I like the idea of a crib where the side comes off (sparks19's suggestion) because I have trouble changing the sheets and now at 7 months pregnant it is just not possible for me even with the side down. Ok, maybe it's possible but it puts me in a very bad mood.

What are the zippered sheets? How do they make it easier?

As for the travel system I agree with lobodeb - keep that baby asleep and in the bucket if possible! A lot of babies fall asleep in the car but what good does it do you if you have to remove them from the seat after the ride? You don't need an expensive travel system just a light one. My baby was in her bucket the whole first year. At 9 months she slept on a plane in her bucket. At some point she was too heavy for me to carry in the bucket but that was what hubby was for. I think the travel system is good for more than a few months and those months are your most sleep deprived anyway so well worth it. Not a bad expense if you are going to move on to baby #2 and the stroller still works as a stroller for an older child so you get good use of it.