We’re happy to announce that we’ve updated our list of Recommended Infant Carseats for Preemies & Multiples! Since we last updated that list, we’ve reviewed (or are in the process of reviewing) several new or updated infant seats that we feel comfortable adding to the list. And even one convertible seat!Please join me in welcoming the Cosco Light n’ Comfy Elite, Evenflo SecureRide 35 (aka Serenade), Graco SnugRide 35 LX Click Connect, Graco SnugRide 40 Click Connect, Nuna PIPA, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, UPPAbaby MESA and the Maxi-Cosi Pria Convertible (specifically, the model with the TinyFit insert).
All of these seats have a minimum weight rating of 4 lbs, fit our Huggable Images preemie doll well, are easy to use correctly and are relatively easy to install properly in a variety of vehicles. While many parents may not think fitting a 4 lb. preemie is important, we know from experience that babies sometimes come earlier than expected and are well under the typical 7 pound newborn size. We have links to the full reviews for each of these seats as well as other important information on our page dedicated to preemies and carseat issues.
Additionally, we’re very pleased that four of the seats now on the list are priced under $100! The Cosco Light n’ Comfy, Evenflo Embrace LX, Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite Plus and Safety 1st onBoard 35 are all “budget-friendly” carseats. And let’s face it – price and value are always important but those factors take on special meaning if you’re operating on a tight budget and/or if you’re faced with the reality of having to buy two, three (or more!) of everything.
Here at CarseatBlog we really appreciate the fact that CR manufacturers are paying more attention to the needs of preemies and low birthweight babies. With fourteen infant carseats and one convertible now on our list, in all different price ranges, this is a giant leap in the right direction. We have several other seats under review at the moment so hopefully we’ll be able to recommend a few more options in the near future!
Can you discuss the baby chin and airway safety guidelines? I am unclear and have a full term low birth weight baby. Thanks!
Hi Cathy – the best carseat advice anyone can give parents of three or more is to start the carseat/vehicle trial and error process as early as possible – while you still have plenty of time to figure things out. You might find that a combination of different carseats works better than 3 of the same seat. It’s not just width but how the seats “puzzle” next to each other. Front-to-back space is important in many cases too. There are just so many variables involved that it really takes trial and error to find what’s going to work best for you and your babies/children in your specific vehicle.
This post is missing an important consideration. The width of the seats is very important to moms of multiples, as we are often trying to fit 3 seats across. So while my Radians were not great for my twins as infants (had two Chicco key fits, which I got after one twin was 4lbs8oz coming home), they were essential trying to fit 3 convertible seats into my car for the twins and my older singleton.
Hi Cathy- You raise a great point. As with all of our recommendations, we obviously cannot try every carseat in every possible vehicle to verify that it will work for everyone. Even an experienced technician cannot always be certain that an adjacent or 3-across situation will work without seeing in in person. Plus, when trying to install two carseats next to each other, it’s not enough to know the widest or narrowest dimension of the shell. The shape and contours of both seats and the configuration of seatbelts/anchors in the vehicle are all very important in regard to whether they will work. While we don’t have it on this list yet, the Combi Coccoro is a very good option for low birthweight infants and is also narrow to fit 3-across in many vehicles.