A Poll: Changing from Infant Carrier to Convertible Car Seat

SchmennaLeigh · #1 05-18-2006, 11:30 AM

At what age did you make the switch from an infant specific car seat to a convertible car seat? (Obviously, those with older children can DEFINITELY participate in this one.) If you haven't yet made the switch, when do you plan on it? For those who have made the switch, what made you make the switch? Advice for the switch? Brands you want to talk about? Etc.

(Made it multiple choice so that you could mark off for more than one kid if you did it at different ages!)

**kelceesmom** · #2 05-18-2006, 11:40 AM

We've only used Britax. I love them. We went from an infant carrier to the infant to toddler about 3 months ago.

numbr1dbcksfan · #3 05-18-2006, 11:47 AM

I switched because the infant carrier was heavy and cumbersome.

I worked in Kids and Wards at the time and got the newest Century at the time (ovation I think...) it had been ranked high in safety. If I ever have a baby again... I probably wont use an infant carrier one... unless I get a stroller that it attaches to... then I would use it as the spare one.

StorkWatcher · #4 05-18-2006, 01:37 PM

We switched when son was w/in an inch of the top of the carseat, although once we took out the winter liner, he fit better, so Daddy continued to use that one in the 2nd vehicle.

Now he's just topped the 20 lb weight limit, so we need a 2nd big-boy convertible seat!

McNally720 · #5 05-20-2006, 11:12 AM

We switched at about 5 months b/c Meggy got too long for the infant carrier. She was over 26inches at that point, and didn't have the 1inch clearance at the top of the carrier that I heard was recommended. It was a sad, sad day. I LOVED her carrier for so many reasons.

We switched her to a convertible--the Graco Comfort Sport. We picked it b/c it's rated for 30lbs rear facing, it's got a level indicator for rear facing, and it fits well in the back of our Saturn. We've been very happy with it, and she LOVES it.

hollisterluva92 · #6 05-24-2006, 09:53 AM

The best time to switch out of an infant car seat is when your child is 20 lbs and at least 1 year old. I switched my dd out of her's when she was 1 1/2 years old.

SchmennaLeigh · #7 05-24-2006, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hollisterluva92

The best time to switch out of an infant car seat is when your child is 20 lbs and at least 1 year old. I switched my dd out of her's when she was 1 1/2 years old.

That's not necessarily true. We're talking about changing to convertible car seats which can still be rear facing through one year and twenty pounds (not either or). Convertible car seats (which face both rear and front) often start at the five pound mark and go until 45 or 65 pounds depending on brand. Our son is just about to outweigh his infant carrier and he's only six months old.

So, no, it's not the "best time." It's different for every family!

kmsga · #8 06-01-2006, 11:12 AM

E was small for his age, so the 1 yr/20 lbs hit about the same time. with Q, we'll probably end up making the switch earlier: he's 24" and 13.6 lbs at 2 mos, so i'm afraid he'll outgrow the graco long before his 1st bday. besides, he'll be too heavy to lug both the seat AND him around before too long

DominicsGirl · #9 06-01-2006, 04:55 PM

Grayson was in a convertible in DH's vehicle at about one month. In my car, he's been in the infant carrier and I'm getting ready to switch it out because he's gotten too big for it (he's six months old and 20 pounds). I probably would have switched it to a convertible sooner, but I liked being able to use the carrier in grocery stores, etc. since he couldn't sit up on his own. He's now been sitting up for a few weeks, so I'm getting ready to buy the convertible within the week.

SchmennaLeigh · #10 06-01-2006, 05:37 PM

We've kept the infant carrier(s) until just about now. Our Britax Roundabout is on its way (just got the email).

Oh, and we go in the grocery store? He's in the front carrier.

Leigh131313 · #11 06-01-2006, 06:13 PM

Somewhere between 6-9 months..

It just got so awkward to carry him in the carrier. He was well within the weight requirements...I just had enough. Besides, he was MUCH more comfortable in the bigger carseat.

And the information above is completely incorrect. Infant carriers are NOT recommended as the better choice. As long as your child meets the weight and age requirement of the car seat, it will work perfectly.

SchmennaLeigh · #12 06-07-2006, 07:54 PM

Our Britax Roundabout arrived today! I want to turn cartwheels. It's so wonderful I wish I could sit in it!

We'll see how installation goes tomorrow.

DJG0927 · #13 06-30-2006, 05:04 AM

We just made the switch last week to Graco Comfort Sport. Derek just turned 9 mos the other day and he really likes the new seat. Though he enjoyed being put in the carrier because it meant "road trip"! He's right around the 20 lb mark, but it was his length that outgrew the carrier.

HBV · #14 07-05-2006, 09:23 AM

OK, this thread and last week's checkup (just over 20 lbs) pushed us over the edge. We switched to the Britax Boulevard this weekend. It's really nice, and H is clearly more comfortable, but I miss the convenience of the carrier when he's fallen asleep on the way home, and I am annoyed that now we have to buy 2 of these monsters---I'm not switching the car seat from one car to another all the time. I really liked the additional base convenience of the Graco. Oh well...

View Poll Results: What Age Did You Switch?
We always used a convertible; never an infant specific car seat.	3	7.50%
Three months or under.	2	5.00%
Somewhere between three to six months.	11	27.50%
Somewhere between six to nine months.	11	27.50%
Somewhere between nine months to one year.	10	25.00%
Over one year.	6	15.00%
Over two years?	0	0%
Our seven year old is still in an infant carrier. Trying to keep him young!	0	0%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 40. You may not vote on this poll

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