New born car seat

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Hi,

I'm due in June so need to start getting sorted. My husband was looking at the graco slimfit 0+-3. Do we need to get a specific new born carrier, or can we get a car seat that converts as we go on?

We also haven't got a pram or anything yet as we're meant to be getting a travel system off a friend, but no way of getting it. This probably has a baby carrier with it, but obviously has been used by her baby.

I'm in 12 week isolation so going out to try and find advice is off the cards as well!

Please help someone without a clue.
Thank you!

Most brand new car seats come with a new born inner fitting or some form of size adjuster, check the details for the one you like.
What do you mean by baby carrier?

@ginfilledcats one of the baby car seats with the handle, sorry I'm just using what she called it.

You don’t need an infant carrier but most people get one for convenience. The graco slim fit is not a bad seat, but wouldn’t be my first choice. I’d suggest an infant carrier, then you can wait and see what centile your child follows, which will guide you as to what type of seat (harnessed to 18kg or 25kg you need). Infant carriers don’t have to be expensive - something like the joie juva is a great seat and only £40.

@welshweasel, we've not got an isofix car, and we're brassic, and I can't see it changing in the next few years, so trying to work out the best way to do it. My friends all have isofix.

What would you suggest?

If money is an issue buy a joie juva. It’s £40, doesn’t need isofix and will do most kids until 15 months at least. Then you can reassess options depending on the size of the child.

@welshweasel thanks

The graco Slimfit doesn't give a very good fit for a newborn. Joie stages is better in that regard as the padding is better. That's if you want to get a car seat that will last beyond the infant stage.

Otherwise, no problem with using your friend's seat. The only reason not to use a second hand car seat is because you can't necessarily trust a stranger to tell you whether it's been in an accident. As it's your friend, hopefully you can trust her! If unsure you should get a new seat, but if you know the history this is fine. Do check she still has the instruction manual and any bits and bobs (strap covers, newborn insert) that it came with originally, as these are important to use.