Travel System for New Baby

Hi K.,
I bought a travel system for my baby and i absolutely love it. It is Graco's metro light and I am so happy that I bought this. The stroller is very light and is easy to open and close. The car seat fits well into the stroller and it really helps when my baby is asleep to just put the car seat into the stroller, so ehr sleep is not disturbed. I would definitely recommend MetroLite Travel System to anyone who is looking for a quality stroller and car seat.

I had my second child when my oldest was 5. Like you I had a sep. car seat and stroller for the oldest. When the baby came along the oldest got tired of walking easily so we invested in a Baby Trend "Sit & Stand" Stroller. It has a forward facing seat and a platform behind it with a bench seat for the older child to sit or stand within the handle of the stroller. The stroller also comes with an attachment that hooks onto the front for infant car carriers and it allows the baby to face backwards towards you. It also adjusts for all brands of carriers so you wouldn't have to buy a new one since you have one from your older child. The stroller folds up easily also.

I recommend the Graco Metrolite Travelsystem

I got one for my son 4 years ago and then for my sister-in-law and bestfriend within the last couple years. We have all been very happy with them. The infant carrier is the Graco Snug ride, which continues to score very high in safty ratings. The stroller weighs much less than most other travel system strollers and fits better in most sedan sized cars. My stroller held up well until he was 3 1/2. I did a lot of research on it when I got mine and it was well worth the effort. I would get another with a 2nd child.

I don't honestly think travel systems are such a great deal and here's why:
1) you get locked into one brand/style for both, whether you like both components that much or not
2) you don't save much if any money
3) I don't think the best strollers tend to come in the travel systems.
With that said, there may be more travel systems out than when I researched 2 years ago. I would research strollers and car seats separately and if those that you decide on come in a system, get them. Many strollers accept a variety of car seats now, making travel systems unnecessary.
We registered for a Graco Snug Ride infant seat and a Graco Quattro tour on the advice of several people. We liked the Graco infant seat and recommend it, as they're about as safe as they come, and reasonably priced. However, I might buy the new Graco infant seat instead (not sure of the name), which is a bit larger and allows the baby to use it a bit longer. I don't think I'd get the quattro tour again, but I think it's great. We have no garage and a steep front hill with many steps, so lugging the heavy stroller was a pain. I finally just started keeping it in my trunk, and get it out for every walk (also a pain). I'd probably buy a Combi Cosmo instead. But if you have a garage, I'd recommend the stroller as a main one for walking in your neighborhood. It is comfy, reclines, has a nice big basket, etc. I'd probably plan on getting a second, lighter one for outings.
You might also want to check out the book Baby Bargains, which has pretty good (though overwhelming) advice. Also check out epinions.com for more opinions. Finally, consider buying online once you make your decision (babycenter.com has free shipping for orders over $49) b/c even babies r us has quite a limited selection compared to what's out there.
If you don't mind, would you let me know if you find this helpful? Thanks!

I was worried about the bulkiness and weight of a full size travel system. I found the Graco Mosaic and love it. It still works with the infant car seat but folds up smaller,is lighter and maneuvers easily around the mall or the neighborhood.
I hope this is helpful.