Okay, something I feel like an expert in! lol
You have to follow state law, but honestly? They’ve been trying to change it for YEARS. 1 year and 20lbs is ridiculous law for rear facing. At a minimum, children should be rear facing for 18 months. My son rear faced for 25 months, and I know plenty of parents who do it for years beyond that. Rear facing is the safest way to travel in a car, with a five point harness. Here’s a sad youtube video explaining the importance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ
That Advocate looks like my Britax Boulevard! I wonder if they changed the name.
Here’s what we use for my older son who will be 3 in July: http://www.britaxusa.com/car-seats/boulevard
Most 1 year olds have outgrow the infant bucket seat, so they need something called a convertible carseat. It can rear face and forward face, since legally, they need to forward face in a 5-point harness until 4 years old (that’s the law in my state, it varies…but it’s generally the same.)
Britax is very expensive. You can get more affordable carseats that are just as safe.
I think we might get a Radian once my little guy outgrows the bucket. Radian
Or check out Target:
Evenflo Triumph
that rear faces until 35lbs I believe. How much does your grandson weigh?
Also, pack n play wise…are you positive he’ll sleep in it? I find those things sort of a waste, unless you really need one. Again, I’d need to know how much he weighs.
This thing goes to 25lbs, and my little guy LOVES it http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Newborn-Rock-Sleeper-Yellow/dp/B002M77N22
we can also hang toys on the side and he plays with them.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m very involved with carseat safety.
Also, if you need help installing it, do NOT ask the people at babies r us, they are not certified.
Here is a website that goes by state, to find someone certified who will install it properly or help you fix it if it’s not done properly http://www.seatcheck.org/