Check how tight the buckle releases and strap adjustments are - some are a lot less user friendly than others. A seatbelt install often takes some strength to get the seat jammed all the way down and the belt tight, so an extra base might be a worthwhile investment rather than worrying about how securely the grandparents will install an infant bucket seat. Or splurge a bit and buy a Britax Clicktight convertible, since those are easier to get a solid belt install with than most seats. (Assuming the grandparents want to be able to take the seat in and out of the car when not needed.)

If you go straight to a convertible, make sure it will fit an infant well, is lighter weight, and is easy to install. I would pay more for light weight and easier install given grandparents will need to install the seat.

This is a good resource for recommendations:
http://carseatblog.com/safest-recommended-car-seats/#CONVERTIBLE

It is also to useful to remember that most convertibles will last 6 years.

If they'll be driving baby once per week, I would just get them an extra base for the bucket seat. But if you want to save money, I agree with PPs to have them install bucket seat with seatbelt for now.

Many bucket seats can be installed very easily just with a seatbelt. Not just the new ones. If you get one with a base system, just get an extra base for the grandparents' car.

And there are lots of inexpensive convertible seats.

I would use the bucket and get them a base for their car for 6 months. Easier. Then get a good convertible. We had a Pria for the grandparent car and it lasted till age six. The next fit is also supposed to be a nice seat. I would get a better seat if you can afford it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How often will they be driving your kid, op?

I'm not totally sure, but I would say up to once per week? Maybe even less than that, and definitely not every day.

Thanks for all of these suggestions. I'll do some more research based on what you've all suggested.

For the bucket seat recommendation - would I basically just buy a base for each of their cars, and then they can click the seat from my car or my husband's car in? Or would we uninstall our seat from our car and then install it in theirs? Hope that question makes sense...

Most of the new bucket seats don't require a base. For the Uppa Baby Mesa and the Nuna Pippa you just use seatbelts...no base required.

Anonymous wrote:How often will they be driving your kid, op?

I'm not totally sure, but I would say up to once per week? Maybe even less than that, and definitely not every day.

Thanks for all of these suggestions. I'll do some more research based on what you've all suggested.

For the bucket seat recommendation - would I basically just buy a base for each of their cars, and then they can click the seat from my car or my husband's car in? Or would we uninstall our seat from our car and then install it in theirs? Hope that question makes sense...

Cosco Scenera. We got one for when we visit my IL's. My parents had that one for our first and then got the cheap hybrid seat for when she was bigger (I want to say it was an Evenflo)

It depends on your budget, but there isn't a requirement that you spend $300 on grandma' seat.

Get one that is easy for them to use -- the cheaper ones have straps that twist and are hard to take in and out. I use one of the cheap ones in my car, but didn't want them to have to deal.
We ended up getting a Britax Clicktight for them and it's worked really well.

Agree that a bucket is best/easiest for grandparents with a baby - it is super easy to strap in with a seatbeat and then you don't have to worry about them (1) having an extra seat, or (2) installing it correctly each time.

For later on, I would buy a well-rated but light weight convertible seat that gets good marks for easy installation (check out Lucie's List for recs) - then show them how to install it properly a few times.

How often will they be driving your kid, op?

For an infant you can just put the bucket seat in their car using a seat belt. Just keep the car seat with the kid and you won't need two. You can also buy an extra base for the grandparent's car if they'll be driving the baby often, just to make things easier.

I would spend more and purchase a seat that can be used for many years to come. The Next Fit is nice, but I would purchase a seat that can ultimately convert to a booster.

I would get something like the chicco. Easy to install and easy to tighten the strap.

For the experienced moms out there, a question from a FTM. If your parents or in laws have a car seat for your baby, what do they have? Is convertible the way to go since the baby probably won't go with the grandparents too often? Is it worth spending more on something like the Chicco Next Fit, or would you advise getting something cheaper since it won't be an every day use seat?