Car seat questions. Need help.

LUVNE · August 2011

Ok, so here's my dilemma. Please have patience because I am totally confused. I need a top rated car seat for both newborn and toddler stage. I was thinking about getting a convertible car seat, but it sounds like this does not work out that great for a newborn even though the seats are supposed to work for newborns. So, I registered for an infant car seat, and a base AND a convertible....but I'm thinking that that is over kill. The convertible is also not available right now at Target (I'm thinking that that might change by the time my shower comes around but who knows.) So, the question is, do I need an infant car seat? If not, which convertible is best? I am reading the reports, and I am getting more confused. I mentioned in an earlier post that my husband and I both drive considerable mileage to and from work, and most of it is highway = high speeds.

Also, I need an infant car seat for the stroller that I am registered for so that I can fit a little baby into it. I want a 3 wheeled stroller. I originally registered for the Baby Trend expedition, but then realized that the infant car seat that clicks into it, which we would like to use as a regular car seat as well, is not one with great ratings. Help!

Sorry for the rambling.

Edit: Spelling.

ladychicago · August 2011

An infant seat and convertible is NOT overkill. I think the infant seats are essential, because they are not only necessary in the car, but double as a carrier, a napping spot in the house, and a stroller/sng. The SNG stroller option is incredibly convenient when the babies are little. I think most families end up getting both. and if you plan on having another child, you may need both anyhow! Our DD is in a convertible and so the new baby will be in her old infant seat.

as far as strollers go, have you looked at the baby jogger brand? They sell two car seat adapters for their strollers (one for chicco and one for all other brands). I don't know too much about the other three wheel options, but most have adapters that can fit multiple brands of car seats, so I would not settle for a suboptimal car seat just because of a stroller.

LUVNE · August 2011

ladychicago:
An infant seat and convertible is NOT overkill. I think the infant seats are essential, because they are not only necessary in the car, but double as a carrier, a napping spot in the house, and a stroller/sng. The SNG stroller option is incredibly convenient when the babies are little. I think most families end up getting both. and if you plan on having another child, you may need both anyhow! Our DD is in a convertible and so the new baby will be in her old infant seat.

as far as strollers go, have you looked at the baby jogger brand? They sell two car seat adapters for their strollers (one for chicco and one for all other brands). I don't know too much about the other three wheel options, but most have adapters that can fit multiple brands of car seats, so I would not settle for a suboptimal car seat just because of a stroller.

Thank you so much. This was sooo helpful. What convertible car seat did you end up with? I feel good about the infant one but not the convertible.

kthappy76 · August 2011

I know I'm late, but it's not overkill, it's what most people do nowadays. But it's also not absolutely essential, except for convenience. My sister has had three kids in the last four years (and has another on the way) and has never used an infant seat, and they drive a ton including daily highway commutes of nearly an hour/ea way. Convertibles are typically rated for use from five lbs. and can be used rear or forward facing. She uses Britax convertibles from birth. Just thought I'd let you know you aren't a bad parent if you don't use an infant seat.

LUVNE · August 2011

kthappy76:
I know I'm late, but it's not overkill, it's what most people do nowadays. But it's also not absolutely essential, except for convenience. My sister has had three kids in the last four years (and has another on the way) and has never used an infant seat, and they drive a ton including daily highway commutes of nearly an hour/ea way. Convertibles are typically rated for use from five lbs. and can be used rear or forward facing. She uses Britax convertibles from birth. Just thought I'd let you know you aren't a bad parent if you don't use an infant seat.

Thanks for responding. What does she do about keeping the baby somewhere when he/she is sleeping when they are over someone's house? We are always on the go, so that why I thought the convenience would be nice with the infant car seat.

kthappy76 · August 2011

LUVNE:

kthappy76:
I know I'm late, but it's not overkill, it's what most people do nowadays. But it's also not absolutely essential, except for convenience. My sister has had three kids in the last four years (and has another on the way) and has never used an infant seat, and they drive a ton including daily highway commutes of nearly an hour/ea way. Convertibles are typically rated for use from five lbs. and can be used rear or forward facing. She uses Britax convertibles from birth. Just thought I'd let you know you aren't a bad parent if you don't use an infant seat.

Thanks for responding. What does she do about keeping the baby somewhere when he/she is sleeping when they are over someone's house? We are always on the go, so that why I thought the convenience would be nice with the infant car seat.

At my mom's place, where the kids usually are when they come into town, she has an extra crib and PNP. If they are going somewhere and they are sleeping, they just get carried or less frequently get put in a stroller. I really have no idea how she does it w/three to be honest, but it's possible. They will outgrow the infant seats pretty quickly and from what I hear even before they outgrow them, carrying them in the seats can become difficult. Seat + Baby = Heavy.

ladychicago · August 2011

LUVNE:

ladychicago:
An infant seat and convertible is NOT overkill. I think the infant seats are essential, because they are not only necessary in the car, but double as a carrier, a napping spot in the house, and a stroller/sng. The SNG stroller option is incredibly convenient when the babies are little. I think most families end up getting both. and if you plan on having another child, you may need both anyhow! Our DD is in a convertible and so the new baby will be in her old infant seat.

as far as strollers go, have you looked at the baby jogger brand? They sell two car seat adapters for their strollers (one for chicco and one for all other brands). I don't know too much about the other three wheel options, but most have adapters that can fit multiple brands of car seats, so I would not settle for a suboptimal car seat just because of a stroller.

Thank you so much. This was sooo helpful. What convertible car seat did you end up with? I feel good about the infant one but not the convertible.

Sorry I am just seeing this now!!! We ended up getting a Britax Boulevard for our convertible car seat. We are very happy with it (and got a great deal on Albeebaby on a fabric color that had been discontinued).

LCS040209 · August 2011

I agree with the others that it is not overkill. We will be doing the same thing. We have the chicco keyfit 30 and then the britax boulevard. I have heard nothing but great things about both!

periwnkl10 · August 2011

I registered for both, however, we did not get our convertible seat. We figure we'll buy it when we need it. My mom bought us our infant seat and I love it. We ended up with the Chicco Keyfit 30. It is great. Very sturdy, easy base installation, etc. We also got the Baby Jogger City Mini stroller and I cannot say enough good things about it!! I highly suggest this combo. We ordered the Chicco carseat adaptor for the stroller from Amazon. We were a little confused about how to properly install the adaptor at first, but once we figured it out it was great. We LOVE it.

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