Safety is at the top of your mind when you’re expecting. A baby car seat is a must for your little one’s car rides. But if you have two cars, do you need two infant car seats or can you get by with one? This post will help you decide.
Most parents choose one infant car seat even with two cars. Here’s why:
- Portability: Infant car seats are portable. You can move them between cars so you don’t need one for each car.
- Baby always accompanies the car seat: Your baby will always be in the car seat. You won’t find yourself in a situation where you have a baby but no car seat.
- Resource efficiency: Infant-specific car seats have a limited lifespan. By the time your child outgrows them, you might not have gotten full value from two seats.
But every family is different. Let’s look at your options to help you decide what’s best for you.
The Two-Base Solution: Convenience Meets Safety
If you switch between two cars often, the two-base solution is a great middle ground. Here’s how it works:
- Buy one infant car seat.
- Buy two bases – one for each car.
- Install a base in each vehicle.
- Click the car seat into whichever base you need.
This approach eliminates the need for purchasing multiple car seats as your child grows, making it a more economical and beneficial option for parents.
We recommend the B-SAFE GEN2 INFANT CAR SEAT for this solution. This seat has top safety features and easy installation. It pairs well with the GRAVITY II AUTO ONE-HANDED FOLD STROLLER for a travel system.
The B-SAFE GEN2 has:
- SafeCell Technology, a patented safety system
- Easy click-and-go installation with its base
- Compatibility with Britax strollers for a travel system
By buying an additional base you can use this seat in both of your cars without sacrificing safety or convenience.
The One-Base Solution: Budget Friendly
If you want to minimize cost or don’t switch cars often, this might be for you. This involves:
- Buy one infant car seat with a base.
- Install the base in your main car.
- Use seat belt installation in the secondary car.
For this option, we recommend the Britax Willow Brook Travel System. This system has an infant car seat that can be installed without the base using just the vehicle seat belt, making it a versatile choice for baby car seats.
Features of the Britax Willow Brook:
- European belt path for baseless installation
- Click & Go system for stroller attachment
- Lightweight for easy carrying
This method requires a bit more work when switching cars but is a cost effective solution that doesn’t compromise on safety.
Alternative Options: Thinking Long Term
Some parents opt for alternatives to the traditional infant car seat. These options are:
- Convertible car seats from birth: These seats can be used from infancy to toddlerhood, functioning as rear-facing infant seats and later transitioning to a forward-facing toddler seat and eventually to a booster seat. While they’re not as portable as infant-specific seats, they’re longer lasting and offer the convenience of one seat that adapts as your child grows.
- One infant seat + one convertible seat: This way you have a dedicated seat in each car and still get the portability of an infant seat.
Things to Consider
When deciding on one or two infant car seats consider:
- Usage frequency: How often will you use each car for the baby?
- Childcare logistics: Will you be sharing drop-off and pick-up duties? If so, having a seat in each car might be more convenient.
- Future family plans: Are you having more children soon? Buying two seats might be worth it in the long run.
- Storage space: Do you have room to store an extra car seat or base when not in use?
- Budget: While safety always comes first, your budget is a reality.
Safety First: Installation and Maintenance
Whichever option you choose, proper installation and maintenance is key:
- Correct installation: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Many local fire stations or police departments offer free car seat installation checks.
- Regular checks: Check the seat is securely fastened and hasn’t come loose over time.
- Expiry dates: Car seats expire. Check the expiry date on your seat and replace it when necessary.
- Recall notices: Keep up to date with any recalls on your car seat model.
- Accident replacement: If your car seat has been in a moderate to severe crash, replace it immediately, even if there’s no visible damage.
When to Transition to a Convertible Car Seat
Most babies outgrow their infant car seats between 9-12 months. Signs it’s time to switch are:
- The top of your baby’s head is less than an inch from the top of the seat.
- Your baby exceeds the seat’s weight limit (usually around 30-35 pounds).
- Your baby’s shoulders are above the seat’s top harness slots.
When these signs appear it’s time to switch to a convertible car seat.
The Right Choice for Your Family
In the end, it all comes down to your situation. Here’s a summary:
- One car seat with two bases is great for many families, it’s a balance of convenience and cost effective.
- The B-SAFE GEN2 INFANT CAR SEAT is a great option for this, it pairs well with the GRAVITY II AUTO ONE-HANDED FOLD STROLLER.
- If budget is your top priority one car seat with one base like the Britax Willow Brook Travel System can work if you plan ahead.
- Consider your lifestyle, budget and future plans when you decide.
Remember, the most important thing is your baby is safely secured every time you drive. Whether you choose one or two car seats, proper installation and use are key to keeping your little one safe on the road.
It’s all part of being a parent, making decisions and this is just one of them. Trust your gut, think about your lifestyle and safety. With the right info and a little planning you’ll find the right car seat for your family.