Infant "carrier" seat for 4 month old?

[Princess Roo]

For those of you that went with really little ones, did you find that bringing the infant seat that fits in the stroller into the parks was a big help or just something extra and bulky? We think that we'll have DD 4 mos in a sling most of the time and wanted to just take a single stroller for her and DS 3 to take turns with rather than a bulky double. (It also has a standing board on the back for DS3, but it isn't usable if the infant seat is in.) So...
1) Is a 4 month old ready to sit in a stroller? Only if it's reclined all of the way (which also makes the standing board not work) or can they "sit up" in it then? (How quickly I forget what they can do at each age!)
2) Are the infant seats helpful to have in restaurants? We'll mostly eat CS, but have reservations at Living Seas and Biergarten on park days.

TIA for any advice!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

When my DD was only 5mo we took her to WDW and thought the carrier in the stroller was a lifesaver. She would have never been comfortable in just the stroller because of her size -- she was barely 12lbs at that time. We were able to bring that carrier into the restaurants with us if she was sleeping or we just didn't want to remove her from it -- nobody gave us a problem with that and it was very convenient.

When she was 1 (and about 18lbs) we took her without that carrier and it worked nicely. The carrier at the point would have been too bulky.

Now we are planning a trip for this December and my son at 3months old already outweighs what my daughter was on that first trip. Although we'll be taking the carrier for use in the car I think he'll be more comfortable just in the stroller while we tour. We will be taking our new double stroller with us and I'm a bit nervous about it because of the size mostly. I do plan on using our front carrier a lot, though.

Now that I've been long winded I guess what I'm trying to say is that you have to decide where your DD would be most comfortable. Aside from the sling, is she comfy enough laying down in the stroller? If so, I'd leave the carrier behind.

 

[moparop]

I'd leave the carrier in the hotel assuming she can stay in the stroller. If DS3 is in the stroller, where is the carrier going to go??

 

[Princess Roo]

If DS3 is in the stroller, where is the carrier going to go??

If we're going to use the carrier for the baby, then we'll bring a double stroller. It also might complicate our stroller purchase...We were planning on the PPerego Pliko P3 with the back stand bar, but now might get the Joovy Sit&Stand instead. (Not *just* because of Disney, but because the stand bar doesn't work when the infant carrier is in.)

 

[JAM3]

We brought DD when she just turned 4 months. We used an stroller, sling and Baby Bjorn for her in the parks. DD was not able to sit up yet at this age, but did fine in the upright position of the stroller with a 5 point harness. We cought some light blankets with us to use to comfort the straps by her neck. She HATED to lay down in the stroller so that was not an issue for us. Most restarants even let us bring in our small umbrella stroller (Maclaren Quest) for her to sit in. I think if it was a bigger stler they would not have been as accomadating. Personally I think the car seat would be very inconvenient in the park and carrying on the bus. I too would wondering if the metal straps and the plastic would get hot sitting out in the sun.

I hope you have a great time!

 

[tiggger1]

If we're going to use the carrier for the baby, then we'll bring a double stroller. It also might complicate our stroller purchase...We were planning on the PPerego Pliko P3 with the back stand bar, but now might get the Joovy Sit&Stand instead. (Not *just* because of Disney, but because the stand bar doesn't work when the infant carrier is in.)

not sure if itll work on your stroller but for my sisters sit and stand, the infant carrier can go were stand part goes and that would leave the front for you 3 year old

 

[JAM3]

Sorry, forgot to mention we did have DD car seat in the hotel room because we bought her a seat on the plane. It was useful as a seat for DD to use in the room!

 

[truedisneyfan]

If we're going to use the carrier for the baby, then we'll bring a double stroller. It also might complicate our stroller purchase...We were planning on the PPerego Pliko P3 with the back stand bar, but now might get the Joovy Sit&Stand instead. (Not *just* because of Disney, but because the stand bar doesn't work when the infant carrier is in.)

DD was 2 1/2 months old when she first went. We bought the Joovy sit and stand stroller. We put the infant carrier in the stroller and it worked great. She was only about 8 or 9 pounds then and at 10 months she was just
15.5 lbs. When she was 4 months we did not use it at WDW. We just reclined the seat and she was fine. I did buy the strap covers at Walmart so the straps were not hurting her neck.

We rent a stroller for DS to ride in so when he fell asleep he was comfortable. We are afraid that he will fall out of the stroller if not strapped in.

 

[DISNEYFOS]

We are bringing ours but only because we will use it on the plane. The rest of the time it will probably stay in the hotel. For DD (4) and DD(4mos) we've got a Maclaren double stroller and a baby Bjorn as well.

I also got a travel bouncy chair..Its very small, folds down flat and has a travel case (Summer Infant makes it). It will fit in the stroller bottom basket. We figured we would use that for restaurants that won't allow the double stoller.

 

[NotUrsula]

Just FYI: research has shown that carseats are rather hard on infants' backs when they sit in them for long periods of time (more than an hour or two). I personally don't think it's a good idea to keep them in the seat as a substitute for a stroller. It's one thing when riding in a moving car, but otherwise, no.

I took a 10 week old last month. We used our Peg Pliko and a sling. If that wouldn't be enough for you, perhaps a second umbrella stroller for the older child if the younger one is riding as well. (You can fold it and prop it up from the back of the Pliko when not being used). I think it would be a waste to purchase a big heavy Joovy just for WDW if your older child normally does not ride in the stroller anymore.

Another possibility is to buy an actual buggy board or Seat-2-Go to attach to the Pliko. These stick out further behind, so they are useable when the seat is reclined, and you can fold it up when not in use.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Just FYI: research has shown that carseats are rather hard on infants' backs when they sit in them for long periods of time (more than an hour or two). I personally don't think it's a good idea to keep them in the seat as a substitute for a stroller. It's one thing when riding in a moving car, but otherwise, no.

My daughter would have never been comfortable without the seat attachment. Even with a placer in the stroller she flopped around but stayed nice and cozy in her carrier.

I really think overall the OP (or anyone for that matter) should take what her baby would be most comfortable in even if it means it is inconvenient for her or her husband. And I think that will depend on the baby's size and development at the time of the trip.

I would have to agree with you, though, about the stroller for the 3yo. If he is not normally in a stroller it might not be worth the investment just for the trip.

We also have a P3 and they seem pretty comfy and think the standing part will be very useful to us someday. So perhaps this would be a nice option.

Edited to add:
I just reread what I wrote and the tone doesn't sound right to me. I don't want you to think I'm attacking you and I know that you are just conveying the information you read, but I feel offended by what you said. It's almost like you are insinuating that I was doing something bad to my baby by using the carrier in the park. I don't know. Not trying to start anything but I just feel that way,that's all.

 

[tjmw2727]

Actually there is lots of research that suggests we are over using babyseats, swings and especially carseats. I do mean "we" because I used mine alot with my first dd and only for the car with my 2nd. IMHO passing along information that could be helpful for someone making a decision dosen't mean those of us who did differently did wrong, its just information. The OP asked about using a carrier vs a stroller.

For Disney what worked best for us with an infant and a 2yo was a fully reclining stroller, an umbrella stroller and a sling or snugli. We got so much use of the sling due to strollers not being allowed in lines/shows and some of the pavilions especially at Epcot. When my oldest fell asleep she got the reclining and dh or I carried the baby. A smaller double stroller that fully reclines may also be a good solution - I would still bring a sling or snugly no matter what

For those who are interested in some of the issues with overusing a carseat here is an article that sums it up -
http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/child_health/car-seats.html
Google will give you lots more.
TJ

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

What about a Bumbo Baby Sitter for infants for meal time? I don't have one, so I'm not sure if this would work or even if the baby is old enough. You wouldn't want to haul it around all day either unless you had a big basket under your stroller. Does anyone have one who can comment on that? Thanks!

http://www.target.com/Bumbo-Baby-Si...ew=custReviews&asin=B000L9CTBI#R18CD4FK9YP3XR

 

[two-foxes]

What about a Bumbo Baby Sitter for infants for meal time? I don't have one, so I'm not sure if this would work or even if the baby is old enough. You wouldn't want to haul it around all day either unless you had a big basket under your stroller. Does anyone have one who can comment on that? Thanks!

http://www.target.com/Bumbo-Baby-Si...ew=custReviews&asin=B000L9CTBI#R18CD4FK9YP3XR

We have one and I would not even think of traveling with it. It is light, but bulky and I don't think it would fit in any of the baskets in your typical stroller. Plus, some kids at 4 months still tip forward or to the side in it...our little guy does okay in it at 4 months, but if he's tired it's another story!

To the op....it will depend on your little one. Lord knows I am no pro as we haven't made the WDW trip yet, but if I had to decide today, I would not bring our infant seat for our 4 month old to use in the parks (but I would to fly and drive with, obviously!) I would bring the sling/Babyhawk/Bjorn to the parks with the stroller. Our little guys sweats up a storm in his bucket seat, so that plays a part in it too. But I wouldn't worry about "using the seat too much" like a few other posters have said. Do what works best for you! Have fun.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

This morning on the news, I heard Bumbo baby sitter recall mentioned (and then my dd changed the channel, so I had to google it). It's more of a common sense thing, but I thought I should post it anyway.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08046.html

 

[blessedby3]

What about a Bumbo Baby Sitter for infants for meal time? I don't have one, so I'm not sure if this would work or even if the baby is old enough. You wouldn't want to haul it around all day either unless you had a big basket under your stroller. Does anyone have one who can comment on that? Thanks!

http://www.target.com/Bumbo-Baby-Si...ew=custReviews&asin=B000L9CTBI#R18CD4FK9YP3XR

These seats are crazy expensive, in my opinion, and I think if someone took one and put it in the bottom of their stroller that it would not be there when they got off a ride. People steal the craziest things. I also agree that it would be way to bulky to bring and keep up with.

 

[NotUrsula]

It's almost like you are insinuating that I was doing something bad to my baby by using the carrier in the park. I don't know. Not trying to start anything but I just feel that way,that's all.

Well, first, I'm not offended. Second, I never meant to imply that anyone would deliberately hurt a baby by using a seat marketed as a stroller attachment/substitute. After all, they call it a "travel system", right?

What I do think, though, is that precisely because of this marketing, most people are unaware that the angle of the seat places stress on the child's spine. Now, compared to the possibility of being thrown or crushed in a car crash, that stress is obviously worth enduring for automobile safety. I was simply providing information in the event that the OP did not know about this issue. I do leave my child in the carseat for short things like a grocery store visit or a brief restaurant meal, but I personally think that for a several-hours-long theme park or mall or zoo outing that it is best to do without it for this reason.

A full-recline stroller like a Pliko (which I also have) is very like being in a crib; flat, with room to move around a bit. The lack of a tight fit really isn't an issue.

 

[5/4Disney]

You know I don't think I have ever seen someone with a carrier in a restaurant. I know for us we always put them in the sling or did our best to get them to sleep while we were eating. I know most places make you leave that sort of stuff outside. There is just not room at most of the sit down restaurants.
I would think that at 4mo the baby would move around a bit in the stroller unless it has a 5pt harness. In order to attatch the infant seat to the stroller don't you have to lay down the seat anyway? That means your son would not be able to stand on the back right?
When my son was 8mo we ended up purchasing one of the nice umbrella strollers from the park because he would not sleep in our double stroller, I'm guessing because he did not feel safe (not snuggled enough). Once he was in the umbrella and it reclined a bit and hugged his body like a sling, he fell right to sleep.

 

[dsneygirl]

We took my DS at 3 months and 5 months in a Mac Quest. However DS was a big baby and was able to sit up with the 5 point harness no problem. Sometimes I used a blanket for a little extra padding. At that age we were able to bring our stroller into most restaurants. The stroller was small enough to just push under the table.

 

[middleofamerica]

We just got back with our 5 year old, 3 year old and 3 month old. We took our Baby B'Jorn for the baby and used that most of the time and also brought our single stroller and umbrella stroller. We did sometimes put her in the single stroller and it didn't have to be leaned back all the way. I would have been miserable with her car seat, it would have just been too much!! The baby seat they provide at the restaurant was fine for her to use there too!