Anyone who has purchased a car seat knows that they are quite the investment. They cost hundreds of dollars, but with good reason. They are well-constructed, well-tested, and extremely scrutinized pieces of equipment that keep our babies safe in some of the scariest situations.
Some parents worry about spending lots of money on a car seat because they know it won’t last forever. But when you look at all-in-one car seat models, you see they usually last about 10 years and go from newborn stage to booster seat. Maximize the value of your purchase by adding an extended warranty - you'll be protected against damages and issues as your child grows (and becomes more destructive).
When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for your car seat and more under the same product protection plan, so you never have to worry about spills, rips, cracks, breaks, and other damage ever again. It's comprehensive peace of mind to let you shop online with freedom.
We looked at some popular all-in-one car seat models, why it’s beneficial to invest in an all-in-one car seat, some money-saving options, and ways you can continue to protect your car seat investment.
The price tag and perks of all-in-one care seats
Having the option to keep a carseat from birth to big-kid takes some of the sting out of spending so much on a car seat. Options like the Maxi Cosi car seat or the Diono car seat run well into the $200+ range, but the benefits of these more expensive models can justify the price tag.
The car seat can rotate
Bending over to awkwardly get your child into and out of the car seat, especially as a newborn, can cause lots of strain on your back and on the child. There are now rotating car seat and even swivel car seat options that offer the flexibility to be turned to face the parent standing outside the car so you can easily and painlessly get your kiddo into the seat.
Rotating car seat options are usually more expensive and are only available for all-in-one car seat models. Check out this Graco Turn2Me car seat at Target - and guess what? It's also eligible for coverage under a Mulberry Unlimited subscription.
It's built to last
These all in one car seats can be used for a long time. Typically ranging from 4-100 lbs in weight guidelines, all-in-one car seats transform from rear-facing to forward-facing to boosters. Kids usually need a booster until age 12 (depending on your child's size), so this means you’ll need your car set to last for a while.
It can be rear-facing longer
The CDC recommends children to be rear-facing from birth until ages 2-4. With traditional carrier-type car seats, this isn’t an option, and you have to move your child out of them based on weight or height restrictions well before they’re 4. With an all-in-one car seat, you can easily follow the safety guidelines and keep your child rear facing for the best protection.
Where to find affordable all-in-one car seat options
Not everyone can afford the fanciest Diono or Maxi Cosi car seat. There are some retailers that carry all-in-one car seats that are just as safe but don't have all the bells and whistles (hello rotating car seat!), which means they are more reasonably priced.
Walmart car seats
Purchasing a car seat from Walmart can be a great economical option. They often have sales and carry many of the popular brands parents trust. They have a lot of all-in-one car seat selection.
But before you spring for the Walmart warranty for your all-in-one car seat, subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited to cover not just your Walmart car seat, but nearly everything else you buy online. You'll also be able to file unlimited claims and never pay any deductibles or hidden fees!
Costco car seat
Not everyone has a Costco membership, but purchasing an all-in-one car seat through a wholesale club like Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's can really save you some money. They have members-only pricing, which means great discounts for you.
The only caveat with a Costco car seat purchase is that they have a very limited selection and may not carry a lot of brands, unlike options for Walmart car seats. But when you can snag one, a Costco car seat is usually the best-priced.
Protect your all-in-one car seat investment
Whether you choose a higher-priced car seat like the Maxi Cosi car seat or Diono car seat, or you find a more affordable option at Walmart or Costco, it’s still a big purchase for your family. A lot of all-in-one car seat models can last a family 7+ years, so protect your car seat from the inevitable wear and tear that it’ll go through.
Subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited to help ensure your car seat remains functional for years to come. You'll get coverage for nearly all your online purchases under the same protection plan, so you can be ready for anything.
