12-24 weeks pregnant (part 4)

Beckyy

We went into a Mothercare store recently and we a bit disappointed with the travel systems etc. they seemed to just be pushing you super expensive ones that were priced around £1000 and there wasn't much else to look at/get a feel for. It sounds like there would be a lot more on their website though.

We went into a independent shop after and had a look at quite a few in our price range, tried folding them up and feeling how heavy they were, that was much more helpful.

I was surprised by the weight difference/bulk of some of the car seats and frames.

Some of the super expensive ones didn't feel particularly sturdy or hard wearing either, which was (possibly not) surprising.

psychopathbabble

My OHs cousin recommended a site called Tony Kealys or something... It is cheaper for some of the big items.

We have just been looking at the graco milestone 4 in 1 car seat (advertised on tv as 4ever), it goes from birth until 12yrs old. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Also those with children already did you find you took the car seat in and out of the car when they were tiny? Or just removed them from the seat? Wondering whether to get the compatible seat with the pram or just another one.

pigpen

I would never use a car seat on a pushchair chassis because I don't think it is good for them.. I had one which we could take ut and the littlies hated it.. I just got a huge fixed in the car one and they went in that quite happily.

So yes we have one which would go in /out with us but never used it.. they are really really heavy too and the handles are wrong so you have to either hold them at arms lengths which nearly kills you or hold them to your body which either crashes against your legs and hurts or tips the seat so they arent laid straight in it anyway.. I think they are actually a really stupid idea and think travel systems should be banned.. I hate seeing tiny babies scrunched up in car seats when they should be laid flat or at least in a natural position.

*puts away soap box*

ThinkPink

I plan on getting a travel compatible with a car seat. I'm out and about in my car quite a bit so this suits my requirements better , although I plan on getting a fixed from birth car seat for oh car which can be used in either car for longer journeys. And obviously if I'm going anywhere that means little one will be out with me for a longish period of time I'll put them in pushchair. I do have plans to do as much walking as possible with baby but want the car seat option too.

I'll have to have a look at the graco car seat that's just been mentioned.

Beckyy

I find myself totally distracted by looking at people's pushchairs and carriers while I'm out now and trying to compare :rotfl:

I've been reading some reviews for baby carriers too. There seems to be just as many of those, although many seem much and such the same?

I've been feeling some definite movement today, quite bizarre when it's not something you've experienced before. It will be more exciting when it's more obvious movement that OH can feel too.

FreddieFrugal

Beckyy wrote: »

I find myself totally distracted by looking at people's pushchairs and carriers while I'm out now and trying to compare :rotfl:

I've been reading some reviews for baby carriers too. There seems to be just as many of those, although many seem much and such the same?

Me too! I must look a right weirdo, but I'm just looking at the pram and trying to see the make. Every time one goes past I do a head turn :rotfl:

We got a baby carrier from Aldi it was £12.99 really good value. Very comfy to wear, lots of adjustment and well padded. Good quality solid feeling thing. Looked online and in shops and the only budget ones anywhere near that price look rubbish in comparison.

You can't really go wrong at that price!

psychopathbabble

pigpen wrote: »

I would never use a car seat on a pushchair chassis because I don't think it is good for them.. I had one which we could take ut and the littlies hated it.. I just got a huge fixed in the car one and they went in that quite happily.

So yes we have one which would go in /out with us but never used it.. they are really really heavy too and the handles are wrong so you have to either hold them at arms lengths which nearly kills you or hold them to your body which either crashes against your legs and hurts or tips the seat so they arent laid straight in it anyway.. I think they are actually a really stupid idea and think travel systems should be banned.. I hate seeing tiny babies scrunched up in car seats when they should be laid flat or at least in a natural position.

*puts away soap box*

Sorry didn't mean to cause a rant we just have no idea what to get or not get. The car seat I mentioned above is actually cheaper than the car seat with the pram we might get!

pigpen

LOL.. car seats are one of my pet 'things' I don't think most people put enough thought into their purchases.. as shown by those who buy those 20p ones which do more harm than good.

There are a lot of negative points to those carry out ones..

I also don't think the law puts enough importance on the lives of our babies.. the rear vs forward facing thing for a start.. in other countries the small people have to be rear facing for much longer and have much lower death rates from car accidents... it just makes sense!

I don't think price should come into it for the most part, obviously we all have different budgets.. this is something which will save your childs life, you can't put a tag on that.. second hand clothes and pushchairs and cots are all absolutely fine.. but to scrimp on a car seat is risky.. you get the best you possibly can.. independant reviews are best, there used to be review sites do they still have those or have they all gone? A lot of the ones which come with a pushchair aren't very good in crash tests.

Keep in mind we do a fair bit of motorway driving.. high speed, changeable conditions and you never know when you're going to hit a problem.


We are trying to get through to OH's mother why Squeak wont ever be allowed in the car on just one of those dangerous cushions.. high back seat until she is 150cm (adult seat belts do not work properly until this height.. yet the law states 135cm)

I did have loads of neurosis feeding sites on my other laptop.. Mostly linked from a site about internal decapitation.. definitely worth reading up on!

psychopathbabble

I completely agree with you pigpen, it's just so much information out there it's hard to go through it all! I would never buy a car seat second hand, and whether I get a cot or moses basket second hand i would still buy a brand new mattress.



A friend posted on facebook last night to say she needed a home for loads of her baby bits so I'm off to collect it tomorrow night and see what's there. She doesn't want anything for it but I'm going to give her some money for the kids piggy banks as it's only fair really. I picked up a few packs of the muslins from aldi last night thanks for the reminder Freddie

Beckyy

I've just been reading about the changes in law on booster seats and that little ones need to be rear facing until 15 months old, at least.

Most of the travel system ones seem to be for about the first 6 months that we've seem so another rear facing is needed after then for around a year after that, at least. Good to know, the list grows!