There's some good info on
shopping for infant seats on CPSafety.com. Do you need an infant seat? Not necessarily. Some people find they're an unnecessary expense and use a
convertible seat from birth, while others enjoy the convenience they offer.
Pros:
- Infant carriers tend to fit newborns better than convertible seats.
- If your baby doesn't sleep well, it can be nice to carry him into the house seat and all, rather than to risk disturbing a baby who has fallen asleep in the car.
- An infant carrier can also help protect a baby from inclement weather.
- They can be convenient if you frequently travel with your baby in more than one vehicle. You can purchase an extra base to install in your other car, or you can just install the seat without the base.
Cons:
- They're bulky and heavier than carrying a baby alone. Carrying the seat on ice, steep hills/stairs, etc. can be awkward to say the least.
- They separate you from your baby. A huge range of studies have shown that touch and eye contact are critical for brain development. Additionally, too much time spent in car seats, cribs, strollers, swings, etc. can cause or exacerbate positional plagiocephaly (flattening of the infant's skull).
- The strollers that come with travel systems are not always the best stroller for your situation. They tend to be lower quality than many other strollers on the market.
- If your baby grows quickly, the seat may be outgrown within a few months. This means it may not be a good value for your money.
You'll have to look at your individual situation to determine if a carrier is something you want for your baby. If you decide you do want an infant seat, here are some good ones to look at:
- The Britax Companion has EPS foam, an anti-rebound bar, and side impact protection (SIP). At $175-$200, it's pricey, but if side impact protection is important to you, this is a seat to look at. (Rear facing seats tend to provide very good side impact protection. Also, a seat installed in the center of the back seat is far from any potential impact points. Personally, I wouldn't be too concerned about added SIP for a rear facing seat installed in the center rear seat. For a front facing seat or booster installed in an outboard position, I might be more concerned.)
- The Combi Tyro also has EPS foam and is very well padded. Its $120-$145 price tag is a bit less intimidating than the Companion. This seat would be at the top of my list to try out if I needed an infant seat.
- The Baby Trend Latch-Loc (aka Pegasus) and Baby Trend Tahoe have EPS foam and rigid LATCH connectors which are extremely easy to use. The Tahoe is available only as part of the Tahoe Travel System . At $80, the Latch-Loc is affordable.
- The Graco SnugRide is an option as well. It does not have EPS foam, but it has the widest range of covers. A few models have memory foam for comfort, which may also help in a crash. Models with a 5-point harness and front harness adjuster usually run $90-$140. Models with a rear adjuster are even less expensive, though a bit harder to use.
There are perfectly fine seats that did not make my list. Some have compatibility issues with many vehicles (but might fit your vehicle perfectly). Some are more difficult to use without being any less expensive. However, if you can say, "Yes," to each of the following questions, the seat may be the right one for
you.
- Does it fit your child?
- Does it fit your vehicle?
- Does it fit your budget?
- Will you use it properly each and every time you go somewhere?
I do know that other parents who have checked out the above seats have said that the Tyro provides a LOT of growing room. The bottom slots are low, the top slots are high, and the seatback is tall as well. If you search the archives for "Tyro" you should find a post or two with pictures.
