[berrypavlova]

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<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Michelle Murphy</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/50_50#post_17584167"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
 
<p><br><br>
Also, what is most important to get new base seat (what the carseat goes on), car seat (the seat itself), or both?</p>
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<p>Both. If you aren't getting them new then you have no idea what the history of the seat and/or base is. If you're using a base then both the car seat and base need to be able to perform correctly in the event of an accident. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd put whatever you want on your registry, and hopefully someone nice, or some good friends, will get it for you! On FB you can join the group Car Seats for the LIttles. On there you could post your vehicle and car seat budget, then you'll get lots of techs who can tell you what would fit in your car and your budget (if your preferred seat isn't gifted to you). </p>
<p> </p>
<p>This link has their recommended car seats, with pros & cons listed for each. It may help in deciding which one is best to ask for. GL! <a href="http://csftl.org/recommended-seats/" target="_blank">http://csftl.org/recommended-seats/</a></p>

 

[onetwoten]

<p>The problem with the element was that its essentially a 2 door and really hard to get the seat in and out, or maneuver the baby in and out of a RF seat, right? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hmm. tough one. I'd def buy the base and seat new, or from a friend you very much trust. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Could you borrow a bucket seat from someone and attempt moving the seat in/out of the backseat and see how difficult it is? Or I think BRU will allow you to test the seats in your vehicle.</p>

 

[eaustin]

Definitely go for used bob-they are so pricey and although still pretty pricey used, you can save a couple hundred, and they really hold up! Otoh, I've heard great things about buying them from REI. You can basically get a full refund if you return for any reason at all. I know someone who returned like 3 years later because her dd wasn't comfortable in it any more.

 

[synepona]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/30#post_17584167" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Michelle Murphy</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/30#post_17584167"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif"></a><br><br>
I'm a clueless FTM so I'm susceptible to all the carseat stuff, but my car is definitely making this a bit harder (Honda Element, btw).</div>
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<br>
Your vehicle is making this way harder than it should be -- in your shoes, I'd really consider a new vehicle -- as babes should rearface for a minimum of 2 years, and if you plan to have another child - that's 4 years total of RFng to deal with in a vehicle that is really poorly suited to it!<br><br>
There are other cute boxy SUV-ish vehicles with doors & seats more traditionally placed which would accomodate the rear facing seats better.<br><br>
However, if the best choice for your family is to keep the vehicle, then I think I would look for an infant seat (the kind that clicks in & out of the base), that has the tallest & heaviest limits. I'm thinking that might be a SnugRide35? or a the newish Peg seat (new in Canada at least) that goes forom 4-35 lbs, but I'm not sure what the height limit is on it.<br><br>
That would let you at least move the seat from the installed base, to the floor area in front of the seat to buckle the little one, even if you don't take the whole seat in and out of the vehicle every time, and last as long as possible. Either the FB page above (CSFTL) or the forum at <a href="http://www.car-seat.org" target="_blank">www.car-seat.org</a> would be able to provide some answers as to the longest lasting real limits on the seats. I've never intended to use an infant seat anywhere near the limits, so I haven't had to research that detail before. But, DD right now, at 2.5yr old, is just under 30lb, and 32"ish tall, and is pretty average sized. Your baby might be able to make it to the bare mimimum of 2yr for RFng in an infant style seat, and by then, you may have a different vehicle anyway, so you can figure out the rest of the carseat plan at that time, and the seat would have a 6yr or so expiry, so your next baby would be able to use it as long as you don't space kids out 5years.

 

[synepona]

Also, just an aside about carseats in general -- no aftermarket stuff, either DIY or the minky 'set' that can be upgraded on that free carseat canopy deal, or the cutesy animal strap covers etc.<br>
Seats are tested with the parts that are supplied with them, and if you add/change things, you're effectively making your babe the crash test dummy on your modified seat <img alt="greensad.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/greensad.gif"> not a risk worth taking. There may be an impact in other ways such as voiding your warranty or affecting the reimbursement from insurance, but those are secondaray to baby's safe travels, IMO.<br>
You *can* use a blanket over babe, or check out how to use rolled receiving blankets to avoid head wobble if your seat didn't come with an infant head support - the car-seat.com blog & forum have the info, and I'm sure it's on the FB Carseats for the littles page as well. Nothing that goes between babe & seat, or babe & harness should be used though.<br><br>
Another tip, is to take a photo of the manufacturing date/model number sticker, when you buy or install your seat. Then you can quickly check things about it w/o having to go out to your car in the dark <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/smile.gif"> and make sure you register the seat with the manufacturer, as that is how they know you have it, and can contact you in the event of a recall.

 

[eaustin]

Off the subject a bit again...but just checked out a 2008 expedition el and was very disappointed to see the second row has absolutely no ability to move forward at all My girls are pretty slender and I was thinking they maybe able to squeeze through to the backseat if the 2nd row was moved forward a little. So annoyed with this whole car logistics thing, and kinda freaking out that we don't have this major hurtle out of the way

 

[synepona]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17584277" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>eaustin</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17584277"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Off the subject a bit again...but just checked out a 2008 expedition el and was very disappointed to see the second row has absolutely no ability to move forward at all My girls are pretty slender and I was thinking they maybe able to squeeze through to the backseat if the 2nd row was moved forward a little. So annoyed with this whole car logistics thing, and kinda freaking out that we don't have this major hurtle out of the way</div>
</div>
<p><br>
We've got a ... 2009? ... I'm not sure now, Expedition, and just flip a seat when we need to access the 3rd row. The cool thing about it is that EITHER side folds, and the middle folds separately, so it's not a 60/40 like my vehicle, where you have to flip the one (least convenient to me) side all the time. I do think that the center seat in ours moves forward, but we've never had cause to try it -- it may have been the previous Expedition -- I get the features between the last one and this one mixed up all the time since it's not the vehicle I drive daily!</p>

 

[eaustin]

Yeah, for the 2008, seats flip up and would be pretty easy, unless you have car seats with kids in them does the 2009 2nd row seats move forward at all? Looks like the pathfinder and possibly armada move forward with car seats installed. So terribly sick of thinking about it!

 

[synepona]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17584335" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>eaustin</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17584335"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Yeah, for the 2008, seats flip up and would be pretty easy, unless you have car seats with kids in them does the 2009 2nd row seats move forward at all? Looks like the pathfinder and possibly armada move forward with car seats installed. So terribly sick of thinking about it!</div>
</div>
<p><br>
How many kid do the twins put you at? The 3rd row has 3 seats across in ours, and would fit 3 kids fine if needed. DH is out of town till Sunday, but when he's back I can check if the whole row moves or not, and if my 7yo can fit through to the 3rd row.<br>
I don't have anyone that I don't at least double check the buckling of (DS does his own, but I always check, and DD can't do her own 5pt harness yet), so I have to be able to access each seat, I can't have anyone slipping through a little opening.</p>
<p>In my car (Ford Freestyle), we're putting DS in his booster + one twin in the 3rd row, and DD + other twin in second row, on the 60% portion, leaving the 40% to flip. My spare seat is now a backless booster for either DS or his friends, which can fit in the limited trunk space, and be put on the 40% seat as needed. If I were driving the Expedition every day (which I eventually will be I think), I'd have the same set up, but have room for the spare booster in the 3rd row. Both of those options also leave room for one adult in the 2nd row as needed -- I rarely ride in the back with kids, but if we have a friend or mom/MIL along, I'd need to, so I won't install a kid seat on that 40%<br>
By next winter - I want to have DD in the 3rd row, and DS in the 2nd, as DS needs to get in/out more often for school, activities etc, but I know that immediately post-partum I won't want to be dealing with lifting & buckling her into the 3rd row.</p>

 

[eaustin]

They will make 5 kids for us. Was thinking the almost 5 & almost 8 year olds would sit in very back, the 2yo and twins in second row so I can reach them and deal with seats easily. Proving very difficult to find something that will work! Especially something used and 20k or under

 

[synepona]

I had similar hopes initially, to have DD + twins in the 2nd row, but gave up!<br>
If you're using a 'bucket seat' infant seat for at least one twin, then I'd put that twin in the 3rd row with the bigger kids, and that will leave a 2nd row seat available to flip.<br>
In the event you're out with just the littles, you can (as long as your seat allows it) do a baseless install pretty quick to put that 3rd row twin into the second row seat that normally flips.

 

[eaustin]

That's a good idea, baseless install it would work for a little bit, at least!

 

[synepona]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17584417" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>eaustin</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17584417"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif"></a><br><br>
That's a good idea, baseless install it would work for a little bit, at least!</div>
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I wouldnt want to do it all the time -- but if your seat allows it, it's good to know how, as I'm sure it'll help. We're holding off ordering extra bases for DH's truck until we see how often we really would need them.

 

[Michelle Murphy]

<p>Okay, so I think this sounds good.  <br>
Ask for the Orbit and let them freak out a bit.  [Edit: Just added to registry and although I have sticker shock when I think about how many times I'm in/out of the car right now, it seems so very, very worth it.]<br>
Ask for a Britax and use that in my car if needed.  <br>
Get a BOB used or from REI depending on the current price options.  <br><br>
Just one quick question about the Orbit:  How long will "Orbit: infant seat 4-30 lbs." last approximately?  <br><br>
Now then, which Britax? <br>
The lady at BRU was helpful explaining the difference and this is my interpretation:</p>
<p>Marathon: base model<br>
Boulevard: "ear muffs" (AKA blinders, which some kids really hate and and are not removable)<br>
Pavilion:        ^^ + "click tight"</p>
<p>Advocate:     ^^ +   ^^   + "air bags" (which seems to mostly help whoever may be seated next to the seat)<br><br>
Ladies?<br>
 </p>

 

[synepona]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17584860" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Michelle Murphy</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17584860"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
 
<p>Okay, so I think this sounds good.  <br>
Ask for the Orbit and let them freak out a bit.  [Edit: Just added to registry and although I have sticker shock when I think about how many times I'm in/out of the car right now, it seems so very, very worth it.]<br>
Ask for a Britax and use that in my car if needed.  <br>
Get a BOB used or from REI depending on the current price options.  <br><br>
Just one quick question about the Orbit:  How long will "Orbit: infant seat 4-30 lbs." last approximately?  <br><br>
Now then, which Britax? <br>
The lady at BRU was helpful explaining the difference and this is my interpretation:</p>
<p>Marathon: base model<br>
Boulevard: "ear muffs" (AKA blinders, which some kids really hate and and are not removable)<br>
Pavilion:        ^^ + "click tight"</p>
<p>Advocate:     ^^ +   ^^   + "air bags" (which seems to mostly help whoever may be seated next to the seat)<br><br>
Ladies?<br>
 </p>
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</div>
<p><br>
Here are the measurements for the Orbit - <a href="http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=150808" target="_blank">http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=150808</a><br>
My 2yo would have been too big at her 2nd birthday, she's relatively average sized. You won't know till your babe is here and starts growing if they are small, long legged, long torso, tall, wide, etc, so it's hard to say now how long they would fit.<br><br>
None of those Britax seats are the ones with removable infant seats -- what you'll probably want is a seat that has a fixed base, and the infant carrier seat that clicks in and out. So you can do the thing shown on this blog -- <a href="http://emeryjo.blogspot.ca/2009/06/honda-element-car-seat-solution.html" target="_blank">http://emeryjo.blogspot.ca/2009/06/honda-element-car-seat-solution.html</a><br>
If you're stuck on Britax the infant seats are called the B-Safe and the Chaperone. Other popular choices are the Chicco Keyfit30, Graco Snugride (the one with the 35lb limit is going to last the longest), and in the US you have Aton something or other (2/Q? something, we don't have it in Canada!), and also the PegPerego 4/35 - but I'm not sure the height range on any of those. At the link above with the measurements for the Orbit, you can go up one level on the forum and see measurements for them all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you really want to start with a convertible rear facing seat like the Britax ones you listed, I'd double check the lowest weight & harness height for each, I know some Britax convertibles do not fit newborns well - for comparison, the seat I have for the newbies has 7" harness height at the lowest setting - and the straps need to be at or below the shoulders for RFng, it's 4lb starting point seat, and fits preemies and newborns well. Then you can load them into the car like this mom does: <a href="http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=117096" target="_blank">http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=117096</a> (the seat shown here is what my son had till he was 5.5yr, and DD has now - she'll RF in it till between 3 & 4 yr for sure, and FF to booster age, so even though it's an expensive seat, we get good value from it over 5-6years, and they both fit from birth) *you may have to join the forum to see that post ... but it's a forum worth joining </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is some discussion here about the Element and carseats - <a href="http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=142451" target="_blank">http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=142451</a></p>

 

[Michelle Murphy]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17585037" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>SynEpona</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17585037"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
 
<p><br>
Here are the measurements for the Orbit - <a href="http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=150808" target="_blank">http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=150808</a><br>
My 2yo would have been too big at her 2nd birthday, she's relatively average sized. You won't know till your babe is here and starts growing if they are small, long legged, long torso, tall, wide, etc, so it's hard to say now how long they would fit.<br><br>
None of those Britax seats are the ones with removable infant seats -- what you'll probably want is a seat that has a fixed base, and the infant carrier seat that clicks in and out. So you can do the thing shown on this blog -- <a href="http://emeryjo.blogspot.ca/2009/06/honda-element-car-seat-solution.html" target="_blank">http://emeryjo.blogspot.ca/2009/06/honda-element-car-seat-solution.html</a><br>
If you're stuck on Britax the infant seats are called the B-Safe and the Chaperone. Other popular choices are the Chicco Keyfit30, Graco Snugride (the one with the 35lb limit is going to last the longest), and in the US you have Aton something or other (2/Q? something, we don't have it in Canada!), and also the PegPerego 4/35 - but I'm not sure the height range on any of those. At the link above with the measurements for the Orbit, you can go up one level on the forum and see measurements for them all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you really want to start with a convertible rear facing seat like the Britax ones you listed, I'd double check the lowest weight & harness height for each, I know some Britax convertibles do not fit newborns well - for comparison, the seat I have for the newbies has 7" harness height at the lowest setting - and the straps need to be at or below the shoulders for RFng, it's 4lb starting point seat, and fits preemies and newborns well. Then you can load them into the car like this mom does: <a href="http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=117096" target="_blank">http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=117096</a> (the seat shown here is what my son had till he was 5.5yr, and DD has now - she'll RF in it till between 3 & 4 yr for sure, and FF to booster age, so even though it's an expensive seat, we get good value from it over 5-6years, and they both fit from birth) *you may have to join the forum to see that post ... but it's a forum worth joining </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is some discussion here about the Element and carseats - <a href="http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=142451" target="_blank">http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=142451</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<p>Thank you for that.  I had seen some of the sites you linked, but lost them when my computer died (last month?).  I've registered for the Orbit, but I don't think anyone knows about the registry yet, anyway.  <br>
Will post on one of the other threads to get some feedback. <br>
I've been FB PMing with Cars for the Littles and they clarified a number of things.  They also recommended a Radian for the low sides so if that works with a BOB (I forget), we'll put it on the list to consider.  Since the second car seat won't be used as much and I'm planning on BWing for the beginning months, I figure as long as we have one ahead of time, we'll be okay.  My biggest issue with getting one early was to do the off-gassing, but with Orbit it doesn't seem to be a problem with the Orbit.  <br>
I'm putting this freak-out on pause and will revisit about the second seat when it comes up again.  Maybe if the only seat on the registry is the Orbit, someone will feel generous and get a few people to pitch in.  Here's hoping, anyway. </p>

 

[onetwoten]

<p>A radian is a convertible/combination carseat meant to stay in the car, not a bucket seat, so it wouldn't work with the Bob. It is a fantastic seat though, and the low sides definitely would make it nice and easy to get baby in and out. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I really wouldn't stress too much about finding a carseat that you can put onto the stroller. During the first couple months it's so easy to babywear when they're that little, easier than maneuvering public with a stroller, and after about 3-4 months or so, I was easily putting my daughter into our jogger, which is really similar to the Bob. Technically yes they say you can't use them until 6 months or whatever, but if you're being careful and not actually running (which you couldn't if you had a bucket seat on there anyways), then it's a nonissue, really. </p>

 

[Michelle Murphy]

<div class="quote-container" data-huddler-embed="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17586126" data-huddler-embed-placeholder="false">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>onetwoten</strong> <a href="/community/t/1395224/i-think-its-time-to-talk-about-carseats/60#post_17586126"><img alt="View Post" src="/community/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br>
 
<p>A radian is a convertible/combination carseat meant to stay in the car, not a bucket seat, so it wouldn't work with the Bob. It is a fantastic seat though, and the low sides definitely would make it nice and easy to get baby in and out. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I really wouldn't stress too much about finding a carseat that you can put onto the stroller. During the first couple months it's so easy to babywear when they're that little, easier than maneuvering public with a stroller, and after about 3-4 months or so, I was easily putting my daughter into our jogger, which is really similar to the Bob. Technically yes they say you can't use them until 6 months or whatever, but if you're being careful and not actually running (which you couldn't if you had a bucket seat on there anyways), then it's a nonissue, really. </p>
</div>
</div>
<p>Thank you for that and the timeline.  It gives me something to relax about.  I did think it was kinda silly to put so much emphasis on the carseat in the stroller.  The woman at BRU said LOs can go in the BOB because it reclines almost fully (certainly as much as a carseat), but I guess it depends on LO's size and development.  I guess I'll wait for a good used price and/or REI gift cards to stack up before we make any purchases.  That way we can also see how well she'd fit closer to that time.  <br>
Was excited to hear about the carseat class and then . . . she realized they were double-booked that night.  Not sure when that will be, but so far I'm feeling good about just having the one on the registry and dealing with other stuff later.  <br>
SO doesn't understand why we would get carseats new even after I explained it so I'm going to let the carseat class fill him in.  At least I'll have my new, non-toxic carseat (hopefully!) mostly worked out.  <br>
Is it silly that talking about these big purchases makes me more nervous about her waiting long enough, but also getting here "on time" *and* healthy?  Just as I typed that she had a burst of movement as if to make me feel better.  Already she's so good about reassuring her mama!  Trying not to give her a comforting complex before she leaves the womb, but I am very grateful for the reassurance. </p>

 

[onetwoten]

<p>Yeah we didn't even buy our stroller until my daughter was almost three months. I just took her out in the sling before that. Now, that was winter, but I wasn't in any shape to be doing long walks the first 6 weeks anyways. And yeah, our stroller in the same with the recline, so I just scoot her back a little further than I normally would, and she was totally good to go. I think the concern is them slipping out the bottom part, since they can't be harnessed as well, but again, I wasn't walking fast enough for that to be an issue! lol.  I'd put more focus on a separate car seat and separate stroller that you're really going to love, than whether they will go together. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And yes, totally get it! Now that we're getting more things together, all of a sudden I feel like he could come 'any time' and that's scary as heck!! I remember getting to this point last time, and every week that passed, I felt more reassured, becase obviously the further along, the less potential issues if I were to have the baby early. Stay in there baby! We're not ready yet! </p>

 

[BennyPai]

<p>I think I've finally made a decision on a car seat.  DD4 is ready to move from her Roundabout, but DD3 still fits her Boulevard and I don't want her in a giant seat or a booster yet, so I'm going with getting a second Boulevard and moving baby to the Roundabout.  Our oldest two rode in the largest Britax seats, and though they are comfy they are so clumsy to move around, clean, etc.  The Roundabout has one more year before expiration, but will have secured three little ones, so I feel like we've saved enough over the years to justify the purchase of another Boulevard.   DD3 will be ready for a booster by the time DC5 moves up to the Boulevard.  </p>
<p>This decision has taken me 26 weeks.  My head is spinning.<img alt=":dizzy" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/dizzy.gif" style=""> </p>