We drive a mid-size SUV and are able to fit two Graco seats and an infant car seat across the back row without any issues. Sometimes, depending on who’s in the car, we leave space in the middle of our backseat for toys, books, and the occasional adult passenger. It isn’t exactly easy for adults to climb into the car around the installed car seats, graco jogging stroller but because it isn’t a daily occurrence for our family, it rarely presents a challenge. Infant car seats have height and weight limits, and should no longer be used once your child reaches either milestone. In other words, if baby has met the height limit but is under the weight limit, you’ll still have to retire your infant car seat.
They are designed to raise a child up so that lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly over the strongest parts of the child’s body. If using the lower anchors, make sure that the weight of your child plus the weight of the seat does not exceed 65 pounds. Most seats now state in the manual and on the stickers on the side the maximum child weight to use the anchors. If the child weighs too much, caregivers must use the seat belt to install. If using a seat belt, make sure it runs through the forward-facing belt path and that the seat belt is locked and tightened.
I haven’t used it yet as my baby is due in 3 weeks. I have always loved Graco products so when I needed to buy a new car seat it was an easy choice. In this photo Mya was about a week old and in the eight pound range. While she doesn’t seem happy, I love this fit for her. The straps are nice and thick but lay flat against her body and support her in just the right places. The buckles glide with ease and its a quick pop in and we’re ready to go.
Unlike convertible car seats, infant car seats can be easily removed from the car and carried, and some can even clip onto your stroller. So what will a more expensive infant car seat get you? More expensive seats often means more extras like luxury materials, larger canopies, easier installation and potentially some additional safety features not currently required by law.
And that’s a good thing to keep in mind when you use your infant swing. Again, it can be a great tool for banishing your baby’s cranky spells, but it’s not something you’ll want to use for all of your baby’s naps. Unfortunately, though, the “too much of a good thing” rule does apply to your baby’s swing. Remember, our babies and toddlers are quick to form habits. We don’t want to leave any of you with the impression that swings are unsafe, though — not at all! Used properly, swings can be excellent tools for calming fussy babies and giving parents a bit of much-needed peace.
As mentioned above, states may also have specific laws about car seat use. Graco recommends checking with the state you live in to make sure you’re following all regulations. We’ve used the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 for a little more than two years with our oldest child. When he was ready to transition out of an infant car seat, we wanted something that would grow with him.
We first used it when he was 12 months old in the rear-facing position with the five-point harness. When he was a little more than 2 years old, we moved it to the forward-facing position, still using the five-point harness. We like that he stayed in a familiar seat through that transition and that we didn’t have to keep buying new gear and equipment as he grew. This signal that the seat was secure gave us instant peace of mind. And when we needed to remove the car seat for cleaning, disconnecting it was just as simple—all we had to do was push down on the red button and pull out the LATCH tethers.
There are multiple types of car seats and methods for installing them. Each variation suits a particular age and weight and should be swapped out as your child grows. The typical progression is from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster seat. Check your state laws for when to transition from rear- to forward-facing. Booster seats are generally used once your child reaches four to five years of age or 40 pounds. This stroller converts into a travel system within a few seconds.
It is also very comfortable for the child, with a six-position recline and a ten position headrest. graco travel systems can be used from birth to around two years old. I had some issues at the beginning with getting the correct product. We haven’t used the car seat yet, but looking forward to using it when the baby arrives.