1. I plan to switch him after the cold weather ends. He's getting heavy, but bundling and unbundling is a pain and he likes his infant seat more. 2. Definitely rear facing as long as possible - hoping to get him RF until he's 4 when his skeletal system will be more developed. He's tiny so it shouldn't be a problem. 3. Convertible - we have one Chicco NextFit, but I've kind of turned into a car seat nerd, so I'm not sure what we'll get for the other car. 4. We like the Chicco, but I've been looking at Gracos for the lower price, Britax for easy seatbelt install and Diono for the steel reinforcements
Post by silv3rlining on Jan 10, 2016 12:59:22 GMT -5
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? Hopefully not until after winter. I like being able to bundle up to take out of the house. (Especially since no coats on in car seats) but may switch before our trip to Disney (it's about 12 hours driving)
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? Convertible (both rear and forward facing)
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? See above
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? We have Graco MySize70 from DS (we bought 2) so I'll take the extra one from DHs car and move it into the van.
Post by carolyngrace on Jan 10, 2016 13:10:07 GMT -5
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? I switched around 18 lbs because the infant seat was too fricking heavy.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? Definitely rear facing.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? Mine converts to front facing and eventually a booster seat.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? I got the Evenflo Triumph. It's very "pretty" and it seems comfortable for DB. However it's moderately hard to install, the straps don't go "click" (which makes me nervous), and the straps can get stuck in the sides of the seat. So I find it a little annoying, but I"m too lazy to return.
Post by mrsmonogrammed on Jan 10, 2016 13:19:34 GMT -5
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? At the very least I'll wait until the cold weather is over...shouldn't be a problem as DD is a tiny one (I doubt we've even cracked 14lbs).
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? Convertible that does both
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? See above
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? We got the maxi cozi pria for one car. We have the maxi cozi infant seat and really liked it. We are thinking Chico Nextfit for the other car but I'm still doing some research. Looking forward to hearing what everyone else is choosing!
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? I
don't know when we will switch. I'm not sure if the convertible car seat we have will fit in my Jeep rear-facing, so we will wait as long as possible. We may be getting a new vehicle before then, the Jeep also has almos 200,000 miles on it.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? We have a convertible that will start rear-facing. We bought the Graco Forever Seat on Cyber Monday for $200, regularly $300.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? We received the Graco Nautilus as a shower gift, but found out it was only forward facing after it was too late to return or exchange it. We will probably just use that for H's truck once T is old enough to forward face.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? I don't have any experience with this prior to T, so we just got what we thought would work for us.
Post by billyhorrible on Jan 10, 2016 14:00:16 GMT -5
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? We'll move him when he hits the limits. Right now he falls asleep on the way to daycare, so it's nice that I can just bring him in and let him keep sleeping. Then again, he's already 29 inches, so we don't have much time! LBB was in his infant seat till 13 months!
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? Rear facing for as long as possible. LBB was a little over 3 years.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? N/A 4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? We have Recaros based on the footprint. DH's M3 coupe has pretty small backseats. Recaros are the carseat of choice on the BMW forums for these models. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that Recaro makes race car seats.
Post by musicfrk2002 on Jan 10, 2016 14:18:58 GMT -5
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues?
Probably after winter, unless we get and install seats sooner. No clue on what his current length is, but he's probably around 27 inches.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing?
Rear facing, but will get a seat that converts to front facing...don't they all?
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing?
We may or may not get one that converts to a booster. Not a huge factor in our decision.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend?
A friend gave us her evenflo triumph. It's still sitting in our garage since I had a heck of a time getting in installed in my car. Might try to put it in H's car since he has the same car as my friend.
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? Right now, playing by ear. We bought a convertible in December assuming we were going to switch her because she really wasn't a fan of the infant seat. But now she's good in it, and with two kids it's easier having her in the bucket seat at least through winter where she can have a cover and stay wrapped up in it. So I'm thinking of leaving it now until maybe March/April when it starts to not be so frigid winter, despite the fact she's getting uncomfortably heavy in it.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? Convertible, rear facing to begin with.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? I see this has been addressed, but since I see what you were trying to say, ours do not convert to booster seats for later. Just rear facing infant to front facing toddler.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? Well, I personally like our Evenflos, and the kids seem to too, but the last time I said that on this board they didn't get a lot of love haha.
ETA: I forgot the models-DS's convertible is a Triumph, DD's is a Sureride (not using it yet but did install it to check it out), and can't remember what the bucket seat is but it's also EvenFlo
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? - I noticed today that P's feet are already sticking out past the end of his carrier. He's so long! But I want to keep him in it at least through the snowy season, which is April here, just because I feel safer carrying him to the car on the ice in it, just in case I slip. We'll see. DS1 changed out of the carrier to a convertible around this time.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? - He'll stay rear facing until two.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? - We already have a convertible for the next seat so when he's old enough we'll turn that one to FF.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? - They discontinued the FP one that DS1 used for five years. We have two Britax Marathons waiting for us to decide we're ready this time.
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? We have a Recaro Proride which is 5-65 lbs so hopefully he'll be in only this one
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? He'll be rear facing as long as possible
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? It's convertible
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? I like our carseat. He was 10.6 at birth and he looked so small in it. I don't know if I would have put a baby much smaller in there. Recaro did send us a wedge for free to put in ourselves which I think was needed if he was under 7 lbs. And our seat did get recalled for a tether strap issue a few months ago but we got it worked out. I do think it would be very difficult in a smaller car to get a baby in and out
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? Well, I personally like our Evenflos, and the kids seem to too, but the last time I said that on this board they didn't get a lot of love haha.
My sister is a big fan of the Evenflo too. They own two and my mom has one In her car. My niece is three and forward facing. (She was a constant crier when RF)
Only complaint is from my mom and the difficulty of installing it, like carolyngrace mentioned.
1. We'll probably switch when she's closer to one, which is the latest recommendation I've heard (have them out of the bucket seat by then).
2. Preferably one that does both. We plan on RF until at least two. If she stays on her tiny growth curve, she'll be comfortably RFing until 4 or so.
3. I do love the Graco 4-Ever seat because it can be used forever!
4. Our infant seat is a Graco and I think I'll stick with them for convertibles - they're highly rated and at a price point we can afford. They also have a slimmer profile, which I like. We're likely going to get the Contender 65 or the MyRide 65. I'd love the 4Ever seat if we can swing it (I think her grandparents are buying the seats for us). I do like the Britax seats, but I feel like as long as the safety is the same, you can't go wrong with a seat, no matter the price point.
1. Once the weather warms up, I'll switch. tiffbot said what I was gonna say, it's nice to have them warm in the infant seat.
2. Planning to rear face until at least 2. DS1 RF until almost 3 and I probably would have gone even longer but H was eager to switch. It was also getting really hard to hear him when he would talk and that got frustrating for us and DS.
3. N/A
4. We have a Chicco Nextfit. LOVE it, highly recommend. We will get another one for this LO, for sure.
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? - I noticed today that P's feet are already sticking out past the end of his carrier. He's so long! But I want to keep him in it at least through the snowy season, which is April here, just because I feel safer carrying him to the car on the ice in it, just in case I slip. We'll see. DS1 changed out of the carrier to a convertible around this time.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? - He'll stay rear facing until two.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? - We already have a convertible for the next seat so when he's old enough we'll turn that one to FF.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? - They discontinued the FP one that DS1 used for five years. We have two Britax Marathons waiting for us to decide we're ready this time.
My understanding is its OK for their feet/legs to dangle even in bucket seat. But I understand is that not ideal for you. I guess as long as their in the height limit it's fine.
For others car seats for the Littles is a great resource to find out what seat would work best for your vehicle and child and price range.
Post by mrskblack11 on Jan 10, 2016 19:39:47 GMT -5
We made the switch. J is 29inches and the infant seat max is 30. Plus I had BRU gift cards and one that expired in December so I bought it for Christmas.
We bought the Graco 4ever. I heard good reviews from my mom friends and it was in our price range.
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? - I noticed today that P's feet are already sticking out past the end of his carrier. He's so long! But I want to keep him in it at least through the snowy season, which is April here, just because I feel safer carrying him to the car on the ice in it, just in case I slip. We'll see. DS1 changed out of the carrier to a convertible around this time.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? - He'll stay rear facing until two.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? - We already have a convertible for the next seat so when he's old enough we'll turn that one to FF.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? - They discontinued the FP one that DS1 used for five years. We have two Britax Marathons waiting for us to decide we're ready this time.
My understanding is its OK for their feet/legs to dangle even in bucket seat. But I understand is that not ideal for you. I guess as long as their in the height limit it's fine.
For others car seats for the Littles is a great resource to find out what seat would work best for your vehicle and child and price range.
Oh I'm not worried about the length. I'm just tired of lugging the bucket around already. That was the primary reason DS1 got moved out as early as he did too. But it was July when I did it with him. No ice!
My understanding is its OK for their feet/legs to dangle even in bucket seat. But I understand is that not ideal for you. I guess as long as their in the height limit it's fine.
For others car seats for the Littles is a great resource to find out what seat would work best for your vehicle and child and price range.
Oh I'm not worried about the length. I'm just tired of lugging the bucket around already. That was the primary reason DS1 got moved out as early as he did too. But it was July when I did it with him. No ice!
Gotcha! Yeah the bucket is so convenient (when they're little) but quickly become a pain! I saw someone still lugging a 13-14 month old in one before and I was shocked!
Post by hannahl201477 on Jan 10, 2016 20:32:41 GMT -5
Pretty much everything everyone else has said. 1. Waiting till cold weather is over. So much easier to bundle up inside and not worry. And when he gets a little bigger since he is small for his age. But geez it's already so hard for me to carry. I'm only 5 ft and that's on a good day! Haha 2/3 convertible and rear facing as long as possible. 4. We have the Graco Contender 65 for hubby's truck. I haven't decided what I want. I really like the evenflo symphony Lx and the safety 1st grow and go. But I have a small car so not sure what will fit best.
I'm really surprised there are so many outgrowing the infant seats already! I guess I need to look at my manual because I didn't even think we were close.
ETA: my seat (Britax Bsafe) goes up to 35lbs and 32". Not exactly sure how tall LO is but pretty sure it's under 32.
Another edit to add pic. He's a big kid, not some teeny thing, and he fits just fine. Apparently we have some super tall babies here?
I also came accross this, the law is changing in CA, children under 2 as of January 2017 will HAVE to travel rear facing until they reach age, or weight/height limit (40"/40lbs):
budders Yeah, I know some people switched just to switch but I saw at least 3-4 posts where people said their baby was too long for the infant seat, so that's why I was so surprised.
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? We're about to hit our limit based on length so maybe at the end of the month? The limit is 30" and he was 28.5" 2 weeks ago sooo we're getting close.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? I got a convertible so we'll be RF as long as possible. I hope to make it to 2 years but my kid is super tall. I'm not sure how the safety continues if their knees are scrunched up into their face.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? We decided not to get the kind that converts into a booster at the end. Booster seats aren't expensive and it will be probably 5 years before we need to get one..hopefully.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? We got the Graco Head-wise 65 with safety surround. It has extra padding around the head. I haven't actually taken them out of the box yet. I think we'll be installing my mom's this week since she's been leaving the bucket seat in her car for a couple months now (mammoth baby + car seat=30+ pounds). Hopefully we like it because we have two!
We already switched last month and LO loves her seat. She has a Chicco next fit convertible. I bought it from the strong recommendations on this board. It's Rear facing.
DS has a peg perego convertible that is now forward facing.
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues? We're about to hit our limit based on length so maybe at the end of the month? The limit is 30" and he was 28.5" 2 weeks ago sooo we're getting close.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing? I got a convertible so we'll be RF as long as possible. I hope to make it to 2 years but my kid is super tall. I'm not sure how the safety continues if their knees are scrunched up into their face.
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing? We decided not to get the kind that converts into a booster at the end. Booster seats aren't expensive and it will be probably 5 years before we need to get one..hopefully.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend? We got the Graco Head-wise 65 with safety surround. It has extra padding around the head. I haven't actually taken them out of the box yet. I think we'll be installing my mom's this week since she's been leaving the bucket seat in her car for a couple months now (mammoth baby + car seat=30+ pounds). Hopefully we like it because we have two!
The legs scrunched isn't an issue. They'll either frog leg or hang off the side. DSs car seat has a high RFing height but I ended up turning him shortly after his 2nd birthday. I have a bad back and it was getting to be too much to lift him into the car seat. He was 35.25" at his 2 year checkup.
1. When do you plan to make the switch? Waiting for LO to hit the weight/length limit or doing it by ear based on his/her clues?
C is neither at weight nor height limit but I think it is getting tight, especially if she is wearing a coat, so actively looking at what to get next.
2. Choosing a rear facing or front facing?
I think the recommandation is to keep them rear facing until they are 2? So would like to get one that allows that and maybe can be turned? Not sure it exists...
3. Choosing a convertible one if front facing?
If We go for front facing then yes definitively a convertible one.
4. Any brands/models you like or recommend.
Not yet
To the bolded, (if it hasn't already been mentioned) you shouldn't be putting a coat on your LO before putting them into the car seat. Here's a good link: thecarseatlady.com/warmandsafe/
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