In the whole scheme of things, strollers and hip size really don’t matter. What’s important is having a healthy baby. With that said, I am struggling a little with these things, so I was hoping your input could help. I’m interested to hear what you Moms and Dads out there think…
The stroller we registered for arrived on Friday. Sounds like an exciting thing, but in reality it’s actually caused me more tears and stress than one would think. I know, it sounds ridiculous to cry (just a little) over a stupid stroller, but I did. I am overly emotional and a little irrational these days :)
So why all the tears and stress?
I was limited to the strollers that I could chose from. I needed something compatible with the Graco Snug Ride Infant car seats that we already had and I’d prefer that the colors coordinate too (black/grays). These requirements lead me to selecting the Graco Signature 3-in-1.
When the stroller arrived, Josh and I immediately put it together. Everything was looking great. The infant car seat sits 7” higher than the standard stroller, so you can reach baby easily. The toddler seat can sit rear facing or front facing. It turns on a dime, is easy to maneuver, good storage, cup holders, you name it. We were thrilled with our selection! UNTIL… We went to fold it up. In order to fold it up, it’s a “two step process”. After removing the infant car seat, you must remove the infant car seat adapter, and then fold up the stroller frame. Each step seems easy to do and the stroller is light, but do you think that would be a major pain to have two things to remove every time you break it down?
When you’re just using the toddler seat, you must first remove the entire seat, and then collapse the stroller frame. The problem is, what do you do with the toddler seat while you are breaking down the stroller? You don’t exactly want to put that in your trunk first because then the stroller wheels will get the seat all dirty. See the problem?
I was so disappointed that the “perfect” stroller seems to have a major design flaw with the two step process. Do you agree, or do you think this is something that I can live with? I really want to keep it, but I don’t want to hate it once Taylor starts using the toddler seat.
I’d appreciate your input on this, as I am trying to figure out if I will return this and pick out something different. AND, if I get something different, what do I go with?
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Also, what’s you’re take on this?
Has anyone used it? Is it a complete scam? Or will this really help shrink your hips postpartum? I’m concerned about how much my hips have spread and I don’t know much much nature will take care of after delivery. I know there’s only a small window of opportunity for your hips to return back to how they were, so I thought this might help a little.
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I realize that both of these things really don’t matter in the long run. Having a healthy baby is what matters. I am so grateful to be having a “normal pregnancy” and look forward to Taylor’s safe delivery, and I will never lose sight of that. I guess you could say that I’m glad to even be having these “problems”. With that said, I would love to hear your input, so leave me a comment, please!
My friend just had a baby 3 weeks ago and she said the hip shrinker thing is stupid and really uncomfortable. She doesn't even bother wearing hers. She did say some sort of stomach girdle is a good idea though, so I will be getting one of those.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. The extra steps with the stroller would annoy me. Not only do you have to deal with the extra piece, but you might be struggling with a diaper bag/rain/who knows what else. What if you returned it and just got a Snap-N-Go stroller (we love, love, love ours) for the first few months to use with the infant seat, and then you could wait and see what your needs/wants are in terms of another stroller down the road? We have the Snap-N-Go (I bought it off Craigslist for $35) and a jogging stroller which we haven't used much at all yet. I can close up the Snap-N-Go with one hand. We just bought an umbrella/lightweight stroller for our 8-month-old daughter and will start to use that in the next month or so when we switch from the infant car seat. But I'm glad we waited until now to figure out what worked for us and what we really needed in terms of a secondary stroller, if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI think the folding steps are very important as usually you use your stroller the most when you are out on the town. I would recommend looking into a jogging stroller with a one hand closing system or one of the graco travel strollers that would have went with your carseat. I had a graco with my first child and loved it othe than it was a little short for my husband. For my second child we bought a sit n stand double stroller from target and it fit my graco stroller just fine. With this pregnancy our third we have bought a new travel system and carseat and went with a Chicco travel system and it is super easy to put down and also works with my double stroller. You might want to take the carseat into the local stores and test out some of the other brands of strollers as many of them will fit the infant seat. We quit using the infant seat with our strollers usually by 6 mths so don't base that completely on your stroller. The stroller will be used for years past when you need the carseat!
ReplyDeleteMy son is 7 months and we have the graco snug ride 35 car seat. We got the stroller to go with it and it is so easy! It just snaps on top and your good to go. Now that Levi is 7 months I leave the car seat in the car and let him ride in the fron of the stroller, instead of attaching the car seat.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent I was looking for easy assembly and break down if I was by myself (without hubby) at the store.
In my opinion that looks like a lot to do. Especially with the whole toddler seat thing...When your baby is that big it may be easier to put he/she in the front of a regular stroller.
Our graco travel system, with the snug ride 35 carseat works best for mall visits and such, but for walks in the neighborhood or zoo trips or any outside activity, our jogging stroller works best and handles a whole lot better! It's way less bumpt for the baby and glides like a bike.
Just my suggestions. I just started reading your blog. Congratulations on your new baby!
I sort of have a stroller addiction. I'm absolutely fascinated by them... It's sick really;)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I would have AGONIZED over the very thing you're stressing over. At first, I thought you would just be dealing with the extra step while she's in the carrier, but then I saw you also have to remove the toddler seat, and I just don't know... I'm a huge help, right? You know, once she's like 10 months or a year, you'll probably just end up getting a fabulous umbrella stroller that you will use most of the time anyway, so try not to let this one stress you out. It looks really nice!
The hip thing... Not sure. Never used it, but I did get an AWESOME tip to start using those control top panties as soon as the doc said it was okay - and, I mean the REALLY tight ones that go clear up to your ta-tas. I couldn't quite bring myself to wear the super tight ones, but I did get some pretty snug and high ones from Target that helped my belly contract. Maybe it helped my hips too?? In hindsight, maybe I could have started with the slightly snug ones and gone to the tighter ones after a couple of weeks.
I've also seen this thing called Tauts by Brooke Burke. It's a belly wrap. I'm a sucker for this stuff and probably would have tried it;)
I love 2 step strollers... I know, weird... but I think their design is just so cool... the Bugaboo is just the same, 2 steps and its amazing- so i think this one will be amazing too...
ReplyDeleteI would keep it!
Let us know what you end up doing... love your blog, BTW- and can't wait to "meet" baby Taylor
I don't have that exact stroller, but my double stroller is just like...you have use it for the infant seat and it has toddler seats. When you fold it up you have to take out the infant seat or if you are using both toddler seats the back one has to come out. I thought it would really annoy me, but it didn't. It was an extra step, but it seems like everything with kids take longer and you just get used to it. I do have a minivan so that might make a difference as I have a place to stick the other pieces rather than placing them on the floor.
ReplyDeleteAs for the hip thing I believe in nature taking it's course. I've had 3 kids and am pregnant with my 4th and I actually get skinner after every pregnancy. It takes me about 11 months...without exercise...I just run around after kids all day long! I also nurse my babies and think that has a lot to do with my body getting back in shape.
So glad you are having such a nice pregnancy! :)
I would hate the 2 step stroller. I would just go with the basic snap and go for now and when she's older you can decide on a different stroller. Once she's able to sit up on her own you won't be lugging that car seat around trust me!! You are likely to want a different stroller down the road. Good luck and don't stress over it!
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely no idea on either topic. ;)
ReplyDeleteI guess you just need to figure out which is more important, having your baby higher up, or having one less step in the process. How does Josh feel about it?
And, I would probably try the hip thing, even if the whole world said not to. I already have wide hips, so the last thing I need is more space between those suckers!
I have the shrinx hips it's kinda annoying but I fit in my jeans after 2.5 weeks. I only wore it for most of the time while I was sitting. Walking around it kinda rides up.
ReplyDeleteOh girl, you are so cute!
ReplyDeleteOK, the 2-step thing sounds annoying, but the rest of the stroller sounds great, so the two equal out in my mind. :-)
Hips...first, you are SKINNY right now. Your body is meant to be slender, and your hips will naturally tighten back up after delivery. With both my pregnancies, I was back in my regular pants within a couple weeks tops, and I never once gave my hips an inkling of my attention. And since our bodies are seemingly similar in shape, I feel like it's safe to tell you to not worry about this at all! :-)
Goodness, hmm I would think that the two step process would be extremely annoying. Especially when it is raining or bad weather, when Taylor is not happy etc etc. I would recommend getting hte snap and go for now. And then doing some more research on the next one after that. She will probably be in the carseat type stroller for quite a while, and by the time she is too big, your options are HUGE. We have a jogger that I love, and we also have a Maclaren stroller which I also love. Once she is older it is easiest to have an EASY stroller not a multi-step process.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your decision! I can't wait to "meet" Taylor too!!!
Send it back. You won't want to be fighting with that all the time.
ReplyDeleteThe combi strollers are amazing and easy to fold and lightweight and my infant seat sat in it just fine until my kids were old enough to sit in the regular seat.
Hmmm....The extra step would bug me but that is a cool stroller! Have you checked out the City Select -- Same type of design but I'm not sure if you have to take it apart to collapse it. My SIL has it so I could ask her for you...It looks like it has the same features but also has the capacity to convert to a double.
ReplyDeleteSorry, I was no help at all!
After running errands with a small one in tow, having to break down a stroller in multiple steps will most likely be the last thing you want to do. Perhaps with time and practice, you can perform these steps quickly and with ease. But I would think it would be a hassle and you may want to look into getting a new stroller.
ReplyDeleteWith the Bob stroller, you can buy a car seat adapter that fits most car seat brands. It is expensive (both the stroller and adapter), but it is worth every penny. The Bob is great for walks, runs, and errands. I have used graco travel system (car seat, base, and stroller) and a jogging stroller made by Jeep with both my girls, and I prefer the Bob so much more than the other two. Again, it is expensive but so worth it. Hope this helps!
FYI - I found a Bob for sale at REI online. If you google it enough, you can find one for sale.
LOVE the nursery!
With the stroller if the first step is very quick and easy with both the car seat and toddler seat I say keep it, if does manuever well.
ReplyDeleteWith the hip thing I say skip it. After my second child was born I bought a Belly Bandit, same concept but its worn over your belly (imagine that). It was very stiff,uncomfortable, and you could see it under my shirt. Remember you are going to be sleep deprived and just kinda out of sorts the first few weeks of motherhood the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable as well.
Hi Lauren, I've been following your blog for a long while now but haven't ever commented. But I thought I could shed a little light on the brace you are talking about. I'm a physical therapist over in Australia & have done some work with ladies during & after pregnancy. This type of brace is mainly used on ladies that sustain a injury to or have a separation of their pelvic bone during delivery, or have pelvic pain, or pelvic instability post delivery. These braces are quite uncomfortable, and I wouldn't recommend wearing one unless you have a specific need for it. I really agree with the comment above that you would get more support & comfort from a pair of control top underwear !! Best thing to do to help your hips get back to normal post delivery is to start walking as soon as you are able to, slow & steady to begin with. You can give your snazy new stroller a work out as well!! Also pelvic floor/core stability (pilates) exercises will alot too. Get the muscles working as they should again. Hope this little bit of info helps a little. Rebecca xx
ReplyDeleteOur double requires a seat to be removed and I hate that! I don't think you will want it! You have to remember that the baby stroller is only used like 6 mths and the toddler one for years. I do not think you will like taking it apart for years. Plus, it doesn't look that functionable as a toddler stroller. You want trays and cup holders. People get in baby mode and, this is where they get yah, they realize that they want a new stroller by that next phase. I bet this brand sells the ideal toddler striker for you to upgrade to......after 11 strollers, I have had everything and the snap n go truly is the best. It is quick and easy, light and great for travel. No plane can break it! (your two piece one will be dirty and broken after first flight) And when you are ready for that next phase, the toddler one, them you can spend your money and buy something impressive:) Who knows, maybe by then you'll want a double;) Douglas told me, when we bought carson's, to just get a double and save some money...
ReplyDeleteAs for the belly band, I really did think that it worked but here's the coolest part......they are free at the hospital!!! They are expensive so they will not offer then to you. You have to ask. Someone taught me that trick and I wore mine everywhere. Now I am passing on the deal!
Like jenna, I too am a stroller whore, so don't hesitate to call! I have had every kind;)
Pounds (lb)
Hmmmmm stroller looks great but , the steps you have to breal it down doesnt sound fun at all . If your out with the baby and by your self it starts raining and have a crying baby and your in the parking lot you want something thats is easier .
ReplyDeleteGet the Graco Snap N Go... very light weight super easy to use... then just go with a nice umbrella stroller when she's older. You never know how she'll take to the stroller when she's a toddler so i'd just worry about the infant stage now. Snap N Go is the best.
ReplyDeleteHey Lauren! Here's my 2c on the stroller and hip thingy. Stroller...I think you are right. It looks like ALOT of work and stress. As a mom (with a crying baby, in the rain, running late, juggling the diaper bag etc) I would want a fast and easy, one hand, boom in the trunk, stroller! AND I would rather have one that the pattern might not match over all that other headache. Hip thingy...I would ask your dr, but I would probably skip it. It's most likely alot of hype. This is also your first full term delivery. You are VERY likely to go right back down to your pre pregnancy size FAST. Now...have five more deliveries and you are in a pickle lol...your body will be a mess LOL. I would embrace your potential badge of honor, but be pretty confident that you'll be just fine.
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren. In regards to the stroller issue, if you want something fast and compatible to your Graco Snug Ride infant car seat I would recommend getting a Snug Rider by Graco or Snap-n-Go by Baby Trend (the stroller frame that allows you to place the car seat on top). It's fast, quick and fold with one hand. And its pretty light. If there is a variable height difference with you and your husband, I would get the Graco brand one because its handle is height adjustable. And it matches with any seat and the basket is huge. You can always get another stroller when little Taylor outgrows her infant car seat. As for the hip belt, it looks like hype to me. I purchased a belly bandit with my last pregnancy (twins) and it was extremely uncomfortable. Not sure if it would have really worked since I stopped using it early on (sleep deprived, nursing twin girls, lack of time) I rather be a happy mom and spend my time with my girls than worry about my waistline. Can't wait to see pics of little Tay!
ReplyDeleteOkay,as for the stroller, I have the graco snug ride and ours came with a stroller. you can attach and detach the car seat and it folds down in one easy movement, you can do it with only one hand. My mother has one similar to the one you bought (she wantches my son) and the only "pain" is that it is a little difficult to fold down the frame of it for her. Now if you have tried and tried and yours is easy to fold, than it is really nice, she LOVES hers. You could always try it out. Go to a park, take the whole thing, walk around the park. See if you can do it one handed, as you never know what you may need that for. How easy is it to manuver, than when you are done on your walk, pack it up. Put the carseat in first. keeping in mind that the whole time you are breaking it down Taylor is inside. My son HATED car rides so we needed to get him in and home ASAP. You may decide that you love the ease of the stroller so much that the break down is worth it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the hip thing...my family believes that AS SOON AS THE BABY IT OUT...they put you in a girddle...NOT the belly bands or any other pregnancy /after birth product, but the girrdles you find in the lingere department. You are to be bundled up for the first siz weeks after delivery, this may mean buying two or three different sizes as you shrink. you do EVERYTHING except shower in it. NO EXCEPTIONS!! I did this with my first pregnancy and I was in pre prego clothes by my six week check up, but was still 10lbs over pre prgo weight. I was not as strict this time around with my son and my six weeks I was 12lbs over, but COULD NOT fit in any pre prego clothes. As I sit here and type...10 months later, I am only 1 pound from pre prego weight and CANNOT even get my pre prego jeans too much past my knees...so that is what I would go with!
Okay,as for the stroller, I have the graco snug ride and ours came with a stroller. you can attach and detach the car seat and it folds down in one easy movement, you can do it with only one hand. My mother has one similar to the one you bought (she wantches my son) and the only "pain" is that it is a little difficult to fold down the frame of it for her. Now if you have tried and tried and yours is easy to fold, than it is really nice, she LOVES hers. You could always try it out. Go to a park, take the whole thing, walk around the park. See if you can do it one handed, as you never know what you may need that for. How easy is it to manuver, than when you are done on your walk, pack it up. Put the carseat in first. keeping in mind that the whole time you are breaking it down Taylor is inside. My son HATED car rides so we needed to get him in and home ASAP. You may decide that you love the ease of the stroller so much that the break down is worth it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the hip thing...my family believes that AS SOON AS THE BABY IT OUT...they put you in a girddle...NOT the belly bands or any other pregnancy /after birth product, but the girrdles you find in the lingere department. You are to be bundled up for the first siz weeks after delivery, this may mean buying two or three different sizes as you shrink. you do EVERYTHING except shower in it. NO EXCEPTIONS!! I did this with my first pregnancy and I was in pre prego clothes by my six week check up, but was still 10lbs over pre prgo weight. I was not as strict this time around with my son and my six weeks I was 12lbs over, but COULD NOT fit in any pre prego clothes. As I sit here and type...10 months later, I am only 1 pound from pre prego weight and CANNOT even get my pre prego jeans too much past my knees...so that is what I would go with!
The two step breakdown will be a pain in the rear. It means baby will be sitting in a hot car while you wrestle with the stroller. You will be folding that thing up more than you will want to and the process needs to be one step if not single handed (well until the lifting part.) Hit the stores and collapse them all :) I wouldn't worry about the colors... the infant seat will only be used for a short portion of the strollers life, and there are always covers for the carseat.
ReplyDeleteI all ready gave you my take on the hip thing before I knew you were considering it....sorry if I offended.
I just had a baby - here's my 2 cents :)
ReplyDelete1) I have the Maxi Cosi Foray stroller - Absolutely LOVE it but would've hated it for my infant stroller (the 2 pieces). Stick with a one-hand/one-piece stroller for your infant stroller. MUCH easier.
2) Don't do the hip bandage thing, do this - it WORKS and is worth every dime: http://www.babooshbaby.com/servlet/the-6/Pure-Tauts-Post-Pregnancy/Detail
Make sure you read WHEN to wear it - I believe it was for 40 days and 40 nights - starting right after you deliver.
Great car seat choice - check out the Britax seats for when he gets to about 6-7 months old. They're the safest and best on the market.
I have twins and I have tried several strollers. I needed to be able to fold my stroller with a baby in my arms, so I wanted a simple and light weight stroller. You don't want the added stress. I recommend the snap and go or the Combi. They are both great strollers! Also realize that you will probably go through several strollers. I think you should return the one you have and pick a simpler one, but don't stress about it.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you asked this stoller question now I just have to read what everyone is saying! I discovered the same thing yesterday with Peg Perego stoller we had picked out, until I saw it in person...It has identical features and the exact same problem! It really makes me wonder what the manufactures were thinking!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit the stroller thing sounds pretty annoying...I had one where all I had to do was take baby out, step on a lever and it collapsed perfectly by itself- LOVED IT...I think it was graco but it was 6 years ago lol
ReplyDeleteAs for the hips *insert sigh* These things are all scams - I think instead of trying to change what pregnancy has done to your body, you should be embracing it! You're hips will never go back, but your waist will, so don't dwell on the hips!! Pregnancy is a BEAUTIFUL thing and despite how it may seem, your body will not be ruined by it :)
I'm all about ease, especially when I'm out & about without Mike. We just have the Graco stroller that came with our infant seat & it's a very easy one-hand fold. The one thing I don't like about it is that the canopy doesn't extend down to block the low-set sun from Cam's eyes. When he was little we had to bring blankets with us so we could block the sun that way. Our jogging stroller & my friend's Chico stroller has the canopy/umbrella thing that extends to as low as the stroller tray so you can always block the sun.
ReplyDeleteAs for that hip thing, I'd never wear it. And the girl in that picture has never had a child (at least not in the near future) & should NOT be the model for a postpartum hip band! What a joke!! :o)
Don't fret my pet, you'll find the right stroller & your hips are fab!
LOVE YOU!
As a bit of a stroller geek, I've found that the perfect stroller doesn't exist. There are pros and cons to all of them. The wonderful thing about the strollers that have removable seats, like the high-end bugaboos, uppa-baby, i'coo, as well as your graco, is that they handle really well and the baby can face you when they are smaller. This was the most important feature to me. But I found that most strollers with this feature are bigger and have more complicated folds. But I was willing to sacrifice this to be able to look in to the eyes of my little one and catch all those little smiles. You will learn to deal with the fold, even though it will be a bit annoying. I've found the most important usability features that make or break a stroller are being able to face in or out, handling, a good sun shade, and a good basket. The fold, while annoying, may only take an extra few seconds once you get the hang of it. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteFRICK, that above comment was from me, not Mike! That would be just a little creepy if he called your hips fab on your blog! ;o)
ReplyDeleteLauren I have followed your blog and prayed for you since the Green Beans. How excited I am for you!
ReplyDeleteI bought a Snap-n-Go stroller for when my babies were in the carrier and then got a REALLY GOOD umbrella stroller for later. Those bulky strollers are a pain in the behind.
McClaren, Bob and Chicco make super great umbrella (lightweight) strollers and honestly thats all you need.
Blessings!
Have you checked out the Baby Jogger City Mini? It's compatible with the Snugride (with an adapter to hold the car seat). Folds flat with all parts atached with nothing more than pulling a handle in the seat. I would be seriously annoyed with having to remove several parts before folding. I often find myself holding my baby while getting the stroller in/out of the car and that would just not work.
ReplyDeleteWell, I have had 13 babies (yes, you read that right) and have owned many different strollers. You do not want anything that you are disappointed in already! Nothing stressed me out more than a crying baby and if you have to take the extra time for folding the stroller-forget it. Take your carseat to BabiesRUs or whatever baby store is nearby and try it in different strollers. You'll find one that you love! Or you may decide on a different stroller/carseat combo all together and sell yours on Craigslist.
ReplyDeleteI have a Bob Stroller and it is AMAZING and is compatible with my Graco infant seat.
ReplyDeleteI agree the stroller sounds like a pain! Even with the toddler seat part, which you will be usign for a long time. Look into a baby jogger (such as the city mini) with an attachement that will allow use with your carseat. Or you could get a snap and go, and then a nicer stroller later once you know what your preferences/needs are when Taylor is bigger! Good Luck
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