Get The Bump digital magazine >

tools: Pregnancy Calendar | Baby Namer | Gender Chart | How Big is Baby?

community

all boards


birth clubs


nest boards


my blog

my photos

my boards


200+ Easy Weeknight Meals!

Green living: Eco-friendly tips & tricks!

< Previous topic | Next topic >

All Boards > Nurseries and Baby Gear

Sort:
11-18-2012 at 5:29 PM
fitzpember...
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-20-2007
7,640 Posts
30,132 Points
fitzpemberley is not online. Last active: 05-19-2013, 9:01 AMGold

Bassinets for strollers - a must for spring babies?

I am just starting my stroller research and need to figure out what features are important to me.  Our baby is due mid-May, and I picture us going on walks around our neighborhood (just outside the city, with sidewalks) a lot. 

At first I thought we'd just get a City Mini with carseat adapter, but now I'm second guessing.  Am I going to want a bassinet?  Or is it fine just to use the carseat?  Also, how much do you like having a seat that can be both parent- and outward-facing? 

Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-18-2012 at 6:27 PM
LittleAppl...
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-13-2009
Rochester, NY/Apple Country
10,306 Posts
12,759 Points
LittleApple is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 9:46 AMGold

I wouldn't bother with a bassinet for the stroller unless you plan on using it in the house as well.

I have the car seat adaptor for the City Mini double and I love it.  So easy to pop into the stroller and we are on our way.

If you are looking for a stroller that the baby can face both ways, look at the new Baby Jogger City  Versa.
collage (1) Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-18-2012 at 7:12 PM
MisN
Not Ranked
Joined on 02-26-2010
Canada
945 Posts
4,428 Points
MisN is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 2:26 PMBronze

I LOVED having a bassinet (we have an uppababy vista) and dd was also a may baby.  She usually did one of her naps in it each day on a long walk until she was 6 months (yes she napped in it until 6 months!). I like having a flat place for her to lie down rather than a car seat as car seats aren't the best for them to lay in for long periods of time.  The vista has a really great sunshade that comes down on the bassinet too so it was dark and quiet for her (not the case with a car seat).

i also had a car seat adaptor so I could snap in the car seat if we were out in the car and running into a store which is handy but I much preferred the bassinet for walks and naps. 

I also loved the feature of being able to face her towards me or out.  Until about a year, she usually preferred facing me and sometime still does at 18 months (usually so she can request her favourite songs) 

TTC #1 since April 2009, BFP August 28, 2010, EDD May 8, 2011. 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-18-2012 at 7:21 PM
ali26
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-02-2005
ny
2,407 Posts
5,411 Points
ali26 is not online. Last active: 05-12-2013, 8:35 PMSilver

I'm also due in May and thinking of a bassinet.  My DD was a December baby and by the time spring rolled around was always so hot and sweaty in her infant seat.  Luckily by then she could go in her stoller without it.  The carseats are so much more constricted and the fabric doesn't breathe, I think it is worth it if you plan on spending a lot of time outside.  

 

The only concern I have is that I take long walks in my neighborhood and the sidewalks are very bumpy.  I'm thinking the carseat would be better for head support early on.  

 
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Pregnancy Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-18-2012 at 7:33 PM
ateach
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-12-2009
403 Posts
5,936 Points
ateach is not online. Last active: 05-14-2013, 10:16 PMNewbie
The city mini does have 2 bassinets you can purchase additionally. They are pricey, but I found the larger one for $40 on Craig's list. I like that I'll have the option! (Although it may not get as much use from a winter baby!)
TTC since March 2011
2 miscarriages 9/11, 2/12
#1 on the way! Due Dec. 23, 2012
Praying for this little one.
BabyFetus Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-18-2012 at 8:54 PM
diskogurl
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-15-2008
Miami Beach
406 Posts
6,148 Points
diskogurl is not online. Last active: 05-19-2013, 10:07 AMNewbie
MisN:

I LOVED having a bassinet (we have an uppababy vista) and dd was also a may baby.  She usually did one of her naps in it each day on a long walk until she was 6 months (yes she napped in it until 6 months!). I like having a flat place for her to lie down rather than a car seat as car seats aren't the best for them to lay in for long periods of time.  The vista has a really great sunshade that comes down on the bassinet too so it was dark and quiet for her (not the case with a car seat).

i also had a car seat adaptor so I could snap in the car seat if we were out in the car and running into a store which is handy but I much preferred the bassinet for walks and naps. 

I also loved the feature of being able to face her towards me or out.  Until about a year, she usually preferred facing me and sometime still does at 18 months (usually so she can request her favourite songs) 

 

this! We love the UBV bassinet. So much more comfortable for the baby. And a great place for him to chill out anywhere we are with him (like my parents).
Birthday: September 12, 2012 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-18-2012 at 11:35 PM
blondbombe...
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-29-2005
Brownsburg, Indiana
3,832 Posts
1,741 Points
blondbomber23 is not online. Last active: 04-23-2013, 11:02 PMSilver

I have the Uppa Baby Vista as well and we never used the bassinet feature. DD is 2.5 now and I'm pregnant with my 2nd. I found that it was just easier to leave DD in the infant seat and fasten into carseat adapter (though she always wanted to be held so I spent more time holding her than anything). Also, once DD was about 4 months old she wanted to see everything around her. She wanted to be sitting upright and looking around.

 I think this is one of those things that really depends on the child. If my next one is different than my 1st child, then I might try the bassinet with her. Also, I think it makes a difference as far as where you live. For a big city or a ton of walking, the feature is probably nice. We use/used our strolling mostly for neighborhood walks and going to the mall, etc.
 At this point though, I wouldn't have missed having one.

ETA: My DD was born in early April. This next one is due late March.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 12:52 AM
gimmietimm...
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-31-2010
Southern Alberta
7,646 Posts
65,054 Points
gimmietimmies is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 8:19 PMGold

I loved this feature. We used convertible car seats with most of our kids and the bassinet was fantastic. My ultimate favorite stroller with bassinet was a Peg Perego pram that you could detach the bassinet and use it on a stand.  It also had fantastic suspension, baby got a smooth ride (this was for dd1). This was a feature we had to have with our strollers through to dd4, it got a lot of use. 

Oh, while I loved being able to face in or out, it wasn't my must have feature.  
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Logan 4.97~ Teagan 2.02 ~ Eirian 3.06 ~ Keira 2.08 ~ Seren 10.10 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 7:28 AM
Estwd2
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-28-2010
4,085 Posts
40,279 Points
Estwd2 is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 4:29 AMSilver
I would say it depends on how and when you're going to use it. As far as I know, the bassinet can only be used for a very short amount of time. I think the sales guy at BBB told us 3 months for the UBV, right? Not sure if they're all like that, but it didn't sound worth it to me. Also when we go on walks we usually drive someplace first. That meant taking her out of the carseat and moving her into the stroller. It was much easier to just move the carseat onto the frame. However, if you're going to be taking the stroller out right from home, thus no moving from carseat to bassinet, and you think you'll be out often enough for it to be worth just a few months of use, then sure, go for it. I don't think it's a must have item, though. Just nice to have.
Image and video hosting by TinyPicImage and video hosting by TinyPic 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 8:15 AM
kristen218
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-08-2011
262 Posts
4,775 Points
kristen218 is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 10:22 AMNewbie
MisN:

I LOVED having a bassinet (we have an uppababy vista) and dd was also a may baby.  She usually did one of her naps in it each day on a long walk until she was 6 months (yes she napped in it until 6 months!). I like having a flat place for her to lie down rather than a car seat as car seats aren't the best for them to lay in for long periods of time.  The vista has a really great sunshade that comes down on the bassinet too so it was dark and quiet for her (not the case with a car seat).

i also had a car seat adaptor so I could snap in the car seat if we were out in the car and running into a store which is handy but I much preferred the bassinet for walks and naps. 

I also loved the feature of being able to face her towards me or out.  Until about a year, she usually preferred facing me and sometime still does at 18 months (usually so she can request her favourite songs) 

This is exactly why we are getting the UBV. I do not feel comfortable having baby in the car seat for long walks. I think the bassinet will be much better for walks and naps!
Lilypie Premature Baby tickers  
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 10:14 AM
penguingrr...
Top 150 Contributor
Joined on 11-19-2006
In NYC for now, but always a Jersey girl at heart!
20,218 Posts
37,538 Points
penguingrrl is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 10:22 PMPlatinum
I think the bassinet is kind of a waste. Both of my kids hated being flat on their backs when they were little (both had stomach issues.. one had reflux the other had dairy and soy intolerances) so we never would have used a bassinet. But I see them a lot of places so I guess some people use them a lot. We also only used the infant seat in the car because they hated being in it and I feel like we're the only ones who had that!
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 10:19 AM
thismplsgi...
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-14-2009
southwest Minneapolis
774 Posts
14,160 Points
thismplsgirl is not online. Last active: 05-12-2013, 1:52 PMBronze
Many newborns have reflux and are super uncomfortable lying flat. My daughter couldn't comfortably lay flat until she was too big for a bassinet so we never got to use ours. Waiting to see how tolerable your baby is would really be the best idea so that you don't waste the money.
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker BabyFruit Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 11:48 AM
GirlWithTh...
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-28-2011
962 Posts
2,168 Points
GirlWithTheMostCake is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 1:10 PMBronze
Using a car seat adapter is a convenience feature for parents, but does NOTHING positive for an infant. It is warm, it is a 45 degree angle and it is not meant for them to hang out in for months while we are strolling. If you don't have a stroller that lays completely flat, I think the only option is a bassinet. I hate that car seat companies have made us feel like a seat made for safety when driving is the place for kids to stay when they aren't in the car. Here and there I get it...regularly, get the bassinet! If a child has reflux, a slightly inclined stroller seat with a snug is significantly better for them than sitting in the car seat regularly.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 1:05 PM
discobelle
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-20-2007
2,809 Posts
15,680 Points
discobelle is not online. Last active: 05-19-2013, 11:03 AMSilver
I definitely don't think it's a must.  We did fine with the carseat when he was a newborn.   Once he was 4 or 5 months, we put him in the stroller (partially reclined) without a carseat.
AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 2:11 PM
vlong4
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-14-2008
Canadian stuck in NYC
970 Posts
750 Points
vlong4 is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 1:00 PMBronze
MisN:

I LOVED having a bassinet (we have an uppababy vista) and dd was also a may baby.  She usually did one of her naps in it each day on a long walk until she was 6 months (yes she napped in it until 6 months!). I like having a flat place for her to lie down rather than a car seat as car seats aren't the best for them to lay in for long periods of time.  The vista has a really great sunshade that comes down on the bassinet too so it was dark and quiet for her (not the case with a car seat).

i also had a car seat adaptor so I could snap in the car seat if we were out in the car and running into a store which is handy but I much preferred the bassinet for walks and naps. 

I also loved the feature of being able to face her towards me or out.  Until about a year, she usually preferred facing me and sometime still does at 18 months (usually so she can request her favourite songs) 

All of this except for we have a Bugaboo Chameleon. Love that it has shocks and a very smooth ride for the baby. Neither of mine felt any bump while in the bassinet. I just felt that being in the car seat al the time wasn't that healthy for them and their spinal development.  I remember reading that babies shouldn't be in a car seat for long periods of time constantly when I was doing my stroller research. That's why we went with bugaboo (UBV was second choice). Bassinet and having the baby facing me or away are very nice features.

http://tinypic.com/r/21jydqr/5 BFP jan10/11 - mc at 5 weeks 3 days. Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 2:27 PM
vlong4
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-14-2008
Canadian stuck in NYC
970 Posts
750 Points
vlong4 is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 1:00 PMBronze

GirlWithTheMostCake:
Using a car seat adapter is a convenience feature for parents, but does NOTHING positive for an infant. It is warm, it is a 45 degree angle and it is not meant for them to hang out in for months while we are strolling. If you don't have a stroller that lays completely flat, I think the only option is a bassinet. I hate that car seat companies have made us feel like a seat made for safety when driving is the place for kids to stay when they aren't in the car. Here and there I get it...regularly, get the bassinet! If a child has reflux, a slightly inclined stroller seat with a snug is significantly better for them than sitting in the car seat regularly.

Yes  All of this.

http://tinypic.com/r/21jydqr/5 BFP jan10/11 - mc at 5 weeks 3 days. Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 5:01 PM
penguingrr...
Top 150 Contributor
Joined on 11-19-2006
In NYC for now, but always a Jersey girl at heart!
20,218 Posts
37,538 Points
penguingrrl is not online. Last active: 05-18-2013, 10:22 PMPlatinum

GirlWithTheMostCake:
Using a car seat adapter is a convenience feature for parents, but does NOTHING positive for an infant. It is warm, it is a 45 degree angle and it is not meant for them to hang out in for months while we are strolling. If you don't have a stroller that lays completely flat, I think the only option is a bassinet. I hate that car seat companies have made us feel like a seat made for safety when driving is the place for kids to stay when they aren't in the car. Here and there I get it...regularly, get the bassinet! If a child has reflux, a slightly inclined stroller seat with a snug is significantly better for them than sitting in the car seat regularly.

That's a very good point. We used neither. We either laid the stroller seat down a bit (couldn't be flat because of stomach issues with both) or wore the baby in a sling/carrier. Neither liked being in a stroller or carseat or anywhere that wasn't in our arms until they were way older than bassinet age.
Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 8:49 PM
bugandbibs
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-23-2008
PacNW
3,526 Posts
17,916 Points
bugandbibs is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 3:32 PMSilver

This is why I love my JJ Cole Broadway.  It's seat turns into a bassinet (nothing to buy), and it can parent or forward face with a quick swivel.  You can also angle the seat if your LO has reflux (mine did).

My LO sweat like no other in her infant car seat.  It was fine with the snap and go if we were already in the car, but I never used it for walks around the neighborhood. 
m/c 1.13.13 @ 9 weeks m/c 11.11.12 @ 5w2d Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Mysterious_wife: "And for the love of all things that sparkle, remove your last name" on BOTB. 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-19-2012 at 10:07 PM
MrsJetSet
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-26-2005
Denver
3,336 Posts
14,696 Points
MrsJetSet is not online. Last active: 05-19-2013, 10:38 AMSilver
You can see it is highly dependent on baby and mamma. Dd was a march baby and we loved the bassinet that came with our UBV. Dd had reflux and did fine in it. She even slept in it at night until her reflux was diagnosed. I read while I was pregnant that carseats are made for the most safe angle in a crash but are not the best angle for breathing. I didn't put much effort into confirming this so take it for what it is worth, but makes sense to me. Dd got really hot in her carseat so was not a huge fan of it. We transitioned her from the bucket at 4.5 mos because she hated it so much. Despite our love for the bassinet and all the use we got out of it we did use the snap and go adapter a lot too. It is so easy if it is just a quick run into the store for a few things.

As for the facing issue, dd is 8 mos and she has always faced me so far. I am not ready yet to not be able to see what she is doing and I'm generally not a super hovering mom.

Other things that were important for us were a big basket, comfy steering for both me and DH he is a lot taller than me, ability for DH to walk behind the stroller and not bump his knee or kick the bar between the wheels if this is an issue for you make sure you try out strollers in a reclined position too that was a deal breaker for several strollers for us, ability to navigate between store displays not crazy long like most joggers relatively easily but able to handle light off roading, and ease of fold/unfold. We also preferred a stroller that could accommodate more than one child at a time, but that was less of a priority.

Good luck!


BFP #2 7/18/11 - EDD 3/29/12 - Born 3/13/12
BFP #1 4/4/11 - Natural M/C - 7w1d - 4/30/11Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
11-25-2012 at 5:42 AM
Rocklandho...
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-22-2008
181 Posts
1,569 Points
Rocklandholly is not online. Last active: 05-09-2013, 10:07 PMNewbie
I had a May baby and had the snap and go.  It worked out great, except the model I had held the car seat very upright so my son was completely sitting up vs. laying back ...Ithink the Baby Trend models have the car seat leaning back more..We also have the City Mini and love it. The converter bar is almost teh same price as the snap. Also, the snap and go is SO much lighter than the city mini.  I really don't think you need a basinett attachment, although I have seen mom's change the baby's diaper in it, which is a nice plus vs. having to use a public bathroom changing table.
 
Report Abuse
Reply
Quote
Hot Topics

New dad or dad-to-be? Chat with other dads here!
Visit the Dads & Dads-to-be board

Need baby shower inspiration? Get ideas here!
Visit the Baby Showers board

Chat with other crafty moms here!
Visit the Crafty Moms board

search boards

choose another board

most active posters
sunlavende...
922 posts
BayleighPa...
905 posts
kamakaziar...
485 posts
minicheezb...
426 posts
sheacox
395 posts
Nest Cayla
356 posts
*Mrs*Rohrb...
245 posts
Love4Labs3...
219 posts
jertie
109 posts
KimberHill...
68 posts

connect with these online bumpies
mnbv9502! danielledunning
bobcee saullen54
annie66912 valeria2011
Loganswife Twinkie0612
Staceylynnepeckham MomlovesEloise
JustDoIt62009 Ame24
annabenanna ypyziak
Cbowl quartermisses
dorlala jenniferb96
CnAmom Jessmaier20
jezebel57 ShannonR7
malos3 Flamingo86
Fairynice NikkiA921
JAlfalla bingomama
StephLemon dmlk413
From The Nest Boards:
"Female friend too close for comfort?"
cate1st on Relationships

"Do your single friends not 'get' it?"
Rwilsonny on Family Matters