Transitioning stage of 5 months

[Sebski]

I apologize if this sounds like a stupid question/post, but I'm not sure how to get about w/ my 5 month old now that he's outgrown his infant car seat. He's in his rear-facing convertible one now, but I don't know what to do with him when I take him out. I mean, before I used to just put his carrier into the shopping cart or if he fell asleep while we were out I would put him in his carrier. I'm confused about how to get about with him now... he sits up with assistance but nowhere's near on his own. What do I do when we go to a restaurant or supermarket? Can I put him in the cart/highchair w/ the floppy cover I have? Should I always bring his stroller with him and feed him in that when we're out (he started cereal)? I'm used to giving it to him in his carrier. I'm feeling a little intimidated by not having the carrier anymore.

[Franni]

Since DD was relatively light, I carried her around in a carrier like the bjorn or a slling.

[kiki61872]

i used to keep my infant carrier seat in the trunk - she would ride in the convertable seat but i'd take her out of that and sit in her the infant seat while in the store - then put her back in the convertable seat when going back home.

[Renrel]

It can be a royal pain getting used to not having the carrier. I remember being pissed when we gave it up. But you get used to it. I felt similiarly about the formation of nap time. It was so much easier to go about my day letting my infant sleep in his carrier where ever we were.

Anyway. You can use high chairs and shopping carts, but you will probably need to support you child with extra cushioning, be it a coat, recieving blanket or whatever. And keep a close eye on him. There are velco seatbelts you can buy to be sure there is always something olding DC in the seat. A sling may also work both for carring child and for tying him/her into a shopping cart or highchair. Feeding in a stroller works quite well, particular when they start feeding themselves. If there is room I always liked this option. I recommend getting some kind of a tray for the strollers. I got one but put it off until DS was pretty much able to sit in a highchair and never really used it. I also liked the clip to the table booster seats and I think some of those are deep enough that they would support a non independant sitter, but it has been awhile so I would double check that. Also, I liked the fisherprice booster seat better when DS got older, so you may not want to invest in the clip on one. It also does not work with all tables.

You can also use the carrier for just carrying, if your child still fits and is not too heavy for you. It is only unsafe to use it as a car seat. (or airplane seat).