Car Seat/ Stroller Help!

I have a Chicco travel system and LOVE the stroller (love the carseat, too!!). All of them are big, but I can open it with one hand!! Keep in mind, you only use the system together for a few months--I thankfully found a system that I loved separately, but I don't think I would make that my number one reason for buying them.

You could always save a little by getting the stroller used and a new carseat, both Chico. Who cars if the fabric matches?

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What about getting just a stroller frame (like the Snap and Go by Graco) that fits the car seat. It is cheaper than a full size stroller and lighter. I was able to find a used one for maybe $35 but they are around $65 new last I checked. Once the baby is out of the baby carrier seat and sitting well you can use the stroller you like. I went through so many strollers with my 2 kids--none was perfect for every situation.

I second Rachel Y's suggestion of getting a snap'n'go-type frame for when you use the infant car seat (graco infant seats typically have a 6-years-from-date-of-manufacture expiration date so if it was new when your 4YO used it, it should still be ok to use). Check consignment stores, craigslist, etc. for secondhand ones - since they're only used for as long as the baby is in the infant seat, secondhand ones generally still have quite a lot of life left in them.

Another snap and go here. Try Freecycle for a snap n go. I love my Chicco (rides REALLY smooth) but it's large and I told my sister that if I had a do-over I'd get a snap n go for the months before she's just in the stroller itself. The stroller itself is good, IMO. We've had ours for 3 years and I still use it when we do long walks with the playgroup or go to the zoo. You might also see if a bungee cord can help keep the seat on the stroller better.

If the other seat has expired, I highly recommend the Keyfit 30. It has a higher weight limit, though it still fits the stroller. The bases are super easy to put in a car (just remember to put your knee in it to push it into your seat), too. My DD outgrew hers in height before weight, but it's a good seat.

Snap and go!! I got one with my second baby and loved it. Just sold it for $35 on Craigslist, after only 6 months of use.You could find one used and in good condition pretty easily. No sense in buying a new car seat, they grow out of them so quickly! Save the stroller for when you move the baby to a convertible.

Why dont you just buy the snap and go graco stroller so it will work with the car seat and then buy the stroller later when you have more money? They sell the snap and go at Target and Babies R Us. You can even get one of those at a consignment store or on Craigslist.

If it doesn't fit into the stroller, I wouldn't use them together. I would just put the baby in the stroller in the reclining position. GL!

M