We loved the KeyFit, too! We got extra bases to make life easier. It was easy to install, easy to buckle DD into,and easy to clean. We will probably get it again, just because we are already familiar with it.
We have PegPerrego infant seat and convertible seat. LOVE them. DD1 stayed rear facing in the convertible until she was 4.5 years old (she is 98th percentile for height so it accommodates tall children) and the infant seat (which we didn't have for DD1, but had for DD2) is amazing too and DD2 didn't outgrow it before a year like DD1's seat. We will reuse the infant seat this time and will definitely get another convertible seat again when the time comes as well! I also like that the infant seat just clips right on to the stroller chassis and that there is also a stand you can get with it that the seat clips right on to as well so you don't have to bend over to put baby in the seat, and it stays at a safe angle if baby is still sleeping after a car ride and you don't want to take them out of the seat:)
We used the Chicco Keyfit 30 with our first and liked it. Very easy to install and narrow front to back if space is an issue in your vehicle. We loaned it to a close friend and don’t expect to get it back, plus it would be 5 years old now. I can’t remember how long that specific car seat has before it expires.
This time I am 99% sure we will go with the Clek Liing. I love that they use materials not treated with flame retardants, the sun shade comes allllll the way down to cover baby, there is a peek-a-boo mesh flap to be able to check on baby thru the sun shade, the base has a load leg, and it is the most narrow seat you will find on the market. We have a small sedan car and I hope to still be able to squeeze between my son’s convertible car seat and the baby’s infant seat to still sit in the back with them. Anyone have a review of this seat?
@night_nurse No review so I'm no help, but it sounds like a great seat! We'll have this little guy in the infant seat, DD2 in the convertible, and DD1 in the booster...but DD1 will be 8 already...and she's tall...so I'm thinking we'll probably pull up our 3rd row of seats and have her sit back there. Luckily because the stroller is just a chassis it still fits easily in the back even with all the seats up. I want to still be able to sit on the middle too if needed...but I have a feeling DD1 is going to fight me for that job. She loves taking care of DD2 in the car now so I imagine she'll LOVE being in charge of a baby...I'm hoping she hits the height requirement for no booster seat by the time baby gets here so that we won't have to worry about the booster.
I am a wanna-be CPST (car passenger safety tech), so my recommendation is a super informative Instagram account run by a CPST! I have learned so much from following safeintheseat (https://instagram.com/safeintheseat?utm_medium=copy_link), including how the safest car seat is the one you properly install and properly adjust, how important it is to read both your car seat manual and car manual to get the proper install, what proper harness fit looks like for newborns, how to clean your seat (hint: always read the manual and never use harsh chemicals that can compromise the integrity of the car seat materials), the benefit of extended rear facing, paying attention to seat limits, etc.
@Panaceia we are going to try and squeeze in our tiny car for as long as we can. I have a brother 12 years younger than I and I for sure felt like his 2nd mama always jumping at any opportunity to take care of him. Im sure your oldest will be elated for a little one! Can’t wait for you to be able to tell them
Re: Product Spotlight: Car seats
Advice for FTMs-- get two (or more if necessary) bases! It makes it so much easier to switch cars.
This time I am 99% sure we will go with the Clek Liing. I love that they use materials not treated with flame retardants, the sun shade comes allllll the way down to cover baby, there is a peek-a-boo mesh flap to be able to check on baby thru the sun shade, the base has a load leg, and it is the most narrow seat you will find on the market. We have a small sedan car and I hope to still be able to squeeze between my son’s convertible car seat and the baby’s infant seat to still sit in the back with them. Anyone have a review of this seat?