Gold Pivot Xpand Travel System with SecureMax Infant Car Seat incl SensorSafe

I just recently had our fourth baby, and here are my thoughts! First off, all car seats are regulated. So unless you’re getting something really sketchy that somehow is skirting that regulation, all are seats are fine. The differences you often see in price from one car seat to another usually involve special features, like ease of installation or accommodating longer periods of time. I would definitely get an infant car seat you can latch into a stroller. Unless you live in some kind of walkable city, I have never needed a bassinet attachment since I always have to drive where I need to go. So the baby is just always in the car seat. I would avoid getting one of those infant car seats that convert to a stroller. They can be quite heavy on their own, and you start adding some baby weight (most have weight limits of 20-30lbs) and it’s just heavy. DON’T get any kind of after-market item for the car seat. You need to use the car seat exactly as it comes. Don’t put a protector between the car seat and the seat of the car, those are also dangerous (outside of when the user manual says you can). There are literally so many travel systems out there. We have an Evenflo Pivot Xpand that we’ve used for all our kiddos. It’s usually around the $400 mark. It has served us well, but we also only do like neighborhood walks, grocery store, etc. You may want to look into a nicer brand if you are in a walkable city or the likes. Do keep in mind that all of these strollers (outside an umbrella strollers or the ones with no removable seats) are going to be rather bulky. I still think they are worth it! You might want to consider a bunting bag or something similar if you live in a particularly cold climate since your baby will be born in Jan. You cannot put a baby/child in a coat in the car seat. Buying a stroller used is a great option, but you’ll still want the car seat part to be new. Also go to Target or somewhere similar to try out the travel systems is also great. All double strollers are going to be annoying to push in some way.

I have four littles, 5 and under, one being a newborn. We have a wonderfold 4 seat wagon and the Evenflo pivot Xpand (the stroller we’ve had since our first was a newborn). Wagons are great, but all of them are big, bulky and heavy. I also don’t love that there’s not (much) separate storage space from where the kids sit. They also can be quite heavy to push. I know that we have the biggest and bulkiest of them all, but even some of the smaller ones compared to our double stroller feel bulky. Also this is personal, but I just don’t feel it’s very practical to attach a bucket seat to a wagon - the toddler can get in their face too easily, you can see the baby as well, and you loose a ton of space when they’re attached. Wagons imo are GREAT for toddlers and older kids. Our 5yo will still ride in it when we’re like at the zoo and stuff. But it’s not a replacement for a stroller especially in the first year or so. I really like the stroller we have, but I don’t think it’s particularly anything special (other than it’s inexpensive). I know there are a lot of thoughts around attaching a bucket seat to a stroller, but for us it’s paramount especially with other kids. We’re constantly on the go and our newborn is big (he’s 15.5lbs at 2 months) so baby wearing isn’t always practical. I also love that it has a ton of cargo space in addition to being able to hold 2 kids. Like on the wagon it’s just not very feasible to stash a diaper bag, everyone’s jackets, a packed lunch, etc. But our stroller can handle all that stuff.

We have the Pivot Xpand, and got it when my first was born. She’s now 5 and we have a total of 4 kids (they’re all 20m apart). I thought I would like an umbrella stroller and so I got one off Facebook, but honestly I have NEVER used it. With this many kids I usually need the undercarriage of the evenflow. I will say the second “stroller” we have bought that we do like is a wagon (we have the wunderfold 4 seater). That is actually helpful to have when we go places like the zoo, because the older girls (5 and 3) are too young to walk the whole time.

I’m not sure if they are a scam or not, because I haven’t tried both. But we have the Evenflo Pivot Xpand since my first was born (we now have 4 kids 5 and under) and it has worked well for us, no complaints. But we also aren’t daily stroller users and we live the in the suburbs, so that may impact things.

We have the Evenflo pivot Xpand! We got it when our first was born back in 2020, and have used it with all our subsequent kiddos (we now have four kids). It’s been great and I have zero complaints!

Mom of four kiddos 5yo and under. Bassinet - they do not need to be fancy. I have an Evenflo bassinet that was purchased off Amazon that I’ve used for all my kids. Stroller - there are tons of options in this area. I would get a travel system with an infant car seat that latches into a stroller. We have an Evenflo one that has worked great for all four of our kids, but you may need to consider special circumstances like if you want a jogging stroller, or if you’ll have different terrain (than paved). Dresser - get a used one made from solid wood. A great option is to get one that’s a bit lower so you can use it as a diaper changing station (this is what we did). There’s really no reason to buy one that is special made for nurseries. Solid wood keeps it from being a tipping hazard. Laundry detergent - any free and clear detergent will be the best. YOU DO NOT need special baby laundry detergent or soap for washing bottles. It’s the fragrances that bother baby’s skin. The BEST detergent is tide free and clear (that’s a data-backed statement not just my opinion). Diapers - this will be dependent on the baby, but most don’t struggle with sensitivities. Don’t pre buy or stock up in one brand. I personally like pampers (especially for young babies), and parent’s choice is a great budget option in my experience. Diaper rash cream - aquaphor. Also get some hydrocortisone cream and bactrine. Baby soap (they don’t use separate shampoo until they’re much older) - dove and aveeno are usually the best rated baby soaps. Don’t use soap every day, even if you use a bath as part of a bedtime routine. Baby lotion - aveeno or eucerin for something more heavy-duty. Some things I like: Steamer sanitizing bags. A portable sound machine (AMAZING). Copper pearl swaddles are my absolute favorite - I’m still able to swaddle my 4mo thanks to them (don’t worry we’re switching over soon). Wrapover onsies for newborns (much easier to put on/take off especially for blowouts). Tylenol suppositories (my second wouldn’t take meds). Angel care tub support for baths. Hatch sound machines with the light - I program them to have a super dim light for breastfeeding. AirPods or something similar for when the baby just won’t stop crying. I also really have loved reading books on my phone/kindle for middle of the night feeds as it’s not as stimulating as social media and helps me fall back asleep faster. I’m sure there is more, but I can’t remember - if you have any specific questions ask away!