Pivot Modular Travel System

Some of my favorites at different price points (as a NICU based CPST): - Evenflo LiteMax (specifically [this one](https://www.evenflo.com/products/pivot-modular-car-seats-and-stroller-travel-systems) because I prefer this insert style, though the standalone versions also offer an excellent fit). If you expect a preemie or a smaller newborn, Evenflo seats have adjustments to give a truly excellent harness fit- but even for average or large babies they’re great. - Chicco Keyfit 30 or Keyfit Max: very user friendly- the only adjustments you have to make over the life of the seat are removing the infant insert at 11lbs and adjusting the harness height. The bases are also very easy to install. Lots of stroller options from Chicco as well as high end stroller brands with adaptors. Among the more compact seats for front to back space. - Joie Mint Latch: what I used for my youngest baby, and one of my favorite seats I’ve ever used. It’s baseless and has rigid latch anchors that attach directly to the vehicle’s lower anchor points. This is both convenient and very safe - rigid latch is a great energy management feature in a crash and the install is practically foolproof (and the safest car seat is the one that is always used and installed properly!!). The only adjustments necessary are harness height and removing the infant insert. Without a base, it has a very small front to back footprint. - Graco: the NICU nurse in me strongly prefers the higher end ones (with [this style](https://www.gracobaby.com/shop/car-seats/infant-car-seats/snugride-snugfit-dlx-infant-car-seat/SAP_2120493.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ba_grco_DTCSearch_2024&utm_term=conversion&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Greco_US_2024_National_NB_Shopping_Pmax_Asset-Less&utm_term=_-_&utm_content=19593340556_-_&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19593345500&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqs-ClufmkgMVakxHAR2G8hsZEAQYASABEgJSC_D_BwE)of headrest) because the body insert gives an overall better fit for newborns. Realistically any of the Graco infant seats are user friendly and reliable and if you’re on a strict budget, the Snugride Lite seats are a good deal and are usually easier to use than other options in the same price range. - Clek Liing: another seat I used for my own kids. The base is amazing, with features like rigid latch and a load leg that extends to the vehicle floor to help absorb crash energy. The recline adjusts without uninstalling the base, which is fairly unique. The seat itself is sleek, very user friendly (like the Chicco seats and the Mint Latch, the only necessary adjustments are removing the infant insert and changing the harness height as baby grows), and in my opinion comfortable to carry. Lots of stroller compatibility with Nuna/Maxi Cosi adaptors. Also very compact front to back. - Nuna Pipa Urbn: another baseless seat with rigid latch, like the Mint Latch. It has all the same benefits as the Mint Latch, as well as a slightly better fit for newborns under 7-8ish pounds, if you expect that may matter for you. Its biggest drawback is the fact that it only comes as a travel system with Nuna strollers - it’s a huge bummer because I really liked using this seat with the Bugaboo Butterfly (better than the stroller it came with) but I also recognize that most people don’t have extraneous baby gear laying around like I do. - Nuna Pipa RX: this seat has similar base features as the Liing - rigid latch, load leg, adjustable recline without uninstalling the base. The biggest drawback imo is that it can be pretty upright at maximum recline if your vehicle seats are sloped steeply. Otherwise it’s a really user friendly seat with a pleasant user experience. And it also has a huge range of stroller availability. Alternatively, some seats I’d personally avoid: - Baby Trend. Any of them. More trouble than they’re worth, and anything by Graco/Chicco/Evenflo in the same price range will be easier to use. - Uppababy Mesa V2/V3: I really dislike the way newborns are positioned in this seat (admittedly more experience with the V2 than the v3) and do not find it to be a pleasant seat to use in general. If you must have Uppababy, go with the Aria V2; but if you have an Uppababy budget (or stroller), go with a Clek or Nuna seat. Chicco seats are also compatible with some Uppa strollers with the right adaptor.

We bought the 3 wheel Evenflo system. Has a stroller and infant seat. It’s about $400. Easier to manviour with 3 wheels. Once they outgrow the infant seat, can buy a baby seat and still use the stroller. Get a baby backpack, not the ones that you carry as a side bag. Fill it with baby wipes , wet one sanitizing wipes, diapers, but rash cream, snacks, bottles, diaper mat, and atleast 2 changes of clothes. Lots of nice designs out there and affordable for around $50. Must buys also include nose Frieda for sucking out snot, infant Tylenol,

Our number 4 is 10 months and I agree with a lot of what you said. Our go-to travel system is the Evenflo Pivot (get the xpand if you plan to have more than one kiddo). I disagree with your third point though. I wouldn't buy all the meds now because it has expiry dates. Maybe ours are built strong, but we've only needed baby Tylenol once, never baby Advil (children's, yes, but later on), suppositories or an ear camera?? Yes to the thermometer and penaten, but lately I've found we prefer sudocream for rashes because it's a little...creamier? I do swear by Sophie. I thought it was a rediculously priced squeaky toy, but we were gifted one and all of our kids have loved it. Finally had to toss it after 7 years because the rubber was cracking. Put it on the registry if you have one, but don't pay $30 of your own money for it!!

Evenflo pivot litemax is what we got and it’s perfect. Have used it all winter and it’s been great. Has the car seat and the bassinet attachment that turns into the toddler stroller seat. It’s light and easy to fold up and go.

I agree! I was gifted the litemax and I hate it so much, our baby doesn’t mind but to me it doesn’t look comfortable at all! I wish it was summer so I could buy a convertible seat!