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So apparently we need to buy a car seat

DH and I had bought a ton of baby stuff off of some friends earlier this summer. One of the things we got was a really nice Eddie Bauer car seat and stroller set with 3 bases. We checked online at the time to make sure it wasn't recalled and it was in good shape, no accidents, etc. However, apparently we live in a cave and weren't aware that car seats apparently have an expiration date. We found out last night in our baby care class...went home and checked and ours expires 2011. Awesome....so much for saving money on a car seat. The good thing is that this set reatailed for almost $200 and we paid $50. We can still use the stroller when the baby gets bigger, so I guess we still made out fairly well.

However, it now looks like we're in the market for a carseat! I haven't done any research on them, but thought I'd start here to see what you ladies recommended. We're on a tight budget so price is a big consideration, but obviously safety is our first concern. We'd also love a front adjust seat as well.

Thanks for any suggestions!!

Re: So apparently we need to buy a car seat

  • When BRU has their Baby Trade-In event next, save it for that. You can get a 25% off coupon for other baby gear. I think the next one should be in March?

    We have a Chicco Keyfit 30-- it's heavy but I am happy with it so far. We got ours on albeebaby.com for cheaper than anywhere else. The other one that is under $200 that gets good ratings is Graco Snugfit.

  • We also have the Chicco key fit 30. Love it!!
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  • imageklv:
    We also have the Chicco key fit 30. Love it!!

    Same here! Only issue we ran into is that it isn't officially compatible with a lot of snap and go type strollers. Loved it though and looking forward to using it again (but need to check my expiration date!)

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  • We're using the Britax Chaperone for when they are under 30 pounds. It's a pricey seat since it's just infants, but I got it for free when we bought our stroller.

    As for when they are bigger, I can't help you on the budget side. My DH has some ridiculous thing picked out that he wants to go (race car inspired). I figured he needs some way to maintain his fancy car's sports car persona if he's hauling a kid around in it. LOL. 

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  • We have the Graco Snugride 35. 

    Could you find just a seat that you are able to use with your extra bases?

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  • I was going to say the same thing as Kristy, is it possible to find one that is compatible with the bases and stroller?  I know with our snugrides they came with bases and we bought bases for DH and then we borrowed bases from friends who had older seats and bought a set(for $1 a piece!) from a neighbor who had older twins. 
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  • We love our Chicco Keyfit 22.  We got it when Toys r us had the trade in sale, so it was a good deal.  Do you need to have a carrier?  I know some people that go straight to the convertible because it is more cost effective.
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  • I also have to say Chicco Keyfit 30. One of my friends has this one and after seeing it, I knew I didn't want any other.
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  • You can get a plain old Graco Snugride (not one of the 30+ lbs. ones) for around $90 or less. It's a little less convenient than the more expensive ones because you have to tighten the straps from behind but it's really not that big a deal. And you only use the seat for a few months anyway. We had one for Helen and it was fine.

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  • We used a Graco snugride.
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  • I also had the Snugride 35 when the boys were infants. I loved it however, I found as the boys got bigger it was harder and harder to carry (of course I was carrying 2).  I wish we would have opted for the basic Snugride since we moved them into convertibles around 6 months.

    I agree with saving the old car seat for the BRU trade in event.

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  • imagekatsblaze:

    I also had the Snugride 35 when the boys were infants. I loved it however, I found as the boys got bigger it was harder and harder to carry (of course I was carrying 2).  I wish we would have opted for the basic Snugride since we moved them into convertibles around 6 months.

    I agree with saving the old car seat for the BRU trade in event.

     

    We had the plain old Snugride and still ended up switching them at 6 months lol!  Too heavy to carry two babies!  

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  • in your situation, I'd recommend:

    #1 - getting a new seat that fits the bases and stroller you already have.  $50 for all you got is a steal, but BOO to your friend for selling you a car seat that's expired/so close to expiration, OR 

    #2 - I was handed down an unexpired Graco Snugride original - LOVE IT!  It holds baby up to 22lbs.  I thought the 35 would be better, but my 20lb 6 month old baby feels like he weighs a TON in it already.  I would never be able to carry him any heavier, and I believe the 35 is an even heavier seat itself...

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