Not long to go now! When should I pack the car seat?

**Shanti** · December 2nd, 2008, 10:41 AM

**woops the title is meant to say "FIT" the car seat LOL**

We bought our convertible car seat for our baby months ago and now can't wait to put it in the car..... when is a good time? 36 weeks? Being our first baby I doubt I'll go early however you just never know.

Be nice to get it fitted and ensure it's in correctly before i go into labour and don't have to worry about it.

When did you fit yours for your first bub? DH is keen to fit it whenever I'm ready.

**Jewel** · December 2nd, 2008, 10:47 AM

With DS1 - DP didn't put the carseat in until the day I was leaving the hospital after having DS1 at 39wks. Lol. When I look back now I think 'WTF were we thinking?!' :P

With DS2 - We put the seat in around 36/37wks I think. Mostly cause I wanted to see how it'd go with DS1's booster seat in there. I was so excited to put the seat in this time cause DP let me do most of it myself, while he watched and made sure I didn't screw it up with my pg brain. I'm glad we put it in earlier this time though since he was born at 39wks aswell and it was something less to worry about.

Good luck with the rest of your pg. You'll have your bubba in your arms in no time.

xx

**Visitor7** · December 2nd, 2008, 10:49 AM

36 weeks both times. I had Nina at 37+6 weeks, so I'm glad I did it at 36 weeks.

**Janie** · December 2nd, 2008, 10:52 AM

I was going to have our capsule installed at 36 weeks. However, I had our baby at 35 weeks LOL. Most babies who are prem stay in hospital for a bit, so it's no rush anyway, but our DS came home with us on day 5. So DH had to take the car and capsule and get it fitted on day 4. T'was no drama, he was only gone from the hospital for an hour or so.

Of course it's nice, and easier, to be prepared, but it's easy enough to do quickly if your bub comes early. I did think it would be nice to get used to it being in the backseat before bub arrived, cos it does take a bit of getting used to, seeing this thing in your car!

If you're keen I'd just fit it at 34 weeks, then it's done and you don't have to worry about it anymore

**[M]umma[M]ia** · December 2nd, 2008, 10:52 AM

why not do it now?? once its in, its in. I think ours was.. 36 weeks i think.

**Antheia** · December 2nd, 2008, 11:01 AM

Yeah i reckon 36 weeks is about a right time. But if youre keen now, no harm in doing it now!

Reminds me, i better get my butt into gear, i haven't even bought our capsule yet!

**MantaRay** · December 2nd, 2008, 11:04 AM

We put it in quite early for DS1 - probably about 34 or 35 weeks. We didn't need the extra seat in the car, so it was better to be organised early. DS2 arrived 4 weeks early totally unexpectedly and his seat wasn't fitted yet, but it wasn't a problem as DH was very good at putting car seats in by then and was able to do it the day before we came home from hossy.

**puppies** · December 2nd, 2008, 11:24 AM

We installed our last weekend but I will get it checked by an authorised fitting specialist just to be sure towards the end of this week. We don't have any other children so its no problem having it sit in the car for a month. Its one less thing to worry about. Plus I have it in the back of my mind that DH was born 6 weeks early so his son could be the same, so I have been busy making sure everything is set up and then if he doesn't come early at least I can sit back and just enjoy Christmas and not freak out that I still have not got everything prepared.

**Heaven** · December 2nd, 2008, 11:27 AM

I am so clueless about car seats so I need to ask you some questions Ren!
So you have to get it professionally fitted? And where?
And what one did you get?? Do they all fit in all cars?

I was thinking about putting ours in about 36wks too, sounds like that's about the right time.

**MantaRay** · December 2nd, 2008, 11:32 AM

SJ, there is another thread about that which you should check out. It should be professionally installed the first time, or at least checked, as it's easy not to do it properly until you're used to it. You need to book in, but the Ambulance in most states, and the local RACV/Q/NRMA etc also do it, as well as kidsafe etc.

**Heaven** · December 2nd, 2008, 11:38 AM

Thanks MR!

**MrsB26** · December 2nd, 2008, 12:04 PM

I'mbooked in on friday to have ours done - so 38 weeks. I have needed the extra space though lately but probably wouldnt have put it in before this time anyway. Dont listen to me though - i havent even packed a hospital bag

**Laranna** · December 2nd, 2008, 12:27 PM

DP fitted ours while I was in hospital. DS came 3 weeks early and we had only bought the car seat the day before. It was the last thing we needed to buy so I think DS "knew" we were all ready for him! LOL

**Skyeblue** · December 2nd, 2008, 12:45 PM

I thought having ours fitted at 37 weeks would give us plenty of time...however DD came ON THE DAY it was being installed...had to get Mum to come over so it could be installed. And as you know she is our first baby.....so bub could come any time.
So, my advice is get it done as early as you want!!

**feeb** · December 2nd, 2008, 01:42 PM

I booked in to have it done at 36 weeks and DH said its to early so i cancelled it!!!!
Changed to 39 weeks Jacob was born on the tues and DH had to take car on the thurs to the appt!!! that will teach him Lol

Good luck with birth