Carseat Bases.. Do you have to use one?

tstaggs2012

I don't mean to sound like I'm going to put my LO in danger.. I'm installing the car seat base that came with the set in my car and I told BF we would have to find an extra base for his car/grandparents etc.. He asked if you have to always use a base... I wasn't sure because I have seen some that just strapped the seat in safely.. I have the Comfy Carry Elite by Safety First and was just wondering if I could do that or if I need to find another base? 

niknak7

You'll have to read the manual that came with it. Some seats can be used with or without a base and others you have to use the base. I have a Graco seat that can be used with or without the base which is why I bought it. A good hint is if there is a spot on top for a seat belt, then you probably can use it without, just check your manual first.

FirstBabyMomma

I totally clicked 3rd Tri by accident, but I am going to answer you anyway. We have the Eddie Bauer Endeavour travel system and there are instructions for installation without the base. We used it a number of times without the base (including when travelling) and I always felt it was very secure. It may depend on the seat, though. HTH!

NeverLostHope

Read your manual. ALWAYS. 

 

Some seats allow you to install the seat baseless, and some don't. I looked on Safety 1st's website and couldn't find the info there, but it will be in your manual, along with instructions on how to actually install it without the base. It will also tell you important things like what position the handle needs to be in when it's in the car.

 

Christina_Diane

The instruction manual on our Britax B-Safe says that it can be used without the base, but we will be using our base out of convenience. We also purchased an extra base for our other vehicle. 

kjg5445

some car seats are designed to be able to use with or without the base. you can use it without a base if it has the seat belt straps on either side of it. we only had one base and would just use the strap loop things on other peoples cars. 

xoladiebug

theresat858:

It's just far more effort each time to use the car seat.  (So it might make sense to get one for your BFs car if he will be with the baby a lot, but just strapping in might make sense for grandparents depending how frequently they plan to have the kid).

THIS!  We went ahead and got the extra base for DH's car so it's less work and worry. 

DevonPow

No, you don't. The base makes it MUCH easier, but you can safely strap the seat in without it. Read the manual because you may need to get a special clip to use with shoulder belts (I did for our Graco Snugride), But we often used his infant seat in friend's cars, taxis, etc. without the base.