Product Spotlight: Car Seats

KristoKekerooni · June 2018

I figured I would start us out this week on this thread. It hasn't been claimed yet, so if anyone wants responsibility for this, feel free to claim responsibility. I know it's early, but with so many products to consider, it's better to start the ball rolling on the discussion, even if you won't be purchasing right away.

Copied from J '19, courtesy of @galactickates , with a few changes.

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.... Car Seats!

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:

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice:
Favorite [car seat]:
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 [car seat] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
Is there a [car seat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:
Additional thoughts on [car seats]?:

For FTMs

[Car seats] you're interested in:
Link/picture:
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?:

To view past product spotlights, add suggestions for future spotlights see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lTxG3PinopZDo2nd13oufAzhnRlO2bwIDC4KGrGzbtM/edit?usp=sharing

(Also just a reminder that if anyone wants to revive old threads to ask questions as we get further along and it becomes more likely everyone is doing further research, please feel free!)

kayjay44 · June 2018

Lifestyle/body factors that might influence your choice: We needed narrow seats so when we switched DS to a convertible, we got Diono Radians
Favorite car seat: For infants, we have a Britax B-safe that we've used for all our kids and it doesn't expire until 2021. For convertables, I love our Dionos - We also have two Britax convertibles that will need to be replaced with Dionos.
Link/picture: https://www.target.com/p/diono-radian-rxt-all-in-one-convertible-car-seat/-/A-53131249
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): Pretty expensive, but worth every penny. They will also work as a high back booster. And you can even use them for infants.
What you like about it: Narrow, easy to install, easy to store (since they fold).
What you don't like about it, if anything: Kinda heavy, expensive.
Is there a [car seat] you don't have but are considering? Why?: Nope
Is there a [car seat] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: Nope
Additional thoughts on [car seats]?: Size and $$$$ doesn't mean it's safer. Do your research.

cmjenkies · June 2018

This is coming from a third time mom. I can’t get the format right for copy/pasting the prompts but I’ll give my 2 cents anyway.

For infants, I like to get one of the infant bucket seats. If you’re set on going straight to a convertible seat, skip this blurb. I love the Chico Keyfit 30 and it is the only infant seat I will ever use - we still have Lou’s and it doesn’t expire til 2022 so I’ll just use it again. It’s light, easy to clean, and gets a great fit in all sizes or cars. I like the infant seats because I can grab and go when the weather isn’t great or babe is sleeping. I know we’re not talking about strollers, but I would skip the travel systems with infant seats - pick a different stroller that will accept your infant seat that is less bulky. I like the Chicco Liteway Plus. It’s a good umbrella stroller with rubber wheels and you can click the Chicco seat into it. Seat is around $200 and stroller is between $150-200 I think?

My 2yo is now in a Clek Fllo in my car and I would not buy this seat again. It’s awfully heavy and the microfiber cover sucks. I got it because it’s narrow and I used to drive a Honda Civic so I needed a smaller profile seat.

I’ll probably go with a Graco 4ever or E2F or something next time around when we get to this stage. DH has some Graco RF seat in his car for her and I like it a lot better.

Final thought: extended rear facing saves lives. I don’t have a lot of judgey parenting opinions outside of this, but I’ll give all the side eye when someone turns their 9mo because “I’m the mom and it’s my choice.” You may be the mom, but physics wins every time in a high speed crash.

As kiddos get older, having a seat with a high weight limit on the FF 5 point harness is a wonderful thing. You can get one up to like 85# if you want. My son was in a 5pt FF until he was almost 6 and probably could’ve gone longer.

kayjay44 · June 2018

cmjenkies said:

Final thought: extended rear facing saves lives. I don’t have a lot of judgey parenting opinions outside of this, but I’ll give all the side eye when someone turns their 9mo because “I’m the mom and it’s my choice.” You may be the mom, but physics wins every time in a high speed crash.

Agreed - Our kids actually get super car sick RF (I used to, too) and we STILL didn't turn them until after 2. I would have liked to have waited until closer to 4 with both, but the screaming and puking at some point starts to prevent a safety hazard of its own. Also, some states have laws about when you can FF and the minimum in those states is 2.

kdrn913 · June 2018

We also used the Chico key for 30 for an infant seat and love it. DDs infant seat shouldn’t be expired so we will use that again! We currently have a Chico next for zip and a grace 4ever for our convertibles and love both of those too!!

ruby696 · June 2018

We used a Peg Perego Viaggio 4-35 for DS and DD. I can't saw enough about how awesome it is. It's not heavy at all, kids were comfortable in it, and it has amazing safety ratings/features. You can also get an adapter so you can click it into your stroller. It is pricey though. I highly recommend it, if the price doesn't deter you.

Both kids are using Britex convertible car seats now. We love them, but they aren't easy to install. I make my husband do it.

We started out with a Graco when DS was an infant and he hated it. We realized that because the seat was so deep, he was basically folded in half. He was born in November, so heat shouldn't have been a issue, but he was always so sweaty and uncomfortable in it. We switched to the Peg Perego and never had another problem. We will definitely use it again for baby number 3 since it hasn't expired.

ETA: spelling

KristoKekerooni · June 2018

For FTMs

[Car seats] you're interested in: My grandmother bought us the Chicco keyfit 30 (and Viaro stroller) a few weeks ago (DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON WHY SHE DID THIS), so I guess that's what we are going with (but it was my top choice anyway). I love the color, love that it snaps into the stroller, and love that it's good for preemies (not that we are expecting that, but best to be prepared, especially since we did transfer two embryos, so we don't know about that yet.). Also, while I have an SUV, my H has a small car, so the Chicco will be great for that, because of its small size. It's also really easy to adjust the straps, etc, as far as I can see.
Link/picture: https://www.amazon.com/Chicco-KeyFit-Infant-Seat-Orion/dp/B071L1NG6N/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1529343462&sr=1-5&keywords=chicco+keyfit+30
Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): It's $200. I have no concept about whether that is a lot or a little. I just researched features and safety and all that, and then bought what I wanted without thinking about price. I need to get better about looking into $$ too. haha.
Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?: I've never thought beyond infant. When do you make the switch to convertible?

ruby696 · June 2018

@KristoKekerooni Our infant seat is rated to 35lbs, but it would have been crazy to keep DS and DD in it that long. DS is 3.5 and he's 34lbs! I think we switched them around 15 months? Not positive on that. Once they were mobile enough that we felt like they were no longer infants, we switched to rear facing convertible car seats.

kayjay44 · June 2018

@KristoKekerooni - It depends on the height and weight limit of the seat. We have switched around a year.

KristoKekerooni · June 2018

So use their weight and the car seat's weight as a guide, basically? What's the difference? Just that a convertible is one that lasts much longer and you don't take it out and carry it?

@ruby696 , @kayjay44

ruby696 · June 2018

@KristoKekerooni Yes, you leave it in unless you're putting it in another vehicle, which is a huge PIA. They sit a little higher up in the convertible which lets them interact a bit more. Especially if you have a mirror on the rear headrest. The rear facing convertibles (should) do front facing too, so you'll get a few years of use out of it - until it's time to move to a booster.

becks_726 · June 2018

I have a more general question if that's okay.

Would we be silly to buy a convertible seat for car #2 instead of a second infant base?

I suspect car #2 will only ever get used very rarely in the first year because I'll be on maternity leave. But obviously don't want to be stuck without a seat in case of some kind of emergency. After year 1 we will definitely need a seat in each car.

Tia!

ruby696 · June 2018

@becks_726 Not silly at all as long as you don't mind moving the infant seat between vehicles as needed until baby is big enough for the convertible. We ended up with two of everything because we switched pick-up amd drop-off at daycare depending our our schedules. We didn't want to be limited if something came up at the last minute.

kayjay44 · June 2018

@becks_726 We opted for two bases for daycare pick-up and drop off because we left the seat at daycare.

@KristoKekerooni - Most convertables can be used for infants. It basically comes down to ease of use (winner: bucket seat) and how long they last (winner: convertible).

We'll be using our bucket seat for the third time with this LO as we have until 2020 before it expires. That means we've gotten at least 3 years out of it by the time this LO outgrows it. And I do babywear a lot, but it's nice to have the bucket seats when they are constantly sleeping.

risainthesky · June 2018

I’m a STM and looooved the Chico keyfit. Has anyone tried this AND the Nuna Pipa? I’m really tempted to get a Pipa this time around.

Omie_Wise · June 2018

I have a Doona and I love it!! If you travel a lot and can swing the cost, it’s definitely worth it.

and_peggy · June 2018

Love our Chicco Keyfit for the infant carrier. For convertible car seats we have Britax Marathon. I love them but they aren’t seats you’re going to want to transport back and forth.

mamabear89071516 · June 2018

Just adding my 2 sense! Winter baby in cold climate, you’ll want an infant bucket seat. Don’t spend a ton on it, it won’t last long! We used our baby trend only for 6m until my hulk of a son was too heavy to lug around in it!
Switched to a Graco E2f and never looked back, my 98% 2.5 year old is still comfortably tear facing in it, and that won’t change until close to 4 hopefully!

So so in short, save $ with the infant seat (they’re all very similar!) and spend $ on a convertible! The E2f is reasonable ($160ish on sale) and will last a LONG LONG time. Worth every cent, and really user friendly!

ksd20 · October 2018

Reviving this because I'd like some opinions. We're looking at getting either the Britax B-Safe 35 $160-170 (extra base $100),

Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 $105-175 (extra base normally $37, but they're running a special for a free extra base on select product purchases through the end of the year) or a Chicco Keyfit $200 (extra base $90).

Because my SIL and I are due at the same time and my MIL will be watching 1 or both babies some days there's potential for needing 6(+?) total bases. From a financial side that makes the Graco top pick, but people seem to like Britax and Chicco better. Thoughts?

BourbonBiscuits · October 2018

@ksdelong20 we have the graco - used it with DS for the first year. We ended up needing 3 bases (one for each of our cars and one at my moms house) and it was so easy to switch between cars. We bought it initially as a travel system with the stroller, we didn’t even think about bases lol. I thought it was lightweight, cozy for him, and easy to click in and out of the base. As he got bigger we kept the seat in the base and just carried him since he’s a big kid. The only thing I didn’t love was that it isn’t super padded. Which doesn’t/didn’t bother me all that much, but sometimes I look at those fancy car seats and wonder if they’re better with all the extra padding. Bottom line though they all have to pass safety regulations, so I don’t know that extra padding makes one exceedingly safer than another.

bellebaby221 · October 2018

Graco family since our oldest boys were born. At least until they were out of the pumpkin seats. Then we went to Evenflo Symphony 65s.
Already got a new E2F for this one. Got a great price on Amazon. $160.
If you're getting a Graco check this out: https://www.gracobonusbase.com/home?gaipcat=Homepage&gaipcid=HERO_FREEBASE&gaipcp=3?
Free base with the purchase of certain seats. We got one, which is $100 savings with the E2F. I think it takes 6-8 weeks for the base to come.

sonicearplugs · October 2018

@risainthesky, my husband and I are having the same debate between the Chicco and the Nuna. The Nuna Pipa would be heaps more convenient with the lack of needing the base in my husband's teeny tiny car (that we would very very rarely use anyways) and the lightness of the seat for carrying. At the same time, the lack of base slightly terrifies me for safety. I know it's quite common in Europe, and still safe, but it just goes agaisna everything I (think I) know.

... Also, the Nuna travel system gets great reviews. We'll be making a trip next weekend to take a peek at one in person, so I guess that will help make our decision.

kayjay44 · October 2018

Britax B-safe here. It’s been used for our first two and it is still great (and not expired). We also have a stroller it works with.

okayestmom12 · October 2018

sonicearplugs said:

@risainthesky, my husband and I are having the same debate between the Chicco and the Nuna. The Nuna Pipa would be heaps more convenient with the lack of needing the base in my husband's teeny tiny car (that we would very very rarely use anyways) and the lightness of the seat for carrying. At the same time, the lack of base slightly terrifies me for safety. I know it's quite common in Europe, and still safe, but it just goes agaisna everything I (think I) know.

... Also, the Nuna travel system gets great reviews. We'll be making a trip next weekend to take a peek at one in person, so I guess that will help make our decision.

Most infant seats can be used w/o a base (including the Keyfit 30).

We went with the Chicco Keyfit30 this time around (had a Britax BSafe w/ DD and then a Graco Snugfit with DS but loaned them out then donated them after each kid). Really like how light the Keyfit is and how well it puzzled in my SUV for 3 across (it's narrow but doesn't FEEL small - know what I mean?).

megpants209 · October 2018

@sonicearplugs If you're definitely getting the Nuna stroller, then I'd go with the Nuna. Otherwise I'm having a hard time finding a compelling reason to go with it (or just about any carseat) over the Keyfit/30. For me it largely came down to stroller, if I went with the UppaBaby, I’d get the matching carseat. I’m not so now I'm back to square 1 on carseat research but so far the Keyfit looks promising.

cmjenkies · October 2018

@ksdelong20 I am 150% a fan of the Chicco Keyfit for all of my babies. It’s wonderful and easy to use, plus not as heavy as some of the Graco seats and the Britax infant carrier is really narrow IMO.

For both you and @sonicearplugs:
You absolutely do not need a base to get a good install in an infant seat in a car - they are mearly for ease of use. You can do a safe install with the car seat seat belt in about 30 seconds. You can also very easily move a base between vehicles. That’s actually what we did with my second baby and it was no problem - much easier than moving a convertible seat between vehicles which we also did often for a long time.

sjnsjnsjn · October 2018

Millionth Rec for the keyfit 30. That's what we used until my DS was 9 months. We then switched to the Diono Rainier which will convert all the way to booster seat and was the safest seat with the tallest height allowance we could find for my tall kid. No complaints about it but it's definitely not so portable because it's about 30 pounds.

That brings me to my question:
Does anyone have a Rec for a lightweight travel convertible car seat? I asked this on "ask a STM" and thankfully got one response- the graco contender- but am interested in more recs. I need something for two upcoming plane flights, both for in the plane seat and to go in and out of cabs quickly and easily (first trip is to NYC). Of course the online reviews of the few popular ones show pros and cons, and I need to buy stat because we are flying a week from Thursday. Thanks!
ETA: Has anyone used the Cosco Scenera NEXT or the Evenflo Tribute XL. Those are the two lightest ones listed on Lucies List..

okayestmom12 · October 2018

@sjnsjnsjn - We had Cosco Scenera's as grandparent/ secondary seats and have ZERO complaints! So light, so CHEAP! As long as your little fits as far as height/ weight, that's what I'd grab.

sjnsjnsjn · October 2018

@okayestmom12- Great, thx! I think that's also the cheapest

ETA: My two year old is nearly at the height max for it but he's all legs so I think it might not quite be accurate for him.

okayestmom12 · October 2018

@sjnsjnsjn - I think they're under $50 a pop. Can't beat that!

megpants209 · October 2018

@sjnsjnsjn for the new baby? We are getting a Doona! It’s an infant car seat that becomes a stroller and can be used without a base so great for cabs/Uber/Lyft.

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