Graco - Modes Adventure Stroller Wagon

We have a graco modes adventure wagon ($209-400) with the carseat adapter ($60) and carseat. We got it for our now 3 month old and almost 3 year old. Pros: light enough, spacious enough, compatible with the newborn carseat and our toddler to still sit in it, great for big outings like the zoo or walks to the park, collapses well and fits in our car and hall closet, suspension springs make it a breeze to "drive" even in weird terrain. Cons: collapse can be a little tricky to keep standing, could be bigger, adjustable handle has weird mechanism for locking/unlocking to pull mode (or to collapse), needs a few additional components for storage, may prefer bigger unit for more spacious travel. Ultimately the biggest con is that our toddler just prefers to walk/run like 90% of the time, so we just use it to push a newborn. Having said that, it's a godsend WHEN he decides hes done walking and we're out at a big thing that we'd like to stay at for a while longer. Another pro is during the times hes walking we can still chuck the baby bags, cooler bags, purse, etc. on his side.

We have the Graco Modes Adventure Stroller Wagon. Absolutely love it.

We make good money, but we’re utilitarian vs. flashy. The car seat, high chair, and swing were all Graco. Got a nice stroller, but nowhere close to being $1,500 (I take it that’s the UppaBaby Vista). We also have a $50 umbrella stroller that has been amazing. Bought a used Halo bassinest for $100. If I were you, with only 15 months in between, I’d get one of those Graco Modes wagons w/ the carseat attachment. Something you can push both kids around in.

Stroller can be amazing, especially if you wind up with a baby like mine who HATES babywearing. We've put ours through its paces. But you also don't need the super fancy brands. We have a Graco Modes, it's like, $250 brand new for the stroller (and has all the accessories some other brands charge as extras!). Almost 2 years of daily use and going strong. Convertible car seat, yes, you'll need that eventually. You could get one with a low weight limit and skip the infant bucket seat, but you'll need a seat that can do rear facing, front facing harness, high back booster, and regular booster (or multiple seats that cover that span collectively. Those are just the phases you need covered). Our convertible can do the first 3, and we'll get a basic booster when needed. Some seats do all 4 phases. Again, you don't need a super expensive brand. We have a Graco that was $160 and it's been great. High chair: highly kid dependent. Our 20 month old recently decided all configurations of her high chair are awful, she wants a big chair. My friend's kid the exact same age loves her high chair still. Crib: we have a convertible one. But I fully intend to modify it to fit a full size bed frame, so it's gonna be super convertible 😅 some come with that ability, but we just got the 4-in-1 and figured I've got power tools for the big bed. But really, all you *need* for a baby to sleep can be safely and completely met by a pack and play. We used one for several months around our kid's first birthday because we moved and all our shit was in storage. It's perfectly acceptable to do that and just get them a twin size bed when they outgrow the pack and play as a toddler.

The Graco snug fit DLX with the Graco modes stroller! I didn't get a swing. We have aN infantino bouncer. We got our Graco play pen 50% off on a Target clearance deal, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten the "fancy one". We might be one and done and I couldn't justify spending a fortune on things that will only be used once. I just made sure what I bought was rated well for safety. Don't forget cheap on the breast pump though! You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to electric breast pumps.

See what carseat you want. I really wanted a clek Liing so I had to look on their site at what adapters they sell as they only make ones to fit certain brands/stroller models. I got a second hand peg Perego Ypsi off marketplace that had the bassinet piece which was good for newborn stage.  The only thing I regret is I got a Graco modes stroller on clearance at Costco and you can put a carseat In it (which would be awesome for shopping at Costco 😆 as the carseat has to go in the bottom part of the cart) but Graco only fits Graco, they don't make adapters so that other carseats could fit in it.  If I could do it all again I would probably get a yoyo second hand, they look neat when I see people out with them and would fold down smaller for the car.

We have 2 strollers. Graco modes (I think) which is my favorite, and a smaller basic one for my husband.

We got the Mockingbird and got the adapter for a Graco carrier seat. I love it, it allows for a second seat attachment. THAT BEING SAID… eventually I said “eff it” and got the Graco jet set light weight stroller because the normal strollers are HEAVY. I regret getting rid of my Graco Modes because it was not only cheaper, but way more light weight than the bougie brands.

Graco Modes. It's easy and inexpensive. The Uppababy stroller is a lot bulkier, which was frustrating. I've traveled internationally with it, and it went went. I also love the huge bottom basket.

We went with the Graco modes. Graco is reliable and moderately priced.