A 7AM offers comfort, convenience, and warmth when your baby is in an infant seat or stroller. But there are so many to choose from! How do I know which is best for my needs?
Exactly one year ago, when my baby was a newborn, I had the exact same questions. There were so many different 7AM models!
And now that she’s outgrown the one I chose (At one-year-old, she kicks off the Car Seat Cocoon that kept her cozy all last winter), it’s time to move onto a toddler option that will take her through the next stage.
Why a 7AM? A 7AM offers the ultimate in convenience, comfort, warmth, and safety for your baby. There’s no need for bundling up your baby in a bulky winter coat, and then trying to strap her into that infant seat or stroller.
Just slide baby in and out!
Plus, this is exactly what safety experts recommend, as there’s no bulky fabric between the baby’s back and the car seat, so the straps can fit around the baby properly (on models which do have a back, it’s removable).
7AMs are also super stylish. It will be one of your favorite baby purchases yet.
Below is a breakdown of the different models, at different price points, to help you choose. Take note of the different sizes (they are not one size fits all, so be sure to choose the right size!).
Just wanted to add that the Doona canopy does not need to be removed for the cocoon… It slips right over the canopy, which is not functional when the cocoon is in place. It’s a super easy option for the Doona.
Can you be more specific how that works with the doona canopy? i’m a new doon auser and just bought the cocoon…
“B” Is right. It CAN fit over the canopy, it just fits better if you take the canopy off. I left the canopy off all last winter, since it wasn’t needed when the Cocoon is on.
Enjoy your cuddly cozy baby!
These are great options and this is surely a helpful article for many. I just want to point out that there are other brands that may be a bit more affordable, for those that are looking for such an option. For example, JJ Cole has great options in many styles (carseat, stroller etc.) and many colors.
Yes, we’re all familiar with the Bundle Me (used it for first 5 kids!). This is to clarify the differences in 7AMs because it can get confusing! Also nice to know that there are 7AMs available starting at $60 and a winter coat isn’t needed.
Is baby really warm in cacoon? Do I need to use anything other than hat with it? Does it fit snugly over Doona?
Would u recommend this over pod or polar igloo if baby will be at babysitter?
Yes! The baby is really warm in the Cocoon. They need a blanket. It fits perfectly on the DOona.
If you only seeing yourself using a 7AM with the Doona, and not when your baby is past around 1 years old, the Cocoon is all you need and is perfectly good. If you see yourself wanting a 7AM with more versatility, using it with another stroller, or using it with a stroller when your baby outgrows Doona, you’ll want the next level.
Hey, you missed my favorite one! 🙂
The front comes with 3 interchangeable layers – a heavy down, a lightweight down, and a fleece layer. They can be removed or added depending on the weather. I got this in a large size to fit my Uppababy Cruz (no car in EY, we’re stroller all the way) and it’s been in use for a few years now, between kids from newborn to toddler, BH! The convenience and quality is amazing!
Just want to add – you can see the various cover options here, all included:
https://www.albeebaby.com/7-am-enfant-baby-shield-small-midnight-blue.html
I got mine on Amazon for $40 on sale…
Cute! Looks like an exclusive there, not widely available.
How does baby stay warm from the house to the car (then not overheat in the car seat) with one of these options? Right now my Doona stays in the car bec baby is over 1yo. Do you also buy a coat for when you take baby in the regular stroller for a walk?
These are made that you can unzip them so the baby doesnt get too hot indoors (car, shopping, etc.). If you see, the car seat one has a very accessible zipper down the center. The others (sac, pod) have zippers on the sides all around. You can remove the entire front part by unzipping. I own a sac from 7AM and if a child fell asleep in the stroller, when I came home I would remove the whole front cover piece to avoid overheating. Most other brands who make these products also create it that ypu can remove the cover piece.
I just want to say that I bought a 7AM last year for my baby and he was really sweating because the stuff is made out of real synthetic material, Next time I’d rather go for a sheep wool liner or something similar,
This is from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Use a car seat cover ONLY if it does not have a layer under the baby. Nothing should ever go underneath your child’s body or between her body and the harness straps. Be sure to leave baby’s face uncovered to avoid trapped air and re-breathing. Many retailers carry car seat bundling products that are not safe to use in a car seat. Just because it’s on the shelf at the store does not mean it is safe!
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Winter-Car-Seat-Safety-Tips.aspx#:~:text=Use%20a%20car%20seat%20cover,body%20and%20the%20harness%20straps.&text=Many%20retailers%20carry%20car%20seat,use%20in%20a%20car%20seat.
Of course. That’s why these are preferred. The back removes.
Note – In the old Bundle Me’s that we used for our older kids, the back wasn’t removable, but the company has since updated their product.
How do the 7am’s compare to the bugaboo footmuff? I have a Bee5 and am shopping for a bunting now.
Thanks!
I don’t have any experience with the footmuff! I’m sure there’s lots of info out there!
The pod isnt too small for a 1 year old? Or would it work if I get the larger size?
I have a one-year-old and ordered the 18 month – 3 yr size because she’s kicking off her Coccoon by now (which is recommended up to 12 mo). I can let you know if it’s perfectly fine or really big when I receive.
Thanks! Maybe I’ll just order it. Do you know who has the best price?
FYI It came today.
Way too big for a Doona. The footmuff part hangs too much over the edge. I think the size will fit a larger stroller (i.e. like a Chameleon) fine though. I’m returning for the smaller size as I still want to use the Doona for this winter.
So what are you going to do in the Doona? I have the same problem-the cocoon is too small but I still use the Doona. How do you use the pod on it?
The medium/large pod was too huge, so I returned and ordered the small pod (the glacier). It’s up to 18 months so that should be fine to last for this winter.
Hi, this says the cocoon is great for the doona, I purchased it. Took off the canopy and put it on. At the bottom by the feet it does not stay down, my sons feet keep sticking out. Am I doing something wrong?
Ps my baby is only 8 months old
It’s possible that your baby is to tall for it, already
My baby kicked it off when she was already 1 years old, which makes sense as it’s up to 12 months (it was perfect all last winter). I don’t have experience using it in the 8 month- 12 month age range because it was summer.
I have a Maxi Cosi and I got the cocoon but haven’t figured out how to use it- it covers my babys face. anyone have experience with it?