Looking at carseats again...

Millie1984 · January 2014

So Dylan is quite a big boy. At his last check up he was close to 20 lbs, and our infant car seat only goes up to 22lbs (silly me, when I got the car seat, 22lbs seemed so far away, lol).

So I am faced with a decision. Do I get another infant car seat (there are ones that go up to 30lbs), or do I get next level car seat (not sure what thats called, but I just mean the type of seat intended for once your LO gets to old or big for the infant seats.

I guess from a cost perspective it makes less sense to get another infant seat, but he doesn't sit up on his own and I also like how our infant seat connects to our stroller (I am hoping a different Graco model that goes up to a higher pound max will still connect to our Graco stroller). Part may also be psychological that I am just not ready to see him in a non-infant seat….

WWYD?!

Texasmomma13 · January 2014

I would test him in the stroller first to see if he can sit in it without the car seat, if you even use the stroller frequently. That's my plan for S. She's not sitting up unassisted yet either but is hanging out of the infant seat because she is apparently going to be a super model. I'm going to try her in the stroller this week and if she does ok without the infant seat, we're installing the convertible car seat. I'm looking forward to not having to lug around that dang seat.

If you don't use your stroller a lot you might be able to just move up to the convertible seat with no problem.

MitsB707 · January 2014

Go for the convertible. They usually start at 5lbs and up, so there's no reason why he can't be in it now, regardless of whether or not he can sit up..

carrotcake06 · January 2014

Definitely convertible. My oldest was a chunker and we switched him to a convertible early and I just wore him instead of using a stroller for a couple months until I felt more comfortable w him forward-facing in a stroller

Though iirc, he was fine forward facing in a stroller as early as 5 months. Most strollers recline some.

Revez · January 2014

Definitely go with the convertible. I'd try him in the stroller and see how he does. My LO isn't sitting unassisted yet, but does fine in the stroller without the infant seat. She actually prefers it as she can see out.

Definitely do your research when looking into a convertible car seat, especially when looking into extended rear facing seats. There are a lot of seats that go from birth up to forward facing (4+ years). I recommend the facebook group "Car Seats for the Littles", it's an invaluable source of information and they should be able to help you find one to fit your car, budget and baby.

Soleil3 · January 2014

He'll outgrow the height limitation on a 30lb bucket seat in just a couple of months, you should definitely get a convertible.

BlueJewelM · January 2014

Another vote for convertible. Around 6 months my first had no interest "strolling" in that infant seat. He wanted to face out and look at the world. Another infant seat would be a waste of money IMO.

V&G101808 · January 2014

MitsB707 said:

Go for the convertible. They usually start at 5lbs and up, so there's no reason why he can't be in it now, regardless of whether or not he can sit up..

yup.

PB102012 · January 2014

We are switching to a convertible very soon. I am eyeing the Britax Advocate.

magdalina.h · January 2014

I'd get a convertible seat

pb&jojo · January 2014

Jumping on this..what brands of convertible seats would btdt moms recommend?

KQuinonez · January 2014

Here is a link to a post where some people recommended their convertibles seats. Personally this matter is giving me a major headache. I thought I knew what I wanted but the more research I do the more confused I am. Picking our infant seat was not this hard.

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12239625/convertible-car-seats#latest

Edited: Sleep deprived me used the wrong version of there and I cannot handle those kind of mistakes.

mommabmb · January 2014

There is no infant seat that Joel fits in, so we made the conversion to a convertible seat about a month ago. Even if the weight were OK, odds are- the height isn't. We went with the Chicco Nexfit for his primary seat. Good luck!

rooftop · January 2014

I had this issue and got a reclining 3-in-1 car seat. it can be used as rear facing, forward facing and a booster. I believe the word is "transitional" but im not sure. K can sit unassisted so I can have the seat upright but if she couldn't I can recline it so there's more of an angle.

ktballz · January 2014

We are going to hit 30 inches before we hit 30 lbs. H is researching convertible car seats to see which we will buy.

Millie1984 · January 2014

So, I would say the consensus is definitely convertible! I've actually been researching them today, and it definitely does make the most sense. I'm looking at a few different Britax models…Anyone have one that they would recommend?

Thanks for all your responses!

Millie1984 · January 2014

@PB102012- just curious why the Advocate? I am also looking at Britax...

PB102012 · January 2014

@Millie1984 I like the looks of the head support a lot, and all the safety features. It seems to have a bit more support and side impact protection than their other models.

Revez · January 2014

The fact that you don't have to retread the straps on britax is awesome.

Be aware that the 2014 marathon HAS to be tethered. And if you plan on tethering rear facing for any model Aussie style is (usually) the only approved method by car manufacturers.

Also keep in mind that britax makes their shells really short and are usually out grown really fast. So if your LO is in the 50%+ you might be better off looking at longer lasting seats, or just be prepared to buy another seat when it's out grown.

just some thoughts.

mommabmb · January 2014

From what I understand, Britax isn't a great choice if you plan to rear face for extended period of time (recommendation is up to 4 years, depending on source).

Snugly Ael · January 2014

Why don't you go for convertible car seat? Something like "The Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat". Car seats like this are three car seats in one and can be used from 5lbs to 100lbs - "Rear facing: 5-35 lbs.
Forward-facing: 22-40 lbs.
Belt-positioning booster: 40-100 lbs." HTH!

PS: You can buy similar car seats at a cheaper rate from Costco or Sams Club. I'm a mom of b/g twins and I regret not researching a lot before they were born. My twins would be 6 months soon and they'll outgrow their infant car seat soon!!!

BlueJewelM · January 2014

Snugly Ael said:
Why don't you go for convertible car seat? Something like "The Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat". Car seats like this are three car seats in one and can be used from 5lbs to 100lbs - "Rear facing: 5-35 lbs.
Forward-facing: 22-40 lbs.
Belt-positioning booster: 40-100 lbs." HTH!

PS: You can buy similar car seats at a cheaper rate from Costco or Sams Club. I'm a mom of b/g twins and I regret not researching a lot before they were born. My twins would be 6 months soon and they'll outgrow their infant car seat soon!!!

Not that I'm a car seat expert but I would look for a seat with a higher FF weight. My 2 year old is already 35 lbs. I would like him to stay in his car seat (NOT a booster when he hits 40 lbs).

Just my choice though. The above referenced seat would not meet my personal requirements for my kiddos.

PB102012 · January 2014

I just bought the advocate- diapers.com is having a 30% off sale on Britax.

@Revez I feel like we should live in the same town so if I don't like this seat I would have to buy you lunch.

Millie1984 · January 2014

Just got the Advocate! Those prices on diapers.com were way too good to pass up. And they have free shipping! Actually ended up getting a britax stroller too when I saw how good the sale was…

girlmama83 · January 2014

mommabmb said:
From what I understand, Britax isn't a great choice if you plan to rear face for extended period of time (recommendation is up to 4 years, depending on source).

Huh? Says who? When did it go from 2 years to 4?

PB102012 · January 2014

@Millie1984 which stroller did you get?

Revez · January 2014

lindsey61811 said:

mommabmb said:
From what I understand, Britax isn't a great choice if you plan to rear face for extended period of time (recommendation is up to 4 years, depending on source).
Huh? Says who? When did it go from 2 years to 4?

I'm not sure when it changed. But 4 years (or as close as you can get) is the current recommendation of the AAP.

Eta: the thought is that children's bones aren't ossified until 4 years and at that point are more likely to survive a crash forward facing. Until age 4 rear facing is 5.32 times more safe (according to "the cat seat lady" website.

laabeja · January 2014

I really like our Evenflo Triumph 65, especially the knob that tightens the harness straps. No more pulling the belt!

Millie1984 · January 2014

PB102012 said:

@Millie1984 which stroller did you get?

Got the B-Agile...

And since I ordered it early enough yesterday its actually supposed to come today! I am super excited

KQuinonez · January 2014

Millie1984 said:

PB102012 said:

@Millie1984 which stroller did you get?
Got the B-Agile...

And since I ordered it early enough yesterday its actually supposed to come today! I am super excited

I love this stroller. We got it from the get go and it truly is a wonderful stroller. Being short and by myself with LO it is easy to get in and out of the car and much easier to open and close than most other strollers. You will really like it. It turns on a dime.

KatyKatMeowz · January 2014

KQuinonez said:

Millie1984 said:

PB102012 said:

@Millie1984 which stroller did you get?
Got the B-Agile...

And since I ordered it early enough yesterday its actually supposed to come today! I am super excited
I love this stroller. We got it from the get go and it truly is a wonderful stroller. Being short and by myself with LO it is easy to get in and out of the car and much easier to open and close than most other strollers. You will really like it. It turns on a dime.

All of this. It's one of my favorite pieces of baby gear. We've been using it from day one, and have yet to find something it doesn't work well for.

PB102012 · January 2014

KQuinonez said:

Millie1984 said:

PB102012 said:

@Millie1984 which stroller did you get?
Got the B-Agile...

And since I ordered it early enough yesterday its actually supposed to come today! I am super excited
I love this stroller. We got it from the get go and it truly is a wonderful stroller. Being short and by myself with LO it is easy to get in and out of the car and much easier to open and close than most other strollers. You will really like it. It turns on a dime.

That's the one I got too! Yay! I am so excited to hear you ladies like it. I was lucky enough to place our order right before the cut off, so I am excited to get it today.

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