When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This keeps it 100% reader supported and free of ads or sponsorships. Thanks for your support!

Car Seats and Strollers

The Stroller and Car Seat 411

Let me start by saying that the world of car seats and strollers can be totally overwhelming (there are literally hundreds of choices). But don’t worry, we’ll guide you through it — w00t!

In the first three months of life (give or take), your baby will not have head or neck control, which limits where and how you can place them. A regular stroller seat, for example, won’t work until your babe is about 4-6 months (depending on the recline of the seat).

To remedy this, you can attach an infant car seat to most types of strollers, which turns the whole thing into what’s called a “travel system.” This term doesn’t mean it’s made for travel, per se, it simply means that you can pop your infant car seat on top of the stroller – and off ye’ go.

Many higher-end strollers come with a bassinet attachment (or the option to buy one). This also solves the problem, but you can’t (obviously) use your bassinet as a car seat. Bassinets are especially popular in big cities and other places where you’re getting around on foot more than by car.

Graco Modes travel system

Generally speaking, the most important thing to know before you buy anything is that compatibility is very important. That is, infant car seats fit onto strollers using adapters — and all car seats do not fit with all strollers.

Example: let’s say you fall in love with the sleek Nuna Pipa infant car seat that you would like to use with the Britax stroller your sister handed down to you: it’s not going to work! Many people fall into this trap and get stuck with pieces that are incompatible.

Does this mean you have to buy everything as a package? No, not necessarily, but you do have to be cognizant of your choices. Let’s step through it ~

Starting with: Infant Car Seats

Comments

  1. Avatar of Katherine Burke

    So grateful a friend told me about this list- total life saver! Thank you for all your hard work contributing to this! Very appreciated!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Join 450k Parents Already Receiving "Crib Notes"

Get practical advice and pro-tips for pregnancy, postpartum and parenting.

Featuring:

  • The Real Lowdown on Pregnancy
  • Preparing for Birth
  • Postpartum Survival Strategies
  • Breastfeeding, Newborn Sleep Solutions and more

Get a weekly email with practical advice and insights as your baby grows.

Featuring:

  • Infant Sleep Solutions
  • Babyproofing
  • Starting Solids
  • Pumping at Work and more

I hate spam too and offer easy, 1-click unsubscribe

Hi there - Welcome to the fold.

Bearing and raising kids is hard, but we're here to simplify everything. Unlike most sites, we offer an ad-free, sponsor-free environment, so you always know you’re getting a full dose of honesty.

If you want to noodle around on our site, our 3 most popular articles are:

And, if you haven't already, find us Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks for joining and we'll talk soon!

- Meg

Spread the love!

We haven't taken any money from sponsors or investors.

Help us grow by inviting people that will love Lucie's List as much as you do.

You and the people you invite will get a FREE copy of our Baby Registry Cheatsheet!

skip