Car seats - question...

Have you ladies purchased 2 bases, so its easier to switch the car seat from your car to DH's car ?
I have a travel system, so I'll be taking the car seat in and out anyway, so i dont really need to have 2 car seats. Im not sure if we should purchase anothe base, or just remove it on weekends when we'll most likely use DH's car...
Whats your advice ?

Also, has anyone heard of Mighty Tite ? A nurse recommended it to us, and I just looked up the reviews on BRUS. A few bad, but mostly great reviews. its a fastener to clip onto the seat belt to keep the car seat fastened tighter...

Makes me nervous hearing that study that was done in parking lot at random, showing that 80% of people had their car seats installed wrong. yikes!
Do the hospitals give you a crash course on the way out ? LOL.

As you know, my advice is not tried and tested yet but I'd just get 2 bases. Another base only costs $30 for a SnugRide (which we have) and if you are dividing time between your car and his, why have to go crazy taking it in and out each time? Especially when you hear the facts about how many car seats are installed incorrectly. Think of all those times where you will be pressed for time, trying to get yourself together, the baby, the baby's stuff...and then you have to install the car seat base. I think it's especially worth it to minimize the potential of making an installation error. From everything I hear, car seats can be harder to install than you think and depending on your model car, can be a real pain.

I think the hospital's do a check for you but I'm not 100% sure. I'm going to ask that when I go on my hospital tour tomorrow. Give yours a call.

Hope you're feeling well

I agree on your points Elizabeth, about not taking the chance of installing it wrong when i'm pressed for time or just fed up with doing it every week!
Im going to find out from Evenflo where I can purchase another base.

Thanks for your opinion !

Tummy pats ! and FEEL GOOD !!

Anna, it just seems easier and more time efficient to have 2 bases. As long as it's not costly, I say do it. It'll save you the aggravation of having to reinstall the seat in cold weather and rain.

(***DISCLAIMER ~ The above advice came from a 'non-mom'*** )

Anna,

As fas as the installation, there are state trooper's who do safety checks. They have fitting stations. They will insure that the seat is in properly.You will have to make an appt. We took ours the week before the baby was due and they checked to make sure the car seat was installed properly. We did not have a travel system. Our Hospital gave us a carrier/car seat. We dont use it though. We always used the stroller. And we bought him an actual car seat that goes from rear facing (infant) to foward facing and then to a booster seat. So we would not have to keep buying car seats. But i'm sure they would insure the safe installation of just the base though.I hope it helps. Here is the link:

http://nysgtsc.state.ny.us/seat-per.htm

Jenn, love your disclaimer !! LOLL

BriarRose - thanks for that info ! I'll look into it !

Anna, I definitely think it is worth it to buy another base. We didn't b/c we knew we were moving and with hubby working from home, we eliminated our second car. But, I almost bought a second base for my Mom's car, for when she baby sits. However, we ended up just borrowing an extra infant seat from my cousin.

I have never heard of the Mighty Tite gadget that you mentioned, but the Graco SnugRide infant seat that we have uses what they call an 'H clip' to keep the backseat shoulder harness securely in place. You can buy the clip separately in BRUS, and we have a couple of them just in case. You can never be too sure with the car seat installation. And, remember to check and tighten the seatbelt at least once a week b/c it does loosen from lifting the seat in and out. Just some friendly advice from a new Mom....

Tummy pats to you...your due date is sooo close! I hope you're feeling GREAT!

We didn't get a second base. We mainly kept our son in my car. As for the tightner I'm not sure of the name of the one we have. (I will check later) It cost us about $7.00 & the guy at Babies R Us said it was the best security for the car seat. I TOTALLY love it because when we bought a new car seat (which we later returned) I made a turn in the car & lil Patricks car seat started going over. Luckily it didn't slide to far. I have not had a problem since!

Anna-

I went for my hospital tour today and I was told that they check to see you have a car seat to put the baby in but do not officially check to see if it's in right. She did tell me that you can call your local fire or police station in any town on LI and they should be able to tell you exactly where to go to get it checked. I know they don't do this in the city (like if you called the FDNY in Queens) but I will probably do it on LI too. HTH