Infant Carseat/Carrier Question...

I have a Graco snugride, but my particular seat has only a 20 lb weight maximum. That was fine for my first 2 kids who didn't reach 20 lbs til around 1 yr, but my 3rd baby is not even 6 mos yet and he's already past the max. UGH! He can't sit up on his own yet, so it has made some things more difficult, like going out to dinner (can only sit in a high chair for about 5 min before he slumps). It is also impossible for me to transfer him from the car to the house (without waking him) if he falls asleep in his convertible car seat. And now I have to wear him while grocery shopping, which I used to do often anyways, but it was nice to have both options available.

I would try to find one with a 25-30 lb max to give you some more use out of it, as you never know how quickly they might grow.

The main thing I looked for when I "started over" was to make sure the infant carrier didn't have that handle in the center of the bar... it had to be a solid curve aross the top, it was so much easier to carry if I needed to grab something with my hand and rest the bar on my forearm. ( I hope you are understanding what I mean!! lol)

otherwise I have always liked Graco ( with out the handle in the bar lol)

I skipped the infant carrier entirely and got a convertible seat that fits infants well. I know some people really prefer the carrier, but I like to wear my babies in a sling instead of carrying a seat, so that function wasn't something I used anyway.

Not the preferred option for everyone, but it is an option!

We had the maxi cosi mico car seat for an infant carrier. If you usually have average sized babies, then I would recommend it. We still used it with our second, who was a bit larger than most ( 11 lbs ! ) but it wasnt as comfortable carrying around as it was when my son was in it 2 years before.

I loved our Chicco Keyfit 30 so much that I passed it to my sister. Super easy to install, holds up well, easy to adjust and remove, the covers are washable, and if Grandma needs to haul the baby either it takes 2 minutes to install the base or she can use the seatbelt option. It's bigger than some of the infant carriers out there, but fits on Snap n Go strollers (so I've been told). And their customer service ROCKS.

I have a Graco and while I like it, if I had to do again, I would really look at the Chiccos. What I like about the Chicco base is that it has 2 separate belts and hooks, so it adjusts on both sides, to go in the latch system in the car, and I think it's easier to get a nice tight fit. With the Graco I have, it is one long belt with 2 hooks, and only adjusts on one side. It's a convenience thing, not a safety issue with me. I think the Peg Perego and Britax are like the Chiccos, but I wouldn't spend that much money on a infant seat, but I definitely spend the money on a regular car seat.

While I know you are looking for bucket seat recomendations I just have to add I found using a regular seat was better for us. I had used the bucket seats for my first two and they were great, heavy, bulky but convenient sometimes. I've had a Graco and a Baby Trend brand, I prefered the Baby Trend because the handle was more ergonomic. The best thing for that is to go to a store and carry them and try swining them up and down like your putting it into a car or on a stroller frame, even try putting your purse or something heavier into it just to test it out.

Though, I just went with a convertable seat with my third and when we were out I put him in a cloth carrier (I prefer the ergo and slings but there are tons of other choices) The bonus to these are not having to buy three+ carseats over the years.

Chicco Key Fit 30. Great seat and super easy to install the base. I can get a good, snug install in about 30 seconds. I used ours with both my boys and we used a hand-me-down snap and go stroller with it. Loved it.