Infant Car Seat?

[Mommabird]

I am looking for a new infant seat for our soon-to-arrive little one. I have secured a spot in one of the captains chairs in our second row so size is not an issue. I have used Graco's for all my other kids when they are in infant seats but then when they are a few months old we grow into a Britax Roundabout. I like the ease of an infant seat for getting little one in and out along with 4 siblings so I know we need to stick with that and not go directly into the RB. I am now on the fence between 2 different infant seats. The Graco Snugride 35, and the Britax B Safe. Safety wise they seem to be rated the same. The main thing that pushes me is that I know very well how to use/install/clean the Graco. However I like the look of the Britax more than the Graco. I know that seems silly but.. it is what it is. I also read that the Britax cushions are removable but NOT machine washable. That might be a deal breaker for me. What do you mom's think? These are links to the 2 I am deciding between. Thanks for looking!!

Graco:
http://www.albeebaby.com/graco-snugr...ust-flint.html

Britax:
http://www.albeebaby.com/britax-b-sa...eat-black.html

[MommyShannon]

I think either would be great since they are both front adjust. I actually skipped the infant bucket because we have 3 other kids, lol. I like having my hands free for my 2.5 year old. There were a few times it would have been convenient, but its worked out well just wearing her instead. She's 4.5 months and 15.5 lbs now.

[Suja]

Not machine washable would be a deal breaker for me. Not in the least bit practical.

[NHKate]

If you go with the Graco, I would suggest getting the model that just goes up to 22 pounds, since you plan on switching to the Roundabout after a few months anyway. I used the MyRide 35, and it was pretty heavy.

[runningmomofmany]

I had the snugride 35 and my only caution comes from having a small baby. The seat couldn't be adjusted small enough for my 6lber. She was born a month early and as a consequence had to pass a carseat challenge test. Someone from the nicu had to adjust her in her seat and she couldn't adjust it small enough. She was short, just under 18in and about 5.5lbs when they did the challenge test. We ended up having to buy another seat. The seat claims to be for 5-35lbs, but it didn't work for us.

[LanceBabe]

I had the snugride 35 and my only caution comes from having a small baby. The seat couldn't be adjusted small enough for my 6lber. She was born a month early and as a consequence had to pass a carseat challenge test. Someone from the nicu had to adjust her in her seat and she couldn't adjust it small enough. She was short, just under 18in and about 5.5lbs when they did the challenge test. We ended up having to buy another seat. The seat claims to be for 5-35lbs, but it didn't work for us.

We had the same problem with Nathan. We had bought a BabyTrend infant car seat and stroller, rated for 5-something pounds (I don't remember now), and when he was born early and so small (he was only 4 pounds when he was released from the hospital), he was too small for the BabyTrend and we had to buy a Chicco infant car seat that is made for smaller babies. Of course, it's a non-issue if you don't have a small baby.

Okay, I should have looked at your links before responding. LOL Both of those seats are rated for 4-pound babies, so you'd probably be fine with either one. While I think I like the Britax better, if you're already comfortable with Gracos, I'd probably go with that.

[preciousnd98]

I used a Graco Snugride 35 with DD and now have a B-Safe for DS (we would have used her Graco, but we got a free B-Safe and now have a Britax B-Ready double stroller. Depending on your stroller, the Graco is compatible with a lot more brands/styles. I am also a little frustrated with the sun shade on the Britax as it doesn't go up nearly far enough so DS's face doesn't get covered. I could pull the Graco one up so the top of DD's head was exposed but her face was at least covered.

If you are not going to use it much with a stroller, I do like the B-Safe. But the Graco might be a better choice if you will be using it with a non-Britax stroller often.

[Mommabird]

If you are not going to use it much with a stroller, I do like the B-Safe. But the Graco might be a better choice if you will be using it with a non-Britax stroller often.

That is something I hadn't really thought of! I have a peg perego aria twin that I like to be able to use. I used it with the Graco with my last baby and it fit fine. I don't want to chance having to get another stroller! Yikes!

Thanks for the help everyone!