Car Seats

caitdana

Is the NICU picky about car seats? Our nurse mentioned today something about the weight minimum on our seat. I looked when I got home and it said 5 lbs and Sophia will probably be around 4.5 lbs when we leave this week. Is this a huge issue? Will I be required to go buy a new seat?

ShannonSky

It depends on the NICU and on the weight difference. We had a Graco Snugride and it was also rated for 5lbs and up, but DD came home under 4lbs (3lb 14oz). They did make us go out and get a new one. I bought a Keyfit and she used it until she hit 5lbs (maybe a month? and she really only went to/from dr's appts). After she hit 5lbs, I moved her to the Snugride and returned the Keyfit. I had no problems returning it to BRU with the receipt. I see a lot of people here who have no problems with the weight limits, though, so you should ask your NICU.

michelleh0385

Our NICU is making us do a carseat test. LO has to sit in it for 90 minutes and be able to breathe etc just fine. We had to go out and get a new seat because he was too small for the one we already had. We had a list of approved carseats from the hospital. We got the Safety 1st onBoard 35 air protect. We haven't redone the carseat test with it but the difference is that it has adjustable straps in the crotch area and the shoulder straps can't be above the shoulder. So it's pretty much made for smaller babies. I would ask your NICU for their specifics though.

JosiePosy

My hosp is pretty picky about it. We originally bought SnugRides for the girls, but was told they probably wouldn't work because the girls won't likely both be 5 lbs by the time they go home (at least Abby probably won't be). So I went out and bought Chicco Keyfit 30s since they'll fit 4 lb babies. We weren't "required" but I wasn't about to risk them failing the carseat test. They'll be there at least 5 weeks when they are ready to leave and I'm not about to let a carseat test keep them from coming home another day, KWIM?

ShannonSky

JosiePosy:

My hosp is pretty picky about it. We originally bought SnugRides for the girls, but was told they probably wouldn't work because the girls won't likely both be 5 lbs by the time they go home (at least Abby probably won't be). So I went out and bought Chicco Keyfit 30s since they'll fit 4 lb babies. We weren't "required" but I wasn't about to risk them failing the carseat test. They'll be there at least 5 weeks when they are ready to leave and I'm not about to let a carseat test keep them from coming home another day, KWIM?

LOVE the pic in your siggy!!! So cute.

I honestly don't think that 1lb difference in rating would keep them from passing the test. The carseat test is more a measure of whether they can handle sitting reclined for any length of time. The Keyfit is a little nicer, but I loved the adjustable canopy on the Snugride (the Keyfit's only goes so far and does not shade the baby when the sun is shining directly in the back of the car). Of course, I haven't looked at an infant seat since 2009, so definitely go check out all the models and make your decision from there. The Keyfit is the cheapest of the carseats rated for 4lbs and up and was about $200 (in 2009!!).

Lilystar82

Our NICU is also picky. Our babies will most likley be under 5lbs when they come home as well, and told us we'd have to have a carseat for 4lbs. Luckily for us, we already had the Chicco Keyfit 30's - and that is the car seat they recomend.