Are you in the 32 to 37 weeks of your pregnancy and want to know the difference between capsule and car seat to decide on buying one?
You’ve landed at the right place.
Below we’ll describe what a capsule and car seat actually is. Also, today we’ll help you decide which one you should buy and why.
So, are you all set to step on this “Versus” ship? Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is a Capsule?
An infant capsule is a baby accessory that fastens to the seat of your car. This carrier can be detached from the base or your car, which adds portability to it.
What is a Car Seat?
A car seat is a modified type of capsule. It has a base that attaches to your car. However, you cannot take it apart.
Difference between Capsule and Car Seat
Now, as you know what a capsule and car seat is, let’s have a look at the significant difference each of them has.
Time Frame
The first and the foremost difference between a capsule and a car seat is the time you’ll be using them. Capsules are newborn carriers, and they’ll carry your little munchkin from the day he births till he turns 6 months or probably 1 year.
The usage period of a car seat is more than that of capsules. Numerous car seats are there that allow your baby safe transportation for 4 years. In fact, there are convertible car seats like Britax car seats that promise to be in your family for around 10 years.
Portability
One of the biggest advantages you have in buying a capsule is portability. Capsules have detachable bases that come apart from the car. Due to this detachment, capsules are handy, and you can carry them along.
Parents who love adventures or visit cafes often love capsules. These capsules give them the freedom to move their baby out of the car without having to disturb his nap and trigger his cry.
You don’t get such privilege with a car seat. Made to stay in the car, you cannot stash it out at the station you have stopped by. Even more, you’d need to have a baby sling to transport your baby in this case.
Weight
Since portability is why a capsule is most wanted by parents, it weighs less than its counterpart. Generally speaking, a capsule has a weight under 15 pounds, and that’s how it is easy to carry around.
Car seats – especially the convertible ones – are heavy and bulky. They weigh 15 pounds to 30 pounds, depending on the features they provide you with and their design. However, they fit right into the car, so it’s no big deal.
Compatibility
Capsules are made to fit into the stroller, and together then, it’s called a stroller travel system. It is a great alternative to a baby sling and car seat pair. So, if you are heading out on a hill, you can just bring your stroller on, attach the capsule, and be good to go.
An exception is that your capsule should be compatible with the stroller you have. So, it’s better to buy a travel system stroller or pick a capsule that snaps into your baby stroller.
Convertible car seats have no such advantages. They stay inside your car and are not compatible with a stroller – no matter the model.
Versatility
Very rarely you’ll hear that capsules are forward-facing. As capsules are intended to cradle your baby from his birth to 6 months, they are rear-facing. And, after the tenure, when your baby will outgrow it, you’d need to have a car seat.
In that case, car seats have versatility. Although they are created to snap your baby rear-facing, they allow you to face them forward at a certain level. That is also a potent reason why car seats last long in your family.
Safety
It’s tricky to tag one as the safest unit between a car seat and a capsule. Each comes with a layer of side impact protection, a sturdy base, and a harness system that keeps your child in position.
The difference in a car seat and capsule’s security system is all due to the difference in the brand. And that you need to cross-check once before buying any of them.
Price Difference
There is a vast difference in price between a capsule and a car seat. Buying a capsule is always an expensive deal. However, if you are comfortable with a capsule and can afford it, there’s no reason to keep yourself from shipping it.
Let’s do simple math to understand better. As an estimation, a capsule is $200. You use capsule for a year and buy a convertible car seat after that. A convertible car seat will cost you around $300, and it will last you for 6 to 10 years.
Now, if you calculate, it turns out to be $500 in total. On the contrary, if you buy a convertible car seat for $300, you save $200. In fact, if you add the cost of the baby sling of $50, which you might need with a convertible car seat, the total cost of option A is still $150 more than option B of buying a convertible car seat and sling.
The loop is still here. If you can afford to have a capsule and car seat, you should HAVE IT!
Also Read: Best Affordable Strollers With Car Seat Under $300
What Should You Have Between Capsule and Car Seat?
Every parent has their own preference for capsules and car seats. Capsules are mostly preferred by the parents who fret their babies would awake from their sleep or stay in hustle-bustle.
You can also pick a capsule if you can afford it, want a fancy baby product, and will transport and walk a lot in the neighborhood with a stroller.
Car seats are favorable to parents who believe one product is more than enough to carry outside. It is a long-term investment and saves you a few bucks. So, get a convertible car seat if you are comfortable with it.
Conclusion
Difference between capsule and car seat is very minimal yet important to take note of. While car seats stay attached to your car, capsules give you the freedom to take them around and snap them into your baby stroller.
Capsules are usable for 6 months to 1 year, while car seats last up to 10 years, depending on the model and type you buy. By buying capsules, however, you need a few bucks more than convertible car seats in the long run.
Are you now sure which one to go for? Order it now.
Also Read: How To Keep Baby Cool In Car Seat?
