Baby Car Seats and Strollers Are Overwhelming to Pick
Parents are overwhelmed by the choices and costs associated with baby gear, from car seats to bassinets and furniture. They seek recommendations for space-saving solutions and affordable alternatives.
SOURCES (60)
“I am a third time mom and need to get a new car seat/ double stroller. I have 20% off at target from the trade in event so I’ve been scouring their website trying to figure out what will work. They don’t have many options.…”
“Parents with CR-Vs (or similar-sized SUVs): what car seats are we getting? We'd like to get a rotating one (like EvenFlo Revolve 360) but I read that take up way more room than a typical convertible seat.. thoughts? I have a feeling West Coast Kids won't let me try it in our car before buying. submitted by /u/justletmegarden [link] [comments]”
“Hey all, we purchased the Graco modes element lx travel system for our baby. The car seat and attachment go in my car (very small sedan as of right now), and our Graco forever car seat goes into my husband’s sedan. I love that the modes car seat pops right into the stroller, but with limited space (we are in the process of looking for a bigger car), it’s a pain to fit the stroller and car seat into my car separately. Hence, my question. We found a discounted Doona and are considering buying it.”
“Expecting first time parents. We are becoming overwhelmed with all the brands of car seats. We’ve really like the joie finer with the mint latch car seat so far from handling them at the stores. What’s yall opinions on this? submitted by /u/DifficultyDismal1320 [link] [comments]”
“Looking for recommendations on a 2nd car seat that will grow with my son that’s just turning one. In my vehicle we have the Evenflo revolved 360extend, but I’m looking to purchase a cheaper option for my moms car which won’t get used as often as mine does, what are your favorites? submitted by /u/Jadeeell [link] [comments]”
“We need your advice on buying. Which stroller / car seat combo do yall recommend. I’m a little overwhelmed by the amount of strollers and car seats. Would love to have a car seat that works with the stroller for easy travel. Anyone have any personal recommendations or things they liked and or disliked about there’s? Thanks ! submitted by /u/According-Post6420 [link] [comments]”
“LO grew out of his baby car seat, we are looking to upgrade to a rotating rear facing seat. Please drop your suggestions! Thank you kindly submitted by /u/RipeAvocado6789 [link] [comments]”
“Hi all, Need to take a car seat to Spain (from UK), will go as checked luggage. Ideally something not too pricey and that comes with a travel bag. Must be suitable from 2 years of age and ideally can fit using a seatbelt system (unless isofix is the norm/expected in taxis etc?). Any recs? Thank you! submitted by /u/c_a_t_a_w [link] [comments]”
“We are expecting our first baby in February, and finding all the research and feedback on car seats, strollers, travel systems etc to be a bit overwhelming! We have it narrowed down (for now) to the two travel systems in the title. We are interested in a travel system that can carry us through from infant to toddler days, and live in a highly walkable area, with a downtown area as well as parks (with sidewalks), so I can envision us walking with the travel system more than driving, especially in”
We are switching out our Nuna infant bucket seat for a Graco extend to fit seat and my brain just isn't working with making sure it's adjusted to our 6 month old.…
“Hi! I don’t have Facebook so I can’t ask the popular Facebook group people always recommend. I have a 20 month old and a 4.5 year old. The 4 year old uses the EasyTurn forward facing. We turned him maybe six months ago. He is disabled and can’t get in/out so this seat is great for him and us. We have a third row vehicle and my 20 month old usually sits in the back in his regular Graco car seat. When I’m only taking my two littles (I also have an infant) I want to be able to put my 20 month old i”
“Hello! I’m a ftm and my 7month old is about to hit the height requirement of our Evenflo car seat. I want to go ahead and purchase his next car seat now but there are so many options it’s hard to know what’s truly good options! My baby is a big & tall baby. He’s growing fast. I’m hoping to find a car seat that can be placed into a stroller attachment.im wanting an affordable but reliable option. I dont want to spend over $400 if possible. So anything other than that thats truly all around a”
“Hi, first baby is coming soon. I'm learning about strollers now, had no idea there was so many options. I aready got a car seat from a friend, so I just need a stroller that'll work for a newborn (bassinet) and toddler. I came across Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe and it looks great, but I think it comes with a carseat. Is there another similar option you'd recommend? Thanks! submitted by /u/serenitynow2022 [link] [comments]”
“Hey parents! I am planning to do the car seat trade in this weekend at Target to get the 20% coupon. I was wondering they will also be putting some travel systems on sale? First baby coming soon, just wanted to see if there would be good deals. Thanks(: submitted by /u/BerryTae25 [link] [comments]”
“Hey everyone! Has anyone 6ft+ used a Cosco carseat rear-facing in a Mazda 3 or similarly small vehicle? How does it fit with the tall person in shotgun and the carseat directly behind? I (Mom) am 6ft tall and I just do not fit in shotgun in my husband's car with the carseat. My head is nearly on the ceiling and my knees are on the glove box. We have two Graco Slimfit carseats. I have a bigger vehicle, so we usually take my Maverick when we go out as a family, but it's been in the shop fo”
“Baby is currently 9mo. We’re going to be traveling pretty extensively for the next 6 months, so I’m looking for a pretty heavy duty stroller that is still relatively easy to transport and a car seat that is similarly easy to transport. A travel system is not viable because LO outgrew the newborn car seat at 7mo. I‘ll be going to try out a few in the next few weeks, but I’d like to narrow the search a bit. I know the Bugaboo Butterfly gets recommended often, but the basket doesn’t look large enou”
“Baby is currently 9mo. We’re going to be traveling pretty extensively for the next 6 months, so I’m looking for a pretty heavy duty stroller that is still relatively easy to transport and a car seat that is similarly easy to transport. A travel system is not viable because LO outgrew the newborn car seat at 7mo. I‘ll be going to try out a few in the next few weeks, but I’d like to narrow the search a bit. I know the Bugaboo Butterfly gets recommended often, but the basket doesn’t look large enou”
“Hey guys. So my 5month is outgrowing his bucket seat and we are looking to transition to a full time car seat. I recently saw Graco 4Ever DLX Slim at Costco and grabbed one. I'm not able to find many reviews of it online. Has anyone used it or heard reviews about it? submitted by /u/Moose_Maple514 [link] [comments]”
“Where are we keeping our car seats in the house while not in use? We’ve been using this weird couch thing but we just got rid of it cus it was taking up too much space; out of curiosity, where do y’all store your car seats? Edit to add: this is an infant car seat that clicks into a base & is removable submitted by /u/Adventurous_Marmot [link] [comments]”
“We are about to have our second child and are trying not to buy a land yacht unnecessarily. We will have a 2½-year-old and a newborn, and their 1.59 m mum would like to sit between both rear-facing seats for the first few months. “She technically fits” is not enough; we need something tolerable for a 1–2 hour drive with her seat belt sitting properly. We live in Portugal, so European models are most useful. We are shopping used, roughly €20k–€30k, automatic, no diesel, with safety first and the”
“Hi everyone, I’m wondering if anyone has a sense of if the Graco transitions harness booster seat (has 5 point just like a car seat) is significantly less safe than a standard car seat like a Graco extend to fit 3-1? My oldest is big enough to use the transitions one and my youngest has outgrown his infant style car seat. Instead of buying multiple new standard car seats for my youngest (prob around $700 for three cars including grandparents car) I could get three of these 5 point boosters for m”
“Hi! FTM and We just bought the Lalo Chair II for my son who is 6 months now. It’s my first time putting him in a high chair so I’m not sure what I’m supposed to look for but it seemingly doesn’t work well for him? He doesn’t want to bend his knees to put them on the foot rest (he just sticks them out straight forward) and it almost feels like the foot rest is too far back for him to bend his knees and rest his feet comfortably. Is that a normal thing that he has to get used to? Or is it potentia”
“My husband and I travel quite a bit. Some travel by air and some by car. We bought a graco pack and play but she currently sleeps in a bassinet in our room. While traveling, most places will have a pack and play to use for sleep. I am worried she won’t be comfortable in the pack and play which will make sleeping on vacation more difficult. Here are two options I am thinking: Option 1:Start having her sleep in the pack and play instead of her bassinet as she is 3.5 months and almost outgrowing he”
“What works for a crawler isn’t what works for a toddler on a scooter, and it feels impossible to buy once. Do you buy for now and replace, or buy something that flexes? submitted by /u/Artistic-Earth8997 [link] [comments]”
“I need one that will come with a spot to attach an infant car seat but also comes with a second seat to use when they outgrow the infant carseat. I am in ontario, and winters can have a lot of snow at times, with plenty of people not shoveling. So i also need it to be able to get through snow when necessary. Any suggestions?? I dont even know where to start, ive looked at a few options but just dont know what's best. Also, please reccomend a carseat that is compatible with the stroller you s”
“My son is 20 months. He is 96th percentile in height and weight but has quite a ways to go still for the max height and weight on his car seat. My wife is pushing harder and harder for turning him from facing and I think the pressure is coming from her family who turned our nephew from facing at 18 months because he was so big. She is concerned he is uncomfortable and I do get where she's coming from, though. He has to bend his knees for his legs to fit which then causes the thigh straps to”
“We have a 9 month old that weighs about 22 lbs. We’re going to be traveling quite a bit and don’t want to lug around the big 360 car seat we have at home. He also hates his Nuna Infant car seat, might have outgrown it. Anyone have a super portable travel car seat they like? submitted by /u/firenicoh [link] [comments]”
“I have narrowed down to a few , but no matter what, each and every bassinet has some sort of negative review, so it makes things really tough to decide. Anyone recommend any of these? Seem to be most popular. Most important: breathability/safety, levelness, firm mattress, convenience factors? Newton (all reviews say it leans to one side) Halo (not the kind that moves or does anything, just the swivel kind) Max-cosi Baby delight Delta Children Bondi submitted by /u/Nearby_Dog3827 [lin”
“I’m having decision paralysis. I live in New England and I’m expected to have my first baby in October. We bought the bugaboo kangaroo, but without the bassinet but it does come with the infant car seat attachment to the stroller. I’m now wondering is it worth getting the bassinet for the stroller? I’m trying I’m going to try to make it a goal to go out side for at least 15 minutes a day, but I’m not sure if it would be worth it with the bassinet. submitted by /u/New_Grade9067 [link]”
“Hi all, I'm a FTM so forgive me, I'm trying to navigate all the products.. My 3 1/2mo old can roll over in both directions and needs a bigger sleeping environment than her Mamaroo as she keeps knocking her head against the bars. She doesn't particularly like sleeping in her Graco Pack 'N Play as it's too big for her and she wakes up from the added room/not being able to put her face up to the mesh as she's always liked being pressed up against something. She's a littl”
“I have a 3 month old who is growing out of his bassinet. We live in a tiny one bedroom and room share with him. I am looking for recommendations on a mini / compact crib - ideally one that can last over the next year.. Budget wise I’m flexible as long as it checks all the boxes. Thank you! submitted by /u/Past-Development-933 [link] [comments]”
“Alright- I've read through SO many posts about strollers/infant car seats/wagons that I'm at a complete loss. Information overload that I can't seem to get my head around. Maybe it's due to pregnancy brain.... I am pregnant with my second unexpectedly. My first (and supposedly only) was through IVF. We had failed rounds following the success of our toddler. We were told we had 0% chance of conceiving naturally. But here I am unexpectedly pregnant. I sold all my baby stuff since i”
“SOS I’m 38 weeks pregnant, FTM, and we don’t have a car seat yet 🙃 We recently purchased the Cybex Balios S Lux during the Nordstrom anniversary sale and am so excited to use this soon!! We heard that the only reason it’s not listed for use from newborn is because there are stricter regulations in the US and It doesn’t have the foot part that folds up to create a bassinet-esque structure. BUT apparently in Europe this stroller is very very commonly used from birth. Anyway, we weren’t crazy abou”
“What would you rate this item? 1-10, 10 being worth every penny, 1 being don’t even think about it! I would like to get something for my baby that moves her and keeps her happy when I work out or clean! submitted by /u/general_sprinkles1 [link] [comments]”
“Got an UppaBaby Vista V2 with my first kid, keeping a future second kid in mind. I didn’t realize at the time that for two kids, the toddler seat for the older child has to go in the top, which isn't my favorite setup. Now I’m debating: should I buy the RumbleSeat/adapters for the Vista? A different double stroller altogether? Has anyone used the Vista configuration with two kids? How did you like it? Open to any other double stroller recommendations as well! Edit to add: The Vista will like”
“We’re getting the nursery together and I’m stuck on the rocking chair part. I’d like something really comfortable since I’m guessing I’ll be spending a lot of time sitting there with the baby, but I also don’t want something that feels huge or takes over the room. What’s the best rocking chair for nursery that you’ve actually enjoyed using? Would love to hear what you ended up going with. Thank you! submitted by /u/JogaMenbere [link] [comments]”
“Having a hard time finding a rear to forward facing car seat that will fit properly with enough space with the fixed headrests and deep bucket seat base. Anyone have photos or recommendations? Thank you!!!! submitted by /u/Ok_Tip_6166 [link] [comments]”
“Hi! Does anyone have any experience with these two travel systems? I was gifted the Graco modes system but it seemed really bulky after testing it out in stores. The Joie one looks a little more chic but I’m not familiar with the size of it. I’m quite short/petite so I’m hoping to be able to handle getting it in and out of the car myself. I also noticed that the Graco one has a snack tray and the Joie one doesn’t. Is this a disadvantage for you? I would appreciate any insight!! submitted b”
“Hello! I have the uppababy Cruz v1 and was wondering if anyone has found a way (small modifications) to add a lift to the seat to create more storage space underneath. Unfortunately uppababy does not make any seat adapters for the v1 and from my research I’ve only found information for the Cruz v2/v3. Any suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated! Thank you submitted by /u/True-Boysenberry-910 [link] [comments]”
“what type of set up do you have in your bedroom? We have the nursery so when the baby outgrows his bassinet he can move there. I am wondering what all do you need in your bedroom.. like do you have the rocking chair in there? Some clothes and what not? Or do you use the nursery and just have the baby sleep in the bedroom bassinet? submitted by /u/shadysade [link] [comments]”
“looking for a new car seat because our 8 month old has just about outgrown his infant carrier seat. i’d really appreciate any recommendations for affordable ones!! submitted by /u/plastic-drawers [link] [comments]”
“Hello! I just upgraded to the kangaroo and I’m looking for accessories before my second comes along. Where did yall get sheets for the bassinet? I for some reason am having the HARDEST time finding anything for the kangaroo. I barely was able to get the bassinet since it’s sold out everywhere 😪. Please help. Thanks in advance 🖤🖤 submitted by /u/2small2Banattraction [link] [comments]”
“I am barely 5 ft. Does anyone have recommendations for strollers, car seats and changing tables for the height challenged? submitted by /u/Pretend-Dimension937 [link] [comments]”
“Hoping to use the help of the fellow dads here at reddit to help me pick a new car seat for my little dude. My son recently turned one and is just about to outgrow his infant car seat. We have a uppa baby aria at the moment which is good until he hits 30 inches tall. He was 29.5 inches tall at his doctors appointment last week. We have a some what unique situation with child care, I work in the city so I drop my son off in the morning on my way to the train station and I leave the car seat there”
“I picked up a Graco SnugRide 35 Lite carseat at a local children's consignment shop, but I'm not sure if this is the right insert for a newborn, or if I need a different one. With my last baby we went straight into the 4ever carseat, so it had the thicker newborn insert; is this the only insert or this one? The Graco website shows this carseat as being discontinued, and I absolutely do not want to use an aftermarket carseat insert because I know they're not safe. Does anyone have thi”
“I was abroad. Car seat was forward facing only for a month, the one they put in our rental was forward only for her height. Our toddler LOVED it. I want to turn our shit around at home but it's illegal.. or is it? every google search is conflicting. 23-months old. quite tall. and now she's spending so much effort to turn around that i feel it's distracting and dangerous. submitted by /u/desertforestcreature [link] [comments]”
“I’m expecting my babygirl in about a month, i’ve gotten everything but i’ve been struggling to find a good car seat, there are so many brands, so many different kinds, and I don’t know what to get. I’m look for something that can be reliable, that I can use for a while also being affordable, preferably not something over $250 and girly. but at this point i’m really not picky. can I get one of those cool ones that turn into a stroller or do they not make one for newborns? what car seat did you us”
“We’re expecting our second and I think we want to go with a wagon vs a double stroller. What do you have and WHY do you love it/recommend it?? *$350-$400 price max / *snack tray/cup holders for kids / *cup holders and/basket attachment add ons for adults (not necessary but would love this) / *shade canopy submitted by /u/2078AEB [link] [comments]”
“Can anyone please recommend the car seat travel bag to me that can fit 2 Cosco scenera extends nested together? submitted by /u/Empress_Peach [link] [comments]”
“Hi! I have an apartment with only one room and I am looking for a cot that can also be used as bedside crib, because I am only 155 cm tall and I think it would be more comfortable to take and put the baby in the cot during the early postpartum. I would like to avoid buying a separate crib and looking for a cot that can be used from birth until at least 3 years. For reference the height of our bed is 53 cm from the floor. I liked ikea cribs but im not sure if they can be used as bedside for newbo”
“We are in the process of looking at car seats and travel systems for our baby. We really like the mint latch and ginger DLX. My questions are, has anyone flew with the ginger DLX? Is it too big or fine? We’re OK with gate checking it. I’ve looked into the nutmeg but i think two strollers is overkill plus we live in an apartment And does anyone have either of these two vehicles and does the Ginger DLX fit?? - 2020 Nissan Altima - 2017 Nissan Versa Thank you all! submitted by /u/Mammot”
“I’m due with baby #2 in November and wondering if it’s safe to reuse baby car seats that weren’t stored in a climate controlled area. My husband stored our firstborn’s infant car seats in the attic for the last 1.5-2 years. I didn’t think it was a good idea but let it slide at the time. We live in Texas where it’s hot af for half the year and the attic is dangerous for people to go in during the summer. Most infant car seats are ok to use 5-6 years after buying or until when the sticker says it’”
“I’m wondering if anyone has tried to make the city select 2 seat newborn friendly by using the uppababy snug seat? I lucked out in getting a free baby jogger city select 2 double stroller from my buy nothing group! only issue is I don’t currently have the accessories / adapters to make this newborn friendly. I already have a clek car seat that I will be reusing, but need to get an adapter and would still like a non car seat option. I swear I saw someone on tiktok using some kind of insert with t”
“Do you have any recommendations what stroller or stroller with car seat should I purchase for a new born with a toddler sibling? Thanks!!! submitted by /u/Previous-Employment9 [link] [comments]”
“Hello all, I am a new parent to a 5 month old girl. She has outgrown her original car seat and I have begun putting her in the isofix car seat but the problem i have is, while she does fit in this seat, when she falls asleep her head dips down forward. I have contemplated rotating the seat to forward facing position to try resolve the issue. I think the main issue causing her health fall forward in her sleep is my rear car seats are not level and the seat parts slant downward. Any advice or help”
“My daughter is almost a month old and we’ve been using the Halo smart bassinet. I’m worried about her getting reliant on the rocking/vibration in order to sleep. Any parents who used the Halo/Snoo/Cradlewise: how was weening? When did you start weening? submitted by /u/Relevant_Lynx_5117 [link] [comments]”
“Can anyone recommend an affordable, all terrain stroller wagon that works for an infant and a toddler? A lot of the ones I’m seeing are saying for 6 months and up. Thank you in advance! submitted by /u/-eccedentesiast [link] [comments]”
“Considering buying this for everyday trunk use and for travel. Seeing mixed reviews (like everything). Saw it in person and looks great- just worried about how the seat is not too upright for a toddler who likes to sit upright (this could be minor con vs its pros tho). submitted by /u/333s3 [link] [comments]”
“I am needing to upgrade my baby to a convertible car seat. I have a Mazda CX9 with bucket seats, so I am assuming I will probably need something a little slimmer. Her nuna infant seat fits just fine I want something that rotates. Any recs? submitted by /u/Dry_Being9138 [link] [comments]”
