Community› The Bump Month Clubs› March 2020 Moms
March 2020 Moms
New Discussion

Product Spotlight: Car Seats!

kagesstarshroomkagesstarshroom member
in March 2020 Moms

The Product Spotlight Series continues! Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product. If you discover something new or are new to the board, you're welcome to comment on threads like these throughout your time here, not just when it's their week in the spotlight.

FTMs are encouraged to ask questions & STM/+s encouraged to share their knowledge based on experience. You can use any or all the prompts relevant to you below to share info in an easy-to-read format--or none of them. Pictures/screen grabs, if put in spoilers, are welcome! This week we're talking.... Car Seats!


For S+TMs: 
  • What do you already/still have & pros/cons:
  • Carseat you want (& why?):
  • Additional questions you might want to weigh in on... Are you going for an infant carseat first or a convertible? Do you care about weight limits (low or high)? Or the weight of the seat itself? Can you fit three across? Does it fit in both you and your partner's vehicles? Does it fit into your stroller? How can you even tell about stroller compatibility? Where do you look for safety info? Is there other relevant info? Feel free to share links, pictures, and price.

For FTMs:

  • What are you concerned could/should influence your choice/s:
  • Car Seat(s) you're interested in:
  • Link/picture/price:
  • When you look at car seats, what’s confusing? Need feedback on a particular model? What other questions do you have for S+TMs?
To view the upcoming PSS schedule, based off of S19's, see here: March 2020 PSS Spreadsheet!
Up next week: Breast Pumps and Accessories
Just a note: Anyone can post these--just because I created the spreadsheet doesn't mean yall can't post them if you're sad I miss a Friday. I've been stealing prompts from S19 for the most part. Most Fridays, I will try to get to them, but I spent a long time during most of the past few weeks so nauseated it was hard for me to be on a computer/my phone because doing so made me feel carsick. So just in case that continues for much longer (FX it wanes--I'm 10w1d today FXFXFX & having a good day today for the most part), if I don't post it Friday morning--or even if you just get to it before I do on a Friday morning-- you totally can post whatever's up next, just make sure you visit and then update the spreadsheet linked abovev! <3<3<3 
Report Reply to Post

Re: Product Spotlight: Car Seats!

  • mommaofsoontobe8mommaofsoontobe8 member
    Just bought our car seats yesterday! I previously had the Peg Perego Viaggio 4-35, and I really liked it, but I wanted something a lot more light weight for the twins! I did a lot of research, and settled on the Nuna Pipa. I was originally going to get the regular Nuna Pipa, because $349/each was not in the budget for us... but I ended up going to a baby boutique to look around and get her advice as well, and she gave me a steal of a deal on the Nuna Pipa Lite!! $260/each! I love how sleek they look, the safety ratings are great, and they are insanely light! 
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • silverhopesilverhope member
    • What do you already/still have & pros/cons: Chicco Fit2. | Pros: lasts until baby is 2 or 35 in tall, pretty light, easy to click into lightweight chicco shuttle stroller. | Cons: Straps get tangled or are difficult to pull tight sometimes and I have to readjust and try again. (I have no clue how common this issue is since this is the only car seat I’ve used.)
    • Carseat you want (& why?): we bought the Graco 4ever 4-in-1 to use when DS outgrows the Chicco. I picked it since it’s convertible and will last years (and my SIL has one and liked it).  
    • Additional questions you might want to weigh in on... Are you going for an infant carseat first or a convertible? Do you care about weight limits (low or high)? Or the weight of the seat itself? Can you fit three across? Does it fit in both you and your partner's vehicles? Does it fit into your stroller? How can you even tell about stroller compatibility? Where do you look for safety info? Is there other relevant info? Feel free to share links, pictures, and price.—> I would look at weight of carseat if you are going to buy a shuttle stroller to click your infant carseat in and out of. I have a Honda CRV and I can’t fit three car seats across (I don’t think). We will never have that problem though ha. We bought the chicco shuttle to make sure it was compatible. Loved it. It is so lightweight and easy to fold up in my trunk. Def worth the price. I used Consumer Reports for safety but I didn’t renew my subscription. 
    Me: 32 | DH: 35
    Married: 8/22/15
    BFP #1: 8/22/17 | DS: 4/20/18 
    BFP #2: 7/14/19 | EDD: 3/18/20
    Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
    Babysizer Geeky Pregnancy Baby Tracker

    Report Reply
  • momoftoddlersmomoftoddlers member
    Love my Graco Click Connect, wrote all about it in the stroller thread. We’re buying another one this pregnancy bc our old one was old after two babies. 

    Can’t imagine not having an infant seat and snap in stroller because it’s just so convenient for an infant to keep them in the seat when getting in and out of the house/car. Especially because these will be winter babies for a lot of us and it’s easier to bundle them up in the car seat (well over it really). Also on that note, highly recommend the Bundle Me car seat cover to avoid the whole no coats under car seat straps thing. 

    After infant stage, love the Graco 4Ever. Both my daughters ride in them and they are super easy to latch in and to adjust with just one button. They’ve also worn really well, and they’re moderately sized. 
    Report Reply
  • projectaliceprojectalice member
    edited August 2019
    I'm going to use the car seat I bought for my first son since it's still perfectly good. It's the Maxi Cosi Mico Max infant car seat. I really like it, it's super easy to clean and very soft/comfortable. It also snaps onto the stroller I have, so I can easily transfer from the car to stroller without waking up the baby. My son seemed to like it too and was pretty comfy. 

    I forgot to add it's super lightweight and has a canopy! The canopy is great when it's raining or snowing out. 
    Report Reply
  • lm45678lm45678 member
    I am the UppaBaby Mesa for an infan car seat. We used it for DD, but the canopy broke and UB sent us a brand new car seat!😮 So we have an untouched seat waiting for baby. It clicks right into our Vista, has great reviews and looks super comfy. It’s also a super easy install. The biggest cons are: 1) its expensive and 2) it’s heavy. I’m actually very tempted to get the Nuna Pippa Lite but am trying to resist! For a convertible car seat we have a Graco 4 ever for DD (3). We will probably move her to a high back booster with 5 point harness around 5 and then put baby into their own convertible seat. So I don’t plan on buying any new car seats for at least a year and a half.
    Me (31) & DH (32)
    Married 9/27/2014
    DD Born 6/23/16
    Baby #2 Due 3/7/20
    Report Reply
  • hlin89hlin89 member
    edited August 2019
    So, I'm a FTM, but I don't really believe in keeping babies in car seats when they are outside of a car. Also, where I live in the South it won't be that cold at the end of March - and if it really is that cold, why would I take baby outside? We also have a garage and my husband and I almost always go places together (I don't really like to drive), so there will always be hands/bodies available to hold or wear baby when we get to the destination (edited to add this as some people misunderstood what I meant) - and holding/carrying is supposedly better for infants anyway.

    If there's an issue with the hospital only allowing us to take baby home in a removable infant seat (as opposed to a convertible one), we have several friends we could borrow from for a day.

    (I think I've covered most of the arguments for getting an infant car seat, but I'm wondering if anyone can convince me I need one.)

    Taking all that into consideration, we decided to get the Nuna Rava when it was on sale recently. The ease of use and ability to use for longer facing backward were standout features for us. And since we aren't getting an infant seat, we decided it was ok to splurge on the convertible that we really wanted, especially since it was only about $100 more on sale than our "cheap" convertible option.
    Report Reply
  • MalidociousMalidocious member
    edited August 2019
    @hlin89 I'm fairly certain hospitals require you to take the baby home in a removable infant seat because they're convenient to strap baby in and bundle before you get to the car and because legally,  you have to have the baby in a car seat any time the car is in motion (obviously; doesn't necessarily have to be a removable one).  And since babies typically are asleep a lot, it's easier to get a seat that can be removed and carried inside so you don't wake the baby.
    Report Reply
  • hlin89hlin89 member
    edited August 2019
    @Malidocious I'm a bit shocked. How did anything I say cause you to believe I or anyone would be holding baby while the car is moving? Of course baby would be in a car seat. The Nuna Rava is rated for infants from 5 lbs. Just because it can't be carried around doesn't mean it isn't just fine for an infant. And I already said that if the hospital for some reason required a removable car seat - most just require that you have a car seat rated for the weight of the infant - that I can borrow one.

    Edited because I just checked my hospital and they only say you need a rear-facing car seat installed in the car. Does not need to be a removable one.
    Report Reply
  • MalidociousMalidocious member
    edited August 2019
    @hlin89 I didn't say you said anything like that.  I was just explaining why hospitals require the things they require.  You're fine as long as you have any car seat, even a borrowed one for a day.
    Report Reply
  • mrsc918mrsc918 member
    Oh man! These product spotlight threads make me feel so overwhelmed as a FTM!! Lol!!!! I’m a type A planner and big on research so I def appreciate the input, but holy moly - I got a lot of research coming up (once I get past first tri lol)!!! 
    Report Reply
  • MalidociousMalidocious member
    @mrsc918 I feel the same way but I adore these threads because I love seeing how many people recommend the same things.  It's overwhelming with the volume of information but it's so valuable at the same time.
    Report Reply
  • orbmakerorbmaker member
    I bought the uppa baby mesa Henry because it was the only model available at the time that was made without flame retardants. We still have it, it’s not expired, and we’ve had no car accidents, so we’ll use it again for baby two. It’s a bit heavy, but we don’t really have a stroller lifestyle, so it was just a matter of lugging her inside if she happened to be asleep or there was inclement weather. I bought a Maxi cosi pria 70 convertible car seat that DD is currently using, which is not flame retardant free, but was found to have lower levels of the most toxic flame retardants compared to other car seats. I like it well enough and the cover is easy to take off, wash, and put back on. There are now apparently a couple of convertible car seats that are flame retardant free, which is great! Since these car seats are usually made with wool (naturally flame retardant), they are more expensive.

    Here’s a link I just found that includes a breakdown of 2019 models, if you’re interested. 

    https://www.modmamamanual.com/best-car-seats-without-flame-retardants/
    Report Reply
  • projectaliceprojectalice member
    Oh great.... Something else for me to worry about, since my kid has been riding around in flame retardants for 3 years....
    Report Reply
  • WorkingOnMyNightCheeseWorkingOnMyNightCheese member
    @hlin89 If you haven't already, I'd call your hospital and see what they actually require. Ours required baby to leave in a car seat, but it didn't have to be a removable one. The do this because they legally (at least in Vermont) cannot let a baby leave that is too small for the seat. They also teach you how to strap them in, in case you don't already know. Anyway, worth a call to see. :)
    Report Reply
  • WorkingOnMyNightCheeseWorkingOnMyNightCheese member
    Oh! And I stressed so much about carseats with DD, what I learned is that... you shouldn't. They don't sell anything in the US that doesn't meet minimum safety requirements, that are fairly rigorous, so take peace of mind that whatever you get, if used properly, should protect LO.

    That said, we had a Graco SnugRide a bucket seat, and got two bases, one for my car and one for DH's. This meant we could move the seat between the two and not worry about having to reinstall the base. We will be using it again. This is the newer model of the same thing.
    https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Snugride-Snuglock-Platinum-Grayson/dp/B07CVCH2DN/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=graco+click+connect+car+seat&qid=1567003060&s=gateway&sr=8-6

    Around 10 months, when she got too big to wrangle into the infant seat, we got a convertible, and went with the Graco 4ever 
    https://www.amazon.com/Graco-4Ever-Convertible-Seat-Studio/dp/B00Y286A0U/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=graco%2B4ever%2Ball-in-one&qid=1567003177&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyM0RBSFJTNFAwUlpHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODU2NzQ4SVFDT0pJUFdVSDIwJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMzk0NzUxTDlLSlNZNERDUlVDJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1
    Report Reply
  • orbmakerorbmaker member
    @projectalice Hugs! it’s really overwhelming! I deeply resent that it’s on moms to figure this stuff out as opposed to, yanno, experts guiding thoughtful federal regulation. This is one of those things I decided to take seriously, the more I learned... but I’ll warn you that it’s a slippery slope because they put FR in a lot of kids’ stuff, furniture, rugs, etc. Sigh. So, tread cautiously, I suppose. It’s exhausting. Limiting time in the car seat (ie not letting them sleep in there), regularly vacuuming, and just plain old time spent off-gassing all reduce exposure.
    Report Reply
  • MadamemerleMadamemerle member
    edited August 2019
    Anyone have recommendations for a 2nd car seat for a small car (Honda Fit)? We have a Britax Marathon Click tight for my toddler which is great but I have no idea how we will fit another rear facing convertible in.

    Looking at Combi Coccoro maybe but very open to all suggestions....

    I love our click tight as a convertible (so easy to install). Also found the Chicco keyfit we had very easy to use, but a little heavy to carry (so I rarely did after the first month). Even though I rarely used the bucket seat outside the car, it was a godsend to have the ability when you really needed it... So, I would still choose to get one again vs going straight to convertible. Also I probably used it very little because only my husband drives so those situations just came up a lot less for me. 
    Report Reply
  • dunder_mifflindunder_mifflin member
    This is a very timely thread because car seats have been something I’ve started thinking about. DH and I have an older car - a 2004 Chrysler/Dodge intrepid. It’s huge, it’s a boat - honestly is longer and wider than a mini van even though it’s a sedan. We don’t plan on purchasing a new car since ours is in great shape (less than 100,000 kms) and runs really well, is pretty safe: 

    my choice of car seat will likely be based on safety fit and compatibility with our car before considering the other features. Anyone else have any thoughts on how to go about seeing if a car seat is compatible/a good fit? Anyone by chance also have an older, larger sedan (or by random chance is an Intrepid buddy)? I can’t find a website anywhere where you can plug in your car and it generates a list of comparable car seats, haha. 
    Report Reply
  • projectaliceprojectalice member
    @dunder_mifflin most infant car seats have a belt path that goes basically across their lap. So as long as you have a seat bet you can secure the car seat.
    Report Reply
  • lm45678lm45678 member
    @dunder_mifflin there’s a FB group called Car seat for the littles that could probably help you out :)
    Me (31) & DH (32)
    Married 9/27/2014
    DD Born 6/23/16
    Baby #2 Due 3/7/20
    Report Reply
  • dunder_mifflindunder_mifflin member
    @laurenm2123 thank you so much! 

    @projectalice I’ve heard there can be compatibility issues, especially with older cars (angles, seatbelts not long enough, etc) but I’ll look into it :) 
    Report Reply
  • phyllifishphyllifish member
    This is something I’ve been going back and forth about. We live in an urban area and primarily walk or take public transportation. We have a car share membership for when we need to drive, and are possibly going to end up getting a car towards the end of this year, but we might also wait until next summer. 

    I’m really torn about whether we get the infant car seat or just a convertible one. I’ll be home (thanks to being a teacher and the timing of my due date) until the baby is about 6 months old, the pediatricians office is about a 10 minute walk from our house and I do prefer walking places. I’m not sure if the baby will be in it enough to justify the carrier seat, and our friends have given mixed opinions. 
    Report Reply
  • MadamemerleMadamemerle member
    edited September 2019
    phyllifish said:
    This is something I’ve been going back and forth about. We live in an urban area and primarily walk or take public transportation. We have a car share membership for when we need to drive, and are possibly going to end up getting a car towards the end of this year, but we might also wait until next summer. 

    I’m really torn about whether we get the infant car seat or just a convertible one. I’ll be home (thanks to being a teacher and the timing of my due date) until the baby is about 6 months old, the pediatricians office is about a 10 minute walk from our house and I do prefer walking places. I’m not sure if the baby will be in it enough to justify the carrier seat, and our friends have given mixed opinions. 
    I think, if I were you, I'd get a super light convertible. But make sure it is easy and simple to install. Since you'll only be using it when you car share, you need to know you can do a correct and safe installation in a variety of cars and relatively quickly. But it also needs to be pretty portable because you do not want to be lugging around a giant car seat and a baby. 

    Infant seats are really easy, from that point of view (easy belt install and relatively light) but if you'll only use it a handful of times, I agree it might be a waste...

    Maybe look at the Cosco Scenera next, since it's really light? 
    Report Reply
  • momoftoddlersmomoftoddlers member
    If anyone is looking for a super affordable Travel System, check out the Graco Verb. I paid $110 on Amazon for car seat, base, and stroller. It seems like a slightly lesser model than the Graco Modes I had last time (and paid probably $300 for), but I tried it out today and it’s nice and functional, especially for the price. I only need it to last one baby and I think it will do that. 
    Report Reply
  • corgmomcorgmom member
    Heads up: The Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip is on Walmart’s website for $206 and you get a $50 gift card with it! I think it’s a pre-black Friday deal?
    Report Reply
  • MadamemerleMadamemerle member
    Does anyone have a Diono Radian?

    This is now the likelier option for us as a second seat (plan to transfer the toddler to the radian and use the keyfit 30 and then Britax for the new baby ). I hear not so great things about it, and just want to hear from actual people that use it... It seems like the best option for us space wise and in terms of it being usable as a booster layer on. 
    Report Reply
  • dunder_mifflindunder_mifflin member
    edited November 2019
    I’m so glad this thread resurfaced!

    i think I’m going to go with the Nuna Pippa to click into the Vista with the adapters. Anyone have this travel system? Some people with vista recommended the Mesa car seat but the Nuna is a) cheaper b)lighter c) rated better for safety. I love the Nuna so far 
    Report Reply
  • lemonlove86lemonlove86 member
    @dunder_mifflin same here! I heard this adapter  is easier to use with the Nuna/Vista combo, so I registered for that.
    Report Reply
  • dunder_mifflindunder_mifflin member
    @lemonlove86 yes ive seen that too! I’m just having so much trouble finding it in Canada. I don’t know why! I know we have strict safety regulations - hence why they pulled dock a tot off the shelves here because people were promoting it for unsupervised sleeping which is not technically safe for - maybe there’s something off/questionable with it? I’m not sure. 
    ill have to ask at snuggle bugz or buy buy baby. 
    Report Reply
  • lemonlove86lemonlove86 member
    @dunder_mifflin OOH interesting. Let me know if you find anything out!
    Report Reply
  • dunder_mifflindunder_mifflin member
    @lemonlove86 I will let you know when I find out. I know the pipa’s bar thing that goes to floor was removed for Canadian market because it didn’t pass our safety regulations, not sure why. So there’s some differences in products and i have a feeling they aren’t allowed to be sold for some strange reason. 🤷🏻‍♀️ If it’s safe for US market though totally use it :) Canada is just crazy strict with these things apparently 
    Report Reply
  • NTbaby17NTbaby17 member
    Hey ladies I want the nuna pipa lite as well for my third ! I need something light since my other two hands will be full 😜, where are you purchasing? I’ve noticed the only place I can find is Nordstrom , ugh not very affordable ! 
    Report Reply
  • stac4056stac4056 member
    Popping in about convertible seats as I've been borrowing my husband's for about a week now.  For convertibles, I got the Chicco NextFits for both kids in my car, and the Graco 4 ever for DD in DH's car. The Nextfits are beasts for sure, heavy, and large. There was a sale and I thought they were pretty comparable, so got the Britax Clicktight for DS. It is a sleek looking seat, and easy for my DS to get in and out of himself with lower sides. But after having it for a week, I do not like it as much as the NextFits!!! The cover slipped out of the sides and was sliding down, probably because he likes to flounder himself in and out lately, not sure if this would happen often. The straps seem to be twisted every time I go to strap him, which is not a problem I have with the NextFits. And the sidewalls just seem more flimsy than the NextFit and he appears less comfortable/ergonomic in this one. Just my comparison of those two seats!! I don't use the Graco 4 ever often, but the times I have, it even seems better than, or at least the same as this Britax.
    We had the Britax infant carrier through both kids, and will use this time as well within it's 6 year use by date, even though it is so much heavier than the newer options these days. Other than being on the heavy side it seems great, we have a base for each car that it easily clicks in and out and we have the stroller too. But I don't have anything to compare it to. 
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"