I guess I can answer this question because I have done exactly what you have said. I own a Bob Revolution Dualie (sp?) I bought it because with twins, the "cheaper" strollers are hard to push over cracks in the sidewalk, etc... and it was a way I could get out for exercise (walking if not joggine
, and I thought it was crazy expensive. I bought this in 2005, before that, I hadn't seen anyone with a BOB, now I notice them from time to time. I think it was one of the smartest buys I ever made. I used it nearly every day for about 2 years. I am still hanging on to it until the kids out-grow it, but rarely use it now. I bought it at an outdoor store, of which I am a "member" and got a 20% discount, which made it equal in price to the MacClaren twin stroller which had little wheels and wasn't going to be any better for me than my other strollers, but still cost $300+! However, this was a gear CHOICE.
Car seats are a necessity (unless you live somewhere where you don't need a car). Also, what I have been ranting about to my colleagues is why safety should have a high price tag. My kids are just movning into Frontiers. I think I am buying 4 tonight. (Maybe 2 Frontiers and 2 GN's still discussing with DH) but either way it is a lot of money. Thankfully we are in a time in our lives where even though this is not to us a "fun" way to spend money, it is a priority to us so we are doing it. What makes me FURIOUS is that I originally bought two BPB's that were advertised as the "Safest" on the market, and had all sorts of awards from safety groups etc... They were not cheap, but they were not as much as what we are looking at now. There are other BPB and Backless boosters that are sold as "safe" that are very economical.
I thought I was purchasing something that would keep my children protected because the safety standards said these were safe.
My DH didn't like the way boosters fit in the car, and wanted the kids latched in. In the past 2 weeks we have educated ourselves (thanks to this site, police stations, car dealers, car seat dealers, etc..) to find out things we never knew. 1. 5 point harnesses are the safest way to transport a child (this might seem obvious to you, but I thought if something was sold as safe, it was equally as safe) 2. LATCH has a weight limit
So now to my point. WHY are seats that are agreed by the "experts" as the most safe beyond the reach of many families? Safety should not be a has-has not issue.
I am now preaching safety info to anyone who will listen, (my twins club, colleagues, friends, etc... ) I am not sure how active members of this site are in changing the laws, I have only belonged for a short time. I am guessing some people here are actively working on changing laws.
Something needs to be done so that there is equal access to the safest products.
Ok, I think my rant is over, but I will continue to complain about the unfairness of safety having a price.