Before my son was born, I registered at Babies R Us for the Graco Chauffeur Travel System. At the time, I compared every stroller in the store, narrowed it down to the ones that with the most options, and this is the one I finally picked. Back in September 2000, the price was almost $150 with tax. This may seem expensive for "just" a stroller, but not for this TRAVEL SYSTEM!

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The Travel System

The Graco Chauffeur Travel System is more than a stroller. This system offers an infant carrier, infant car seat, bassinette, and forward or backward facing stroller.

Putting the “system” together wasn’t too difficult. The instructions provided were simple and easy to understand. It took about 20 total to get everything together and test it all out!

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Assembly

It took my husband and I about a half an hour to assemble the stroller. The instruction manual was very thorough, but easy to follow. The only tool required was a screwdriver, and all the parts were provided.

The parts consist of the frame, seat, retainers, caps, plugs, screws, rear axel & front wheel assembly, wheels, boot, parent’s tray and canopy.

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Infant Carrier & Infant Car Seat

One of my favorite features was the fact that the Infant Car Seat doubled as an Infant Carrier! This was extremely convenient when my son was a new born. I could strap him into his carrier, take him out to the car, and snap him into his car seat base. He was out of the weather and safely secure in my arms. Also, while visiting friends or relatives, the carrier was useful in providing a safe, clean area for him to sit.

The Infant Carrier/Infant Car Seat is lined with a very durable and comfortable lining. The lining can be easily removed and is also machine washable! There is an adjustable canopy to keep the sun out of the child's eyes or protection from the weather.

It is very easy to manage with or without a baby in it. The strong, comfortable handle has three settings:
UP: Position to use when carrying your child;
MIDDLE: Convenient when rocking your child;
DOWN: This position prevents the seat from rocking and provides a sturdy base.

The carrier fits into the stroller seat and can be snapped onto the tray and belted in for extra safety.

I have found the carrier to be quite useful while cleaning the house, taking a bath or shower, or just relaxing in another room. I could my son room to room with me when I've needed to with ease!

When using the carrier as a CAR SEAT, there are limitations on weight, up to 20 lbs, so you will have to purchase another car seat eventually.

The seat has a 5 Point Harness that is adjustable and holds the child in the seat snugly. I never had any major problems with the straps twisting, usually they stayed in place quite well.

What made this even more convenient is that when you want to go to a store, the car seat actually locks into place in a shopping cart. There is a small clip in the back of the carrier that can lock onto the metal seat in a cart. I’ve used this feature numerous times.

One adjustable safety seat base comes with the stroller. It is very light but sturdy. All you do is place it in the backseat, strap it in according to the directions, adjust the recline knobs so that the seat is level, and you're set to go! As long as you don’t remove the base, you don’t have to adjust it again. There is a level indicator on the side of the base to let you know if it is level. If the indicator is blue, the seat is properly installed, but if any orange shows, you need to make adjustments.

The infant carrier/car seat snaps easily into the base and can be removed by pulling a lever on the back. We purchased another base for a second car for about $20.00 at Babies R Us..

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Bassinet

When we came home from the hospital, I wanted my son to stay in our room with us. The problem was that our bedroom is small and I had no room for a bassinet. Well, this stroller took care of that problem for me! I sat the bassinet onto my small cedar chest, lined the inside with a blanket, and felt at ease because my son could sleep in our room!

When the seat is in a “flat” position, it can become a bassinet. Clicking and holding a button on either side of the seat can detach the seat.

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Stroller

Although the stroller is rather large in size and weight, is very easy to use. The wheels are doubled and quite large, making it easy to maneuver ANYWHERE!!! The front wheels can lock for use on stones or gravel. They also glide and turn with ease. A great safety feature is that the back wheels can be locked to prevent ANY movement.

There is a parent’s tray up on the handle, which is convenient when you are shopping. My husband and I have put our cell phone, drink and keys in it. (A nice little treat for us!)

Also, on the base of the stroller is a little storage bag made of the same material as the stroller. Comes in handy for shopping bags or to carry a diaper bag and toys!

The stroller seat adjusts slowly from a sitting position to a flat position. The safety belt, made of the same material as the car seat, is adjustable as well. There is an adjustable canopy to keep the sun out or protect your child from the weather, an adjustable tray that can hold a small cup, and a footrest that can be placed up or down, or completely closed off. The system also comes with a boot to cover the footrest if needed.

Folding and unfolding the stroller is easy also. There is a red button on the handle that can be turned to fold it down, or there are 2 levers on the sides if you’d rather use those. When the stroller is completely folded down, there is a storage latch to lock it into place so that it doesn’t open up while transporting it into a vehicle.

Once your child weighs 40 lbs, you should discontinue use of the stroller because it will cause excessive stress and wear.

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Cleaning

The seat pads and canopy can be machine washed in lukewarm water on delicate cycle and drip-dried. The stroller frame can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.

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One little problem . . .

The only problem I have encountered with this system is trying to put it into a trunk. One of our cars is an Olds Acheiva, and the trunk is medium to large size. It takes up the majority of the trunk space and just fits. The only time this has been a problem is when I've gone shopping. It could also pose a problem if you are planning to take a vacation and need trunk space. Our other vehicle is a Blazer, and we have absolutely no problems with transportation there!

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Customer Service

Customer Service Department:
1-800-345-4109
www.gracobaby.com

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One Satisfied Customer!

Other than the size, this stroller is wonderful. It is easy to maneuver, fold down and clean. It is definitely worth the extra money for the Graco Chauffeur Travel System . Especially if you need an infant car seat, a carrier, a bassinet AND a stroller!

If you would purchase all of these separately, you would still be paying the same amount, if not more. It’s so convenient to have it all in one!

Graco is a well-known and well-trusted name that is one of the reasons we decided to purchase this system. We also purchased the playpen, swing and high chair to match . . . and we love them all!


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 150 (Gift)
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months