Wondering if consumer reports has good info on cribs, car seats, or strollers?

Thinking about doing the online subscription but not sure how much info they have on the above. Looking for some recommended models, brands, etc on the above.

Carseat: are you constrained on room in your vehicle? If not, Graco Snugride, then Britax Marathon. If so, Graco Snugride then Sunshine Kids Radian. The Britax is by far the easiest to install, but the Snugride is definitely safer for as long as the baby fits in it. The Radian is very thin, but quite tall, and can hold a kid for a LONG time in a 5 point harness, front and rear facing. I'd never use it for a newborn, though.

Cribs: Craigslist and freecycle are your friends. Just get a relatively easy to set up playpen (or two!) and you're all set. Graco's Pack 'n' Play are pretty much the standards here.

Strollers: Good luck. It very much depends on what you're looking to do with it. We never really got anything spectacular here, although we were pretty happy with our Baby Jogger for one kid and a Craigslist umbrella stroller for convenience.

Uh, no clue on Consumer Reports. I'm sure Mark and JohnK will be along shortly to tell you about that stuff.

Thanks ken. First hand recommendations may be better than random consumer testing anyway! Probably limited room for car seat in wife's lancer. Anyone have any experience with the car seats that come off their base and hook onto a stroller?

We've looked at the pack n plays and seem like a good thing to have. Have been looking at Craig's list for furniture too...

David, "random consumer testing" indicates that you might not understand that CR does extensive testing in its lab on these items and doesn't rely on reports from consumers. I'd be more inclined to trust these results than reports from individuals who may(through a dangerous personal experience)or may not have uncovered possible problems.

You should probably at least take a look at the library at back issues. As an example, last year their tests resulted in recommendations for the Graco Charleston Convertible Crib($190) and the Delta Venetian Convertible Sleigh 3-in-1($160).

Thanks John. I meant random consumer "reports" testing. I like their work, but sometimes I find their testing choices to be random. I watched something on them testing cribs by hooking up the side slats and pulling on them with a winch thingy to test the breaking strength. Some of their tests are interesting and I wonder how their recommendations may compare to someone with a few years under their belt with a product put to real life use.

In any event, ill look into CR further as a starting point!

I think way back we had a stroller frame that worked with the Snugride. I'm sure it was a third party unit rather than the Graco one (and much less expensive).

Are kids are passed the baby years, but we used to subscribe to consumer reports all the time. We also used it for electronics reviews, autos, etc. and such, great resource.

Here's the stroller we used with the Snugride: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Trend-Sla...indingMethod=rr

My wife says "I loved that!"

Now your just mocking SpellingBot and GrammarBot, arent u?

John, which month was the crib issue? Thinking about ordering a back issue if possible. Thanks!

David, that isn't the way to go. A single back issue costs $7.95. For $6.95 you get one month of online access which includes the ratings I mentioned and others plus their crib buying guide. You could also check car seats and strollers or anything else that you're interested in. As long as you cancel by the end of the month, the automatic monthly renewal doesn't take place.

Or check the library!

But you can't return a baby.

Thanks John. I got the monthly online access. We found several great recommendations for all things baby.