Product Spotlight Week of 12/18: Carseats!

SmashJam · December 2017

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... carseats!

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.

For S+TMs:

How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier:
Favorite [carseat]:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
What you like about it:
What you don't like about it, if anything:
Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [carseats]:

For FTMs:

How often do you drive/do you want to use your carseat as a carrier:
[carseat[s)] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

Our link to past threads is here, along with the schedule: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UyhRAJyRFD8vsNwLsXd7vCCC-9pYjzH3p5HvngpnaOI/edit?usp=sharing

pghctwife · December 2017

My kids haaaaaated the bucket seat so I hardly ever used it as a carrier - they screamed bloody murder in it. I baby wore instead.

i have the grace snugride 35 and do not recommend it. I thought the higher weight was good but most kids, mine included outgrow by height way way waaaaaay before 35 #. My very sturdy 2.5 year old is currently 32#. No way would he be in a bucket seat anymore!

but the higher weight means the seat itself is a beast - big and very heavy. Making it harder to carry. My oldest was in it the longest and that was 9 months. If I needed to do it again I’d get something lighter and narrower.

Convertible: wait to get it till you are closer to using it. Then you’ll have a better idea of what features you want and later expiration. I have Diono radians and am happy with them. I have 3 across in my murano and they are a narrow footprint so they fit. I think there are other narrow ones on the market now too. Some complain about the install on them but I’ve never had a problem.

juliebird6 · December 2017

How often do you drive/do you use your car seat as a carrier: I take DD to daycare on my way to work every day. We use the car seat as a carrier when we do something social, which regrettably, is not very often.
Favorite [carseat]: We have the Chicco Keyfit
Link/picture: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODZ5R7O?tag=blvisitor-20&th=1
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $180
What you like about it: I love this seat. DD falls asleep in there basically every time we go somewhere. It seems to be pretty comfy and nice and warm. We've only had it for about a year, but so far, it still seems to be in great shape. No wear and tear on the stitching or fabric at all. I love that I can hear it click into place so I know she's secure. Liked the Chicco brand so much that we bought the Chicco NextFit for our convertible seat.
What you don't like about it, if anything: Sometimes the straps get twisted, which can be a pain. I have to believe that would happen with any car seat though. The bucket seats are bulky/cumbersome to carry once your baby starts to get heavy. At 20 pounds, it can be awkward getting her into daycare in my heels and dress pants, but we are just dragging our feet in making the transition to the convertible because I don't want to change a good thing.

mrsbubbles-2 · December 2017

We used the Britax B-safe 35 for the infant seat and Britax Boulevard convertible

How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: The B-safe 35 we used as a carrier every day. We went to Babies R Us and tried out a bunch for weight without a tiny human inside before we made our decision.
Favorite [carseat]: I don't have any to compare. We both had a base in our car and the seat was switched back and forth for drop off /pickup as needed.
Link/picture: https://us.britax.com/b-safe-35-infant-car-seats/
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): The website has it for $200 but we got it on sale so I think we paid about $160
What you like about it: It's lightweight so it's easier to carry the itty bitty around when they start to get bigger but aren't ready for a convertible yet.
What you don't like about it, if anything: It's pretty lengthy so if you have a smaller car the seat that the car seat it behind won't be able to scoot back very far.
Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: We just bought another convertible seat (Cosco brand) for air travel. It's highly rated for being lightweight and ideal for planes because it's a bit more narrow.
Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [carseats]: If you want an entire travel system (we did) make sure the car seat is light enough to carry and the stroller will suit your needs. If you plan to travel with baby I can't recommend enough to make sure you look to see if it has an FAA-approved sticker. This will make sure that not only is the seat approved for use on planes but it also will fit in the tiny airplane seats.

livinthesunnylife · December 2017

STM I have a 1 year old.

How often do you drive: Every day
do you use your carseat as a carrier: After about 4 months or so I had a hard time carrying him in the carrier and we really only did that at restaurants when it was convenient to leave him in there while we ate. And DH carried it.
Favorite [carseat]: My infant seat was the Nuna Pipa, I loved it! I'm a big Nuna person so you'll probably hear this from me a lot on products.
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $200ish I think? I bought it with the stroller as a bundle.
What you like about it: One of the lightest seats (7lbs) and he always seemed really cozy in it (kid is picky too!). It also holds both a very tiny and big baby so it's a very flexible seat.
What you don't like about it, if anything:...... can't think of anything?
Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope, I'm not buying any more carseats.
Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [carseats]: I thought of one so I came back to edit. Make sure you know how to use your carseat before you need to. Yes, you think it isn't that hard. But PP when you are exhausted, medicated, and a hot mess, it will SEEM really hard. After finally getting discharged from sleeping in the NICU next to my son I was a disaster and luckily someone else helped me.

Firemanswife11 · December 2017

How often do you drive: Every day
do you use your carseat as a carrier: We used the Britax B Safe carrier with DS for ... about 6 or so months? Honestly I can't remember. I think when it just got way too heavy for me to comfortably carry and it appeared he wanted to sit up, we moved to a convertible.
Favorite [carseat]: I really like our Graco Milestone, but I also liked our Britax seat, which I'm pretty sure we will use for this baby as well. We have a second Graco Milestone for DH's car (but he doesn't drive it since he has a work truck). So I think we are set for seats.
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): All were around $200.
What you like about it: The Britax seat I liked because my kid liked it ... lol.
What you don't like about it, if anything: It was a bit heavy, but it had steel in it, so I guess that makes sense.
Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope, I'm not buying any more carseats.
Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Yes, OMG....I HAAAAAAATED the Cosco seat! We bought a cheap one for a flight and my son literally did not fit in it and he was nowhere NEAR the height and weight limits. The crotch wouldn't even buckle. Awful.
Additional thoughts on [carseats]: Just use them correctly, for the love of God.

mrsbubbles-2 · December 2017

@Firemanswife11 - OH NO!!! We literally just bought the Cosco one for a flight on the 28th. shit! It's still in the box so maybe we can try it out tonight and return it if he doesn't fit.

and x2 on using them correctly! Get it inspected for proper installation - it doesn't take long and the peace of mind is worth it 100%.

Firemanswife11 · December 2017

@mrsbubbles-2 definitely check it out. We didn't, because everyone else LOVED theirs, and had no issue with it. Idk, ours may have been defective or something. DS leaked through his diaper on the flight but uhhh I still took it back....

lovesclimbing · December 2017

*lurkwr*

GET ONE WITH A HANDLE YOU OPERATE WITH ONE HAND!!! Can't stress this enough. I have the Chico Keyfit. I know tons of people who have it. It's great except I can't tell you how many times the handle is up, and I have my daughter in one arm, and I have to set her down and use two hands to put the handle down. And there are times and places I don't want to set her down such as if there isn't a good place to do so or she's fussy. I put the handle down to get her out, but I frequently will, afterward, grab the handle to move the car seat out of the way. And then it's up and a pain when I put her back in.

I'll keep this car seat because I'm too cheap to buy another, but if I have to get another before we're done having children, that will top my list of necessities!

mrsbubbles-2 · December 2017

@Firemanswife11 yup I heard so many good reviews and had that initial 'too good to be true - low price high quality side-eye' happening but I went with it. I might resurrect this thread after our trip to review it - or just wait for the next bitchfest or wtf day lol!

brzvice · December 2017

@lovesclimbing excellent point. I have the Chicco keyfit as well and have cursed the handle so many times I can't even count. Considered asking strangers to assist even but bailed on that thought and always end up sitting the baby down to move the handle

lovesclimbing · December 2017

brzvice said:

@lovesclimbing excellent point. I have the Chicco keyfit as well and have cursed the handle so many times I can't even count. Considered asking strangers to assist even but bailed on that thought and always end up sitting the baby down to move the handle

Or you try to slide them under the handle without bonking their head.

melprop · December 2017

STM, my S is turning 7yo this week. He’s 4 ft something now. He uses a backless booster in my car and a high back booster in H’s car. We no longer have any seats suitable for infants, so we’re starting over for baby #2 car seat-wise.

How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: I drive daily. With S, I hated the infant seat. I never used it as a carrier unless H was with me to carry the seat around.
Favorite [carseat]: We bought it almost 7 years ago. I think it was the Evenflo Symphony or something very similar.
Cost: Back then it was almost $200, but Evenflo sells similar ones for around $100 now.
What you like about it: It was very user-friendly, and he seemed very comfortable in it. We used it until he got too tall for it.
What you don't like about it, if anything: He got too tall for it before he was 3. We bought front-facing boosters with harnesses for both cars. He still uses one of those with the seatbelt.
Is there a carseat you don't have but are considering? Why?: Graco 4Ever for a few reasons. First, I want to skip the infant seat, and it’s rated to 4lbs. (S was barely 5lbs at birth.) Next, S has always been tall & skinny and has outgrown every carseat/ harnessed booster by height. The 4Ever has taller height limits than most other convertible seats out there. I despise carseat shopping, and I would be very happy to buy two of those in 2018 and never buy another. Finally, I’ve heard it fits pretty well in small cars.
Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Infant seat - it was heavy. It was a massive pain to juggle the infant seat, purse/diaper bag, and other stuff in the winter while trying to unlock & open my car in 2ft of snow. Our Britax convertible seat was monstrous, and it was much harder to install than the Evenflo.
Additional thoughts on [carseats]: If you’re planning to keep your car, Google “Car seats (your make & model of car)” and see what others recommend. Then go to Babies R Us or another baby store that lets you try the seats in your car. Make sure the one you want will fit & install into your car without a ton of trouble. Ask the staff for help if you need to. Then go buy it wherever you can find the best price. There is nothing worse than ordering a car seat from Amazon, sight unseen, to find that it doesn’t really fit in your car or that it’s a huge PITA to install.

proudparent2b · December 2017

How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: daily
Favorite [carseat]: I liked the Greco Travel System (car seat, stroller combo)
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): not sure, it was a baby shower present
What you like about it: Took DS out in it constantly when he was little- so easy to snap in the car or stroller, so no worries about LO sleeping
What you don't like about it, if anything: the stroller occasionally gets stuck in the jogger mode
Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: nope! Infant carseats are only useful for 9-12 months. Definitely not worth buying a different type for such a short length of use
Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [carseats]: I absolutely relied on the portability of the infant carseat for taking LO out and about. However, since LOs only fit in them for such a short period of time, I wouldn’t recommend getting anything too fancy.

livinthesunnylife · December 2017

@mrsbubbles-2 I have the Cosco Scenera and have used it for travel without any issues. Can't beat the $40 for traveling!

lalala2004 · December 2017

How often do you drive/do you use your carseat as a carrier: Daily
Favorite [carseat]: Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1
Link/picture: https://m.toysrus.com/product?productId=80571606&cp=2273443.2256187.2256196&parentPage=family
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $$
What you like about it: It has a high weight limit for rear facing, a ten year expiration date and can be used all the way through high back booster.
What you don't like about it, if anything: it’s kinda bulky, but they all are.
Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope
Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Nope
Additional thoughts on [carseats]: The infant seat is great for when they are tiny so you don’t have to disturb their nap. I say use it as long as you can. Technically you can go to a year if they are within the limits, but they really get too heavy before that. Our infant seat (Graco) had a built in canopy which was nice to block the sun. We had bases in both my car and my mom’s car for easy transfer. (My Mom now has her own car seat, but it doesn’t convert to a booster.)

General thoughts: Don’t buy the seat too early. They do expire and if you are planning on more kids you want them to last, so we waited to buy the convertible seat as well. Definitely have your seat checked by a certified tech. Their knowledge is valuable and car seat safety is so important. The Car seats for the Little’s website is a fantastic resource. They have rankings of all the major car seat models that really details everything that can help you choose what you want based on your specific needs.

mrsbubbles-2 · December 2017

@livinthesunnylife - awesome! Thank you!
@lalala2004 - love that website - and adding on the car seat lady as an awesome resource!

starandrainbow · December 2017

livinthesunnylife said:

STM I have a 1 year old.
How often do you drive: Every day
do you use your carseat as a carrier: After about 4 months or so I had a hard time carrying him in the carrier and we really only did that at restaurants when it was convenient to leave him in there while we ate. And DH carried it.
Favorite [carseat]: My infant seat was the Nuna Pipa, I loved it! I'm a big Nuna person so you'll probably hear this from me a lot on products.
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $200ish I think? I bought it with the stroller as a bundle.
What you like about it: One of the lightest seats (7lbs) and he always seemed really cozy in it (kid is picky too!). It also holds both a very tiny and big baby so it's a very flexible seat.
What you don't like about it, if anything:...... can't think of anything?
Is there a [carseat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope, I'm not buying any more carseats.
Is there a [carseat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [carseats]: I thought of one so I came back to edit. Make sure you know how to use your carseat before you need to. Yes, you think it isn't that hard. But PP when you are exhausted, medicated, and a hot mess, it will SEEM really hard. After finally getting discharged from sleeping in the NICU next to my son I was a disaster and luckily someone else helped me.

I have a 1.5 year old and I am a huge Nuna fan too! Moved out of the Pipa infant seat after 5 months (my bad back couldn’t handle a carrier anymore) and got the Rava. Love them both!

I know this isn’t a stroller thread but I’d also recommend learning how to use your stroller before your belly gets too big for you to lift it. I felt like I couldn’t even practice by the time I got mine.

livinthesunnylife · December 2017

@mommymommymommyhi Hi friend! Sounds like we have a lot in common! I tried the Rava but my son had a horrible skin reaction to it so I had to return it. It was so random! They couldn't even tell me what was on it that wasn't on the Pipa so that I know what he's allergic too. It looked like his skin was burnt- it all blistered up. So sad. So we have the Clek Fllo for our convertible seat.

starandrainbow · December 2017

@livinthesunnylife oh wow! That’s terrible. I wonder if every Rava would do that or it was opened or was a weird batch. Either way I wouldn’t chance it again. Sometimes I feel like things I buy smell like perfume like from the person assembling it. When I got my high chair in the mail (bloom fresco), it was dirty on the bottom like it had been returned. I had to get a new one. I’ll have to look up the Clek Fllo!

livinthesunnylife · December 2017

@mommymommymommyhi Yeah, I was too freaked out to try a different one since they couldn't give me any answers as to what had happened. But they were great with returning it! And I have lots of other Nuna products without that issue, so it's totally weird.

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Product Spotlight Week of 12/18: Carseats!

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