not snap into the stroller of a different manufacturer. So do your research before purchasing!
- Canopy - Make sure you purchase a stroller and infant carseat carrier that each has a generous canopy. If you do not, you will always have the sun, rain and wind on your infant.
- Adult Height - If you are short or tall, test out the stroller in the store to see if it works for you. You will need a stroller with height-adjustable bars to prevent discomfort and grief. If your husband is tall and will be pushing the baby, have him test it out too and you will prevent him for having a very sore back.
- Accessories - Check out the infant carseat or stroller to see if the brand offers any accessories. A rain cover and foot muff for the winter are great accessories to have, and fit better if you purchase the one manufactured by the same brand
- Infant Headroll - If your infant carseat does not come with a removable headroll, I highly recommend the purchase of a compatible one for your newborn. Keep in mind that up until 3-months old, an infant cannot hold it's head up. In a carseat, this translates into no neck support for the baby without one.
- Carseat Base - If you have the chance, purchase an infant carseat carrier that comes with a base. If you do not buy the base, you will regret it and waste a crazy amount of time fiddling with the car seatbelt. Purchase an extra carseat base for each and every car that your infant will be riding in--including grandma's--and install it properly in each.
- Baby's Weight/Height - My biggest regret when purchasing my very first infant carseat carrier, was purchasing one that only went up to 22 lbs and 29". It's so convenient to be able to lift a sleeping infant out of the car while they are still inside the carseat. If you have a tall or heavy baby, he or she could be 22 lbs or 29" at only 9-months old and will grow out of the infant carseat carrier quickly. My recommedation is to read the product specifications and purchase an infant carseat carrier that goes up to the heaviest baby weight and tallest height that you can find.
- Rear/Forward-Facing Carseat Combos - After my son outgrew his infant carseat carrier, I moved him directly into a rear-facing carseat, that converted into a forward-facing carseat. I so regretted that I didn't have an infant carseat carrier that supported his height and weight. As a result, I had to fuss with a 9-month old and put him in/take him out of the rear-facing carseat. Not only was it quite the manoeuvre, I was always waking him. Although a rear-facing carseat is a great investment--as it can take your baby from infant to toddler to child--save your sanity, and use an infant carseat carrier for as long as your baby will properly fit in!
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Evenflo JourneyLite Select Travel System |
If you are a first-time parent, let me explain that the Evenflo Embrace Infant Car Seat carrier quickly and easily snaps into the Evenflo JourneyLite Select Stroller! I highly recommend this feature, as you can take baby out of the stroller (still securely strapped into the carseat), and snap baby into the carseat base without waking him or her at all. The same is true in reverse.
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Evenflo JourneyLite Stroller Features |
- one-hand fold
- lightweight and durable
- great storage space (trust me, this is important when you need to store your purse, winter jacket and baby's gear)
- full parent console with coverage storage and integrated headphone cord access
- deep child's tray with 2 cup holders, which pivots for easy in and out
- canopy with peek-a-boo window
- cushioned, multi-position reclining stroller seat offers a comfortable fit for children
- lockable front swivel wheels for great maneuverability
- stroller self-stands when folded - no bending necessary (great if you've had a c-section)
- compact fold for ease of storage or transport
- 3-point harness
- holds a child up to 40 lbs
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A Look at the Evenflo JourneyLite Select Stroller |
- holds infants 4-35 lbs (this is great if you had a preemie or you have a heavy baby)
- 25% lighter than similar infant carseats (light weight for mom and dad; same protection for baby)
- up-front harness adjustment for easy access
- 3 shoulder harness positions for better fit and longer use
- infant carseat canopy shields baby from the elements
- auto belt guides for use without a base
- adjustable auto base includes central pendulum level indicator to ensure a proper recline
- separate stay-in-car base allows for easy transfer of baby from home to car
- parent-friendly ergonomic, easy-to-carry handle
- easy-off, machine-washable car seat pad (trust me, you'll be glad you have this!)
- energy-absorbing foam liner provides added safety and comfort
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Evenflo Embrace Infant Car Seat Carrier |
Visit Evenflo website for more Evenflo JourneyLite Select Travel System product information. (Model # 47411419C!)
CONTEST (~OVER~)
WINNER: To be announced shortly...
WIN an Evenflo JourneyLite Travel Select System from SnyMed.com! Includes the Evenflo JourneyLite Select Stroller, Evenflo Embrace Infant Car Seat AND Evenflo Embrace Infant Car Seat base. NOTE: travel system pattern and model subject to availability, and prize sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize with a similar travel system if inventory merits. Contest open to CANADA only, and ends on Friday February 14th, 2013 (Valentine's Day)!
How to Enter:
Leave a COMMENT below stating who you'd like to WIN the Evenflo JourneyLite Travel Select System for OR what do you love the best about babies. Then, use the entry form below to enter. GOOD LUCK future mommies, daddies, grandmas, and grandpas!
this would be for one of my daughter's, two are expecting next spring.
ReplyDeletethis would be for my best girlfriend who is expecting her first child.
ReplyDeletepam w h
This would be great to to win as my best friend is having twins soon!! Winning the Evenflo JourneyLite Travel Select would be great.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend is having twins soon and to WIN the Evenflo JourneyLite Travel Select would be come in handy.
ReplyDeleteI would like to win this for my new grandchild due in June
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ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for my daughter.
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ReplyDeleteI would probably keep for myself, and use for Baby #2. It is a really nice looking stroller, with many great features.
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ReplyDeleteWell what is not to love about babies, there smiles and the way they smell, which for the most part is great lol and there is nothing sweeter than cuddling a baby. I had a good long cuddle with my cousins sweet new baby boy the other day and it sure felt nice, I would love to win this for her, she is on baby #2 and her gear from her first is really worn out
ReplyDeletefor my new grand baby due in Jan....
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ReplyDeleteGirl that I work with is having her first baby - I would love to give this to her!
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ReplyDeleteI would like to win for me! Thanks for another amazing giveaway :)
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ReplyDeletelike to win it for my sister
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ReplyDeletewould love this for the grandkid
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this for our new baby daughter!!
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ReplyDeleteMelinda L.
My sister in law is expecting her first child and this would be a great gift for the couple. Would love to win this and gift it to them
ReplyDeleteFor a close family friend who is in need right now
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ReplyDeleteI have a close friend that just found out she is having a boy! This would be perfect for her.
ReplyDeleteI would so love a new car seat, and it looks so perfect, thank you for the chance to win one.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this one for my future babies! I simply can't get enough from my little guy who is 1.5 years :)
ReplyDeleteAs selfish as it sounds, I'd like to win this for myself! There are many great things about babies but one of my favourites is when they giggle!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to win this for myself. I'm due feb 13th and don't have a decent stroller for walking my oldest to school.
ReplyDeleteI'm due feb 13th so this would be for my newest little one. I don't currently have a stroller for walking my oldest to school.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for my nephew/niece due in a few months!
ReplyDeletefor my niece who is due in 2 months!
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ReplyDeleteI would like to win this for myself, baby due end of August
ReplyDeleteI would give it to my niece as she just had her first baby I trust Evenflo as anything they had when my kids were born and we needed it we bought it I trusted them then and I still do GREAT products
ReplyDeleteI'd win this for my sister, expecting her first baby in the Spring!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this for my family! We were given a second hand stroller and I'd love for my little guy to have something brand new!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is expecting her first child in May. This would be such a nice gift for her!
ReplyDeletei would like to win this for my friend amy
ReplyDeleteI love to ear all the little noises babies make when they sleep... :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! I too have been very confused with all the different stroller and car seat options. Winning would be great because then the decision would be made for me :)
ReplyDeleteI love baby smiles!!
ReplyDeleteThis would be great for my SIL who is expecting!
ReplyDeleteI love everything about babies!
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ReplyDeleteDoreen, done!
DeleteJenna
My fav thing about babies is how soft and lovey they are!
ReplyDeleteThis would be for my niece who just had her baby yesterday; welcome to our world Jarrett.
ReplyDeletemy baby hanna
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this for myself. I used the same stroller and infant carseat for my first 3 babies but my stroller is now falling apart and my carseat has expired so I need a new set for this coming baby
ReplyDeleteThis stroller and car seat would be perfect for us! We are expecting our first baby in June and have been so overwhelmed by all the choices. Also my husband is currently not working so we would be so grateful to win anything!!!
ReplyDeletefor my sister in law!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this for myself and my husband (we are currently trying!).
ReplyDeletemy daughter could really use this
ReplyDeletejan
Love this for my Best Friend!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win it for my best friends who are expecting!
ReplyDeleteLove this for my baby girl.
ReplyDeleteLove this for my baby girl!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this for my niece!
ReplyDelete-Lucy
any of my nieces could use this set and be thankful for getting a quality set like it
ReplyDeleteany of my nieces could use this lovely set and be thankful for it
ReplyDeletewhat I love the best about babies are their tiny lil fingrrs and toes
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for my brother, their baby is due this summer!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for my brother and his wife who are expecting their baby in June.
ReplyDeleteBaby #2 is due in April so I'd love to win this for myself!
ReplyDeleteI would love a new travel system for my baby due in August :D It would be the perfect gift! And what is not to love about babies :) Their milky smell, their smiles and giggles and cuddliness!
ReplyDeleteI would want to win this for my daughter and my new grandbaby on the way.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for a friend of mine who is expecting her baby any day now :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this for my dtr who is months old. We would love to be able to keep her rear facing in an infant seat as long as possible so we can transfer her if sleeping.
ReplyDeleteFor my son and daughter-in-law. This would be great. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletethanks for your post
ReplyDeleteWe're about to have our first baby
ReplyDeleteit is so cute, i like it much
ReplyDelete