What even is a travel system? SO OVERWHELMED by stroller and car seat options 😩

Question

What even is a travel system? Do I need an infant car seat or is there something that will last from birth through toddlerhood and be just as good??
FTM and I have no idea where to start. Here are some things I care about -- would really love recommendations or advice!!
STROLLERS
- We live in a city and I'm due in late April so we'll be using the stroller a lot
- I like strollers that can be both rear & front-facing (for when she's bigger)
- We have a small apartment and would have to store the stroller indoors so collapsibility/small storage size is important 
- Preferably not too heavy
- Needs to accommodate newborn size but I'd love for it to last her at least a couple years if that's a possibility!
CAR SEAT
- We have one car and no one else around who will be driving her so we won't be taking the car seat out often (unless people recommend the kind that straps directly into your stroller??)
- Obviously needs to be rear-facing for newborn but I'd love to be able to use it for as long as possible 
- Safety!
Willing to spend more than the cheapest option but not interested in some of the stroller/car seat options I've seen on Babylist that are $300-$1,000
And guidance or specific recommendations are MUCH appreciated!!!!

Answer

Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System, Orion
We got the Chicco Bravo Trio. It comes with an infant car seat, base and a stroller. We loved it! The stroller insert comes out so you can easily attach the car seat to the stroller when needed.

Answer

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat | Baby Car Seat, Oakley
I have a Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX for my girl. And the Graco Essentials Modes 3 LX for the stroller. It does everything you've explained! I love the combo, but you can get the Graco Essentials Modes 3 lx travel system cheaper than buying individual! Definitely recommend.

Answer

Baby Jogger City Mini GT Stroller - 2016 | Baby Stroller with All-Terrain Tires | Quick Fold Lightwe
We have the baby jogger city mini GT, it’s like their off road/jogging version. It can be used without the car seat as soon as they are able to hold their head up on their own. We chose to get a different brand of infant car seat (better safety ratings), so we have an adapter for the car seat to click into the stroller. Our car seat is the Peg Perego Primo Viaggo 4-35. I spent not just hours and hours but days and weeks researching what would work best for us. I’m a FTM and my daughter should be here any day now!

Answer

Graco Modes Click-Connect travel system is the way to go. If you can afford it. Luckily, this was gifted to us. We won’t have to get anything stroller! This grows with them up to 50 pounds.

Answer

Urbini travel system has been awesome for us

Answer

I have the urbini stoller and carseat and I love it. The stroller is front facing, facing you and can be a bassinet and your car seat snaps in as well

Answer

I felt overwhelmed too. Then I got a good deal on Black Friday. I bought it then researched it before deciding to keep it. It made my decision easier. See if you can find one on sale or clearance and then look into it rather than narrowing down all of them. I did know I wanted a travel system and one with neutral colors, that was about it before buying.

Answer

I was so overwhelmed by strollers that I just decided not to get one right away. I knew that while my son was a newborn I would just take him out in the baby carrier. I ended up getting a cheap used stroller that adjusts so infants can use it. I've only used it a handful of times in my son's 5 months of life because I still prefer the baby carrier. That may not be the same for you, but my point is that you don't have to stress about it! You don't HAVE to have a stroller right away

Answer

We've used several brands of car seats. My favorite is the Chicco next fit convertible car seat. It isnt too heavy and the install is incredibly easy. Very solid and sturdy. My least favorite is the Clek Fllo. I find it bulky, heavy, and the install is a huge pain in my opinion.  I also think the straps get uneven too easily on it. That being said once it's in it's in and it has good safety ratings. But really, all car seats have to pass inspections and standards so ease of use is a biggie for me.  I also have the Chicco Bravo stroller and have no complaints.

Answer

Just go to a store and look at them.  For the strollers roll them around, break it down a few times,. And lift it up. VI bought mine online and though it's light.  One tire doesn't want to roll straight and it is awkward to break down.
If you want to buy one car seat to last from now to 5.  You want a 3 in 1.  I have only ever used my infant one for 6 months.  Same thing as the stroller do up the belts and undo them a few times.  No they don't get easier with time.  Figure out how the seat belt goes through and lift it for weight incase you need to be carrying it.
Buy whatever feels good to you.

What even is a travel system? SO OVERWHELMED by stroller and car seat options 😩

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