If you're getting an infant carrier seat, they're all pretty similar. Just make sure it is a 5 point harness and not a 3 point harness. The only one that stands out as different is the Graco SafeSeat1 - it goes up to 30lbs instead of the other seats' 20-22lbs weight limit. It is bigger as well, and touts that it will last 99% of babies until at least their first birthday. Most infant carriers only last 4-6 months before they are outgrown. They cost significantly more, however.
Or - you could skip the carrier step and go straight for a rear facing convertible car seat, as long as it is able to fit a newborn. Britax Boulevard, Decathalon, Evenflo Triumph Advance, Cosco Scenera are great choices.
Its very important to keep baby rear facing AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! Turning babies forward at 20lbs/1year is outdated advice that could cost you your child. A forward-facing child under 2 years old is 4 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a rear-facing child of the same age. A child's vertabrae do not fully fuse until 3-6 years old, before then, she is at great risk for internal decapitation. The spinal column can stretch up to 2 inches in a crash BUT the spinal cord can only stretch up to 1/4 inch before it snaps and baby is gone.
If I had it to do over again - I think I'd skip the carrier stage. They can more of a pain than a help. They're awkward to carry, and as baby grows past 10lbs, quite heavy to carry around. Also - they get used way too much. Even in the manuals for infant carrier seats it says they are supposed to be used in the car or on the stroller only, but people use them constantly as a place to stick their babies. Grocery stores, church, movies, malls, etc. Babies are in them constantly, and doctors are actually seeing delayed developmental milestones that are thought to be delayed b/c these babies spend all their time in a seat rather than exploring or being held. I suggest a good sling/pouch/wrap for carrying baby in. Baby will LOVE it, you can even nurse while she's in one, and you get to keep your hands free for other things if need be. A wrap gives the most versatility, but you have to learn how to use it first. :) And I'd get either an Evenflo Triumph Advance or a Britax Decathalon. The Advance rear faces to a whopping 35lbs, and then forward faces to 50lbs, and would fit a newborn fine if you get the version at Babies R Us that has infant padding. And the Decathalon rear faces to 33lbs, and then forward faces to 65lbs. Both are great seats. If you need a second/spare/backup seat for another vehicle - a Cosco Scenera is perfect at only $40 at Walmart/Target. Not a lot of padding, but it rear faces to 35lbs. It won't last as long forward facing as the Advance and Decathalon, but at $40 its a great deal as it may well keep your child rear facing until they are 2 years old.
As for which seat will fit in your car - you can only know for absolute certain by trying yourself. They will let you try them in your car at Babies R Us. We have had a Marathon (fits the same as Decathalon), Evenflo Triumph Advance, and Safety1st infant carrier in my mom's 2000 CRV SE, and all fit wonderfully. And don't feel that you have to use LATCH. Seatbelts are just as safe as LATCH. LATCH was invented for convenience. Its no safer than a seatbelt. Use whichever gives you the best installation with less than 1'; of movement when you grab the seat with one hand at the belt path. Definitely see a CPST (child passenger safety technician) to get your seat installed at least a month before your due date to learn how to install it and make sure its in right.
P.S. I suggested the Decathalon and not the Marathon b/c the Marathon doesn't come with any infant padding/pillows.
Good luck!What is a good car seat for an infant? I am a first time parent-to-be and do not know where to start.?
If you live in a moderate size city, look into a free service that provides these. Iron Mtn. Mich. use to have a service (free) from the Lions club that did this (years ago).
Call the Unite Way to get names; then try several out, %26amp; select the one you like best.
One aspect to consider: with the kid in the backseat, facial recognition between mother/dad %26amp; baby is severely restrained;
adjust your mirror every now %26amp; then to make eye-to-eye contact and then verbal contact to reinforce the bonding.
Modern world family rearing is getting harder to accomplish with all the government intervention......and meddling.
Virtually all of the car seats at BabiesRUs are very good. You want something with a 5-point harness, of course. You can visit consumerreports.org for a list of the most popular ones and their reviews.
Congratulations!
Go to consumerreports.org to start.Make sure it's a 5 point harness,and don't worry about the cost.When it's really needed,it will be priceless
Since you have a new car, I would look into a carseat that has a latching clip since your car has that in there. The kind of car seat you want depends on what you really want. Do you want one that hooks to a stroller? Do you want one that can be used from birth to about 40 pounds? It's all up to what you want. Best of luck to you. I found a website that might be helpful, hope it helps.
Check the message boards I have listed below. They are fantastic for carseats and all kinds of baby gear. I have learned so much there!!!
You are driving a great car. I love my CR-V. Check with the Consumer Reports website to see what their research might recommend. Also, any other parenting site, perhaps i-village will have up-to-date-information on the latest and best technology. It keeps changing... and...good luck...you are off on a great adventure in becoming a new parent!
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