Stroller recommendation

masterboy123 · 13-04-2020 10:37pm #1

Dear All,

I hope you're keeping safe in these difficult times.

I am looking for stroller recommendations as so many options are out there.
What to look for and whether 3 in 1 is recommended?

Any links will be highly appreciated.

Thank you

Dtp1979 · 13-04-2020 10:38pm

City jogger. End of.

kandr10 · 13-04-2020 11:22pm

Dtp1979 wrote: »

City jogger. End of.

Can this be used from birth? I love it and would love to use it for a new arrival.

jlm29 · 13-04-2020 11:30pm

masterboy123 wrote: »

Dear All,

I hope you're keeping safe in these difficult times.

I am looking for stroller recommendations as so many options are out there.
What to look for and whether 3 in 1 is recommended?

Any links will be highly appreciated.

Thank you

Are you looking for something for a newborn? A stroller or a travel system?

masterboy123 · 13-04-2020 11:58pm

For a newborn, with car seats and etc. Didn't know there is a travel system available.

jlm29 wrote: »

Are you looking for something for a newborn? A stroller or a travel system?

jlm29 · 14-04-2020 12:13am

masterboy123 wrote: »

For a newborn, with car seats and etc. Didn't know there is a travel system available.

A stroller is usually a light fold up buggy that wouldn’t always be suitable for a newborn (some are, but very few take a car seat). It’s a travel system you’re looking for so- they’re the ones that take car seats!
As for what you need, it really depends on your lifestyle, and where you’ll be using it. City vs country roads, public transport etc etc. What suits one person won’t necessarily suit another

masterboy123 · 14-04-2020 8:35am

Thank you for this information. We didn't know about this.
I am a house wife. We live in a city and use our own car.
So after few months we need to change travel system to a stroller?

jlm29 wrote: »

A stroller is usually a light fold up buggy that wouldn’t always be suitable for a newborn (some are, but very few take a car seat). It’s a travel system you’re looking for so- they’re the ones that take car seats!
As for what you need, it really depends on your lifestyle, and where you’ll be using it. City vs country roads, public transport etc etc. What suits one person won’t necessarily suit another

shesty · 14-04-2020 8:53am

No you can buy travel system for up to toddler years.

Take for example the Uppababy Vista, or Out and About. These can be used from newborn up to toddler years. Your preferences will decide which suits you best...do you want one a car seat can fit into? What is your budget? What will fit in the car boot? What are you living in, apartment or house, and what will fit in the doors? Do you need something neat that will mainly be in the city, or do you go out to beaches or parks for long walks (the bigger wheels will be handy for that). And maybe a lesser question - do you plan on having another child soon and would a buggy that converts to a double be a good investment.

An example of a stoller could a Baby jogger City mini or a Silver Cross pop star stroller - those are smaller, and may not necessarily include a pram basket and the like .They may have smaller storage, smaller wheels and be more suitable for city living.

Alternately, some people find themselves buying a travel system for the baby, and then as they get a little bit bigger, end up changing over to a stroller as they are easier to handle.

Just to note I randomly picked brands off the Mothercare website as examples - my own experience is the Vista which I love but that may not be suitable for what you need.

jlm29 · 14-04-2020 9:13am

masterboy123 wrote: »

Thank you for this information. We didn't know about this.
I am a house wife. We live in a city and use our own car.
So after few months we need to change travel system to a stroller?

No, you don’t need to swap over to a stroller, but some people choose to for convenience. A lot of travel systems that you see people with are bulky, heavy to lift in and out of the boot etc, so people end up buying a lighter stroller down the line for convenience. Most travel systems will suit up until your baby is a toddler.
In normal times, it’s great to go to a shop and see things in real life, it gives you a feel for what suits.
I have a silver cross travel system, but my oldest child is 8 now. It’s a great brand though, good quality, it’s still going strong on baby no.4!

Millem · 14-04-2020 9:35am

kandr10 wrote: »

Can this be used from birth? I love it and would love to use it for a new arrival.

Yes buy the footmuff and lie flat.
I think a car seat fits on it?

Dtp1979 · 14-04-2020 9:54am

Millem wrote: »

Yes buy the footmuff and lie flat.
I think a car seat fits on it?

Not sure a car seat fits into it but they’re the best buggy I’ve ever used and by far the simplest to fold up. Will do from birth up to about 4 years.

masterboy123 · 14-04-2020 10:55am

Thank you shesty.

I have checked Uppababy Vista but like you said it may not suit everyone. I found it extremely expensive.

Yes, I would like car seat fit into it. From what I found online, I am looking for travel system 3 in 1. With same colour bag included.

Budget 300 euros.

Living in a house.

Need for city and beach/long walks.

Am I expecting too much in my budget? Also, I have noticed 3 wheels vs 4 wheels, is there a difference in terms of ease while going out for walks?

shesty wrote: »

No you can buy travel system for up to toddler years.

Take for example the Uppababy Vista, or Out and About. These can be used from newborn up to toddler years. Your preferences will decide which suits you best...do you want one a car seat can fit into? What is your budget? What will fit in the car boot? What are you living in, apartment or house, and what will fit in the doors? Do you need something neat that will mainly be in the city, or do you go out to beaches or parks for long walks (the bigger wheels will be handy for that). And maybe a lesser question - do you plan on having another child soon and would a buggy that converts to a double be a good investment.

An example of a stoller could a Baby jogger City mini or a Silver Cross pop star stroller - those are smaller, and may not necessarily include a pram basket and the like .They may have smaller storage, smaller wheels and be more suitable for city living.

Alternately, some people find themselves buying a travel system for the baby, and then as they get a little bit bigger, end up changing over to a stroller as they are easier to handle.

Just to note I randomly picked brands off the Mothercare website as examples - my own experience is the Vista which I love but that may not be suitable for what you need.

Millem · 14-04-2020 10:57am

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Not sure a car seat fits into it but they’re the best buggy I’ve ever used and by far the simplest to fold up. Will do from birth up to about 4 years.

I never used it with a car seat. I think you can get a baby jogger car seat?
Just saw you can buy maxi cosi adapters

https://eurobaby.com/city-mini-single-maxi-cosi-adapters/

I have seen people put on a carry cot thing...I never bothered. I bought the footmuff and just lay it flat.

I bought it to keep in my car....looked at the out n about but it is that big bigger and heavier folded.

I have a bugaboo chameleon of my everyday one. I love it and also have the bugaboo seat board on it.

bee06 · 14-04-2020 11:04am

masterboy123 wrote: »

Thank you shesty.

I have checked Uppababy Vista but like you said it may not suit everyone. I found it extremely expensive.

Yes, I would like car seat fit into it. From what I found online, I am looking for travel system 3 in 1. With same colour bag included.

Budget 300 euros.

Living in a house.

Need for city and beach/long walks.

Am I expecting too much in my budget? Also, I have noticed 3 wheels vs 4 wheels, is there a difference in terms of ease while going out for walks?

Is the 300 Euro including the car seat? Mothercare have a few own brand travel systems around that price or you could get a good deal on a second hand one. I wouldn’t recommend buying a second hand car seat though unless you can trust that it hasn’t been dropped or been in an accident.

kandr10 · 14-04-2020 11:13am

Millem wrote: »

I never used it with a car seat. I think you can get a baby jogger car seat?
Just saw you can buy maxi cosi adapters

https://eurobaby.com/city-mini-single-maxi-cosi-adapters/

I have seen people put on a carry cot thing...I never bothered. I bought the footmuff and just lay it flat.

I bought it to keep in my car....looked at the out n about but it is that big bigger and heavier folded.

I have a bugaboo chameleon of my everyday one. I love it and also have the bugaboo seat board on it.

Thanks for that Millem!

I was just a bit concerned cos when you look at it in the flat position it seems to still have a slight angle.

I have seen you can add a car seat but I’m not super keen on doing that. I’ve seen there is a carrycot thing but hard enough to get hold of in Ireland.

I absolutely love this buggy. While it might be technically a stroller, it’s quite large and comfortably fits tall 4 year old (I rented one in New York when my little girl was that age). It wheels beautifully and is pretty light but sturdy. Decent enough basket underneath and the hood is huge. Also the folding! Op google the folding of this pram - nothing else is as easy. You can genuinely do it one handed.

I didn’t mean to de rail the thread by tagging on questions, but if this is indeed good to go from newborn I’d totally recommend above any travel system.

jlm29 · 14-04-2020 11:16am

Masterboy, I have an out n about double nipper, which is a great buggy - you could look at the single one? It takes a car seat. It has a carrycot for newborns, but I never got one for my double, just put the baby in the buggy with an extra head hugger.
If you want it for walking on the beach it would be a good option, the wheels are big so it’s great for off road.

I just checked and it’s €315.
Do note that it’s quite bulky when folded, if you have a small boot

Millem · 14-04-2020 11:31am

kandr10 wrote: »

Thanks for that Millem!

I was just a bit concerned cos when you look at it in the flat position it seems to still have a slight angle.

I have seen you can add a car seat but I’m not super keen on doing that. I’ve seen there is a carrycot thing but hard enough to get hold of in Ireland.

I absolutely love this buggy. While it might be technically a stroller, it’s quite large and comfortably fits tall 4 year old (I rented one in New York when my little girl was that age). It wheels beautifully and is pretty light but sturdy. Decent enough basket underneath and the hood is huge. Also the folding! Op google the folding of this pram - nothing else is as easy. You can genuinely do it one handed.

I didn’t mean to de rail the thread by tagging on questions, but if this is indeed good to go from newborn I’d totally recommend above any travel system.

I generally order everything online! I bought my city mini and the footmuff and the rain cover for something like €280 online. I think it was amazon.....wasn’t fussy on colour. Think it is “steel grey”.
They usually do 10% off if you set up a baby list.

I never bother adding a car seat either...they are too heavy anyway. Love the hood. I bought it because it goes up to 25kg. My older boy was always heavy.

My sister has had so many buggies.....literally I would say 6 between 2 kids.
She will need one for the foreseeable future as my 4 year old nephew has additional needs. My mum finds it so hard to push him in the “umbrella stroller” types. I keep telling my sis to buy either buy the city mini or out n about.
My mum’s favourite out of all the buggies to push is the bugaboo then it’s the city mini.

Feisar · 14-04-2020 11:32am

Whatever you go with make sure it's adaptable for two!

masterboy123 · 14-04-2020 12:40pm

Thank you everyone for the the recommendations. It made us bit anxious now given so many options are out there. But we have concluded that we need a travel system, 3 in 1.

I found this on Amazon with good reviews and in our budget. We are Amazon prime members.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015D428UC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_QaALEb9YQVNX9

Any other recommendations with link please?

We didn't like the design of OutnAbout, I think it's more for people into jogging, it has breaks and looks sporty.

We did like City Mini below: but imagine we have to get car seat separately.
https://www.ubuy.ie/en/catalog/product/view/id/8298958/s/baby-jogger-2016-city-mini-3w-single-stroller?gclid=CjwKCAjwvtX0BRAFEiwAGWJyZO_qyC47EaUUsKAyQY2MwWqRutdfKRg2Z0K36FcWr2Kj9KgOCE2duxoCSeQQAvD_BwE

Skybirdjb · 14-04-2020 5:18pm

Hi !
We have the baby elegance venti and is really good still going strong at 20months and it has had a hard life believe me

Very reasonable price and they have more cheaper ones on the baby elegance website so glad we went with a budget friendly one as the horsing around it gets
Have a look on their website

awec · 14-04-2020 7:35pm

masterboy123 wrote: »

Thank you everyone for the the recommendations. It made us bit anxious now given so many options are out there. But we have concluded that we need a travel system, 3 in 1.

I found this on Amazon with good reviews and in our budget. We are Amazon prime members.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015D428UC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_QaALEb9YQVNX9

Any other recommendations with link please?

We didn't like the design of OutnAbout, I think it's more for people into jogging, it has breaks and looks sporty.

We did like City Mini below: but imagine we have to get car seat separately.
https://www.ubuy.ie/en/catalog/product/view/id/8298958/s/baby-jogger-2016-city-mini-3w-single-stroller?gclid=CjwKCAjwvtX0BRAFEiwAGWJyZO_qyC47EaUUsKAyQY2MwWqRutdfKRg2Z0K36FcWr2Kj9KgOCE2duxoCSeQQAvD_BwE

The Amazon one looks like it would be fine for walking on smooth surfaces like tarmac'd footpaths but I don't think it would fare too well on anything rougher.

But the bigger issue will be it has no adjustable handle. If either you or your partner are tall this will wreck your head. Not only for the comfort of having the handles at the right height, but if the handle is too low then you'll just keep kicking the wheels / brake when you're walking.

Also worth noting, but you're probably aware, the carseat isn't isofix, so you'll have to seatbelt it in and out every time you want to put it on the pushchair.

masterboy123 · 14-04-2020 7:49pm

You have mentioned very serious points in here. I am looking for isofix and will definitely search for adjustable handle.
Back to searching under my budget of 350 euros (increased it by 50 euros today).

awec wrote: »

The Amazon one looks like it would be fine for walking on smooth surfaces like tarmac'd footpaths but I don't think it would fare too well on anything rougher.

But the bigger issue will be it has no adjustable handle. If either you or your partner are tall this will wreck your head. Not only for the comfort of having the handles at the right height, but if the handle is too low then you'll just keep kicking the wheels / brake when you're walking.

Also worth noting, but you're probably aware, the carseat isn't isofix, so you'll have to seatbelt it in and out every time you want to put it on the pushchair.

Millem · 14-04-2020 7:50pm

masterboy123 wrote: »

You have mentioned very serious points in here. I am looking for isofix and will definitely search for adjustable handle.
Back to searching under my budget of 350 euros (increased it by 50 euros today).

So €350 all in (car seat, isofix base, buggy, footmuff and rain over)?

jlm29 · 14-04-2020 7:59pm

I personally would buy a maxi cosi car seat, with an easy fix base. The maxi cosi has the longest seat shell, so will last you longer than other infant carriers.
I would then buy a buggy that can take adaptors for the maxi cosi. Many of them can.
Remember that if you plan on having more than one child, you’re better off paying for something that will last a bit longer, if possible. I’ve had four kids and used the same car seat for all 4, while friends who’ve bought cheaper car seats/buggies have bought several.
I wouldn’t rule out buying a second hand buggy and a new car seat either.

Millem · 14-04-2020 8:00pm

jlm29 wrote: »

I personally would buy a maxi cosi car seat, with an easy fix base. The maxi cosi has the longest seat shell, so will last you longer than other infant carriers.
I would then buy a buggy that can take adaptors for the maxi cosi. Many of them can.
Remember that if you plan on having more than one child, you’re better off paying for something that will last a bit longer, if possible. I’ve had four kids and used the same car seat for all 4, while friends who’ve bought cheaper car seats/buggies have bought several.
I wouldn’t rule out buying a second hand buggy and a new car seat either.

Great advice. With a second hand buggy you can wash all the fabric anyway.

michellie · 14-04-2020 8:12pm

Hauck aren't great. Would you consider getting a 2nd hand system ? If so have a look on adverts.ie.

I have the bugaboo cameleon since mine was born, it has the lie down cot part and the seat which I still use (she was 2 last month) I have bought a lighter stroller Joie tourist for out and about and we will probably sell the cameleon soon ( I think we paid in around €1100 for that, but we have gotten a great use out of it)

We had a maxi cosi car seat from our first child. I bought the isofix base on Facebook for €50.

Have you had a look on smyths?

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/pushchairs-and-strollers/travel-systems/joie-chrome-travel-system/p/182701

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/pushchairs-and-strollers/travel-systems/joie-chrome-ember-stroller-and-carry-cot-and-joie-gemm-group-0%2b-car-seat/b/700058

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/pushchairs-and-strollers/travel-systems/drift-by-baby-elegance-travel-system-and-free-car-seat-bundle/b/700063

Infababy have whole systems in your price range too.

[url] https://infababy.com/travel-systems/Infababy-MOTO-3-In-1-I-SIZE-Travel-System-Titanium-Grey[/url]

Don't rush into anything and make sure you check all your options. and congrats!

Sesame · 14-04-2020 8:59pm

I have a Mountain Buggy Swift for my last baby. It's a three wheeler and I wish I had it for all babies. Its so compact and light but also has the pram to add to the frame, sold separately (think it was about 100 extra and adapters (bought these on adverts for 20) to add any car seat to it. Its not shiny or too pretty but a workhorse.
It wasn't in any shop so I took a leap of faith ordering online but delighted I did. Its so smooth to push, great on the beach too with its air tyres and I have jogged with it.
I was going to say have a look at buggies on the street, but not so many about these days. You tube reviews maybe!

Milly33 · 14-04-2020 9:00pm

Plus for the city jogger tis great. We got it second hand after three babies and it has done our two perfectly..if you are using all the time and want something that is easy on the roads...

You arent supposed to use the main part of the buggy for them until a couple of months. But to be honest on both of ours if it was just nipping out for a few mins we used it and they are both fine. it is a heavier than some buggys and takes up more space, but it is super easy to fold.

You can get maxi cozi adpaters and bassinet adapters for it. You can buy new or second hand, again we got a loan of a maxi cozi this time round and found it easy to use, and had the bassinet from day one and we used that for naps during the day for the two babies..

You can buy great ones second hand and all the parts to go with it, pm if your interested in the adapters as we wont be using them in a while

awec · 14-04-2020 9:01pm

To be totally honest with you, I think your budget is totally unrealistic for what you're after unless you buy everything second hand. Up to you how comfortable you'd be buying second hand car seat / bases.

Car seat wise I also recommend maxicosi. The easyfix base will fit the first 2 car seats you'll need.

masterboy123 · 14-04-2020 9:40pm

Thanks so much for the links. Really appreciate it.

michellie wrote: »

Hauck aren't great. Would you consider getting a 2nd hand system ? If so have a look on adverts.ie.

I have the bugaboo cameleon since mine was born, it has the lie down cot part and the seat which I still use (she was 2 last month) I have bought a lighter stroller Joie tourist for out and about and we will probably sell the cameleon soon ( I think we paid in around €1100 for that, but we have gotten a great use out of it)

We had a maxi cosi car seat from our first child. I bought the isofix base on Facebook for €50.

Have you had a look on smyths?

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/pushchairs-and-strollers/travel-systems/joie-chrome-travel-system/p/182701

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/pushchairs-and-strollers/travel-systems/joie-chrome-ember-stroller-and-carry-cot-and-joie-gemm-group-0%2b-car-seat/b/700058

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/pushchairs-and-strollers/travel-systems/drift-by-baby-elegance-travel-system-and-free-car-seat-bundle/b/700063

Infababy have whole systems in your price range too.

[url] https://infababy.com/travel-systems/Infababy-MOTO-3-In-1-I-SIZE-Travel-System-Titanium-Grey[/url]

Don't rush into anything and make sure you check all your options. and congrats!

masterboy123 · 14-04-2020 9:42pm

I have found something in our budget.

https://infababy.com/travel-systems/Infababy-MOTO-3-In-1-I-SIZE-Travel-System-Titanium-Grey

What do you think?

awec wrote: »

To be totally honest with you, I think your budget is totally unrealistic for what you're after unless you buy everything second hand. Up to you how comfortable you'd be buying second hand car seat / bases.

Car seat wise I also recommend maxicosi. The easyfix base will fit the first 2 car seats you'll need.

Milly33 · 14-04-2020 10:02pm

Saw this one in store but didnt fancy them but then that is just styles and whatever you like..I found the maxi cozis where such a waste of money and spent the money on a good car seat that would last longer.. Have ye actually gone into the baby shops and tried out a few different buggies? That is the best why to do it, go to a place with a good selection and take them for a spin around the shop. Dont even look at the prices just see what they are like and then work things from there.

awec · 14-04-2020 10:04pm

masterboy123 wrote: »

I have found something in our budget.

https://infababy.com/travel-systems/Infababy-MOTO-3-In-1-I-SIZE-Travel-System-Titanium-Grey

What do you think?

The 299 doesn't include the isofix base, which is 110 extra on top.

It looks better than the amazon one.

awec · 14-04-2020 10:07pm

Milly33 wrote: »

Saw this one in store but didnt fancy them but then that is just styles and whatever you like..I found the maxi cozis where such a waste of money and spent the money on a good car seat that would last longer.. Have ye actually gone into the baby shops and tried out a few different buggies? That is the best why to do it, go to a place with a good selection and take them for a spin around the shop. Dont even look at the prices just see what they are like and then work things from there.

Bit difficult at the moment!

Milly33 · 14-04-2020 10:13pm

for sure but depends on due date and all that goes

michellie · 15-04-2020 7:20am

masterboy123 wrote: »

Thanks so much for the links. Really appreciate it.

You're welcome. When is your baby due?

masterboy123 · 15-04-2020 9:22am

3rd week of July.

michellie wrote: »

You're welcome. When is your baby due?

masterboy123 · 15-04-2020 9:23am

Oh gosh.
I read Isofix compatible in this one and assumed Isofix base is included. Will check more on Infababy now.

awec wrote: »

The 299 doesn't include the isofix base, which is 110 extra on top.

It looks better than the amazon one.

kandr10 · 15-04-2020 10:03am

You’re prob as well budgeting separately for car seat and base and buggy. Even when you buy them together as a system they don’t give a greatly reduced price. The cost of the car seat is just included in the package. They are two separate pieces of kit at the end of the day.

masterboy123 · 15-04-2020 5:10pm

Am I missing that isofix base is not included in the 3 in 1 travel system package?

kandr10 wrote: »

You’re prob as well budgeting separately for car seat and base and buggy. Even when you buy them together as a system they don’t give a greatly reduced price. The cost of the car seat is just included in the package. They are two separate pieces of kit at the end of the day.

Toots · 15-04-2020 5:23pm

Some include the isofix base, but they will specify that. Honestly, I think if you're hoping to get a buggy and car seat and isofix base, then your budget is too low.

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/pushchairs-and-strollers/travel-systems/ickle-bubba-stomp-v3-all-in-one-isofix-travel-system-car-seat-and-base/p/184292

this one includes the base and is reduced to €499.

Most isofix bases are between €100 and €150, then the seat is usually between €90 and €200 on top of that, depending on what sort of seat you go for. Bear in mind that the bases aren't interchangeable, ie maxicosi bases will only work for maxi cosi seats etc.

Depending on how much you'll be using the buggy, with baby stuff it can often be the case that if you buy cheap you buy twice. The travel system I had for my first baby did not stand the test of time, and when I had my second, I had to buy everything again. This time I went for the Uppababy Vista with a maxi cosi and base. It was expensive but it was totally worth it. We bought from Bella Baby and they let you pay in installments so we ordered it when I was about 16 weeks, and then paid a little bit every month and collected 2 weeks before the due date.

She's 2 now, we use the buggy every day and it's still as good as new. The isofix base was a godsend, I didn't have it first time round and I never realised how handy it is to just be able to clip it in and out of the car and not fiddle with seatbelts.

In your situation, it might be worth buying the seat and base new, then seeing can you pick up the pram second hand.

kandr10 · 15-04-2020 5:59pm

I agree with above. I bought a very cheap package on a graco on my first which included a car seat but no base. It lasted 2 years and literally fell apart.
I’m not sure if I need to buy a new pram (have the promise of one from a friend) but if I do I’ll be more careful.

Lizardlegz · 15-04-2020 6:03pm

masterboy123 wrote: »

Am I missing that isofix base is not included in the 3 in 1 travel system package?

If I were you I’d pick up a second hand buggy. You can find fabulous bargains and a lot are like new. Hi and get a bugaboo cameleon 3 or something. You can pick up entire travel systems for €300 if you look hard which include carseat and isofix. These are over €1300 new.

https://www.adverts.ie/19829029

Or you could pick up a lovely cam 3 for €200-250 and but a brand new car seat and isofix with your leftover money.

shesty · 15-04-2020 6:23pm

I would second all suggestions.

The Uppababy is expensive.But that said we got when our first was a newborn and we are on our third baby, (well, he is a toddler now) and it is still going strong - almost 6 years later.We had it out again today.It has weathered beaches, forests, carrying 2 kids (occasionally 2 and a 3rd on a buggy board), endless amounts of shopping stuffed into its basket, and being hauled in and out of I don't know how many cars.We briefly got a double Out and About second-hand when no.2 was 4 months, but that has been used since by 2 childminders.

I am not suggesting you need to go spend hundreds on an Uppababy specifically but I would definitely sit down and have a good think about your expectations, because spending a bit more could save you an awful lot in the long term.

masterboy123 · 15-04-2020 11:07pm

Thank you for the useful link. Up until yesterday I didn't even know how these travel system work. No one in our friend circle or immediate family has a baby at the moment.

Now I understand what is isofix base, what is a car seat and the fact that isofix base + car seat are being sold as a single unit when children are above ~4 years. But for a newborn baby it's 2 different units if I am selecting a 3in1 travel system.

So at the moment I am also searching for a stroller only and looking separately for an isofix base + car seat for 0-3 years age group. I am also keeping in mind if the same isofix base could be used for kids above 3 years of age group.

Thanks everyone.

Toots wrote: »

Some include the isofix base, but they will specify that. Honestly, I think if you're hoping to get a buggy and car seat and isofix base, then your budget is too low.

https://www.smythstoys.com/ie/en-ie/baby/pushchairs-and-strollers/travel-systems/ickle-bubba-stomp-v3-all-in-one-isofix-travel-system-car-seat-and-base/p/184292

this one includes the base and is reduced to €499.

Most isofix bases are between €100 and €150, then the seat is usually between €90 and €200 on top of that, depending on what sort of seat you go for. Bear in mind that the bases aren't interchangeable, ie maxicosi bases will only work for maxi cosi seats etc.

Depending on how much you'll be using the buggy, with baby stuff it can often be the case that if you buy cheap you buy twice. The travel system I had for my first baby did not stand the test of time, and when I had my second, I had to buy everything again. This time I went for the Uppababy Vista with a maxi cosi and base. It was expensive but it was totally worth it. We bought from Bella Baby and they let you pay in installments so we ordered it when I was about 16 weeks, and then paid a little bit every month and collected 2 weeks before the due date.

She's 2 now, we use the buggy every day and it's still as good as new. The isofix base was a godsend, I didn't have it first time round and I never realised how handy it is to just be able to clip it in and out of the car and not fiddle with seatbelts.

In your situation, it might be worth buying the seat and base new, then seeing can you pick up the pram second hand.

annoyedgal · 16-04-2020 8:59am

My two cents for whats it worth. A second hand uppababy is a great buy. Amazing to push and steer. Ideal for city living if you are not putting it in and out of a boot all day as it is a heavy frame.
For lifestyle that involves buggy in and out of the boot the out and about nipper is your only man. Fabulous buggy. We have the double and its like pushing air!
Don't get hung up on the 3 in 1 travel system as you should avoid using the car seat as a buggy as much as possible.
Had our little girl in ortho and was strictly told car seat is for journey a to b only. Not great for their spinal development to be wheeled around the shops in one unnecessarily.
We had the adapters and probably used them twice but again thats city living and don't use the car much.
Buy the best second hand buggy your budget allows and a new car seat. Can get fabulous bargains on adverts. Also can get them professionally cleaned.

Cakerbaker · 16-04-2020 9:49am

annoyedgal wrote: »

My two cents for whats it worth. A second hand uppababy is a great buy. Amazing to push and steer. Ideal for city living if you are not putting it in and out of a boot all day as it is a heavy frame.
For lifestyle that involves buggy in and out of the boot the out and about nipper is your only man. Fabulous buggy. We have the double and its like pushing air!
Don't get hung up on the 3 in 1 travel system as you should avoid using the car seat as a buggy as much as possible.
Had our little girl in ortho and was strictly told car seat is for journey a to b only. Not great for their spinal development to be wheeled around the shops in one unnecessarily.
We had the adapters and probably used them twice but again thats city living and don't use the car much.
Buy the best second hand buggy your budget allows and a new car seat. Can get fabulous bargains on adverts. Also can get them professionally cleaned.

Agree with this although I’ve the uppababy and lug it in and out of the boot a bit and it’s grand. I only ever used the car seat on the buggy if baby was asleep in it and I knew I’d only be doing a quick shop. If I knew I’d be more than 30 mins they went into the buggy seat even if it meant waking them.

Eireog1 · 16-04-2020 11:26am

masterboy123 wrote: »

I have found something in our budget.

https://infababy.com/travel-systems/Infababy-MOTO-3-In-1-I-SIZE-Travel-System-Titanium-Grey

What do you think?

I have one and its great quality for the price. I have used it for my first and will use it again for my second. Only downside is that it runs small. My first was a big boy so was out of the car seat by 8 months and is too big for stroller bit now at 2.

Besides that I would totally recommend it.

Toots · 16-04-2020 11:37am

OP, I think you might benefit from ringing one of the baby supply stores to talk about car seats. I know a lot of them are still offering a phone/online consultation service. If you can get in touch, I found Tony Kealys and Bella Baby to be very helpful.

If you want a car seat that goes from 0-3 years, they are not the sort of ones that you lift in and out of the car - they stay in there. They are one single unit, and the base does not detach from the seat. Something like the Maxi Cosi AxissFix Plus goes from newborn up to approx 4 years (it goes by height, so you may get less than 4 years if you have a tall child) I've got that in my car and I think it was about €480ish. It spins towards you for when you're putting the baby in, then spins either forward or rearward facing, depending on the age of the child. If you're going for a seat that stays in the car, the ones that spin are very handy because the baby will be facing you for putting in and taking out, so you can see what you're doing more easily. You can get ones a bit cheaper than that (the rotating ones tend to be on the pricier side) and also keep an eye for sales because you can sometimes get a good discount off seats if they're on special offer.

The car seats that you can lift out and attach to your stroller go from birth to about 15 months (again, it'll depend on the height of your baby) They can be used on their own and secured in the car with a seat belt, or you can buy the isofix base separately and then you don't have to use the seatbelt to secure it in the car - just clip in and out of the base.

From what I can remember, there were a couple of isofix bases that could be used with the baby car seat that you take out of the car, and then with a bigger car seat for older babies and toddlers - one that comes to mind is the Maxi-cosi 3 way fix base which goes with the Maxi Cosi Pebble Pro car seat for newborn to 15 months, then the Pearl Pro seat for when they're bigger (from 6 months to approx 4 years) I just had a quick look online there and for that set up, the base is €239, the newborn seat is €229 and the toddler seat is €259 (could probably be gotten for a bit less if you shop around). I think another brand that I looked at when I was expecting was BeSafe (I think the prices were similar) and they had a similar set up - a base that took the newborn seat and then a toddler seat, all sold separately.

Cakerbaker · 16-04-2020 12:04pm

I had an isofix base for mine and loved the convenience of it. However, a seat on an isofix base is no safer than a seat that is properly installed with the seatbelt. If you trust that the people who will be taking the seat in and out will do so properly then the base may not be essential.

Milly33 · 16-04-2020 12:47pm

I would go back to the drawing board. Sit down with himself and put down what ye actually want in a buggy, do ye want something compact, i know tis early days but consider if ye are going to have more kids.. And be aware that there is an endless amount of crap to be honest that they tell you, you need nowadays and you dont..

There are so many options re maxi cozis and isofix think about them properly. I would think if are planning on just one kid, borrow one from someone dont waste the money on something you are'nt going to use for that long.Even buy second hand from a trusted source...Save yer money and spend it on a good car seat that will last longer..

To us, the first car seat we had was got from a friend it was not a match for the buggy so we had to take them out of the car seat and into the buggy. It is'nt as horrendous as made out to be. Second time round we got a loan of the maxi cozi and isofix this one did clip into the buggy and id say i could count the amount of times we used it.. Bare in mind, when looking at them that you are not suppose to let the baby in the maxi cozis for i think they say 40mins now, so technical you would have to take the baby out to stretch.. I found them horrible to be honest he never looked comfy in them..

Buggy then right pick the style which I think ye have really and then think about the extras. Like the bassinet do ye plan on letting the baby sleep in the bassinet part? If so go with it, but if not do not bother with them.. They are very handy in early days for naps downstairs or if you have one cot. We had a crib upstairs which was used for night and then we had the bassinet in the buggy for during the day.. If ye have a moses basket and a crib then there is no need for the bassinet.Had both of them in the small car seat for about 3mths and then moved them onto the Joie Stages..

Extras then, rain cover great if included but if not, do ye really need one. if ye are avid walkers go for it but nine times out of ten if it is raining that bad you arent out walking..
Foot muffs are great too, see if you can get one included (water proof)...

Might be worth signing up to a Which account online. I think it is free for the first time, you can pay extra then to see all reviews.. We found them great for going through items..

Stroller recommendation

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