We need a third car seat when baby arrives. I would like to avoid the bucket (infant carrier) but am having trouble finding info on if a newborn would fit body size wise into a RF convertible seat (I am expecting this LO to be 9+ at birth based on how big my others kids birth weight). I don't want a bucket for three reasons 1 With my MS a struggle with arm strength, balance and endurance so carting around a baby bucket is nearly imposable. 2 With DS 1 1/2 and DD3 I prefer to use a wrap or sling and have two hands free for my other kids. We really can't afford to spent 100+ on a bucket (it has no benifit to me since I would just leave it in the car and take babe in and out of it) just to have to buy another seat (I prefer to RF until at least 2yrs) in a few months.

I am wondering if any of you can tell me what you experience with a new born in a convertible seat is?
I am looking at a few options currently
1 DD 3yrs 30lbs is FF in a True fit
http://www.amazon.com/First-Years-True-Convertible-Casino/dp/B000YBILWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1301515258&sr=1-1 I either want to put baby in this seat RF and get a Graco Nautilus for DD http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Nautilus-Car-Seat-Matrix/dp/B0011URFRE/ref=dp_cp_ob_ba_title_3

2 Get the baby either a True Fit or a MyRide65
Nhttp://www.amazon.com/Graco-Ride-Car-Seat-Bartlett/dp/B002C3I8WA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1301515258&sr=1-5

So my question is WWYD and why? (even if that is getting a baby bucket)

TIA Erin

PS we will most likely buy something next week so we can get it installed before baby comes.

I prefer the infant carriers just because they are so nice and snug on newbies and I tend to actually carry the bebe in them a fair bit those first few months, depending on season (ie. winter bebe I keep in the seat more)

However, if you fully expect a bigger baby AND have difficulty carrying the infant seat, the TrueFit or MyRide either one would be a good choice for a newbie, so I hear. I would like the TF better later for FF, but either is great for newbies AND extended rear facing (ie. 2yr +)

And the Nautilus would be just fine for your 3 yr old. She could stay harnessed in that for a few more years, likely, and then have a nice belt positioning booster when ready. (although at 30# she too could RF in the TF ;))

I think putting newbie in TF and buying Nautilus would be the most cost effective option (and perfectly safe ;) ) in terms of longest lasting for both/longer time before another seat needs purchased. Assuming you still have good years left on the TF.

Anywho, I think your plan sounds perfectly fine if it just works better for you to skip the infant seat. From what I've read the MR and TF are each good fits on newborns. Surprisingly so for convertibles.

I would go with the Graco for the new bub. All my kids (except Hayley who was waaaaaay too small for an infant seat - she was only 3.75lbs being so prem) went straight into a RF convertible seat. It lasts them from newborn to around 3 years old. Annie was only 6lbs when she came home in the RF convertable and we just used the extra infant padding attachment thingy (can't think what it's called sorry). The other two kids were 9 lb and fit fine.

Don't have anything *real* to add, except that I agree with T and A. ;-)

And, I am totally jealous you get to buy a new carseat. I am SooooOOOO looking forward to investing in news ones soon. :) Hopefully this summer!! :D

We think we have a plan :mrgreen:
DS 21 months 25 lbs needs a new seat the EPS foam has started to break pieces off of it so we have bought a new Nautilus for DD and she will pass her TF to him I want him RF for a while. We are hoping to find a bucket to barrow for a few months (just to spread the cost out) then we will buy her a TF.

sounds like a plan! we are trying to figure out the same...although my ds and dd don't need new seats...just the new kiddo. prob will get a bucket Chicco...but the financial side of my brain wonders if we can borrow for a while before getting a new seat too...