Finding a Stroller & Carseat for Your Little Bundle with Evenflo & CONTEST! (~OVER~)

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!

1. 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!
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.   
8. 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!

Evenflo JourneyLite Select Travel System (Rings Classic Green)

Evenflo JourneyLite Select Travel System

Say hello to the Evenflo JourneyLite Select Travel System, in "Rings Classic Green" pattern, an absolutely neutral pattern for baby boys or girls!  The set comes with a JourneyLite Stroller in "Rings Classic Green" pattern, an Embrace Infant Car Seat carrier in "Rings Classic Green" pattern, and coordinating Embrace infant carseat carrier base.

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.

Evenflo JourneyLite Stroller Features

Evenflo JourneyLite Select 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

A Look at the Evenflo JourneyLite Select Stroller

Embrace Infant Car Seat & Embrace Infant Car Seat Base features:

• 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

Evenflo Embrace Infant Car Seat Carrier

Visit Evenflo website for more Evenflo JourneyLite Select Travel System product information.  (Model # 47411419C!)

Evenflo JourneyLite Select Stroller Instructions Manual

Evenflo Embrace Infant Car Seat Carrier User's Manual

Buy Evenflo JourneyLite Travel System From Wal-Mart Canada

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!