Most of the transitions featured in my From Baby to Big Kid series are things that I haven't personally experienced yet, which is why I asked a bunch of my good friends to share their stories and advice. Today I am featuring the topic of Transitioning to a Convertible Carseat - and this is actually something we went through a lot earlier than planned.I never expected to need a second car seat 4 months after I had Rilynn, but by that time, she was about to exceed the height limit on her
Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat. We were extremely satisfied with her car seat and I wasn't looking forward to finding a new one.I began researching the top rated car seats. I knew I wanted her to be able to be rear facing as long as possible. I also knew that she has been growing a lot
faster than babies her size, so a high weight and height limit was also important. At the time this was going on, Ryan did not have a job, but we agreed that we would choose whatever the best car seat was, even if that brand was a little more expensive.After all my research, we decided we wanted to go with the
Chicco NextFit convertible car seat. Not only did it offer all of the things I was looking for, I felt confident in the brand since it was the same company who made her infant car seat. I searched all over the internet and it turned out that Target had the car seat on sale that week, so we ended up getting it for a really good price.So far, we have been extremely satisfied with it! It has been 3 months and we haven't had any issues. I will mention that a lot of negative reviews you find are based on the car seat prior to October 2013. At that time, Chicco addressed the complaints of their customers, and all new models include those features. (These were minor things, like making certain straps
removable for cleaning, not anything having to do with safety).
Each child and family is different. My biggest advice is to take into account your child's growth pattern and then make a list of things that are most important to you. And now here is my friend Michelle's experience with transitioning to a convertible car seat!
Hi, my name is Michelle and I write over at Mama Say What?!, a modern resource for today’s modern mama. I am a mama to Elizabeth, who is 16 months old, and wife to Brad, a proud Texan, contractor, and former Marine. Ever since having our daughter, I’ve become a car seat nut. I’m ‘that mom’ who posts PSA’s on my facebook page about proper car seat usage, and whose daughter will be rear facing in her seat until she meets the seats maximum height and weight requirements. I truly believe that extended rear facing is safest, and I'm insistent that Elizabeth’s seat be positioned as such, no matter whose car she is in.In January we transitioned Elizabeth (13 months at the time) from her infant car seat to a convertible seat. Although she was easily able to fit in to her Britax Chaperone seat per Britax’s height and weight requirements, she was very ready to be sitting more upright in a ‘big girl seat’. My husband and I spent months researching brands and styles. We knew which brands we didn’t want due to reviews, lack of compatibility with our car, and length of time the seats could be used in the rear facing position. We were stuck deciding between the Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio and the Maxi Cosi Pria 70, and my husband actually ended up making the final decision after seeing both seats in person at our local Buy Buy Baby. We ordered the Pria in Sweet Cerise (a gorgeous pink) and I anxiously awaited its arrival.Fast forward 4 months, and we are very happy with our seat choice. Elizabeth seems to love her seat and most importantly, fits wonderfully in it. She has tons of room to grow, and can easily see out the side window as we drive (which keeps her very entertained and quite). The head wings initially seem quite bulky, but again, she has no issues with them blocking her peripheral vision and they seem very cozy when she leans her head against them and fall asleep. The seat is very deep, and her hips, trunk, and head are all set back in the seat to provide side impact protection in the event of a crash.
Tips for choosing a convertible car seat 1) Do your research before going to try out the seats. It’s overwhelming to see a sea of 20+ makes and models! Read the reviews, watch youtube videos, and ask friends. This will help you narrow down your selection.2) Discuss with your partner what features are important and why. Brad was insistent about getting a seat with “cushy looking” head wings, and I was insistent on a seat with high height and weight limit.3) Go to the baby store sans kiddo. Stores such as Buy Buy Baby and Babies r Us allow you to install floor models in your car before you buy. Installing and adjusting a car seat properly takes time and some muscle, so you want to be able to concentrate.
4) Once you find the seat, shop around on line. Amazon, Albeebaby, and Babyage are all good starting points to getting the best deal. And don’t forget to check ebates to get cash back, too.
Remember, the safest seat is one that is properly installed and properly used. A 100.00 seat can be just as safe as a 300.00 seat when used correctly!
