With five weeks to go and the reality that Gates could arrive three weeks before our estimated delivery date to up to two weeks after that date, it was time to get an infant car seat. Saturday we bit the bullet and headed into our first baby emporium, CitiKids Baby News here in San Francisco.
We obviously looked like deer caught in the headlights as we walked into the store. One mom smiled as we stared helplessly at the array of strollers and car seats. I felt like explaining we're expecting our first but realized mid-thought I'd be stating the obvious and just smiled back. A member of CitiKids' knowledgeable staff quickly materialized and pointed us to the make and model that Baby Bargains recommended. For first-time parents, I highly recommend CitiKids, we weren't pressured to buy anything more than what we came into buy and were actually advised to wait on another purchase until I wasn't pregnant and could more easily try out the item.
Saturday's experience did remind me that we hadn't finished researching everything a newborn needs and completing our registry. So yesterday, I tackled bathing needs for Gates.
In case you're curious as to which infant car seat we purchased, we went with Chicco KeyFit 30 - one of the lightest carriers at 9.4 lbs with a rating of A- or better that also topped Consumer Reports car seat safety report, Rating: A." Baby Bargains hadn't rated the KeyFit Caddy, Chicco's new stroller frame, as it was too new but said the prototype seemed well designed. Its light weight (11 lbs), snap-in capability, and quick close were what I was looking for. Overall they rate the Chicco brand a B+ so I felt confident getting the stroller frame.
When Gates outgrows her infant car seat, we'll move her to one of Britax's convertible seats (Boulevard CS 70) as she'll be able to be rear-facing for another 10 pounds and then forward facing until 70 pounds. For strolling about town, she'll move to a Baby Jogger City Mini (best light weight stroller at 17.1 lbs with quick fold capability).
Ciao Bella!
Eden
