Product Spotlight Week of 12/11: Carseats!

SmashJam

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... carseats! 

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.  

For S+TMs:

• How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: 
• Favorite [carseat]:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• What you like about it:
• What you don't like about it, if anything:
• Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
• Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
• Additional thoughts on [carseats]:

For FTMs:

• How often do you drive/do you want to use your carseat as a carrier: 
• [carseat[s)] you're interested in:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past July 2018 Product Spotlights or view the upcoming schedule, see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gjNtxy2Kd2JceTYYR5wkwVcpTbU-khgazhjcZnfI1y4/edit?usp=sharing

To view Our past product spotlights go here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nhSR3UAwJx8UitC9b2hRx57c4hHkK6BU679FjqXMeHQ/edit?usp=sharing

dimeadozen

@smashjam good choice this week! I just started researching carseats yesterday so I'm interested to see what everyone says.

owl_momma

How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: Drive every day, I did use the bucket car seat as a carrierFavorite [carseat]:Graco Snugride Click Connect and Graco Extend2FitLink/picture: (cant access at work, but if you google them they will come up!)Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $$What you like about it: Easy to carry the snugride (the bucket carseat) I LOVE the adjustable headrest of the Extend2Fit and the cupholder. Both very easy to clean and tightenWhat you don't like about it, if anything: Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: I'm thinking of just getting the Extend2Fit for this baby for my car and using the bucket car seat for DH's car because I don't really want to be lugging around a bucket car seat and a toddler. I'd rather baby wear the new LOIs there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Eddie BauerXRS65, no cup holder..difficult to tightenAdditional thoughts on [carseats]: Do your research, try them out at the store, especially if you are going with a bucket style  car seat that you will be carrying, some can be pretty heavy and that's without adding a baby to it! *edited because for some reason it was all smashed together and hard to read*

djh513

• How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: We drive everyday, and we used our infant seat as a carrier everyday. 
• Favorite [carseat]: Chicco Keyfit 30 for the infant seat. We switched to convertible seats around 6-7 months - Chicco Nextfit for my husband and Graco 4ever All in One for me. 
• Link/picture: —
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $$
• What you like about it: I got a full Chicco travel system with the infant carrier and it worked really well for us. We will use it again with number 2. We had 3 bases - one for me, my husband, and my mom - made it very easy since DS went to daycare at 15 weeks and drop off and pick up were always changing based on everyone’s schedule. I chose the convertibles because I wanted a lot of “extras” - padding, longetivity, etc. 
• What you don't like about it, if anything: This isn’t an issue for us, but the convertibles I chose are not compact seats front to back or side to side.  
• Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: —
• Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: —
• Additional thoughts on [carseats]: Take into consideration both current and future car seat needs - for example, three across. Not an issue for us, but if you need to do three across, you will want to choose a seat that is compact side to side. Try, if possible, the seat out in your car before buying! 

acunamatada

For S+TMs:

* How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: 

Every day- used bucket seat as a carrier for the first 5ish months. Switched to a convertible just before 1yr. 

* Favorite [carseat]:

We had a graco click connect travel system with the carrier. No complaints other than the car seat was a little bulky for my small car. 

For convertible seats I have a Britax Boulevard Click Tight in my car and an Evenflo Tribute LX for grandma and aunts car (they watch DS regularly). 

* Link/picture:

I don't see the travel system/stroller I have for sale online anymore. 

Britax USA Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat, Circa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013YCWASA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_e79lAbA52R58S

Evenflo Tribute LX Convertible Car Seat, Saturn https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006PB2B6O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_f-9lAbNDE5AEJ

** they have a newer version now for the same price 

* Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):

Travel system $$

Convertible seat (Britax) $$/$$$

Convertible seat (Evenflo) $

* What you like about it:

Travel system- easy to maneuver and travel with the bucket seat and stroller. 

Britax- memory foam everything and super comfortable, adjustable head rest, click tight system is SO easy, seat reclines with an easy button, lots of safety features, it's also pretty compact for my Chevy Cruz clown car. It's rear facing behind my driver seat now, reclined, and both DH and I can still drive comfortably. 

Evenflo- its lightweight, great for switching in and out of cars if you don't mind the seatbelt hassle. Rear faces just as long as other seats for a fraction of the price. This is a great seat for sitters or backups. 

* What you don't like about it, if anything:

Travel system- too bulky once DS was older, I switched to an umbrella stroller when he was big enough. I'm not sure the stroller would fit in every trunk. 

Britax- HEAVY, I wouldn't get this car seat if it wasn't a permanent fixture in my car. 

Evenflo- zero bells and whistles

* Is there a [car seat] you don't have but are considering? Why?:

N/A. Depending on the expiration of the car seat we had with DS, we might use the same one. I haven't pulled it out of storage yet. 

* Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 

* Additional thoughts on [carseats]:

Definitely try them in your car if you can, especially if your car is on the smaller size. 

comealongponds

• How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: I used them a ton in the beginning with my twins. So convenient for winter especially!

• Favorite [carseat]: bucket - Graco SnugRide Click Connect, convertible - Graco Dimensions

• Link/picture: bucket - https://tinyurl.com/ya5mul69; convertible - https://tinyurl.com/y95hu352

• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $$

• What you like about it: buckets were light enough that it wasn't ridiculous to carry both at once. Convertible seems comfy and is decently compact. 

• What you don't like about it, if anything:

• Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: the Graco 4ever for the convenience of being one and done car seat wise. 

• Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: nope. 

• Additional thoughts on [carseats]: nope!

cseley321

For S+TMs:

• How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: a few times a week
• Favorite [carseat]: chicco keyfit 30 for infant carrier, chicco nextfit for convertible
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• What you like about it: it was super easy to use and had great safety ratings
• What you don't like about it, if anything: they were both bulky, but for only having one child it wasn't too bad. If I didn't have a small car it wouldn't have been an issue at all
• Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: no
• Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
• Additional thoughts on [carseats: FIND SOMETHING COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR CAR!! Some of these seats are simply too large for small cars. You do not want to be stuck trying to return one later because it won't fit well. Also, the ease of install was big for me since we are a one car seat family. Trying to wrestle a convertible car seat around ever so often is a PITA

christycalifornia

I'm a STM but want to ask: Anyone have the new uppababy carseat or are considering? The next two kids are likely going to be closer together and I didn't like my infant seat last time, so want to try something new. I'm thinking uppababy because it'll be comparable with their double stroller, which is what I hope to get with the third child. 

My contribution:

I love my clek foonf. It's $$$ but we got it in an insurance settlement from a car accident. 

I love the amazing safety ratings, which pretty much trumps all for me. It has the highest height limit on the market, and my 3.5 yo still has a few inches to go before we have to forward face her. It has a roll bar for RF, and is crazy-compact. I have no doubt I could fit three across if I needed. It comes in amazing colors and prints too! We got a Tokidoki one, and I get compliments all the time, especially from high schoolers, and my kid loves it. 

Don't like that it's crazy heavy, but it hasn't been a problem for us. My husband has a lighter weight seat in his car that we use for travel. Mine doesn't move from my car. Also don't love the price, but if I'm going to spend money on something it's the car seat. Can't put a price on safety. 

Additional thoughts: get your seat inspected and learn how to properly install it yourself! Car seats are ONLY as safe as their instillation, and no matter what you buy a correctly installed seat is the safest one you can have. I've had to call my husband in the past because I got a car wash, the washers unbuckled the seat, and I didn't know how to install because he's always done it. Learn!

SmashJam

@christycalifornia I thought you accidentally typo'd that name until I put it into google, lol. That is one LOVELY looking carseat, I'm not gonna lie. I guess by the time this little nugget is in a convertible we'll still need to have my son in one (he'll be 4 or a little younger, so that's a convertible still, right?) so maybe I'll invest in this bad boy. 

christycalifornia

@SmashJam the names are so funny! We've been so happy with it, and I researched the bejeebus out of seats because after that guy hit us we could get whatever we wanted. It's so safe! They have convertible booster options, too, that I'll transition my kiddo to when she outgrows this one that you might look into. They come in all the patterns and colors, too. The foonf has such high limits though, most kids can stay in them until 7, some even 9, so we're a few years from needing to trade up, and part of why I got it was those high limits for ERF and car seating. And I figure if she's gonna be in a car seat into elementary, it had better be a crazy cool looking seat. Lemme see if I can find a pic of her, I really love the pattern we got. 
This was when we first got it, when she was 8 months. Apparently I don't take car seat pics. She grew to love it, even though her face looks horrified. Now the sides are covered in travel stickers, like an old suitcase. 

paytonpedro

• How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: When my son was a baby we only used the bucket seat car seat, but he was a big boy so we moved to a convertible car seat at around 6 months. 
• Favorite [carseat]: We had an Eddie Bauer travel system and infant car seat, wouldn’t necessarily recommend, my mil bought it. We, however, LOVE our evenflo convertible car seat! We’ll use the same bucket seat for this baby and buy another evenflo car seat once he is too big. I also have a cheap Costco convertible car seat in my car (we mostly use my husbands car) and I don’t love it. It’s light to fly with though!
• Link/picture:this is apparently the only picture I have of him in this car seat! 
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): I think we paid like $160 on amazon
• What you like about it: I love everything about it. It seems comfortable for him, wasn’t crazy priced, grows with him, and he can rear face until 40# I think!
• What you don't like about it, if anything: nothing. 
• Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: nope. 
• Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: the Costco one is pretty cheap feeling and pinches him, so I don’t love it. It’s good for traveling and easy to put in my mom or dads car if we go somewhere with them, but that’s about it. I don’t like it and wouldn’t recommend it for anything other than traveling. 
• Additional thoughts on [carseats]: They’re all put through the same testing and have to pass the same standards. There is no “better or worst” just what works better for different people. Rear facing is safest. Learn proper car seat safety before baby is born. There is a very powerful bulletin near my house of a wrecked van saying “now is not the time to check your child’s car seat”. Also, purchasing a car seat brand new or from a trusted friend is the only way to go. They need to be destroyed after a crash and they expire. I’m very passionate about car seat safety!

acunamatada

@paytonpedro I cringe when I see car seats for sale online. You don't know where they've been!! That shouldn't even be legal. 

paytonpedro

@acunamatada In NYS technically it’s not legal but I see it all the time. I just can’t. It’s so not worth it. However, if you have a friend who you know, that would be totally acceptable! 

acunamatada

@paytonpedro there's no laws against it in CT but it's not something you could buy second hand in a store. I see ads for them all the time on FB marketplace. 

rosettesandstripes

Can someone please tell my SO to buckle him in the right way ?! This has literally been an issue with him and I!! He’s so impatient and literally just buckles him in however and it drives me insane! We literally had a screaming match in the driveway because he doesn’t buckle him in right after multiple times I told him! Sometimes the buckles are all twisted or the chest piece is at his stomach or it’s too loose it’s like DUDE are you serious! And it’s like I’m not always there to make sure he’s buckled in right and it causes me so much anxiety! I asked him if he realizes the seriousness of what he’s doing and he always says yes but literally still does it smh 

christycalifornia

@rosettesandstripes not to be blunt, but if he can't do it right he can't buckle the car seat or be trusted to drive him anywhere. At least that's what I would say. My kid's life is too important. But you know that, sounds like you're there. 

paytonpedro

@rosettesandstripes I agree with pp, and I don’t say this to upset you, but I would send him news articles about kids involved in car accidents (both where the car seat saved and opposite). I know that seeing those myself makes me want to ALWAYS be sure DS is buckled correctly. Also, occasionally our local police department will do a car seat check on a Saturday afternoon, you can check and see if your town offers anything like that and make your husband go. Hearing it from someone else may open his eyes. 

acunamatada

@rosettesandstripes what everyone said. My husband was lazy too, I cut him off from driving DS alone, buckling him, etc until he proved that he wouldn't be so negligent. It was a fight for a while but it was worth it, it's just too important.
I don't want to hear the "were only going down the street." Accidents could happen anywhere, and it only takes a minute to potentially save their life. I've sent him plenty of articles and videos like paytonpedro suggested- I think the videos opened his stupid eyes the most. 

rosettesandstripes

Oh I DO ! I mean I work a lot right now so I always tell him to show me him in his car seat before they pull away it’s just I have anxiety that it’s not right!!! I actually called out of work for a week because he was banned from driving with him anywhere! He gets annoyed but I feel like it’s so important and he knows it too but is just lazy!!!! So far lately after I banned him from driving with him he’s gotten better but I just have this anxiety that he’s going to get lazy! I literally told him! MAKE IT A HABIT and it won’t seem like such a hassle 

zombiehoohaa

• How often do you drive/do you want to use your carseat as a carrier: I am a daily driver. I want easy. 
• [carseat[s)] you're interested in: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OAGXO7G?colid=3M07D3357VSL&coliid=I3TDPH8UKX3VDN&ref=br_ADD_TO_CART_title_link&th=1
• Link/picture: https://https//www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OAGXO7G?colid=3M07D3357VSL&coliid=I3TDPH8UKX3VDN&ref=br_ADD_TO_CART_title_link&th=1
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $142.49
• Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?: What has been the easiest thing about the carseat? Recommend something else?

coco305

Bumping this thread up. FTM here, now that I'm in the second tri & paying attention to all the gear, I have relevant questions. 
DH wants to start with a convertible car seat from the getgo, to save money. I want to go from infant car seat to convertible, because in my mind it's more convenient/practical- I won't need a bassinet, we have have 2 bases & just 1 car seat. Any STM have advice for either way? Would love to hear experiences.
also, what's your go to website for safety ratings?? TIA ladies  

zande2016

coco305 said:

Bumping this thread up. FTM here, now that I'm in the second tri & paying attention to all the gear, I have relevant questions. 
DH wants to start with a convertible car seat from the getgo, to save money. I want to go from infant car seat to convertible, because in my mind it's more convenient/practical- I won't need a bassinet, we have have 2 bases & just 1 car seat. Any STM have advice for either way? Would love to hear experiences.
also, what's your go to website for safety ratings?? TIA ladies  

So many factors! Do you live in a climate that gets cold? If so, you'll want to be able to bundle baby inside and put a shower cap style cover on the car seat for warmth before going outside. Can't do that with a convertible. 

Are you planning to babywear? If so, you can do that instead of transferring baby to stroller with bassinet, but the problem with that is moving a sleeping baby means waking them up. I know it's not good to let baby sleep in the infant seat outside of the car, but honestly when you're running errands or whatever it's better for mom's sanity and lets baby get the sleep he or she needs to just let them sleep during shopping or whatever else you're doing, in my opinion. An extra half hour in an infant seat isn't a huge deal.

Also, on the subject of grocery shopping, your choices are baby wear, or infant seat inside shopping cart (in the big part, not the top part). You really can't push a stroller and shopping cart at the same time. If you use a convertible only, you'll want to be comfortable with baby wearing. 

If you have a c section you might not be able to lift baby in the infant seat for 6 weeks, but in that case you could always leave the infant seat in the car like you would a convertible. 

There are probably more factors I'm not thinking of. Basically I am a fan of the infant seat to make life easier, but for some skipping the infant seat makes sense. 

SmashJam

I am pro infant seat first. And you can buy well rated ones that won't break the bank. Depending on the size of your kid, you can make it quite awhile without the cost of a convertible, so you could just save up for one. I second a LOT of the things @zande2016 said, including grocery shopping being easier, and some stores have special carts to clip your carseat into on top so you don't have to take up basket space. If you have to feed and bring bottles while out, feeding a kid is so much easier in the infant seat. 

Also think docs appts...bringing a kid, especially once they are crawling, in with an infant seat is so much easier than carrying them, watching them crawl around, etc. 

And you are right about the two bases/1 seat-that saves either time or money, bc with a convertible you are either going to have to move the seat all the time (which isnt really hard, just takes time), where as with the infant seat the base is just always in the second car.

I don't know if this is common, but our hospital actually gave us a car seat at birth and taught us how to install it. I dunno if yours does, but you might wanna ask because that would eliminate having to buy one and solve all your problems, lol! 

All these things said, it is doable to go straight to the convertible, the infant seat is great for convenience.

cseley321

@coco305 I strongly recommend the infant seat. Strapping them in as small infants as a FTM is hard enough as it is. Having to do it at an akward angle by leaning into a car is even worse. Furthermore, it is so nice when they fall asleep in the car to be able to transfer them out without waking them. Trips to the store are easier as well.

I am not sure what the dynamic is at your home, but if you are planning on being a sahm and have to do errands with baby in tow, the infant seat is a must imo

michelle_bird

Add me to the strong advocate list for infant car seats. For all the reasons already listed. How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: All the time until she got big enough that it was too heavy. She's a big girl, so we transition around 6 months. I think I stopped carrying her in it around 5 months. Favorite [carseat]: DH's brother loaned us their Chicco Keyfit 30 and we bought an extra base for it. They also had the click in stroller. It all worked great for us and was really easy to install! It was also easy to take apart and wash once you practiced, which we had to do a lot because DD was the blowout queen. What you don't like about it, if anything: I'm petite and it was sometimes difficult to carry. I would feel this way about any brand though. I'm going to attempt one of those padded rollers to put on the handle this time to see if that helps. Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope, the one was used with DD is now expired so we're going to buy another (same brand). Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: I LOVE our Chicco NextFit Zip BUT it doesn't fit in my car. And I don't mean front to back - the sides are so high that there was only minimal room between the top of my car door and the side to try to fit the baby in. We moved it to the middle seat on DH's truck instead. It's very comfortable for her to sit in, but I now have the Graco Extend@Fit in my car. It's not very padded but I love the cup holders and that I can keep her rear-facing longer if I choose. Additional thoughts on [carseats]:

jenny2018

FTM Here:

• How often do you drive/do you want to use your carseat as a carrier: Every single day and absolutely want a travel system

• [carseat[s)] you're interested in: Baby Jogger® City Mini GT Travel System in Charcoal - We just did a several hour trip to the baby store this weekend and played around with so many travel systems and really liked this one the best. It was pretty light weight and easy for me to collapse and uncollapse by myself (one hand collapse and lift a lever to open back up). It also will work well with our lifestyle since the stroller is for all terrain. 

• Link/picture: https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/baby-jogger-reg-city-mini-gt-travel-system-in-charcoal/1046205100?Keyword=baby%20jogger%20city%20mini%20gt%20single%20stroller

• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $599 - includes carseat, one base, and stroller

• Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?: Anyone else used this one before? Likes/dislikes?

coco305

Thank you @zande2016 @SmashJam  @cseley321 @MichelleAG05 you guys bring up very excellent points. I definitely want an infant seat, now I can make my case to DH. Who is totally easy going, just loves to not spend money! 
@jenny2018 I am looking at the city mini gt as well for a stroller, but will probably pick a britax or nuna for a car seat. 

wildtot

Reviving this thread. We got a Chicco bravo travel system with DS two years ago and we wanted to only replace the stroller that is compatible with the car seat. But I’m noticing that the choices are limited and the seats done recline all the way like our single does right now. I wouldn’t mind getting a new car seat if it means the double stroller reclines for both seats (or at least one seat but full recliner). We didn’t find much a Buy Buy Baby yesterday. And recommendations? DS will be 2 yrs 3 months so he’s got some stroller time left in him and he occasionally sleeps in it. 
TIA!

morethanamama

I'm also reviewing this thread. We are pretty set on the Chicco Key Fit. My question is, do you really need two car seats or just two bases? We drive, but it's not a lot and we currently have one car. I'm getting a SUV this summer but my husband doesn't really care about "my car/your car". Would it be enough to have two bases? For example, if we go somewhere for the weekend then the SUV would make more sense. As long as we have two bases I think we'd be ok but I'm seeing a lot of people mentioning two seats

AnnaReid81

@kissableviv Two bases will be perfect! You're typically going carry the carseat itself into the house anyways, so there's no need for 2 car seats.

SmashJam

@wildtot you could go with something like the contours options elite...on the pricey side but it has two seats that recline all the way (I mean, in one position they wouldn't I don't think, but in most they would, and with the carseat it comes with an attachment on the stroller bar so its up higher and facing you, so I think you could use any infant seat with it. There are a few strollers out there with the option to have your infant seat on the bars closer to you and your other kid facing forward in a regular stroller seat, the contour is just what I have.

Sarafuss

@wildtot we have the Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat and we are getting the Baby Jogger City Select stroller.  It’s pricey but everyone seems to love and recommend it.  Also amazon has older versions like the 2014 and 2016 models for a lot cheaper than the 2018 model and not too much has changed.  Anyway, we plan to get the single version of the stroller and get the second seat attachments (around $20) and the Chicco car seat adapter and use it as a double stroller that way.  Eventually we will buy the second toddler seat when the baby doesn’t use the infant car seat anymore.  The seats recline almost completely flat.  You can also buy the bassinet for your newborn but I don’t think we would use that much since it’s more convenient to click the car seat in.

wildtot

@kissableviv we only did one seat and one base and moved it when we used the other car (rarely). There is also a way to use the car seat without the base but i only did that once before it was frustrating to get baby in. 

morethanamama

Thanks all for the suggestions! I got a hand me down peg perego infant car seat today from a friend! Just needs a wash but it's in good condition. It's going to Texas for the in laws' so thankful for helpful friends! 

samjjorgensen

@jenny2018 I’ve been looking into that one too, it’s just so expensive!

We really want a jogging travel system because we end up on a lot of trails, but most of them have terrible reviews.

For the City Mini, I’ve read some complaints that the infant car seat has a really tight headrest and most babies outgrow it super early. Does anyone have any experience with it?

wildtot

I think we are leaning towards the Joovy Qool. A bit expensive but i can use my buy buy baby coupons lol. The weight limit it greater than most and it has adapters for our car seat. 

Jessicajorden

@jenny2018 I have the city mini GT and love it!!!! I had the Bugaboo Bee for when my daughter was an infant and used the Chicco Keyfit 30 car seat but found I needed stroller that could handle trails and had better tires so we bought the City Mini Gt after renting one in Florida and fell in love. So worth the money. I’ve never used the car seat though. 
Im looking at the Maxi Cosi Car seat now as it’s super light weight and the price point is right for our budget. I loved the Chicco Keyfit 30 but just looking to switch it up. Anyone have any experience with this seat? 
*Edited to included my car seat choice*

jenny2018

samjjorgensen : Good to know, I'll have to look at that some more. I believe at the baby store they said it would grow with the child up to 35lbs. Our friends had a 10lb 6 oz baby about a year ago and he's still not over that limit yet so we thought it would last us a good 1.5-2 years. It is pricey, thankfully my parents were dead set on buying us the car seat/stroller combo so they are very generously gifting it to us. 

Jessicajorden  : Thankful to hear the stroller is great! Is there a reason you didn't use the car seat? Curious to know more about it. Did your other car seat clip into it easily?

SmashJam

I bought the chicco nextfit zip for a convertible carseat and saw on here that some are considering buying just the regular chicco key fit 30. I used to say, "Don't even splurge for the zip what a waste." because the cover seemed to hard to get off and on. I have gotten much more used to it and after reading the manual to help the first time I got it off, now I can do it in like, 3 minutes. I kinda think maybe the extra $30 bucks might have been worth it. 

That being said...maybe its super easy to take off other convertible seat covers also. Another things, my Britax B-safe infant seat doesn't have a zip off cover and taking it off and on to wash wasn't that hard. So maybe its not as important to have a zip off cover for an infant seat? Just some things I was thinking about as I washed the pee covered seat today, and thought I would share, haha.

acunamatada

@SmashJam I didn’t even know they made car seats with a removable liner. How cool! I bought a car seat insert for DS when he started potty training to cover any accidents, never really needed to deep clean it before then. Best purchase I ever made! 

SmashJam

@acunamatada I didn't know THAT existed. I wonder if it would be helpful for blowouts in the infant seat, although honestly I don't ever remember having any issues so bad I couldn't spot clean. I just washed it fully before I went to the hospital to birth #2.