I need help from the moms

I started to register last week (what a daunting experience). And now I have so many questions and could really use your opinions/advice:

I really liked the Graco Quattro travel system but it didn't get great reviews in "Baby Bargains". The book also said the travel systems are a waste of money and it is better to buy a carseat and a stroller separately. Are there any opinions on this?

I registered for the Diaper Champ. It got good reviews but so did the Diaper Dekor. Does anybody have the Dekor? If so, how do you like it?

Any opinions on the Smartlight Stair Gate?

I registered for the Angelcare Movement Sensor. Baby Bargains said this is overkill unless I have a preemie or an infant with health problems. What do you ladies think?

I didn't register for a bouncer seat because I don't know if I will really use it much, and I couldn't figure out which one to use. All of them got good and bad reviews on the babies r us website.

Please, any help/advice you can give me on this stuff, plus anything else, since I still have ALOT to do with the registry would be greatly appreciated by a mom-to-be. Thanks.

Re: I need help from the moms

Most of my gear is from 2002 so Im a little outdated on the latest and greatest stuff but DEFINTELY get a bouncer seat. The baby will be in it ALOT the first 6 months at least. My kids were napping in it constantly and its a really nice change for them rather than lying flat or being held before they are sitting themselves. I have the Fisher Price Kick & Play and have always loved it, I know there's another one by FP the Aquarium one which gets good reviews too.

Re: I need help from the moms

I liked my travel system. I used the car seat (duh) and also the stroller. It was nice to know that they are compatable (some seats dont fit in some strollers). And also call me anal but they matched.

I cant comment on the diaper thingy because I had a Genie with Emma but use the garbage with Jeremy and its SO much easier.


The Angelcare monitor helps me sleep at night. I didnt have it with Emma and I would get up 5-6x a night to check on her. With Jeremy I turn on the monitor and sleep WELL. Its a little added sense of peace JMO.

I had the Kick N Play and the Aquarium bouncers. The KNP was 10000x better than the Aquarium. The AQ was loud with the bubbles and it drained them quickly. NOt too much fun but the KNP was awesome!

HTH

Re: I need help from the moms

Definitely get a bouncy chair! That was a lifesaver in the beginning. I know other moms would agree when I say that sometimes the bouncy seat is the only place baby will sleep in those early days. Plus as they get older and start solids but are too little for a highchair, I used the bouncy seat to feed Jack. Plus it is easy to move around whereever you are. I used to put Jack on the floor in the bouncy seat in the bathroom while I took a shower

Re: I need help from the moms

I would definately go with a bouncy seat they can be life savers!!

Re: I need help from the moms

I like my travel system (Graco Quattrotour). I know the Baby Bargains book says they are heavy and a waste. I don't think its that heavy and I like that they match (yes, I am nuts...lol) I also LOVE my Graco Snap n Go. It is great, its easier to go in and out of stores.

I use a regular garbage pail for her diapers (change it often).
I don't have the Angel Care monitors.
I just registered for a gate that I picked out in BRU.
I can't live without my bouncy seat.
.

Message edited 12/6/2005 10:51:53 AM.

Re: I need help from the moms

I love my travel system I used both the carseat and the stroller and it was great that I could snap the carseat on to the stroller since they were compatable with each other. This is the reason for a travel system.

If you dont' want a travel system then you can by each separately but I would suggest to get the snap and go stroller for the infant carseat.

I personally don't like those diaper champ things do to the fact that later on they will smell. I use a regular garbage pail and I buy the disposable smelly bags that cover up the sent of the dirty diaper and the pail doesn't stink.


As far as a bouncy seat this was a definite life saver I have one that vibrates and turns into a rocking chair it was the best cuz the vibrations would calm the baby down when nothing else would.

This is just my opinion so I hope this helps

Re: I need help from the moms

I hate my travel system because my son was out of his infant seat before three months and it was big and bulky to lug around all the time and I took it everywhere because we were always on the go, maybe if my husband was around and I would have had another hand to help it would have been easier but right now I am loving my chicco c5 as a lightweight umbrella stroller but I think the snap and go would be perfect for you.
I have the dekor plus and my IL broke it very early and now the top doesn't close so it is useless and I now use scented diaper baggies and the regular trash. IMO it was a waste anyway broken or not once solid food poops came about.
No opinion on the gate or the angel care moniter didn't have a a need for either.
The bouncer was a lifesaver but I recommend one other then the Ocean Aquarium because if you have a long baby after a few months you may have some problems.

Re: I need help from the moms

Message edited 12/16/2011 2:03:13 PM.

Re: I need help from the moms

I agree with Baby Bargains on the stroller. If you want to attach the car seat to a stroller, get one of the basic $50 frames (I had the Kolcraft Universal Car Seat Carrier) -- they ride better, have a larger basket (very important for shopping!), and are easier to get in and out of the car. As a pure stroller, the travel systems are just ok -- there are much, much better strollers out there! Check out this site for some great reviews:
http://strollers.baby-gaga.com/reviews/strollers.php

The Angelcare Monitor will not save your baby if something was to happen, it will simply notify you sooner. This may help you sleep better at night which is the primary benefit. I don't think it is necessary at all.

I can't imagine not having a bouncer seat, I still use it every day (eight months). They are all very similar, so don't stress about which one.

Re: I need help from the moms

Travel system - really to me no difference between buying a stroller and infant seat or travel system as long as you really like the stroller that comes with the system. I did the separate but same pattern and mfg.

I have Diaper Champ and happy with it.

Personally, I think those fancy monitors are overkill. I have the regular $30 one and it is just fine.

Bouncer to me is a must since my baby loved it and was a saving grace. I had the Kick and Play which I loved. I heard that it is discontinued. My SIL actually found it and bought rather than registering for it because it was the best of what she said is out there. I know a lot of people like the acquarium one but I know it is small and my son didn't fit in that for long (my mother has that one - so I know).

My other advice is read reviews with a grain of salt. Some people are really too picky or exaggerrating their issues. Sometimes you also have to go with your gut and what you like and just pick things. Reading too too much can make you crazy!

Re: I need help from the moms

I have the Quattro and I'm happy with it. I'm sure there are better strollers out there but I wasn't about to register for or buy an $800 Bugaboo. The Graco is fine for our needs and I love that the carseat just snaps in.

The Angelcare Monitor I did not register for or buy. Not necessary, IMO.

The bouncer is a must-have, IMO.

Don't know about that particular gate. We haven't even installed the one we purchased yet but I know it received good ratings. I can't remember the brand right now, but I'll check when I get home.

I have the Diaper Champ and I'm happy with it, but I could see how just a regular garbage pail with a lid would be fine too.

Re: I need help from the moms

I agree with Niecey, definitely go with what you like and think will be useful.

I didn't have a travel system. I can see the convenience aspect of snapping in your car seat into a stroller, especially if baby is sleeping.

I still use the Diaper Dekor Plus. I like it. I think it's just convenient (especially with how squirmy my son is) to be able to plop dirty diapers in it while he's still on the changing table. I always go and empty it out at the end of the night so his room never smells, despite some really stinky ones!!

I don't have the video monitor, but regret that and think it should be on your list.

And absolutely register for a bouncy seat!!

Re: I need help from the moms

We have a travel system and we love it. Its very light and very easy to fold up and unfold which is a real plus.

We have the Diaper Dekor and I love it. The ONLY downside is that you always have to buy their bags.

Any opinions on the Smartlight Stair Gate?I'm Not familiar with it,sorry.

I registered for the Angelcare Movement Sensor.Is that the one that alerts you if there is no movement? I don't have it but if you feel it would give you peace of mind, then try it. You could always return it, if you don't like it and keep the box.

We had the Baby Papasan chair and loved it. My daughter took naps in it. Its so comfy and it has vibrate and or music to soothe them. We found it especially helpful since our daughter had bad refux and had to be upright for 30 minutes after she ate.

Its definately good to get opinions from other moms but just remember no baby is like another and they will have their preferences to things and their dislikes of things.

Re: I need help from the moms

I have the Quattro travel system and I like it. I do think you could get away with a carseat that snaps into a stroller base.

I have the Diaper Champ and I really like it. I find it very convenient to just throw it away right next to the changing table.

I don't have the Angel Care monitor, didn't feel I needed it but I do have a video monitor and really love it.

I have the same bouncer shown above and I'm glad I have it but it was never my saving grace.....that would be my swing which I love!!!

Re: I need help from the moms

I got the Quattro - it is very heavy, etc. but I like it. I loved the bouncy seat - we had the FP Aquarium one. I used the AngelCare monitor - IMO it was one of the best things I got - it helped me relax. I use the DiaperGenie but I hate it. I don't know what gate that is that you mention, but I have the safety first one that is a step release - it is great. Hope this helps!

Re: I need help from the moms

I liked having a travel system. I also loved the bouncy seat and swing. I feel you really don't need a bottle warmer, a wipe warmer and a diaper genie thingy.

I also love extra wide and long bibs.

Re: I need help from the moms

Okay -- I have a Graco travel system and absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It isn't the metro light -- I can't remember which one (might be the quatro) and I have no problems folding it up or anything. It is super easy and I love having all of the compartments and that kind of stuff. I considered just getting the snap n go where it's just a frame and you put the infant seat in it -- but i'm glad i have the whole travel system where I can use the stroller later on. Also I love that my system came with 2 bases -- one for each car!

I also swear by my bouncer. We dont' have a bassinet and my daughter is only 2 months and doesn't like to sleep in the crib much. She basically sleeps in the bouncer almost all of ner naps and at night -- and it is a LIFESAVER. I don't think we'd have manged without it. We have the fisher price aquarium one.

Re: I need help from the moms

We don't have a travel system - just the infant carrier and a Snap and Go. Loved it! So convenient and lightweight. We have the Peg Perego Pliko P3 as our regular stroller.

Also have the Diaper Dekor - love that too. Very easy to use and no smell. The refills last a long time too.

We also have the Angelcare - another one we love. No, it won't prevent something from happening but it will alert you before it's too late. The alarm has gone off a few times. Even if it's a false alarm, I'd rather have it go off and find out he's okay than not go off and something be wrong. Definitely gives us more peace of mind - and we can sleep at night!

Don't have the gate - we bought two but haven't put them up yet so I have no recommendations on that.

We have the Carter's bouncy seat. He wasn't crazy about it when you was a newborn, but since about the time he turned 4 months (he's 7 months now) he likes it. It's big enough for larger babies, and he's stays occupied long enough for me to get a shower and I can still keep an eye on him.

Have fun registering!

Re: I need help from the moms

Thanks ladies! I love all the info. Keep it coming.