Question Busser needs Toddler Carseat + Stroller Combo!

[at0micgirl]

Hello all!

I have a very tall 16 mos old (32"+, 23lbs) who's currently using a toddler carseat given to us by the state (thru state insurance - hey, it's free ).

I don't own a car (by choice), and rarely am in one, but with MN winter approaching, we will be getting to our baby class via taxicab weekly through spring. Meaning: we have to take our carseat with us everywhere we go. (We normally ride our bike with Burley trailer, and for long trips or with snow, we ride the bus, which is another safety issue I'll ask in a later post.)

It's quite a jaunt from where we get off to our class inside the bldg, and with all our stuff, I need the stroller with too. (and of course there are times i want to take a cab downtown and stroll our stuff around through the skyways, or whatever else might come up)

Pretty soon, I will have to wear him in a wrap (or sling) that I have to put on in the cold after we get out of the cab, and somehow get the huge toddler seat to sit on our Combi stroller, which works with the infant carseat, with my huge diaper backpack on my back.

While it's still decent weather out, he can walk, but this won't work once it's snowing and icy out. Plus it's hard to bend sideways to hold his hand with a 35lb backpack on (trust me, all essentials, we have food allergies, etc.).

Does ANYONE know of a TODDLER CARSEAT that is DESIGNED to SNAP into a sturdy STROLLER like they offer for infants??? :shrug-shoulders: I REALLY NEED THIS!!!

Peace, and thanks for whatever thoughts you might have on this issue!

Carrie Anne & Atreyu
http://atreyu.110mb.com

p.s. here's a pic of me wearing him last year with the backpack on - obviously, he's a lot bigger this year! -

 

[natysr]

There is one, but it will set you back a pretty penny.

It is called the Orbit Toddler Carseat.

The toddler carseat itself is $360. I can't seem to find just the stroller (without the infantseat) for sale. Their "travel system" with the infant seat and base and stroller is $900. Maybe you would have better luck looking for it, I only spent a couple of minutes looking.

Here is a picture of my 4 year old in the orbit toddler seat which is attached to the stroller. (Note, he is small for his age).

 

[LISmama810]

There's also the Sit 'n' Stroll: http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=6805&cmSource=Search

It's not my favorite thing in the world, and I don't think I've ever actually recommended it to someone, but in your case, it might be worth it. You'll definitely need pool noodles to install RF, and it can be a little tricky, but you'd probably get used to it quickly.

Other than that, the Go Go Kids that a PP posted about would probably be a good choice.

Another option is to get something lightweight and inexpensive like the Scenera ($45). It's light enough that you might be able to just hook/strap/hang it onto the handle of your stroller. Not ideal, but inexpensive.

 

[BW1426]

Is he rearfacing or forward facing?

 

[capeKO71]

I can't seem to find just the stroller (without the infantseat) for sale.

I believe you can purchase all the parts separately directly from Orbit baby...

 

[ketchupqueen]

I wouldn't want to buy either of those seats. I'd use the TravelMate or I'd get a Radian and some straps to carry it as a backpack!

 

[safeinthecar]

There's also the Sit 'n' Stroll: http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=6805&cmSource=Search

It's not my favorite thing in the world, and I don't think I've ever actually recommended it to someone, but in your case, it might be worth it. You'll definitely need pool noodles to install RF, and it can be a little tricky, but you'd probably get used to it quickly.

Nix that idea. The wheels on the sit n stroll would never handle snow and ice.

 

[LISmama810]

Nix that idea. The wheels on the sit n stroll would never handle snow and ice.

Oh, yeah, I guess it's not much of an all-terrain stroller!

I wouldn't want to buy either of those seats. I'd use the TravelMate or I'd get a Radian and some straps to carry it as a backpack!

She already has a 35-lb backpack, so I'm not sure if that would work.

OP, I've hesitated suggesting this because at your son's age and weight, he would be MUCH safer RF, and if he still is, I wouldn't encourage you to turn him FF. In fact, if he is FF, I'd encourage you to turn him RF again.

But...one option you have is the SafeGuard Go. Your son barely meets the minimums for it, and it doesn't provide a lot of side impact protection, but it's extremely lightweight and folds up into a carrying bag.

The car you install it in MUST have a top tether, and it can be tricky to install with a seatbelt, so LATCH would be a plus.

Like I said, I don't really like this option for you right now--it would be great for later--but it's there if you choose to use it.

 

[at0micgirl]

Is he rearfacing or forward facing?

Well, I'd like to keep him rear-facing since he is under 40 lbs, however, the last two times that I had him in a car (last week & a month prior), there was NO WAY that he could fit in this thing rear-facing. There was no place for his legs, his knees were in his tummy! So I had to turn him around.

(Btw, I think the one we have now is called a Costco toddler seat, it's convertible)

That's another reason I want to find a different toddler seat is I'm guessing the one we have is way shallower than others.

I love this Orbit system you guys showed me - thanks! It does look pricey, but if it's what we need, we'll have to make it work. At least we're not paying for gas too! =)

Although I'm going to need to contact them with a few questions... Maybe one of you knows the answer?

1. Do you NEED the base to snap the toddler seat onto the stroller? (my guess is no)

2. Since I won't be using a base, but installing the seat right into the car, do the BRACES that attach at the bottom fold-up, or do I have to turn it upside-down and install each time after it comes out of the stroller?

Since I will need to use whatever system I get on the bus too, I'm going to post that question now as a new thread (since I'm sure it will get into many different issues).

Thanks again for your help! Your opinions on the bus issue are appreciated as well.

 

[at0micgirl]

I wouldn't want to buy either of those seats. I'd use the TravelMate or I'd get a Radian and some straps to carry it as a backpack!

Actually, I HAVE the GoGoKidz TravelMate, and it's awful!

For one, it just plain DOESN'T WORK with the carseat that we have - it physically will not attach.

Two, it requires TOOLS & hardware to attach and detach the carseat, which is NOT happening at -10 degrees outside, or just plain at all.

(right now, i make use of the stroller i carry as a place to secure my son so he doesn't run into the street while i insert the carseat into the cab. actually this makes me realize the orbit might not work well because of this since there's nothing to sit in when the carseat is off the stroller. shoot.)

Three, he can't RIDE in the carseat while it's on wheels - no help to me.

Four, it's super low to the ground, so you have to literally bend over to reach - the handle barely extends any higher than the carseat.

Does anyone actually use this on a regular basis? And carry their child in it??

Just curious. Thanks! Thanks for trying though!

Peace,
Carrie Anne & Atreyu

 

[Kat_Momof3]

I think the orbit really is your answer.

you can find lots of info at their website

www.orbitbaby.com

and their contact info is on the website and their csr's are really helpful.

 

[musicmaj]

What about purchasing a double stroller. Use one seat for baby and the other for the carseat. I think I would be seriously tempted to do it that way.

 

[at0micgirl]

Re: Sturdy winter Double-stroller suggestions???

What about purchasing a double stroller. Use one seat for baby and the other for the carseat. I think I would be seriously tempted to do it that way.

OK, that's a seriously creative idea! I'm so glad I posted this here.

So, I'm looking at them to see what would work - I think a tandem would make more sense since the car seat isn't going to get upset sitting in the back.

BUT reviews I've read so far say that tandems are harder to maneuver. I find my Combi infant stroller hard enough to maneuver, hopefully it's not worse than that!

Can you guys suggest a good tandem stroller with the following options?

- has a tray in front, with cup holder
- has a cupholder for me (i wish i had this on my current one!!!)
- folds easily
- has slightly larger wheels to handle the snow & ice (& to keep the basket higher off the ground through snow)
- has a rain/wind cover available to go with it
- can fully recline at least one of the seats for him to sleep in
- isn't super heavy, but i'm willing to trade some weight for durability/maneuverability

Right now, I'm looking at the Graco DuoGlider LX, which doesn't seem that expensive compared to what I might otherwise have to spend. The reviews I've read seem really mixed.

What do you guys think???

Thanks again!
Peace,
Carrie Anne & Atreyu, sleeping right now :thumbsup:

 

[BW1426]

Frankly, what I would do is go to Babies R Us and take take the Radian (I assume this will work the best because it is so narrow) and start trying it out in double strollers. See what works best :thumbsup:

 

[TerisBoys]

I wonder if Papooses has seen this thread - her DD is older, but I bet she'd have input since she has a similar lifestyle.

Off to PM

 

[abckidsmom]

Re: Sturdy winter Double-stroller suggestions???

OK, that's a seriously creative idea! I'm so glad I posted this here.

So, I'm looking at them to see what would work - I think a tandem would make more sense since the car seat isn't going to get upset sitting in the back.

BUT reviews I've read so far say that tandems are harder to maneuver. I find my Combi infant stroller hard enough to maneuver, hopefully it's not worse than that!

Can you guys suggest a good tandem stroller with the following options?

- has a tray in front, with cup holder
- has a cupholder for me (i wish i had this on my current one!!!)
- folds easily
- has slightly larger wheels to handle the snow & ice (& to keep the basket higher off the ground through snow)
- has a rain/wind cover available to go with it
- can fully recline at least one of the seats for him to sleep in
- isn't super heavy, but i'm willing to trade some weight for durability/maneuverability

Right now, I'm looking at the Graco DuoGlider LX, which doesn't seem that expensive compared to what I might otherwise have to spend. The reviews I've read seem really mixed.

What do you guys think???

Thanks again!
Peace,
Carrie Anne & Atreyu, sleeping right now :thumbsup:

Although it is difficult to maneuver because it's more bulky, the graco duoglider really does meet every one of those items on your checklist.

I like ours, so far it has stood the test of 4 children, over nearly 5 years of constant use. It's starting to get a little bit tired, but it'll do for us for now.

I think you'd be really happy with how it handled the bumps and rivets of snow and yuck. Another perk is that when you lay down the back seat and extend the sunshade over the seat, the baby is very protected from wind and precipitation.

It might be kind of tricky to have the carseat *stay* in the front seat, and if the taxi is a small car, there might even be trouble fitting the folded up stroller into the trunk. There have been some trunks that my stroller didn't fit into.

 

[BW1426]

It might be worth looking into a double jogger that folds depending on how much snow you deal with. With a jogger you'd most likely have room for the backpack to go underneath as well. The jogger will push nicely, have lets of room and maneuver in the snow. The only issue is that they're a little more difficult to fold, but I could fit the double in my Ford Escort trunk if I took the front wheel off, which took all of about 30 second. Cab trunks would be bigger than what I was working with. If you could find a double stroller that the radian would fit perfectly in, you'd be in luck.

My biggest concern about the duo glider is that it will be a huge pain in the butt in the snow. I think that's going to be an issue with any stroller that doesn't have bigger tires.

ETA: I like the stroller carseat idea much better than the orbit idea because I feel like the orbit is only a temporary solution. Getting a radian and a jogger will be a longer term solution.

 

[capeKO71]

I'd look at the Joovy Ultralite - its a sit and stand - but it's much lighter then some others- and I think you could rig a cosco scenera in the back seat - and your backpack. It has ball bearing wheels - so it pushes pretty well.

Another option is the Jane Powertwin - they have one on www.returnsforsale.com right now - it's a 3 wheel jogging stroller style but it has back to back seats - that could work.

I wonder if you can fit a radian in the back of a Phil & ted's - in the infant position??? I bet you can... you could use the second seat up front and put the carseat down below...

 

[ketchupqueen]

Although I do not like my DuoGlider for older kids (I'm getting rid of it in fact) I had no problem with it when the baby was small enough to be in the car seat in it (which is about the same as you'll be dealing with really); my problems came from the kids pulling each others' hair and such and that won't bother you! I never had a problem steering it as long as I had both hands free for when I needed both for a tricky corner or something. I think that is a GREAT (and very creative!) solution.

 

[lovinwaves]

If you are going to be on any kind of snow or ice I think it would be beneficial to get yourself a stroller with air tires.

The exception to that would be the Baby Jogger City Series MINI. I have a double of this stroller and can tell you it plows through snow and ice amazingly well considering it has plastic wheels. :twocents:

Also, look at the Baby Jogger City Series CLASSIC, and/or ELITE model.