I need advice on the type of carseat to get. Does anyone have any suggestions. Are the travel systems better, or just a regular carseat or one of the convertible carseats. Just curious what everyone else has or has had and what they like/don't like about it.
Thank you
Re: carseats
Are you currently pregnant? There are a very few number of conver. car seats that hold a newborn properly (my ride 65 will usually hold an infant quite well). An infant car seat will usually get you to abut 10 months-12 months before you wll want to switch them. Then you should go for a convertible car seat that has a high rear facing limit and well as a high forward facing limit(rear facing is reccomended until at least age 2 now). This second seat will usually take you to the age where you will either invest in a 3rd combo seat (5 point harness to high back booster).
Are you looking for infant carseats? If it is infant carseats, I'd definitely get an infant one and not a convertible one. You don't need a convertible until they are really too old to carry in the infant seat. You can use a convertible when they are little, but an infant seat is much nicer. The advantage of a travel system is that you have a matching stroller you can snap them into, but you don't really need a stroller that big sometimes. You can get a Snap-N-Go frame for the time being, which I had and LOVED. It is so lightweight and easy after you've given birth.
For carseats and travel systems, the top recommended are usually the Chicco KeyFit and the Graco SnugRide. I had the Graco and liked it a lot. I will probably get another Graco next time. Graco is more affordable and has more patterns, but with the Chicco, you definitely get what you pay for-- they are very nice.
Travel systems look nice, thats about it. That said I have had a travel system and a pick n mix travel system where you buy a car seat and there are a number of strollers that 'match' it. I currently the Companion seat from the'pick n mix' and using it with a baby Jogger City Select. I like Pick n Mix systems best, you choose what kind of stroller suits you best and it is still tailored to your seat however I love my BJCS and I wouldn't swap the combination I have now for aaything.
HTH
You might want to get a copy of Baby Bargains or a membership to Consumer Reports. I use Consumer Reports for most of my baby-related purchases.
We have the Chicco KeyFit 30 infant seat, for when she gets bigger, the Britax Roundabout. The Chicco KeyFit 30 has been very nice and easy to use. We have a base installed in each of our cars.