| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 |
Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
|
Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
for those not familiar with dave & myself - we are HUGE road-trippers. Driving to us is NOTHING....on the weekends - EVERY weekend in the summer, we go to the drive-in, most of which are more than an hour from our house. To visit my family in NY - it can take us up to 2 hours (with bad traffic) - but again - to us this is NOTHING.... We think NOTHING of hopping in the car and going to Dorney Park for twilight admission - and that's about an hour from us...
We had our car-seat installed professionally and WOW - it BARELY fits behind the passenger seat (flat out does NOT fit in the middle - Dave is 6 foot 4...his seat HAS to be all the way back - there's no other way). With the seat behind mine, MY seat is almost KISSING the dash and i cannot sit comfortably in the passenger seat for any driver longer than a half hour.
I know at first - the back is where i will want to be for most trips - to make sure Emma's okay and comfortable, etc...however, in the long term - this is not okay. As i see it - these are our options and i'm 100% torn on what to do and looking for help.
1. keep the graco tour sport system that we have and keep the base installed in the backseat - use as necessary (i would sit in the back) - for shorter trips, etc...and when Emma is 'first with us'. i would sit in the back anyways.
1a. get the Combi Cocorro seat (for free - using points dave gets from work...he has ENOUGH now - this seat is rated to 40 pounds). It would be free and we'd install it in the MIDDLE - right now - the Graco is BEHIND the passenger seat. So - this seat would fit in the middle... I could STILL sit in the back seat but behind dave. We would use this seat for LONG trips - where we would take Emma out and put her in something else (there is no handle on this seat - we'd take her out of the seat itself and either bring her into mom & dad's, or put her into a stroller, etc. at the drive in, etc.). I would then be able to sit up front with dave...as we normally do (and use a mirror to see Emma).
2. using dave's points - get the Combi Shuttle carseat (rated to 29 pounds). We would then need to purchase a stroller (the helio or another combi would be work).
2a. sell the graco on ebay or craigslist (even though my PARENTS bought it for us - so there's a whole guilt factor because i didn't do ENOUGH research)...
i don't know what other options there are....does anyone have any ideas - suggestions on what to do? I'm so torn it's not funny.
I mean - i know it's silly to have 2 car-seats in the back seat for ONE child - however, for our lifestyle - it kinda would work.... I am so sorry this is so long - but as you can see from my rambling - i'm so torn it's ridiculous and we are SINCERELY running out of time (8 days left until induction)....
Message edited 5/25/2009 11:19:10 PM.
|
Posted 5/25/09 11:18 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Do you have a second car? Could you put the seat that does not fit into the second vehicle? I would look for a seat that fits the primary vehicle. Can you return the first seat? Also remember, when the baby is a year the seat can be turned around so you will not likely have the problem for that long.
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:29 PM |
| |
|
Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Posted by LSP2005
Do you have a second car? Could you put the seat that does not fit into the second vehicle? I would look for a seat that fits the primary vehicle. Can you return the first seat? Also remember, when the baby is a year the seat can be turned around so you will not likely have the problem for that long.
we have a second car - but it's not one i'd like Emma to be travelling in - unless we HAD to....
We can't return the travel system - my parents got it for us just about 4 months ago and it's been put together and has been in our basement for about a month now (naturally).
along that school of thought (the one year thing) - wouldn't it then be fine to get the cocorro and deal with the 2 seats in the back for the one year? Just to make life 'easier' as it were?
Message edited 5/25/2009 11:33:04 PM.
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:31 PM |
| |
|
twinkletoes807
Mommy's Girls! ♥
Member since 11/07 10116 total posts
Name:
Gabi
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
When do you think you will start going on long trips with the baby? What kind of cars do you have? Primary and secondary?
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:34 PM |
| |
|
Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Posted by twinkletoes807
When do you think you will start going on long trips with the baby? What kind of cars do you have? Primary and secondary?
my parents' house - i don't know - maybe 3-4 weeks - to visit, get out of the house, etc...
the drive-in - at least 1 month after she's born if not sooner (it's an open air type of thing - we would sit in the car with her with the windows open)....
for LONGER trips - like our yearly trip to niagara falls and things of that nature - we'd rent a car that would be appropriate for the weather of the place we're going (for niagara in december, it's always an SUV).
we have a Pontiac Vibe and the second car is a Saturn SL-1.
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:37 PM |
| |
|
wannabemom
look who's freshly baked!
Member since 12/07 7364 total posts
Name:
aka marriedinportjeff
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
one seat.... definitely sell the other.
I recall seeing a website that sells tons of carseats that actually had a comparison feature that included sizing.
what car do you have? we have a prius and a scion xA. the xA is tiny, and the prius is a standard sedan size. we have 2 maxi cosi prioris as convertible seats. (for infant seats, we had the chicco keyfit 30)
in the xA, I think any carseat would cause the front passenger seat to be concomfortably close to the dashboard. (no carseat would fit in the middle)
For the prius, both seats work great. I can still have 3 passengers + me in my car.
Both seats are very comfy... DS could sleep for hours in them. I would not choose a seat becuase you could get it for free. you must make sure it fits in your car and is super comfy. check amazon ratings... never skimp $ on carseats, swings, or strollers... they're all too important 
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:38 PM |
| |
|
Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Posted by wannabemom
one seat.... definitely sell the other.
I recall seeing a website that sells tons of carseats that actually had a comparison feature that included sizing.
what car do you have? we have a prius and a scion xA. the xA is tiny, and the prius is a standard sedan size. we have 2 maxi cosi prioris as convertible seats. (for infant seats, we had the chicco keyfit 30)
in the xA, I think any carseat would cause the front passenger seat to be concomfortably close to the dashboard. (no carseat would fit in the middle)
For the prius, both seats work great. I can still have 3 passengers + me in my car.
Both seats are very comfy... DS could sleep for hours in them. I would not choose a seat becuase you could get it for free. you must make sure it fits in your car and is super comfy. check amazon ratings... never skimp $ on carseats, swings, or strollers... they're all too important
i would never pick a seat just because we can get it for free (we can likely get ANY seat free with his points). The deciding factor on that specific seat is reviews i've seen and the SIZE of it....it's a convertible - so it would last longer as well...(the combi cocorro).
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:40 PM |
| |
|
LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Well, if you still have the box and the receipt you could disassemble everything, return it and get what you need. I am 100% sure your parents would understand why you had to do this so please don't feel guilty. What is the second car? I can understand your desire to use a primary car. We do this as well, but it is still nice to have an additional car seat for the off hand chance that your DC may need to travel in the other car. This way you can keep the car seat that does not fit in the primary vehicle and you can get a seat that will fit in the primary car. I personally find that I like to have space in my car and two seats will impinge upon the seat where you would sit next to the baby. I would want to be comfortable. But with all this said, I think there is a deeper issue - that is that you feel badly that the seat you wanted and received from your parents is not working out. I would try to get over that issue.
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:40 PM |
| |
|
wannabemom
look who's freshly baked!
Member since 12/07 7364 total posts
Name:
aka marriedinportjeff
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Posted by davenjess
i would never pick a seat just because we can get it for free (we can likely get ANY seat free with his points). The deciding factor on that specific seat is reviews i've seen and the SIZE of it....it's a convertible - so it would last longer as well...(the combi cocorro).
well your cars are at least a similar size to ours.... I can recommend the maxi cosi priori... DS loves his seats... very cushy... they also are a bit narrower / less deep than most seats w/o sacrificing in the baby seat area.
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:43 PM |
| |
|
twinkletoes807
Mommy's Girls! ♥
Member since 11/07 10116 total posts
Name:
Gabi
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Posted by davenjess
Posted by twinkletoes807
When do you think you will start going on long trips with the baby? What kind of cars do you have? Primary and secondary?
my parents' house - i don't know - maybe 3-4 weeks - to visit, get out of the house, etc...
the drive-in - at least 1 month after she's born if not sooner (it's an open air type of thing - we would sit in the car with her with the windows open)....
for LONGER trips - like our yearly trip to niagara falls and things of that nature - we'd rent a car that would be appropriate for the weather of the place we're going (for niagara in december, it's always an SUV).
we have a Pontiac Vibe and the second car is a Saturn SL-1.
If you have the Graco box, I would definitely disassemble the base and return it. If you threw away the box, sell it on eBay or Craigslist. Your parents would definitely understand. Get the Combi Cocorro seat and put it in the center. I think if your really are going to do that much driving everyone needs to be comfortable and this sounds like the best choice for all. Not to mention, you won't be sitting in the back with DD for very long- at least I never did. The baby mirrors work great. 
|
| Posted 5/25/09 11:47 PM |
| |
|
Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
you are right on with the 'other issue'. i feel terrible that my parents spent all that money on the system for us and it just logistically won't work out. my parents' have done SO much for us - and it would make me feel badly....that's why i was trying to make it work - while supplementing with the cocorro...
i'm an insane research person - so that i didn't know that this wouldn't fit upsets me at my CORE...
eta: graco box is LONG gone - dave has a dumpster at work - whenver i empty a box - he takes it to work and ditches it....
Message edited 5/26/2009 12:05:51 AM.
|
| Posted 5/26/09 12:05 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
If your current carseat doesn't fit in the middle are you sure others will?
When we had DS we had a crossover. The way the back of the front seats were, we were unable to put a carseat in the middle. When we did, not only did it push the passenger seat up but also the driver seat.
I also think you will have more room if the carrier is on the passenger side.
If you decide to switch carseats I would keep the current stroller and a used snap-n-go off craigslist. That way you only need to sell the carseat and you get to keep the stroller you wanted.
Also, at this point since you can't return it and you are due in a week, I would test it out for a month or two and see how everything works out. You will know what type of baby she is.
|
| Posted 5/26/09 7:09 AM |
| |
|
Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
I would keep the carseat, chances are you will be in the back with Emma for long trips anyway, and you never know, she may outgrow the infant seat earlier than you think. Jack was in a Britax at 2 months because he was too big for the infant seat.
|
| Posted 5/26/09 8:50 AM |
| |
|
Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
here's a question - will another brand car seat FIT into the graco sport stroller - or are they CRAZY strict and wouldn't fit (meaning to take from the car and drop ((rear facing)) into the stroller)?
i have a graco brand snap n go - so for short trips - we can use that - but for longer trips (such as our niagara trip every year)....would the quattro tour be usable with the shuttle ya think???
I know others will fit - based on LENGTH or DEPTH measurements....
Our CURRENT snugride depth is: 26.75 (hence the problem)
the Combi Cocorro is: 17 inches
the Combi shuttle is: 16.75
both the combi's would fit in the middle (i'd think) - but even if NOT - they'd definitely fit behind me and leave PLENTY of room for me to sit comfortably.
|
| Posted 5/26/09 12:34 PM |
| |
|
DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Posted by wannabemom
I recall seeing a website that sells tons of carseats that actually had a comparison feature that included sizing.
Is this the website???
|
| Posted 5/26/09 1:24 PM |
| |
|
Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Posted by DancinBarefoot
Posted by wannabemom
I recall seeing a website that sells tons of carseats that actually had a comparison feature that included sizing.
Is this the website???
that website only goes up to 2007 models of cars - we have a 2009... (naturally).
|
| Posted 5/26/09 1:31 PM |
| |
|
KateDevine
*
Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
I would see if you can return the seat that your parents got you, it isn;t the end of the world and I;m sure they won't get upset with you
I think itis silly (no offense) to have two infant seats in the back seat, either return the other one and get a smaller one or make due with what you have.
But I will say, except for the ride home from the hospital, I never sat in the backseat, so don't expect to do that, KWIM?
|
| Posted 5/26/09 1:42 PM |
| |
|
mcl916
my two loves
Member since 10/06 5133 total posts
Name:
Megan
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Honestly, most seats take up a lot of room. I have the Maxi Cosi also and even in the Jeep the passenger seat needs to be moved up. So I feel like no matter what you get you'll have to make some compromises. I would keep what you have now and see what you'll want in the future. My biggest mistake was buying things before I knew how/when I would be using them. My next vehicle is going to be a minivan- those things are MADE for car seats!!
|
| Posted 5/26/09 1:51 PM |
| |
|
Angel321
...
Member since 4/08 15553 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
nothing can be returned - all boxes are LONG gone - the snap n go, the stroller and car seat are all out of the box and put together...and have been for quite some time....
|
| Posted 5/26/09 1:52 PM |
| |
|
wannabemom
look who's freshly baked!
Member since 12/07 7364 total posts
Name:
aka marriedinportjeff
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
Posted by DancinBarefoot
Posted by wannabemom
I recall seeing a website that sells tons of carseats that actually had a comparison feature that included sizing.
Is this the website???
NO! I found that one last night after I read this thread... it wasn't a nonprofit (.org). It was an online store that sells pretty much every carseat ever made... and for the life of me, I cannot remember the site it was so long ago.
they had their own reviews (in addition to customer reviews) and their analysis occassionally included seat size and fit into cars. It also provided seat measurements, and compared models... It was brilliant....
|
| Posted 5/26/09 1:56 PM |
| |
|
headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
you can:
a. get a new car
b. get a new, smaller carseat, and use the one you have for another car or emergencies, or sell it on ebay.
i have the britax marathon in a 98 honda accord and it fits perfectly. as far as i know, that's one of the larger britax carseats.
in our jeep, we have the chicco infant seat and base. we do need to push the seat up in the jeep but there is still plenty of leg room for me, i am about 5'4".
i am curious, which is the car you don't want to ride in with the baby and why?
|
| Posted 5/26/09 1:57 PM |
| |
|
wannabemom
look who's freshly baked!
Member since 12/07 7364 total posts
Name:
aka marriedinportjeff
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
HA! I just googled maxi cosi priori and prius (the kind of search I would have done while carseat shopping) and VOILA!
I found it! elitecarseats.com
|
| Posted 5/26/09 1:58 PM |
| |
|
lkrpaul
Becoming a Big Brother!
Member since 5/07 2541 total posts
Name:
Laura
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
OMG I could've written this same post. We are having such issues! We have the Graco Snugride and a Subaru Forester. What car do you have? For now we're super smooshed in the car. We tried a Chicco Keyfit and it didn't fit either. We've actually researched cars because we don't know what else to do. Let me know when you figure it out cuz I'd love to have ideas for handling this!
|
| Posted 5/26/09 2:00 PM |
| |
|
pjay
YAY! I CAN WRITE HERE....
Member since 5/07 1551 total posts
Name:
PJAY
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
i am faced w/ the same dilemma... i think it is my car's problem a 2000 honda crv..... i honestly thought about getting a new car. i am only 5 feet and feel like i am making out w/ windshield.
u can push seat back once u get baby in seat,,,,, u do get a couple more inches. but.. remember to push seat out b4 u take baby out of car.
|
| Posted 5/26/09 2:04 PM |
| |
|
nickipa
love my boys!
Member since 4/06 5648 total posts
Name:
Nicki
|
Re: Car Seat Dilemna - Help Needed BIG TIME!!!! (very long - i'm sorry)
I think you only need 1 car seat-----if it ends up you get a different one that fits better, I think your parents would understand! And don't beat yourself up, I like to research things too, but you can't always think of everything and in the end, your DD will be safe and thats all that really matters.
Me personally, I would want a seat that fits so I could sit in the front if I or someone else wanted to.
|
| Posted 5/26/09 2:11 PM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 |
