Which 7AM Is Right for Your Baby?

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. 

7AM

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 most popular 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!).

Yes, there are less expensive options out there, but if you’re looking specifically for a 7am and need help deciding between the versions, this will help. Take note of reader tips and recommendations as well in the comments below!

Affordable

The Nido

The most well-priced in the 7AM is like a fleece blanket that hugs your baby and is guaranteed to keep your baby super snug. It is designed for car seat usage. Also great for bassinet strollers. 

Great with the Doona

The Car Seat Cocoon

If your baby is going to stay in the Doona all winter and you’re not going to be using another stroller, you’ll love the convenience of the Car Seat Cocoon. It looks great on the stroller (particularly the one with the faux fur) and is so easy to take on and off (although you won’t need to take it off all winter, unless you want to throw it in the wash). One downside: you need to remove the car seat’s canopy. The White with Faux Fur color option is beautiful (and yes, it stays clean).

Super Stylish

The Pods

All the 7AMs in the “Pod” line have the same functionality as the Igloo and Le Sac, they just have that extra style; each one is super cool and cozy. You can also get them at Nordstrom or PishPoshBaby. Take note of sizes.

Grows with Child

Blanket 212 Evolution

Most of us use the 7AM when we’re still using the infant seat, or longer if we go for walks/runs in the cold with a toddler in the stroller. If you see yourself using this for years and you spend a lot of time outdoors, you might consider the 212 Evolution. It’s designed to grow with your child from when they’re 6 months through 4 years old, as there are parts on the bottom which zipper on and off to shorten or lengthen the blanket. You can also get it at Nordstroms here (lots of great colors!) or PishPoshBaby here.

Victoria Dwek

Victoria is the best-selling author of nine kosher cookbooks and a popular columnist for Ami Magazine. She always has the words for bringing everything that’s in our hearts onto the page. 

29 responses to “Which 7AM Is Right for Your Baby?”

  1. B Avatar
    B

    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.

    1. Leah Avatar
      Leah

      Can you be more specific how that works with the doona canopy? i’m a new doon auser and just bought the cocoon…

      1. Victoria Dwek Avatar
        Victoria Dwek

        “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!

  2. MH Avatar
    MH

    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.

    1. Victoria Dwek Avatar
      Victoria Dwek

      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.

  3. E Avatar
    E

    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?

    1. Victoria Dwek Avatar
      Victoria Dwek

      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.

  4. Shev Avatar
    Shev

    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!

    1. Shev Avatar
      Shev

      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…

      1. Victoria Dwek Avatar
        Victoria Dwek

        Cute! Looks like an exclusive there, not widely available.

  5. Menucha Avatar
    Menucha

    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?

    1. Sara Avatar
      Sara

      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.

  6. Perla Wolf Avatar

    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,

  7. Chana Avatar
    Chana

    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.

    1. Victoria Dwek Avatar
      Victoria Dwek

      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.

  8. Suri Avatar
    Suri

    How do the 7am’s compare to the bugaboo footmuff? I have a Bee5 and am shopping for a bunting now.
    Thanks!

    1. Victoria Dwek Avatar
      Victoria Dwek

      I don’t have any experience with the footmuff! I’m sure there’s lots of info out there!

  9. SB Avatar
    SB

    The pod isnt too small for a 1 year old? Or would it work if I get the larger size?

    1. Victoria Dwek Avatar
      Victoria Dwek

      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.

      1. SB Avatar
        SB

        Thanks! Maybe I’ll just order it. Do you know who has the best price?

        1. Victoria Dwek Avatar
          Victoria Dwek

          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.

          1. Ruthie Avatar
            Ruthie

            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?

          2. Victoria Dwek Avatar
            Victoria Dwek

            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.

  10. melissa Avatar
    melissa

    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?

    1. Melissa Avatar
      Melissa

      Ps my baby is only 8 months old

      1. Raizy Avatar
        Raizy

        It’s possible that your baby is to tall for it, already

    2. Victoria Dwek Avatar
      Victoria Dwek

      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.

  11. Leah Avatar
    Leah

    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?

  12. Ray Avatar
    Ray

    How do you keep your baby warm from your house to the car wtihout a coat? Any tricks?

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