Is the Graco 'Century new travel system' (Argos) suitable to use for a newborn?

[gypsyspike]

I'm pregnant with my first baby and have steep steps outside my house and so was keen on a lightweight, umbrella folding buggy but have been warned about using the carseat attachment for long periods. If anyone has this system, does it fold totally flat for a newborn and is it comfy? All advice much appreciated.

have you got a link to the Argos page?
They've got loads of Graco travel systems but I couldn't see the Century. On Graco's own site the only umbrella-fold one is the Mosaic (here from Argos), and the manufacturer confims the pushchair is suitable for newborns and it looks pretty comfy. At 8.4kg it's pretty lightweight but not as good as some, but the Argos price is v good, especially if you'll need a carseat anyway, even if you never put it on the pushchair.

For what it's worth, a popular umbrella fold suitable for newborns is the Mamas and Papas pramette thing , where the hood reverses so a tiny baby can actually lie flat facing you. This is heavier at about 10kg though, and is definitely more expensive than the Mosaic.

If you're sure you'll never want to attach the carseat to the pushchair, you could consider buying a carseat first and getting a completely separate stroller a bit later - the Maclaren Techno is a perennial favourite - but I don't think you'll be able to beat that Graco combo on price.

This travel system is not made by graco - on the web page it does say it is suitable from birth:

Century New Travel System

aha, well spotted Seona!

the only thing that'd worry me slightly is how well the Century car seat would fit - at least with a Graco or other 'brand' you could go to (eg) Mothercare or somewhere and they'll help you try it to see if it's compatible with your car - and if it is you can go and buy it cheaper in Argos.

Hi All
Thanks for the advice so far - in the Argos catalogue page 1469 it does have the Graco trademark sign under the Century logo so I assumed it was part of Graco? I have looked on the Argos website but it doesn't tell me if goes completely flat?
I like the look of the mosaic - thanks MrsBadger - The only thing that worries me is if this is one of those click into the base car seats, does anyone know if you can still use them just with the seatbelt strap if you have to use another car?

yes you can fit the graco seats in using just the seatbelt but it is easier to use the in-car base.

p.s. If the pushchair seat didnt go flat/almost flat they wouldnt be able to say it was suitable from birth - it would say from 3 or 6 months instead.

Looks like Century is Graco stuff sold exclusively through Argos.
If it says 'suitable from birth' it will go flat or very nearly flat.

The Graco Autobaby carseat can be used with (p1471 £79.99) or without (p1468 £69.99) the base - the Mosaic package doesn't include the base but some, eg the Quattro Deluxe on p1468, specifically say they come with the in-car SafetyBase.

Thanks so much everybody you've really helped. This is the first time I've used mums net for this purpose and definately know this will be my first stop when my next question crops up (very soon I'm sure!)

welcome to mumsnet gypsyspike! just a warning - most of the graco travel systems i've seen around look to be a similar set-up. we have one (not sure of the specific design - it's dark grey & orange and was on offer in mothercare!) - the reclining seat is great and the car seat has easily fitted into a range of cars. however, when folded, the pushchair is very bulky (still the same width and height as when in use) and heavy - ds is nearly 11 months and I still really struggle getting him, bag and pushchair on public transport/ up and down stairs. hope that helps and good luck with the pregnancy!

sorry you're stuck with a heavy one kipper, but the Century umbrella-folds so it'll go down smaller and is only 6kg - sounds pretty good to me!

grrr - if only i'dd known that a year ago! thanks for the sympathy mrsb - i'm sure all this lifting has been good for my tummy muscles

i have a Chicco one that is vewry similar to the century one you just displayed.
howver it is a little more ( ok a lot more)robust and has a pram that attaches to the pushchair chasis. the whole thing is fantastic, umbrella folds and is in black grey and red..so unisex.

i am going to put it on ebay soon so if you fancy a bragain check it out as i wont be putting a reserve...i just want it out of the way.
it was bought for £500 and doubt it will go for more than £100 now

The Autobaby did ok in last year's Which? trial (didn't test it this year), scoring 52 out of a possible 100 - the best seat they tested got 72, and this year's best got 75.

Personally I lean towards the camp of just buying a good safe carseat and a box-ticking buggy (facing you / lightweight / 3-wheeled / looks cool, whatever floats your boat), and only using the carseat in the car.

but I can see that a) that wouldn't work for everyone and b) if the Century pushchair ticks your boxes the package is a bargain.