Carseats - Please help

[keelie_b]

ok well you all advised me before when i chose my pram. Now its time for a car seat.

I want one that will stay in my car all the time so that i can just lift the baby in and out.
Im quite petite so dont want sometheing too heavy.
i've seen that you can get some that last up to 20lb or something which i thought is a bit silly so would prefer to get one that turns into a seat for slightly older babies as well.
I want a good one but my grandma really ones to pay for one for me, she doesnt have loads of money and had said i can choose whatever but would prefer to keep the cost down for her.
And whats this about will it fit my car? i've seen people asking this so im guessing not all do? Or i have to have special isofix points or something? (not sure if thats the right word)

Please help.
I know that i need a carseat to take baby home in and due to various problems im being induced early so i need to act now really.
Thanks xx

 

[purple13]

firstly, i'd check out which?online as they list all the safest seats - IMHO your paramount concern should be getting the safest affordable seat for your baby to be in.

you need to check whether your car has isofix points; these are metal loops in the back seats - check your manual some car seats are just fastened in using the seatbelt; some have an isofix base and the car seat just clicks into and out of the base.

when you find the seat that you like, go to somewhere like mothercare or halfords and get them to fit it for you. some seats are not compatible with some cars and the best way to know is to go shopping (or window shopping) with your car and try the seats out.

connor's in a group 0 car seat - he'll be staying in it until he reaches 20lbs (he's only just over 17lbs now so we've got a while yet) and i'll be getting a rear facing til 4 years car seat after that.

car seats are expensive so i can see why you'd want one that will last, but they're soooo important and well worth the money, so i honestly think you should be going for the safest option rather than opting for longevity. you could always supplement your lovely grandma's contribution??

 

[Magic Monkey]

I second the suggestion to read the Which? guide and also suggest that you go for the safest car seat. I have read the Which? guide and they do not recommend seats that can be used from birth and then converted as they say that the compromise on safety in one of the classes.

We have a Maxi Cosi with an isofix base (you can buy a base that fits with a seatbelt too) to begin with we took it out of the car with the baby in it and then as she got heavier we left it in - with the base it is really easy to take out and put in as it just clicks in - no messing with seatbelts etc. I would recommend one where you can take the seat out as when the baby is small this is really useful.

Maxi Cosi is an expensive brand but it is also a really safe brand and IMO it is worth paying for a safe carseat.

 

[Sherlock]

I third purple13's advice. Road test them out at Mothercare or Halfords (even if you then go home and order it cheaper online from elsewhere). But you'll at least know the one you like fits your car.

We got a birth-4 car seat that our LO is rear facing in. It isn't an Isofix base, just strapped in with the seatbelt. We skipped getting an infant carrier (good thing to as our LO is 20lb already and a big lad ).

Like purple13 we are getting a rear facing car seat in a few months that will then last Galen till he is 4. He'll then go forward facing. We decided to do this based on studies and information about rear and forward facing car seats. We have to go to Milton Keynes if we want one with an Isofix base. If we want one that fits in with a seatbelt we can order and have it shipped.

Our 0-4 one is a Britax Ultra Si. Non Isofix. We like it. Has a newborn insert but some people like to get a separate one also. Its been great for us and will be used till Galen is 9 months or to big for rear facing in it. Then its rear facing in a new one.

 

[keelie_b]

ok thanks for the advie.

Of course safety is my number 1 priority i just assumed that with me buying one from a top retailer such as mamas and papas or mothercare ect that they just all would be 100% safe.

ok so i'll take the advice and try a few out in my car see what fits ect.
i do like the ones that go beyond 20lb because i know they can reach 20lb very quickly.

god i cant believe how complicated this all seems, im sure its not really but i hoped it would just be straight forward and i could just walk in a shop, pick up a newborn one and off i trot...