(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best child safety car seats & accessories

Full disclosure: I don't have a baby yet, so all of my "it will totally work" is positive thinking. That being said, it sounds like we have the same Pack-N-Play! (Or at least with the same functionality.)

It sounds like we're in the same boat registry-wise. We opted for the Fisher Price Rock-N-Play, my girlfriends' kids like it, so hopefully baby girl will too. I initially wanted the Puj, but a friend got me something else, and it seems like it'll work just fine. It collapses nicely and fits under our sink. We have the Baby Jogger City Lite Stroller, and the Britax Roundabout Convertible Carseat. Some of our friends surprised us with a BoB running stroller, so my husband is pumped to take the kiddo out on the lake shore path.

I want a carrier, but I'm holding off on buying one until I have a baby to put in it. I liked the Baby Bjorn and the Baby K'tan. I've heard great things about the Ergo, though, so that's another reason why I'm holding off.

Again, we don't have a baby yet, but I don't anticipate adding too much stuff. It'll be some time till baby comes home, so I'll know in about 4-5 weeks whether my plan worked. :) Best of luck to you and your family!

Congrats! My baby has yet to sleep in his crib, so I won't comment on that, but he did sleep wonderfully in a rock 'n play Can't praise it enough. Only problem is transitioning them out of it.

Other things I really like:

Car Seat: Chicco KeyFit Magic 30 Super easy to install and use.

Boon Grass I really like having a special drying rack for all of my bottles/pump parts/ect and I like this one because you can stick stuff anywhere and it's cute. Also comes with cute accessories.

Bath tub Baby seems to like it and it dries quickly and can be hung up.

If you're into babywearing, I have an Ergo 360 and a K'tan which I've found to be comfortable and easy to use.

Here you go!

http://smile.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Stroller-Saddlebag-Black/dp/B00SHYEJ58?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
http://smile.amazon.com/Jolly-Jumper-727-Stroller-Caddy/dp/B000JQ4B3C?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://smile.amazon.com/Munchkin-Backseat-Organizer-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00FROCX7W?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://smile.amazon.com/Sight-Magical-Firefly-Mirror-Safety/dp/B00B7M7CMO?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://smile.amazon.com/Boon-Whale-Drain-Storage-Scoop/dp/B007D1NWD6?ie=UTF8&keywords=boon%20whale&qid=1463974909&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1
http://smile.amazon.com/Diono-Travel-Pal-Car-Storage/dp/B005NMP6IG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://smile.amazon.com/Britax-Seat-Saver-Waterproof-Liner/dp/B00E1ABYSC?ie=UTF8&keywords=britax%20liner&qid=1463974959&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1
http://smile.amazon.com/Diono-Travel-Pal-Car-Storage/dp/B005NMP6IG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Few other things I found while digging in my Amazon orders:

• Trunk organizer. I keep wipes, sunscreen, first aid, emergency food, etc. in this. I have a Prius so there isn't much room, this has helped keep all the random stuff put. I had a bin in back for ages but it just took up too much of my precious space!
  http://smile.amazon.com/BackSeat-Trunk-Organizer-Lebogner-Multipurpose/dp/B014PZWK44?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
  
  Trashcan/tissue holder. I'm this mom now, god damnit.
  http://smile.amazon.com/High-Road-PuffnStuff-Trash-Organizer/dp/B000HZT89C?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
  
  Various babyproofing things. I had these cool door stoppers that hook into the hinge, but as it turns out my kid loves trying to jam the door shut even more and actually stripped the holes with the screws. I had to put super glue in the holes while shoving the doors back into place while it dried. I use these now and he hasn't ripped any doors off yet.
  
  http://smile.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Finger-Pinch-Guard/dp/B0035RQF7M?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
  
  Baby gates. I like this one. We have 3.
  
  http://smile.amazon.com/Regalo-Easy-White-spaces-between/dp/B001OC5UMQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01
  
  Little knick knack type toys that are really nostalgic for me. I didn't buy many of these things, but I could NOT resist the Mister Rogers trolley. So redeemed, my kid is obsessed with it now.
  
  http://smile.amazon.com/Wooden-Neighborhood-Toy-Trolley-Limited/dp/B004U3TXZG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00
  
  Books! I had done so much of the essentials (sounds like you have) that I ended up putting a fair amount of books on my registry. People were more than happy to buy those.
  
  

Something like this shade. Just picked at random so not a recommendation. Search for car bug screen. They have ones that have little awnings and some that are pretty plain. They basically slip over the window frame. I've heard of people just getting a screen at Lowes and sticking it on with magnets. Napier makes kits that fit completely over the back hatch. Some people like them as it gives you a bit more room, but not very stealthy and at that point you might as well just pitch a tent.

Exped makes nice mats, but size will probably be an issue. Your best bet is to hit a hardware store and get some bulk memory foam that you can cut to fit.

Two people in a Vibe is going to be cozy. Remember you have to put all your stuff somewhere while you are stretched out. You can pick up a regular old Insta-tent for less than $100 at Walmart and throw in a nice double air mattress or cots and call it a day. If it's raining or you want to stay a bit somewhere it will be loads more comfortable. The insta-tents go up and down really quick.

God yes, the rock and play saved us because we could just plop him in there. He napped there for a few months because it was super easy to sneak him in there (as it was on an incline, warm, cozy) v the crib because I think he thought he was still being held.

If it's winter where you are get this carseat cover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C2GL53?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This chair thing is awesome because baby can sleep here or play here and it's convenient and a safe place: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A4B34IA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_Fv5ELGH4J1eDq

Ooh! I can help!

So, im getting this carseat:

Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KBLM8Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Because it changes for every stage the kid will need a seat/booster for. God willing I wont have to buy another at all.

My stroller also has a carseat and changes from newborn to toddler- so i have a spare carseat for other cars, and a stroller in one!

I also got a crib that turns into a toddler bed

A pack n play that has 2 stages: higher pad for basinett (sleeping in our room for 6 months at least) then it will be the pack n play for the rest of his toddler years.

My baby sling thing has front and back facing- so it will last years as well.

Basically everything on my list as far as big stuff goes should last from newborn- up to like 4ish

I realllly didnt want huge items that would only last a little while. If you wanna message me i can send u my link as inspiration, or talk through some junk! Ive been super focused on multi year, fair priced items.

I also really like https://www.lucieslist.com/gear-guides/best-convertible-car-seat/ for car seat reviews.

This car seat is one that your kids will likely be in, in one form or another, until they are 4, so be sure to pick one that you feel good about. Think about ease of install, cup holders, comfort, size, etc.

We have the Evenflo Elite, and I REALLY like how easily it installs and how easy it is to adjust the shoulder straps.

Also, if your kids tend toward the top of the weight percentiles, be sure to get one that goes up to 50 or 60 lbs, not 40 lbs. My 3 year old is 38 lbs and will be pushing 40 lbs by the time he hits 4 and is allowed to move out of a 5 point harness and into just a booster (which his car seat converts to!), so that's something to think about.

We got a seat cover that I really like. I usually tuck a blanket in there too because of drool and extra warmth. But I love not having to mess with making sure everything is tucked in.

JJ Cole Car Seat Cover, Black Tri Stitch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C2GL53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M9PYDbYNH14Q4

For quick transition between places: Fleece onesie, hat

For walks outside: Long sleeve onesie, pants, fleece hoodie, hat, hood over hat

Zando Baby Winter Hats (fits my 4 month old great, lots of room to grow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGW9GY5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5.PYDbP5SY6VH

Still looking for good gloves.

The Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System is a great budget friendly, but still has all the extra features of a higher end system.

I have the Chicco Urban 6-in-1 Modular Stroller and Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Car Seat it doesn’t come as a set, but the two are compatible to form a travel system type set up with just what comes out the box (no additional attachments to buy). It’s a bit more expensive than the evenflo, but I liked the way it maneuvered and such better than the evenflo when I was testing them out in the store. Plus the KeyFit2 is one of the best car seats on the market (and can be used with premies).

My biggest recommendation is go to the store and physically touch, maneuver, fold, unfold, and attach and detach the car seat for whatever system you are considering. A lot can be learned from reading online reviews and asking for anecdotal reviews, but nothing beats having your hands on a demo model and trying it for yourself.

We've had good luck with the Meeno Baby Carseat Liner. It seems to keep him from being completely sweaty. He still feels moist, but not wet. I also really like my stroller fan. In the car, we use these cling shades from Britax.

Otherwise, use the oldies, but goodies... Cool wash cloth to wipe down face and neck. Go early/late when it's cooler. You could also use those neck cooling things (the ones that expand when you soak them).

Remember to take care of you, too. Lots of water and cool clothing. Take breaks and don't overdo it.

The laundry thing was the main driver in our choice to buy. It worked out for us because in our area we were able to get a mortgage payment lower than what it would've been to rent a place with private laundry. But obviously this isn't the case for everyone.

For what it's worth, I grew up in apartments and while it had many cons we turned out fine. If you guys plan to buy in the foreseeable future anyway, I wouldn't mess with the timeline if it'll cause financial strain. Baby won't remember starting off in an apartment. I would recommend upgrading to a washer/dryer unit though. You'll be doing so much laundry and having to babysit the communal machines so that no-one touches your stuff will get super old super fast.

On the parking issue, I've heard really great things about the doona for apartment living. Makes it really easy to transport between the car and indoors especially if you have a ways to walk between the two.

I had This car seat with my first and this base to go with it. Both worked really well and were super easy to use. We'll be using them both for our second too. We also have this stroller and I love it! I'm a big graco fan :)

What's your time line for purchasing? If you're able to wait, Black Friday deals are an excellent time to purchase car seats. We bought our Graco 4ever (normally $299) for $117 USD on Black Friday with same day pick-up.

If you're looking to purchase sooner rather than later, some excellent and slightly more wallet friendly convertible car seats are:

• Graco Milestone (I love this seat because it's a 3-in-one)
  
• Graco Headwise 70
  
• Graco Extend2fit which is excellent for extended rear facing!
  
• Evenflo SureRide DLX
  
• Britax Roundabout
  

These are pretty effective for ventilation while keeping insects out:

https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Universal-Adjustable-Breathable-Curtains/dp/B07C23GC63/

The weathertech rain guards work well when the issue is rain rather than bugs. With these installed you'll be able to crack all your windows even in the rain. In combination with a fan or two to promote air circulation and you'll be in decent shape:

https://www.weathertech.com/side-window-deflectors/

Also, having recently done a similar build out in the back of a subaru outback, consider as an option simply sleeping on the floor of the vehicle. 2/3rds of the floor get reserved for your mattress, while the remaining 1/3 is used for cargo (along with all foot wells, the passenger seat, and also a cargo box on the roof). I originally considered the raised sleeping platform with storage underneath, but in a crossover every inch you raise your sleeping platform is an inch of headroom you lose. I found it worth the trade-off of letting go of a little cargo space to make my sleeping space more comfortable. With a cargo box on the roof you should have plenty of room.

If you haven't already run across it, the YouTube channel "SUV RVing" has a lot of great info for suv and crossover build outs.

I think what you want is a Doona. It’s a car seat with integrated stroller legs and wheels. When you need a car seat (with or without base), it’s that. When you’re out of the car and want a stroller, it’s that. Going from the car to the stroller mode, you just lift it out and drop the legs and wheels down like an EMT cart. Going from stroller mode to car, you just collapse it down and pop it into the car.

Super expensive (a lot of car seats and strollers and travel systems are, though), but I’ve heard friends rave about them for travel, and they seem to be perfect if you don’t own your own car and use a lot of Lyft/Uber/metro (it would be WAY easier to carry this down the stairs/escalator than to try to find an elevator for the actual stroller base!).

ETA: this is the video I was looking for to link for you!

Let me suggest these :) for the kickmats though, I had to create my own tie downs for the bottom

Car Seat Protector (2-Pack) by Drive Auto Products - Best Protection for Child & Baby Cars Seats, Dog Mat - Ultimate Cover Pad Protects Automotive Vehicle Leather or Cloth Upholstery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F8F605U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JIyhzbCBECK9H

Best Kick Mats with Backseat Organizer Pocket Storage – 100% Waterproof – 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KY7X2JO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xJyhzbBXT1J50

We have a City Select that is quite nice. A little heavy for my wife, but most of the solidly built strollers (Read: not plastic) are in the same ball park. If you plan on doing a lot of jogging with the baby, you should look into a model specifically for that, otherwise, we decided that this was a pretty good balance of rugged and practical.

We originally got the adapters that allow the car seat to click directly into the stroller. If/when you have another kid, you can also get a second seat and it's very configurable. There are adapters for most major brands of car seats.

For car seats, we have a Graco Click Connect 35 - (Can't find a link right now. Discontinued?) which we used when the kid was an infant. Now that she's bigger, we have an Evenflo Symphony DLX that I really like. (We actually have 2 - one for each car). It can be used for infants, but does not easily remove from the car and click into a stroller or make for a good place for the baby to sleep when out and about. This means that you will need a car seat that can go from birth to about 25-30lbs and then 25-30lbs to 70+.

Let me know if you have any questions.

So, here's what we did when we potty trained our older toddler.

The rewards he stopped asking for after a while, and when he was older we let him pick something from the "surprise bucket" at the end of the day if he'd been dry and went without complaining all day.

Nap time/night we tried with and without nappies, went with nappies until he was consistently dry for a few weeks as he was too stressed otherwise.

We had a few hiccups with toilets out, but it was mostly ok. We did get a folding toilet seat/potty and it's been very useful a handful of times. I'd do it if it makes it easier for your kid. Toilet training is more psychology than physical imho.

For the car we got a little seat protector that fits around the seatbelt. Like this.

You might consider buying the Britax Clicktight seats to move back and forth. I don't have them myself, but I have several friends who say they work incredibly well. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Britax-USA-Marathon-ClickTight-Convertible/dp/B013YCX22I/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1474085125&sr=8-2&keywords=britax%2Bclicktight&th=1 and watch this installation video to see how easily they install: https://youtu.be/bbx2NC5w7QQ

Our strategy is to have enough seats for every child in every car; we tried having one kid-car, and it was challenging to have to switch cars and rearrange things, so we sprung for the extra set of seats.

Got my X this year as well, and for the safety of the car, and my sanity, i got the seat protectors below as well as the floor mats to keep things clean. They have both held up great to my 6 year old and 2 year old.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F8F605U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5POES9/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We have this one and we love it! We went straight to a convertible car seat when LO was born and 7 months later we have no regrets!

That said, some people prefer the infant ones because you can keep a base in each car, and use the carrier part for baby so you don’t have to take them in and out of the car seat as much. We didn’t mind not having these perks and wound up getting a second (cheaper) convertible car seat for our other vehicle that we don’t usually use and for traveling (I was afraid the airport luggage system would beat up the car seat). I’ve had to remove and reinstall the car seat several times, and you eventually get the hang of it. (Not gunna lie, the first couple times were a shot show though lol)

I read a lot of reviews on amazon to make sure I got a quality seat that was easy to clean. Another thing to look for if you go the convertible route is wether or not a certain seat it will fit in your car rear-facing if you have a small vehicle.

Britax seats are very well made. Their Clicktight line is super easy to install. We use the Marathon. Also this site has a good explanation of what to look for and a chart to sort by rear facing weight.

My kid is finally big enough for a backless booster! We got this one on Amazon and it’s been great. Color really pops on the white seats too!

Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat - Easy to Move, Lightweight Design (Turquoise) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IP8AEXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_hGwjDbD2VCXYF

I picked up this one at a second hand shop and love it - http://www.amazon.com/Diono-Easy-View-Mirror-Black/dp/B005PK1EQ4/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1370283097&sr=8-13&keywords=baby+car+mirror

I had the Chicco Keyfit as well! Around 9mo my daughter started screaming in the car and was miserable. Someone told me to get a convertible one.. So I got

Evenflo Symphony DLX All-In-One Convertible Car Seat, Modesto https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8RRMAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Oinjyb2M7VP63

She loves it. Ever since then she rarely cries in the car and it is super comfy. Plus it converts to forward facing when ready.

The Graco one you mean? I sold mine for $50 on Facebook (and it went FAST, could've asked more) and watched for the Evenflo one to go on sale on Amazon. It was down to $150 like it is now, so for me technically spending $100 to make my life a TON easier was worth it.

7-8 is really at the very end of the age recommendation for a booster seat unless maybe they are very small. Good luck getting a 7 year old who isn't used to sitting in one to use it. Anyway, there are some that are only about $13, (http://www.amazon.com/Cosco-Juvenile-Side-Booster-Turquoise/dp/B00IP8AEXC/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1427041059&sr=1-5&keywords=booster+seat) I know they carry them at for around that price at Target, Walmart, etc...

You overpaid I think. Amazon has that model for $130. http://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-Triumph-Convertible-Seat-Everett/dp/B00O8RRR7U/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1451956228&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Evenflo+triumoh+lx

If you see the 1 and 2 star reviews from amazon, everyone is complaining about the straps and not being able to install properly.
Anyway, Britax is around $250-300+ I want to say. You can find it on sale and it depends on the model. But it is so worth it! Think of how many times each day you get the kid in and out. I have no complaints about my Britax click-tight. http://www.amazon.com/Britax-USA-Boulevard-ClickTight-Convertible/dp/B013YCWASA/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1451956481&sr=1-1&keywords=britax+clicktight

YouTube the britax clicktight. Amazing.

Just realized you say your biggest problem is getting the straps tight enough on the kid. Mine routinely tells me "mommy its too tight", haha! I just strap kid in and pull at the bottom and wham, its done. Loosening it is a simple button. Do you have a toys r us? Go try them out and see the difference. Even if you can't try before, I promise you won't regret the britax :)

Cheaper than that - $65 shipped...for an age appropriate one

https://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-Tribute-Convertible-Car-Seat/dp/B00O8RRYDW

But let's be honest here, they probably wouldn't bother even if they were cheaper than that. It's not about the money so much as the personal effort to get one, fit it and use it and this lady does not strike me as the sort of person to make much of an effort at anything.

Oh, good point! We did make sure that our car seat would fit in the particular planes we were flying in. We were able to use our infant car seat (FWIW, Graco SnugRide 30) without the base, but when we flew after he outgrew that we did have to buy a narrow car seat (again, FWIW, the Evenflo Tribute worked really well on the plane). As it happened, we needed a second car seat at that time anyway, but I'm not sure what we would have done if we hadn't.

We got the Evenflo tribute, because it had a little more padding than the Cosco. Very cheap, fairly easy to install. We have some difficulty with getting it level in the car. It's super light.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O8RRYDW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We were fortunate enough to be gifted the Chicco Keyfit 30 system and the accompanying stroller frame. These things were THE BEST. The base installs in less than a minute and then you just plop the car seat in it and it clicks and secures into place. To get it out you just press in the little handle deal and it comes right out. Easy AF and such a time and back saver. Then if you get the stroller frame the seat will click into that the same way. It folds up with ease and has plenty of storage space. All the while not really having to disturb the little one. We used that shit ALL the time. Only downside is it's pretty expensive, but you're looking at a stroller, carseat and base that will last quite a while.

I picked my car seat because it fit in my car and had a nice fabric on it. Have it with my first and like it, so I'm getting the same seat twice. Graco Milestone All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Gotham https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y2864DI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uQSCyb77F41DS

I originally spent big bucks on the Britax B-Agile/B-Safe travel system and felt like it was overpriced for the quality and overhyped here. Turns out convertible seats are also for newborns, I didn't learn that the first time. I guess I assumed there was like a 20+ pound minimum. Nope, as soon as they weigh enough to leave the hospital, you can put them in a convertible seat. I will miss the convenience of clicking the infant seat into the base, but I have an ergo carrier, so I can just use that for running errands.

Nailed it.

Hilarious how they basically change the colors and add 'SIMPSON' to the strap pads to market towards our industry.

I just moved my little man up to the Britax Boulevard Clicktight and this thing seems more than adequate to keep him in place while bouncing around off-road!

We got the Safety First Grow and Go: https://www.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Grow-Convertible-Coral/dp/B015KFDJAM/ We used our completion discount so it came out to be about $109. Not half bad!

We went with the Chicco Fit2. Since we found out we were having two, the thought that it would last more than 9 months and transition into a first-stage convertible seat was enticing. Also got an amazing discount on them around Black Friday, so I think I paid $190 instead of $279 for each of them.

Do you have a front-facing backseat mirror? My son became so much more relaxed in the car after we installed one. We have this one -- <$10 shipped with Prime.

Our LO screamed in the car!

Two things helped, and I'm not sure which was most effective because we did both at the same time:

• Adjusted the straps. Turns out they were insanely tight around her sides and we were measuring mostly around her shoulders.
  
  
• Bought a Cool Mee insert. She was always super sweaty and I think the material in our Baby Trend was irritating her skin.
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Infant-Bucket-Seat-Liner-Color/dp/B004RVGPUC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407109029&sr=8-1&keywords=Cool+mee
  
  Now she hardly ever cries!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AHVR4N8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JRYSGT2/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We bought the car seats piece meal, but very economical

For car seats we're looking to get this for general use and this one to grow into and keep in one of the cars.

For strollers we've decided on this one after going to the store and looking at a few different ones.

The infant seat fits into the stroller, so we'll be able to use those together until the baby is big enough to get out of the infant seat.

For older children, it's a booster seat. All it does really is put the seatbelt strap against your chest as opposed to digging into your neck.

Piddle Pad