(Part 2) Best child safety car seats & accessories according to redditors
We found 412 Reddit comments discussing the best child safety car seats & accessories. We ranked the 209 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
First, take a breath. Everything is gonna be all right.
Unless you helped raise your siblings or work in a daycare, most people go into parenthood without much relevant experience. (I had absolutely none.) It's one of those things that you learn on the job.
You have 8 months until the kiddo arrives. Enjoy your last childfree days. Trust me, there will be times you miss them. Get as much sleep as you can now, because the lack of sleep is rough. For me, that was literally the hardest thing about having kids.
If she's not already there, very soon your wife is going to start having morning sickness. While my wifey was puking her guts out, she preferred for me to bring her a glass of water to gargle and drink afterwards, hold her long hair out of the way to keep it from getting messy, and gently rub her back. Find out what your wife likes.
Once she gets to her last trimester, keep a close eye on her health. That's when things can go really bad. (Mine nearly died from preeclampsia during her first pregnancy) She should be seeing her OB regularly -- at least weekly if she has any high risk factors.
Literally the first thing you'll need is a car seat. The hospital will not release your child unless you have one. We used this one which is a car seat and carrier, and has seperate stroller attachment.
After the kiddo arrives home, you need to have a nursery ready. To that end, you're going to need a crib, diapers, diaper cream, wipes, 2-3 baby blankets, and some onsies. (I got this one for my kiddos). I would highly recommend getting a diaper genie too. If you have family members who are retired, having them stay over during the first month or two is a good idea. You'll probably be too tired to cook or clean, so an extra set of hands is always useful. You might also want to stock up on lanolin cream, because breast feeding or pumping is very hard on the titties and has a tendency to tear them open.
The best places to buy infant clothing are Goodwill and Once Upon A Child. They grow so fast that you'll get maybe a month of use out of it before it's time to buy more.
You also need to have some idea of what you're going to do with the kiddo after your maternity/paternity leave is over. Is wifey going to be a stay at home mom, or are you going to put your kid in day care? If you go the daycare route, you need to spend the months before the kiddo is born finding one. Do research to find good ones in your area, then go on a tour. Once you find one you like, put your kiddo on the waiting list. (Yes, they have wait lists for day care, especially for the infant rooms.)
As far as general parenting tips, the first year is the hardest. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's OK to put the baby down in his crib and let him cry, while you walk away for 15 minutes to clear your head. Until around 6-10 months, infants aren't very interactive. Once they're walking (10-12 months) and talking (12-24 months), they're a lot more fun.
Oh, I asked my wifey and here were her tips:
EDIT: Oh, and you'll need bottles, a bottle brush, and a sterilizer. This is the sterilizer we use.
These are pretty effective for ventilation while keeping insects out:
https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Universal-Adjustable-Breathable-Curtains/dp/B07C23GC63/
The weathertech rain guards work well when the issue is rain rather than bugs. With these installed you'll be able to crack all your windows even in the rain. In combination with a fan or two to promote air circulation and you'll be in decent shape:
https://www.weathertech.com/side-window-deflectors/
Also, having recently done a similar build out in the back of a subaru outback, consider as an option simply sleeping on the floor of the vehicle. 2/3rds of the floor get reserved for your mattress, while the remaining 1/3 is used for cargo (along with all foot wells, the passenger seat, and also a cargo box on the roof). I originally considered the raised sleeping platform with storage underneath, but in a crossover every inch you raise your sleeping platform is an inch of headroom you lose. I found it worth the trade-off of letting go of a little cargo space to make my sleeping space more comfortable. With a cargo box on the roof you should have plenty of room.
If you haven't already run across it, the YouTube channel "SUV RVing" has a lot of great info for suv and crossover build outs.
I had a January baby in DC and he never wore his coat. I recommend a car seat cover though... this was the one we used: car seat cover
No thick layers between baby and the car seat straps. And no aftermarket products that claim they are ok underneath baby either unless it's from the car seat manufacturer itself.
Thick fleece foot pjs are great, plus a hat and mitts. Blankets on top of the straps, including winter car seat covers are fine, we have this one and it works great because you can cover the whole thing while you're actually outside (especially handy when it's windy).
https://www.amazon.ca/JJ-Cole-Baby-Cover-Herringbone/dp/B00P1BDGEU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=jj+cole+baby+car+seat+cover&qid=1573863555&sprefix=jj+c&sr=8-3
We have had these and like them. Diono Radian RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, For Children from Birth to 120 Pounds, Shadow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PS61XS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AzyBCbY10RKQ9
Ooh! I can help!
So, im getting this carseat:
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KBLM8Y8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Because it changes for every stage the kid will need a seat/booster for. God willing I wont have to buy another at all.
My stroller also has a carseat and changes from newborn to toddler- so i have a spare carseat for other cars, and a stroller in one!
I also got a crib that turns into a toddler bed
A pack n play that has 2 stages: higher pad for basinett (sleeping in our room for 6 months at least) then it will be the pack n play for the rest of his toddler years.
My baby sling thing has front and back facing- so it will last years as well.
Basically everything on my list as far as big stuff goes should last from newborn- up to like 4ish
I realllly didnt want huge items that would only last a little while. If you wanna message me i can send u my link as inspiration, or talk through some junk! Ive been super focused on multi year, fair priced items.
So, here's what we did when we potty trained our older toddler.
The rewards he stopped asking for after a while, and when he was older we let him pick something from the "surprise bucket" at the end of the day if he'd been dry and went without complaining all day.
Nap time/night we tried with and without nappies, went with nappies until he was consistently dry for a few weeks as he was too stressed otherwise.
We had a few hiccups with toilets out, but it was mostly ok. We did get a folding toilet seat/potty and it's been very useful a handful of times. I'd do it if it makes it easier for your kid. Toilet training is more psychology than physical imho.
For the car we got a little seat protector that fits around the seatbelt. Like this.
What's your time line for purchasing? If you're able to wait, Black Friday deals are an excellent time to purchase car seats. We bought our Graco 4ever (normally $299) for $117 USD on Black Friday with same day pick-up.
If you're looking to purchase sooner rather than later, some excellent and slightly more wallet friendly convertible car seats are:
I have the Britax B-Agile which is 20% off MSRP right now on Amazon.
It's looking pretty great! 2 things I'd consider adding:
JJ Cole Car Seat Cover, Black Tri Stitch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C2GL53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zhQYDbNCZTTZ6
Oogiebear - The Safe Baby Nasal Booger and Ear Cleaner; Baby Shower and Registry Essential Snot Removal Tool - 1 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GXTTPKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_piQYDbZWJ5ZXB
These booster seats fit perfectly in the back of my 128, so they'll definitely fit in an M3. I also bought 2 of these seat protectors to go under them. I take my kids to school everyday and they love my car.
I suppose these must be a scam then? Weird then that after fitting one to my car I went from getting zapped every time I got out of it to never getting zapped at all.
We got a Chicco Keyfit30. Amazon doesn't seem to have the combination exactly of what we got available anymore, but these are different color versions of our choices:
Stroller
Seat
Extra base
The convertible seat we got is a Chicco NextFit Zip. I chose that one because it was consistently rated at the top of lists, and the cover zips out for cleaning. This is the exact car seat we have.
If you have a tiny car (prius, etc.) these seats might not work well for you. The convertible one does have a variety of recline positions to choose from so you can sit your kid a little more upright to make more room (if they're able to sit up, don't do this if your kid doesn't have good head/neck control) but it definitely isn't the most compact seat available. It is REALLY easy to install, though - we took kiddo with us while test driving cars since we have to replace our current vehicle in the next month or so. We popped the seat out of the truck, installed it easily in the vans we were driving, and were on our way. Took less than 5 minutes (it is rated as one of the easier seats to install on several of the comparison sites) from "I'll go get the seat" to putting the kid in it.
Edited to add: we moved kiddo to the convertible seat around 11 months, because he was constantly trying to sit up in his infant seat. He'd get really frustrated since it was such a recline. Car rides went from frustrated baby to happy kiddo as soon as we switched seats because he could look out of the window. Technically he's not too heavy for his infant seat even now (27.5 pounds at his 15 month appointment last month) but he is too tall for it (it goes up to 30 inches in height; he was 30.25" at his 15 month appointment.
I use something like this although I don't remember the exact brand and honestly I haven't taken the car seat off to check the condition of the seats.
Some places say it makes the car seat less safe, but I'm not sure how that's possible, it's still anchored firmly.
All car seats have to meet safety standards so you can really pick any one you'd like. More expensive seats will have a higher weight limit, nicer fabrics, and can be more comfortable.
This is what I have and love:
Chicco Keyfit 30
Graco 4ever - We've moved onto this seat now.
Baby Jogger City Mini (not actually a jogging stroller)
Pack N Play w/bassinet
Swing - I'm pretty sure we got this for $150 at BRU
Edit: formatting
We went with the Chicco Fit2. Since we found out we were having two, the thought that it would last more than 9 months and transition into a first-stage convertible seat was enticing. Also got an amazing discount on them around Black Friday, so I think I paid $190 instead of $279 for each of them.
For older children, it's a booster seat. All it does really is put the seatbelt strap against your chest as opposed to digging into your neck.
I would highly recommend the Britax B-Safe. Its an excellent car seat that is a great product for the price (currently $130 on Amazon). There are a lot of accessories available for it and yes, you can buy extra bases (we have 3 all together ourselves).
I think what you want is a Doona. It’s a car seat with integrated stroller legs and wheels. When you need a car seat (with or without base), it’s that. When you’re out of the car and want a stroller, it’s that. Going from the car to the stroller mode, you just lift it out and drop the legs and wheels down like an EMT cart. Going from stroller mode to car, you just collapse it down and pop it into the car.
Super expensive (a lot of car seats and strollers and travel systems are, though), but I’ve heard friends rave about them for travel, and they seem to be perfect if you don’t own your own car and use a lot of Lyft/Uber/metro (it would be WAY easier to carry this down the stairs/escalator than to try to find an elevator for the actual stroller base!).
ETA: this is the video I was looking for to link for you!
Son is 17 months old. We have -
One infant bucket seat that he used until we switched him at 10 months old (though he still fit and probably could have stayed in it another few months).
Three bucket bases (one comes with the seat, so we only had to get two extra). One in my car, one in my husband's. One in my mother's.
Three Convertible Carseats (One Chicco NextFit iZip in my car and one in my husband's, as well as a Graco Extend2Fit in my mom's car.)
We also purchased another convertible car seat for travel only for our recent out of state flight.
Eventually we'll be needing to get... probably... three high back car seats and then three booster seats - but that's way down the line. I haven't researched these because... I'm just so done dealing with car seats already, but I'm wondering if the convertibles we do have can take the place of the high back. But that's future Ernie's issue to figure out.
I got these covers as they matched with the red stitching. Also, got a cover for the back of the seats too.
Car Seat Protector 2 Pack for Child Car Seat, Auto Seat Cover Pad Under Baby Carseat –Best Protection for Your Leather Seats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BSNHLZB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_otzBCbRY92W4Y
Carseat: Chicco Keyfit 30
That stupid baby wipe warmer thing I thought was a waste of money: actually awesome.
I had This car seat with my first and this base to go with it. Both worked really well and were super easy to use. We'll be using them both for our second too. We also have this stroller and I love it! I'm a big graco fan :)
I second the recommendation for a Scenera Next. It's very, very light and easy to install both on planes and in cars. I even travelled with my daughter alone and used it on a plane and it wasn't bad at all. I used a luggage strap to hang it off her stroller, then moved it to hang off my backpack to get us on the plane, and now that she can walk better, I could just carry it and direct her. I've also gotten it around airports by attaching the tether and LATCH straps around carry-on size rolling luggage using a carabiner, basically a DIY version of this.
I'm a big fan of having the child in their own seat. Checking a car seat in anything but its box can risk damage that you may or may not even be able to see, and there's also a risk of your child getting hurt if not in a seat. The first time I flew with my daughter we hit really bad turbulence and it would have been terrifying to have had to try to keep her from getting thrown into the ceiling. Instead, she was safely in her seat and slept through the whole thing.
Another thing to note is that some flight attendants know nothing about car seats so if your child has their own seat, be prepared to explain that you can use a car seat, and if you use the seat rear-facing, that that's allowed by the FAA too. Car Seats for the Littles has good information and links for that. I just bookmarked the relevant airline and FAA links and referenced them the one time someone tried to give me trouble about it.
In that case, what about this one?
Chest Clip Guard for Car Seat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AX47QEU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ALX5Cb25WEYC5
For car seats we're looking to get this for general use and this one to grow into and keep in one of the cars.
For strollers we've decided on this one after going to the store and looking at a few different ones.
The infant seat fits into the stroller, so we'll be able to use those together until the baby is big enough to get out of the infant seat.
>My baby car seat base unit slides a little bit.
I bought one of these to protect the leather on my A4. This way I don't get hung up on damaging the leather, and I can get the car seat base straps really tight. It's crazy what you have to do to really get them to not slide around. I ended up sort of kneeling on mine and applying a lot of my body weight as a I pulled the straps tight. Even after that, a family member who works for child protective services checked it and said it wasn't tight enough :P. My advice would be get something like the protective mat I have, and go to town getting your seat base in there as tightly as you can. Then check it a few days later and tighten again if you can.
Glad you're digging the car, the A4 is super nice!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AHVR4N8/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JRYSGT2/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We bought the car seats piece meal, but very economical
Yes! As a Dad of a 3 y/o and 6 month old, the rear facing car seat (a Chicco Key Fit 30) fits snugly but well! And a Graco toddler front facing seat sits alongside it in the back!
You'll appreciate having the rear-facing behind the passenger seat so that you don't have to compromise driver seat position. I've had the infant seat behind me and I have to limit how far back I can push the seat but it does still fit..
We regularly take the whole family places in the Spark EV, only problem is I can't fit the stroller that the car seat snaps into, so we have to decide if we will compromise with just an umbrella stroller and the 3 y/o walking.
I'll try to take a picture today when I'm home! Right now it's just the car seat base and the toddler front-facing.
We are getting the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1. It has great safety reviews and converts from rear facing (up to 40 lbs) to forward facing w/ harness (up to 65 lbs) to a high backed booster (up to 100 lbs) AND a backless booster (up to 120 lbs).
This seat would work for both your kiddos from now until they don’t need a seat at all.
The Noggle - Making the Backseat Cool Again - Vehicle Air Conditioning System to Keep Your Baby / Children Cool and Comfortable When Traveling in the Car - Works with Most Vehicles - 8ft, Black Ice https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LXT23RA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ra5DDb9SGD5T7
Piddle Pad
Oh, in that case, look into an A/C extender or maybe a couple car fans. Stay cool!
I have a contraption that runs the AC flow to the back seat for my toddler. It's so hot and humid out lately that AC is a must and it ends up significantly chilling my camera below the dew point. I've been running medium-warm air through this and I set this up to blow over my camera/bag for a few minutes before I start my night sessionsand it has helped immensely. Allowing the rig to acclimate can help, but it gets tricky when the ambient temperature is already closer to the dew point, and at that point hand warmers are a better option to ensure your camera stays warmer than the air temp.
Check your local weather service office at http://weather.gov for the latest forecasts and tools to find this info for your intended location. Most offices have a great Facebook and Twitter presence and include that info in forecast graphics that they post several times a day.
God yes, the rock and play saved us because we could just plop him in there. He napped there for a few months because it was super easy to sneak him in there (as it was on an incline, warm, cozy) v the crib because I think he thought he was still being held.
If it's winter where you are get this carseat cover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C2GL53?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This chair thing is awesome because baby can sleep here or play here and it's convenient and a safe place: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A4B34IA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_Fv5ELGH4J1eDq
Here you go!
http://smile.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Stroller-Saddlebag-Black/dp/B00SHYEJ58?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
http://smile.amazon.com/Jolly-Jumper-727-Stroller-Caddy/dp/B000JQ4B3C?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://smile.amazon.com/Munchkin-Backseat-Organizer-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00FROCX7W?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://smile.amazon.com/Sight-Magical-Firefly-Mirror-Safety/dp/B00B7M7CMO?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://smile.amazon.com/Boon-Whale-Drain-Storage-Scoop/dp/B007D1NWD6?ie=UTF8&keywords=boon%20whale&qid=1463974909&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1
http://smile.amazon.com/Diono-Travel-Pal-Car-Storage/dp/B005NMP6IG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
http://smile.amazon.com/Britax-Seat-Saver-Waterproof-Liner/dp/B00E1ABYSC?ie=UTF8&keywords=britax%20liner&qid=1463974959&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1
http://smile.amazon.com/Diono-Travel-Pal-Car-Storage/dp/B005NMP6IG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Few other things I found while digging in my Amazon orders:
http://smile.amazon.com/BackSeat-Trunk-Organizer-Lebogner-Multipurpose/dp/B014PZWK44?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Trashcan/tissue holder. I'm this mom now, god damnit.
http://smile.amazon.com/High-Road-PuffnStuff-Trash-Organizer/dp/B000HZT89C?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
Various babyproofing things. I had these cool door stoppers that hook into the hinge, but as it turns out my kid loves trying to jam the door shut even more and actually stripped the holes with the screws. I had to put super glue in the holes while shoving the doors back into place while it dried. I use these now and he hasn't ripped any doors off yet.
http://smile.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Finger-Pinch-Guard/dp/B0035RQF7M?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Baby gates. I like this one. We have 3.
http://smile.amazon.com/Regalo-Easy-White-spaces-between/dp/B001OC5UMQ?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01
Little knick knack type toys that are really nostalgic for me. I didn't buy many of these things, but I could NOT resist the Mister Rogers trolley. So redeemed, my kid is obsessed with it now.
http://smile.amazon.com/Wooden-Neighborhood-Toy-Trolley-Limited/dp/B004U3TXZG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00
Books! I had done so much of the essentials (sounds like you have) that I ended up putting a fair amount of books on my registry. People were more than happy to buy those.
Something like this shade. Just picked at random so not a recommendation. Search for car bug screen. They have ones that have little awnings and some that are pretty plain. They basically slip over the window frame. I've heard of people just getting a screen at Lowes and sticking it on with magnets. Napier makes kits that fit completely over the back hatch. Some people like them as it gives you a bit more room, but not very stealthy and at that point you might as well just pitch a tent.
Exped makes nice mats, but size will probably be an issue. Your best bet is to hit a hardware store and get some bulk memory foam that you can cut to fit.
Two people in a Vibe is going to be cozy. Remember you have to put all your stuff somewhere while you are stretched out. You can pick up a regular old Insta-tent for less than $100 at Walmart and throw in a nice double air mattress or cots and call it a day. If it's raining or you want to stay a bit somewhere it will be loads more comfortable. The insta-tents go up and down really quick.
Window baby shade
Blasting AC for a few minutes before loading LO into car
Place large ice pack in baby seat when baby ISN'T in there
Reflective seat cover $4
The last one is highly dependent on your car setup but it's the Noggle $47 hose to extend from the vent to the car seat.
Oh, good point! We did make sure that our car seat would fit in the particular planes we were flying in. We were able to use our infant car seat (FWIW, Graco SnugRide 30) without the base, but when we flew after he outgrew that we did have to buy a narrow car seat (again, FWIW, the Evenflo Tribute worked really well on the plane). As it happened, we needed a second car seat at that time anyway, but I'm not sure what we would have done if we hadn't.
7-8 is really at the very end of the age recommendation for a booster seat unless maybe they are very small. Good luck getting a 7 year old who isn't used to sitting in one to use it. Anyway, there are some that are only about $13, (http://www.amazon.com/Cosco-Juvenile-Side-Booster-Turquoise/dp/B00IP8AEXC/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1427041059&sr=1-5&keywords=booster+seat) I know they carry them at for around that price at Target, Walmart, etc...
My kid is finally big enough for a backless booster! We got this one on Amazon and it’s been great. Color really pops on the white seats too!
Cosco Topside Booster Car Seat - Easy to Move, Lightweight Design (Turquoise) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IP8AEXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_hGwjDbD2VCXYF
Eventhough i'm not convinced those powerlined could induce such a charge in your bike (I need to mention that I'm no electrician or something) but maybe something like this thing https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0057UNFDW?pc_redir=T1
Could be useful. They're used on cars and ground it (eventhough widely doutbed). But u may wanna try this (I'm pretty sure u can mount it somehow to your bike touching the ground).
Not sure if it works but could be worth a shot
Yeah that works too! I just like this changer because it's a pad that holds about 4-5 diapers and wipes in a neat little container where they seemingly never dry out, and there's some space for extra clothes and snacks in the zipper pockets. It's the only thing we take with us when we go out, road trips, day trips, flights, trains... Everywhere. So convenient.
Here's the strap I'm talking about: https://smile.amazon.com/Convert-Luggage-Airport-Stroller-Carrier/dp/B06XTT17QC
I practiced putting on a couple of times at home, and was pretty much a pro. Last flight, my kid was sleeping, so I successfully strapped her onto the suitcase on the plane without taking her out of the seat. You're not "supposed to" let children sit in the seat while it's strapped, but I'm guessing that's in case your suitcase can't handle it, mine did just fine.
I'm guessing your little one won't be in a bucket seat by then, but if so, and you don't already have one, a cabby is great and you can usually get one used for nothing, $50-100 new at most.
Also seconding the nap time flights, especially with a separate seat. Works very well!
I have these ones for my 19 prime
http://www.amazon.com/Britax-B-Safe-Infant-Seat-Black/dp/B008KCR7U6/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1420035085&sr=1-2
IF YOU THINK i AM LYING ABOUT CARSEATS SNAPPING OUT. thIS IS THE FIRST INFANT CARSEAT ON AMAZON.
SORRY BOUT CAPS, TOO FAR TO DELETE NOW.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Static-Electricity-Ground-YI-153/dp/B0057UNFDW
Or check these out. Might fit three side by side.
Diono Radian RXT All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, For Children from Birth to 120 Pounds, Shadow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PS61XS/
We are as far north that we are practically in Canadian. For our kid we have her wear baby hats to keep her head warm and a car seat cover does well. They do have snow suits for babies 0-3 months and up if you are going to play outside. Just don't put them in the car seat with a jacket on it compromise the safety by not allowing the seat belts to be as snug around the baby. Since my baby is only 2 months we just have her in long sleeve outfits with pants, socks and hat. And we then have the cover over the car seat which keeps the wind and cold out when going from outdoors to indoors.
Car seat cover: https://www.amazon.com/JJ-Cole-Weather-Resistant-Herringbone/dp/B00P1BDGEU/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=car+seat+cover&qid=1550857902&s=gateway&sr=8-13
Snow suit: https://www.amazon.com/Carters-Child-Hooded-Puffer-Snowsuit/dp/B07N98XZTW/ref=cts_ap_4_vtp?th=1&psc=1
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The laundry thing was the main driver in our choice to buy. It worked out for us because in our area we were able to get a mortgage payment lower than what it would've been to rent a place with private laundry. But obviously this isn't the case for everyone.
For what it's worth, I grew up in apartments and while it had many cons we turned out fine. If you guys plan to buy in the foreseeable future anyway, I wouldn't mess with the timeline if it'll cause financial strain. Baby won't remember starting off in an apartment. I would recommend upgrading to a washer/dryer unit though. You'll be doing so much laundry and having to babysit the communal machines so that no-one touches your stuff will get super old super fast.
On the parking issue, I've heard really great things about the doona for apartment living. Makes it really easy to transport between the car and indoors especially if you have a ways to walk between the two.
If you’re bringing the car seat to the gate, could you get one of those straps that will attach it to your carry on roller bag? Like this https://www.amazon.com/Convert-luggage-Airport-Stroller-Carrier/dp/B06XTT17QC/ref=pd_aw_lpo_bs_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9H4GJXH0Q8BQHN46B394
Disclaimer - I’ve never actually used one of these, just seen them!
Have you ever tried peeing with your baby in the carrier? It should be possible. I’d practice at home and plan on that for peeing on the plane.
I picked my car seat because it fit in my car and had a nice fabric on it. Have it with my first and like it, so I'm getting the same seat twice. Graco Milestone All-in-One Convertible Car Seat, Gotham https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y2864DI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uQSCyb77F41DS
I originally spent big bucks on the Britax B-Agile/B-Safe travel system and felt like it was overpriced for the quality and overhyped here. Turns out convertible seats are also for newborns, I didn't learn that the first time. I guess I assumed there was like a 20+ pound minimum. Nope, as soon as they weigh enough to leave the hospital, you can put them in a convertible seat. I will miss the convenience of clicking the infant seat into the base, but I have an ergo carrier, so I can just use that for running errands.
devices exist
https://www.amazon.com/Chest-Clip-Guard-Car-Seat/dp/B01AX47QEU/ref=pd_sim_75_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01AX47QEU&pd_rd_r=DCWE5BN3RBQWKDACGNZK&pd_rd_w=e1d3N&pd_rd_wg=sGXsc&psc=1&refRID=DCWE5BN3RBQWKDACGNZK
This locks and keeps kids from undoing it.