These are just a few things that I look for when purchasing a car seat, stroller, or travel system:
1. In the car seat, is there a way to tighten the harness straps while the child is inside? When I bought my first travel system (Evenflo Aura) I didn't even think about this feature. I soon learned how much of a pain in the butt it was so adjusted the straps. It's impossible to have the straps fit perfectly when the child isn't inside while you adjust them. Also when the straps are too loose its unsafe. (in the case of the Evenflo, when it was too loose and too tight it wasn't safe. when it was too tight the straps would push off of his shoulders and end up down his arms.)
2. Is the car seat light weight? If you choose to go with the infant car seat (which i recommend, its good for when your baby falls asleep in the car, you can move them without waking them up) Your baby is heavy enough, try to find a car seat that is sturdy but also as light as possible so you can actually pick the child up.
3. Is the stroller easy to fold? Fold and unfold and fold and unfold the stroller while your in the store. If it gives you a problem even one time, don't buy it. The last thing in the world you need is a tired, hungry, infant screaming at the top of their lungs while you try to fold the stroller. I've actually seen one mom get so frustrated with her stroller while her baby screamed in the car that she just left it there in the parking lot.
4. Does it look comfortable? One question to ask yourself is would you want to spend time in it?
5. Is the sun shade long enough? The shade on the Evenflo was too short and the sun was constantly in my sons eyes.
6. Does the stroller have a big basket? This isn't a must for everyone, but it was definitely a must for me. It's a great place to put shopping bags when your at the mall. Plus your diaper bag will be filled to overflowing and its just must easier to put it in the basket.
7. And finally, what is the rating? When it comes to car seats, the highest rated car seat for safety is usually more expensive, but hey, you can't put a price on your child's safety!
Here is a link to the travel system I bought Connor after donating the Evenflo:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3604038
It's the Chicco Cortina Travel System Stroller in Miro.
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