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Car Seat 101 - A Guide to Car Seats through Ages and Stages
on Aug 23 2022
Navigating the world of Car Seats and all the information that comes along with it can be incredibly confusing. But have no fear, Caro Bambino is here to offer help and shed some light on this topic!
To begin, let's talk a bit about the different types of car seats and when you’re ready to move to the next step!
Rear Facing Only Infant Seats
Infant seats are extremely popular. They offer portability for your baby within the first year of the baby's life. Most infant seats offer the feature of being able to take the carrier out of an attached base in your vehicle and attach the carrier to a stroller. This is a total lifesaver when it comes to quick errands for a fast in and out.
When do you transition out of the infant seat and what is the next step?
Rear facing only seats have lower limits that can accommodate babies for the first year of life and will need to be transitioned to a convertible car seat either shortly before or after their first birthday. Most infant seats are usually outgrown by 32” or 35lbs, whichever they reach first. We strongly recommend reading your infant seats manual to understand the limits of your baby's infant seat.
Some of our most popular Infant Rear Facing Only seats are:
Nuna Pipa Series
The Nuna Pipa Series fits newborns to toddlers from 4 - 32lbs and up to 32inches, the Nuna Pipa is one of the most lightweight and versatile car seats compitiable with almost our entire fleet of strollers. The entire series is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions and features an aerospace aluminum handle. The base features their 5-second True Lock Installation and load leg. Below are the different carriers. You can click each link to learn more!
Nuna Pipa
The Original Nuna Pipa
Sky Drape IncludedCarrier Weight 8lbs*
Nuna Pipa RX + Relx Base
Carrier Weight 7.6lbs*Sky Drape IncludedIncludes the new Relx base!
Nuna Pipa Lite RX
Carrier Weight 6.9lbs*
Sky Drape Included
Non-Rethread Harness
Includes new Relax Base!
*Weight does not include Canopy and Insert
UPPAbaby MESA
The Mesa Max and Mesa V2 share these similar characteristics: Carrier weight 9.9 lbs. Infant insert 4-11 lbs. with improved infant body positioning. No-rethread harness with new, larger headrest over prior Mesa models. Carrier-only installation with European belt routing. Both work with the same UPPAbaby strollers – with Vista and Cruz strollers directly, and with the Ridge and Minu strollers with adapters. The carry handle has four positions for increased safety in rear-impact collisions
UPPAbaby MESA V2
20% Longer Sunshade than original MESA
Greenguard Certified
4th position carrier positioning for absorbing rebound forces
Flame Retardant Free Fabrics
UPPAbaby MESA MAX
43% more coverage than the original MESA
Base includes load leg + anti rebound panel
Flame Retardant Free Fabrics and Foam
Extended Side Impact Protection
Doona
This car seat is your complete travel system all in one piece. It quickly transforms from an infant car seat to a stroller with just a few adjustments. Ideal for on-the-go parents who are all about practical, easy and smart. The Doona is the first of its kind and is leading the way in innovative car seat/stroller design. Infant weight: 4-35 lbs / Infant height: up to 32” / Product weight: 16.5 lbs
Doona
Cybex
This infant car seat is in a class of its own. It has redefined what it means to have a complete travel system. Its telescopic linear side-impact protection and complete coverage sun protection with UVP 50+ make this at the top of the line in safety, comfort and versatility. The lie-flat design when using with a stroller creates the ultimate comfort for your little one.
Cloud Q
Convertible Car Seats
Convertible car seats will be one of the larger car seat investments you make. This seat is installed into your vehicle and will stay put and usually does not have the portability that an infant seat offers. Most convertibles can accommodate newborn all the way to about 6-7 years old depending on your child's height and weight. These seats are unique in that it can begin its life in rear facing mode and be flipped forward once your child has reached maturity.
When should we move the convertible car seat to a forward facing position?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should be riding in a rear facing car seat for as long as possible! Each state also offers different minimum guidelines, in California, it is the law that a child must be riding in a rear facing car seat until they are 2 years old. Most seats have an average rear facing limit of 40lbs and 40”, whichever the child reaches first. Best practice is to max the rear facing limits of the seat and Caro Bambino offers many with extended rear facing capabilities.
Some of our most popular Convertible Car Seats
Nuna Rava
50lb/49 in. rear facing limit,
65lb/49 in. forward facing limit
UPPAbaby KNOX
Rear facing limit: 45lbs/49in.
Forward facing Limit: 65lbs/49in.
Cybex Sirona S 360
Rear Facing50lbs/49 in.
Forward Facing Limit: 65lbs/49 inch
360 Rotating Swivel Seat
Includes load leg
stabilizes the seat and can significantly reduce crash forces
High Back and Booster Seats
Instead of using a five point harness restraint, high back and boosters offer belt positioning guides for your vehicle's seat belt to ensure that it is properly positioned along the child's lap and shoulder. This requires maturity from the child as they will not be harnessed any longer. The vehicle seat belt is easy to move and allows the child more freedom, therefore they must understand the importance of sitting upright and not playing with the belt. For these seats, we recommend a child be around the age of 6 and up. Most boosters however do offer limits that can accommodate a younger child. It will be up to parental discretion on when you feel your child is ready to transition as long as they are within the minimum requirements.
Some of our most popular High Back Booster seats
Nuna Aace
High Back recommended use 40lbs+ and 38inches +
No Back recommended use 50lbs+ and 38 inches +
Cybex Solution Z Fix
Suitable from 33lbs+ and 38 inches+
All in One Car Seats
Now that we have gone through the three major stages of different child safety seats, there are car seats that offer all in one. That’s right, only one seat will take you through all the stages*. You can begin rear facing from newborn all the way through toddlerhood. Then flip the seat forward as they grow. Once they have maxed out the harness, you will then be able to transform the seat into a high back booster with the vehicle belt.
*It is important to note that they do not offer the same portability as the infant seat.
Some of our most popular All in One Car Seats:
Cybex Eternis S 50lb Rear Facing Limit65lb Forward Facing LimitBooster Mode 40-120lbs
Nuna Exec
50lb Rear Facing Limit
65lb Forward Facing Limit
Booster Mode 40-120lbs
Research
Traveling with Baby? Check out these essentials for Babies and Toddlers
on Jul 28 2022
Updated July 2026
Travel is in full swing! Caro Bambino is here to offer you tips and a checklist to make life easier when traveling with your young family. Traveling with babies and toddlers can be challenging, but we are here to bring you all the information to set you up for success!
Baby Carriers
Baby Carriers, aka the MVP of parenthood. Naturally, it is a must have during travel. Having your hands available during the hectic process of travel will have you breathing a sigh of relief.
Nuna CUDL Deux Baby Carrier
Why we love it:
The Nuna CUDL Deux is designed for changing seasons and changing adventures. It includes two interchangeable panels: breathable mesh for warmer weather and a soft cotton and TENCEL™ lyocell blend for cooler days.
The carrier offers four carrying positions, including newborn mode, facing in, facing out, and back carry. Nuna’s self-guiding magnetic buckles help make securing the carrier quick and intuitive, especially when you are juggling bags, tickets, and a baby. An attached sun hood and self-storing breeze cover offer additional protection while you are out and about.
For families who travel throughout the year, the ability to switch between warm-weather and cool-weather panels makes this an especially versatile option.
WildBird Ring Sling
Why we love it: Lightweight, breathable, and easy to pack, the WildBird Ring Sling is a beautiful option for keeping baby close while traveling. It folds down small enough to tuck into a diaper bag or carry-on, making it perfect for airports, restaurants, quick outings, and moments when your little one needs extra closeness.
WildBird Ring Slings are made from breathable linen and can be used from the newborn stage up to 35 pounds. Once you learn how to properly thread and adjust the fabric, the sling offers a customizable fit without the bulk of a traditional structured carrier.
Solly Wrap In-Store Only
Why we love it: Made in the Los Angeles, CA, these incredible wraps are soft, light, and extremely portable to fold up and throw in your bag, the Solly Wrap is the perfect to travel with. These can be purchased only in-store at Caro Bambino in Santa Monica. Come check it out!
Travel Crib / Playard
Being in a new space during travel can be a little unsettling for parents and babies. Hotel rooms, Airbnbs, and even grandma's house are not usually baby proofed which can make finding a safe space for Baby tricky. Enter the Travel Crib - Travel Crib’s act as both a safe sleeping space and a safe play space for Baby.
Nuna Sena Aire
Why we love it: The Nuna Sena has it all. It can be a bassinet, mini playard, travel or bedside crib. Its modern look will blend with even the most stylish of homes. Get ready for a comfortable night’s sleep with 360° air flow on all sides, floor and mattress. This easy fold will have you out the door in no time.
Nuna PAAL Playard
Why we love it: The Nuna PAAL is designed to move easily between home life and family adventures. It functions as both a bassinet and a travel playard, with two mattress heights that allow the space to adapt as your baby grows.
The PAAL opens quickly, folds compactly, and can even be folded with the bassinet attached. It includes a travel bag with duffel-style handles, making transportation and storage easier.
Mesh panels provide ventilation and a clear view of your child, while the zip-open side panel gives crawling babies a fun way to enter and exit during supervised play. The streamlined design also allows the PAAL to blend into a hotel room, guest room, or modern home without feeling overly bulky.
Travel, Compact, Lightweight Stroller
Compact and lightweight is always a good idea – especially when it comes to travel! Compact and lightweight strollers act beautifully as a travel companion. Most options on our list can even fit in the overhead bin of an airplane* which minimizes the risk of damage during transport.
*Airline is subject to change and can require checking your travel stroller if deemed necessary
Bugaboo Butterly 2 Compact Stroller
Why we love it: The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 takes everything families loved about the original Butterfly and adds even more travel-friendly functionality.
Its compact, one-second fold makes it easy to close while holding your child or managing luggage. The folded dimensions meet IATA carry-on guidelines, although final approval is always determined by the airline. It is compatible with infant car seat using the Car Seat Adapters making travel seamless.
Nuna TRVL LX (Compatible with Nuna Infant Seats )
Why we love it: Only 14.6,* the Nuna Trvl Lx is a wonderful lightweight stroller that is loaded with features including a near flat newborn compatible recline for long outings. If you have a Nuna Pipa series car seat, it will connect with no adapter necessary making travel very easy. Features include UV 50+ canopy, multi recline positions and adjustable calf support for comfort. With the largest wheels of all the travel strollers, you can expect a smoother push. However, the only con with the Nuna Trvl is that it is not IATA Compatible and will not go in the overheard compartment.
*Weight does not include canopy or arm bar
UPPAbaby MINU V3 (Compatible with UPPAbaby, Cybex, Nuna Car Seats)
Why we love it: At approximately 16.7 pounds, the MINU V3 is a little heavier than some ultra-compact options, but it offers a smooth push, substantial storage, and many of the comfort features families expect from a larger everyday stroller such as a full newborn compatible recline. This stroller can take infant car seats. Its one-handed fold creates a compact, self-standing package that meets IATA carry-on dimensions and is designed to fit in most airplane overhead bins*.
*Airline is subject to change and can require checking your travel stroller if deemed necessary
Car Seats for Easy Travel
All infant seats provided in this list offer the ability to install your seat baseless with the vehicle seatbelt. If you are traveling, bringing the base can be a hassle. Installing the seat baseless is a great option when traveling in rental cars, ride shares and taxis.
Nuna PIPA urbn Infant Car Seat
Why we love it: The Nuna PIPA urbn makes traveling with a baby incredibly convenient because it does not require a traditional car seat base. Its integrated pipaFIX™ rigid LATCH connectors attach directly to a vehicle’s lower anchors, allowing for a secure installation in just seconds.
The PIPA urbn is sold exclusively as part of a Nuna travel system rather than as an individual car seat. You can pair it with options such as the compact Nuna TRVL lx or the innovative PIPA urbn Flex System, creating an incredibly travel-friendly setup that makes it easy to go from driving to strolling without bringing a separate base.
Nuna PIPA Aire RX Infant Car Seat
Why we love it: Weighing approximately 6.2 pounds without the canopy and inserts, the Nuna PIPA Aire RX is one of Nuna’s lightest full-featured infant car seats.
It can be installed using the included PIPA RELX base or securely installed without the base using a vehicle seat belt. This makes it an excellent option for city living, taxis, rental cars, and travel days when bringing a base would be inconvenient.
The PIPA Aire RX includes Nuna’s signature Sky Drape™ for shade and privacy, a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy, merino wool and TENCEL™ lyocell infant inserts, and an additional GOTS-certified organic cotton insert set.
It is approved for babies weighing 4 to 30 pounds and measuring 16 to 30 inches. It is also FAA certified for aircraft use when installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat
Why we love it: The Nuna RAVA is a favorite among families because of its comfort, extended rear-facing limits, and straightforward installation.
The RAVA can be used rear facing from 5 to 50 pounds with a vehicle seat belt and forward facing from 30 to 65 pounds. Its True Tension™ doors help create a secure vehicle seat belt installation without requiring complicated routing or excessive force.
The RAVA is a heavier car seat, so it is not necessarily the easiest option to carry through an airport. However, its intuitive seat belt installation can make it a practical choice for road trips, extended stays, or families who need to move the seat between vehicles.
Its generous padding, ventilation panels, recline positions, and no-rethread harness help keep children comfortable during long drives.
Nuna AACE Booster Seat
Why we love it: The Nuna AACE is designed to grow with children from the preschool years through the preteen stage.
Its 3D Growth™ system allows the headrest to move upward while the shoulder area expands outward and the seat depth extends. It includes a nine-position headrest, eight recline positions, energy-absorbing side-impact protection, and a comfortable, customizable seating position for longer trips.
The AACE converts from a high-back booster to a backless booster when your child is developmentally and physically ready. The lower anchor connectors also help keep the unoccupied booster secured to the vehicle.
While the AACE is not the most compact booster for air travel, it is a comfortable and supportive option for road trips, rental vehicles, and longer stays when your older child needs a proper belt-positioning booster.
Please remember that booster seats generally cannot be used during a flight because aircraft seats use lap-only belts. The booster is for use in an appropriate vehicle once you reach your destination.
Feeding
Inglesina Fast Table High Chair
Why we love it: The Inglesina fast table high chair is a popular space saver option for in-home, but did you know it comes with a travel bag attached to the seat? It’s incredibly easy to remove and secure so that it can be used during travel. Tons of parents have enjoyed using this out and about in restaurants instead of the generic high chairs offered. The seat is far more secure and is great for smaller babies who can Houdini their way out of the standard high chairs.
Toys and Books
Toys and books are absolutely essential when traveling to help keep Baby entertained. From car travel, to airline travel or even just waiting at a restaurant, having something to keep Baby busy will help everyone involved. Check them out here
Have a question? Contact us directly by email at info@carobambino.com or call us at 310-399-7971