Baby Gear

I finally made a decision as to which travel system {stroller/carseat combo} to go with. If you recall from this post, I was initially deciding between Safety First and Gracco but there were some things that I really didn't like about the Safety First travel system which is why I've been so hesitant to buy it...and I would have to blindly purchase the Gracco travel system online because it isn't available in any stores to physically see. I appreciate the comments and private emails from all you mom's who have "been there, done that" in terms of choosing which product you have found to be the best. Offering up your personal opinions as to which features I should look for, and making your own brand recommendations, were things that I took into consideration and I'm glad I held off on buying either one of the travel systems I was initially considering.

With all that said...we went to Babies-R-Us yesterday and they had a new Chicco travel system that wasn't there before. Both the hubby and I absolutely loved it. And not just for the newly unisex designer-looking pattern : )

Many of you suggested Chicco and I flat out overlooked the brand because it wasn't one that I was already familiar with. Chicco (pronounced key-co) is an Italian company that manufactures a variety of high-quality baby products. Little did I know that they are #1 on the market. As I took to the internet for reviews about the Chicco products I am considering I was so impressed with all of the nearly 5 star reviews by hundreds of people on varying websites.

Here's the travel system we will be going with:

#1 rated infant car seat in America

• Chicco Cortina Travel System, Luna
• One-hand fold stroller - loaded with extra features
• Mutliple position, fully-reclining seat and adjustable leg support provides comfort for your baby. The seat has "memory" recline for your convenience - it remembers the position you last left it in before folding.
• The adjustable, removable canopy is water repellent.
• Large basket accessible when the backrest is fully reclined providing plenty of storage
• Linked rear brakes and a 5-pt harness provide safety and all-wheel suspension gives a smooth ride to baby.
• A height-adjustable handle make strolling comfortable for Mom or Dad.
• The KeyFit infant car seat accomodates infants from 4 to 22 lbs. The car seat harness has one-pull tightening & loosening for quick harness fitting. The thickly-padded infant insert gives extra support for a smaller baby around the head, neck, back & bottom.
• Stroller holds child to 50 pounds.
  

The carrier shell is lined with energy absorbing foam. It features an innovative latch management system, easy belt routing and a spring-loaded leveling foot to make the infant car seat installation easy. The "one-pull", centrally located tightening strap has made securing the latch attachment simple. The KeyFit base also has wide belt routing loops with a built in belt locking system for vehicles without latch. Leveling the base is easy with a spring-loaded leveling foot and easy to read liquid, bubble level guides on both sides of the base. The enclosed underside of base protects vehicle seats from damage. Usage: from 4-22lbs, newborn insert from 4-11lbs.

And then there's this hidden compartment for storing toys on the go!...

The same pattern on the above travel system is also used in Chicco's Lullaby LX Playard...the #1 Rated Playard in America!

Playard features:

• Roll down shade to act as sunlight blocker
• Thickly padded, quilted mattress that can be removed for easy machine washing.
• Includes a bassinet with an elevated changing table.
• Toy gym for use on the bassinet or as a playmat on the floor
• Electronics with remote control that feature music, vibration, and nightlight
• Push-button compact fold and matching travel bag
• Perfect for use at home and on the road.

Matching highchair:

Highchair features:

• Seven height positions and three reclining positions for increased comfort
• Most convenient maneuvering with one-hand seat recline and tray removal
• Cushioned seat pad that is easy to wipe clean
• Phthalate free vinyl seat pad
• Adjustable footrest to accommodate growing children
• Safety comes first with the five-point safety harness
• Convenient tray storage for the slimmest fold in its class
• For children up to 37 lbs
  

Infant Carrier:

We originally registered for the Bjorn infant carrier but I just may be on a Chicco kick now. This carrier features:

• Soft, breathable lining gives baby a cool, padded, comfortable ride
• Unique cuddle pocket lets baby feel your comforting touch
• Mesh side panels increase ventilation and comfort
• Adjustable padded straps for proper fit and shoulder comfort
• Machine washable fabric for easy care and maintenance
• Snap-on towel protects clothes from dribbles and drools
• Recomended for use with 7.5 to 25 lb baby
• They comes in a few other colors - this black one being one of them:

Seeing, feeling, and testing out ALL of the above baby gear products solidified our decision all the more to go with Chicco. An extra bonus was the luck we had with a new pattern hitting the market that I am absolutely smitten with!