Metropolitan Mama

My baby doesn’t.

In fact, I’m a law-abiding girl, but there have been several instances where I’ve been tempted to take my baby out of the car seat while my husband is driving. She tends to cry when we strap her in her car seat and all I want to do is pull her right to my heart. I never do, of course…because her safety is much more important than a few tears as we travel from here-to-there. But it still stinks to go anywhere in the car when your baby is opposed to the experience.

Lately, however, riding in the car has been much better, thanks to our new Britax Roundabout convertible car seat ($179.99). The compact seat is narrower than most so it’s ideal for vehicles with limited rear-seat space. We have a Toyota Camry (such a reliable car, by the way…drives like a dream) and space is definitely an important consideration with two car seats in the back.

The seat is suitable for babies 5-40 pounds so this is an investment that will last you for the long haul. It’s simply silly to buy an infant car seat when you can just buy one that will last you through toddlerhood.

Finally, the forward-facing recline and soft fabric padding seems to be comfortable for baby. My 10-month-old has no way to vocalize her opinion about these matters with words, but…she has been much happier in her seat since we moved her out of the evenflo infant seat we had for her older sister. I think the recline angle is much better – especially for a slightly older baby who wants to have a “drive with a view.”

The seat also has excellent safety ratings and has a solid 4.5-5 star satisfaction rating on Amazon.com.

Summary: If you’re a parent-to-be, don’t register for or buy an infant car seat. Instead, choose a safe, reliable convertible car seat in a gender-neutral color…better for baby, better for your pocketbook.

Action Shots: Here we are on our way home from Phoenix today – For about half the trip, my 10-month-old slept, my 3-year-old slept, I sort-of snoozed on-and-off, and my husband listened to 90′s light rock tunes while he drove through the blue, blue skies.

YOUR TURN: Does your baby like riding in the car? Do you have an infant or convertible car seat?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a Britax Roundabout convertible car seat ($179.99). To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Sunday, January 31st at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).