When to Switch to Carseat from Infant Carrier?

[randomkid]

I know I could read the owner's manual, but I read these boards more often and trust your experiences. How do I know when DD is ready to move out of her infant carrier into a rear facing carseat? Input on the best seats is also appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

[DebbieJ]

What infant seat do you have? How tall and how heavy is your dd?

You can move to a convertible seat at any time as most are rated from 5 pounds on up. We moved my ds to his Marathon at 3 months because he HATED the infant seat.

You'll get the most use out of a Britax--I'd chose one of the larger ones--Marathon, Wizard, Boulevard, Decathalon--these are rated up to 30 or 33 lbs rearfacing and 65 lbs forward facing. You'll use it for years! I think Julie's (joolsplus) daughter is 5 and still in her Marathon.

~ deb
DS 12/03
And a niece or nephew arriving in early August!

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[MMEand1]

We moved my DS out of his baby bucket at about 4.5-5 mo. He was still within the weight, but was quickly outgrowing the height restrictions.

My 4mo DD is also getting tall, so I don't think she will be in her infant carrier for much longer either. Add to the fact that she screams whenever we put her in the infant seat, I think the sooner the better to move her!

WE are putting my DD in a Britax. I have not decided between the DC or BV. We are going to see one and see how she fits in each before we make the final decision.

Hope this helps.
Mariah P.

[kijip]

You will need to swap out of the infant seat for a convertible seat when your baby is at the weight limit (20 or 22 pounds on nearly all seats- check the manual) or when her head is within 1 inch of the top of the shell- which ever comes first. This is not to say that you couldn't safely switch sooner if you or your baby does not like the infant seat. Some babies come home in their convertible seats straight from the hospital. we switched at 3 and 1/2 months or so since Toby's head was within 1 inch of the top of the shell.

[pittsburghgirl]

We moved my DS at 4 months from his Snugride into a Britax Marathon. Since he is tall (we had to move him because he is long-torsoed so his head was nearing the top) we decided to go with the Marathon over the Roundabout to last the longest. However, if I had a petite baby I would probably choose the Roundabout.

Marilee
mommy to James
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