Originally I had planned on getting a travel system. I've had several friends who have used them and recommended them. However, I'm now leaning more towards just getting a convertible car seat and a stroller and completely exing-out the infant car seat. I can't tell you how many times I have seen moms struggle with the ups and downs and ins and outs of an infant car seat. And while I understand the concept of carrying the child in the car seat (i.e. if the baby falls asleep, if you're shopping you can put the car seat in the buggy, etc.) I just don't think it's going to be the best option for me.
For one, I have an incredibly hard time carrying them. I've lifted several, with and without children in them and I can barely pick them up much less carry them for an extended period of time or up and down flights of stairs. Which leads me to, I live on the second floor of my complex. Parking is iffy and can sometimes be a beast causing me to have to park on the opposite side of the complex. There is no way I could even almost carry a car seat, a diaper bag and possibly other various items at one time across the parking lot and up the stairs. Call me a weakling, but that's just the truth.
Second, other than the baby possibly falling asleep and me not wanting to wake them in order to move them, (Granted, if I were the one carrying them in the car seat, they will most likely be woken up anyway from the struggle.) I can't see the purpose. I live in an apartment complex that has a concierge service and does all of my grocery shopping for me, so I won't be going to the grocery store with the child. I work all day, so in the evenings, I HIGHLY doubt I will want to get out anyway, but would much prefer to stay at home with my Peanut. And if I absolutely have to have something at say, a retail store, I will have a nanny during the day and can easily go during my lunch break. Or I can go on a Saturday and either make a day of it or grandma can watch Peanut while I shop (She may balk at that now, but I have a feeling she'll be begging to keep him/her.)
Third, it will be much cheaper this way. Okay maybe not MUCH, but cheaper is cheaper. The car seat that I'm looking at is good up until the child weighs 50 pounds, so that should last me up until at least age four or five. Whereas, if I get an infant car seat they're only good up until 30 pounds.
All of those things combined just leave me thinking that a travel system is not going to be the way to go for me. I guess should I try it without and decide I need one, I can always get one.
Thoughts? Any moms tried it without?
