How long did your baby outgrow the stage 1 infant car seat? Can I skip the infant car seat and buy the stage 2?

I've seen babies as old at 18 months still small enough to use the stage one car seat, but I've seen babies at 10 months already big enough to use the stage 2. It all depends on the size of your baby BUT I do think that the stage 1 car seat is better for a newborn and infant because the stage 2 does not recline back that far and your can't use it as a carrier so it's your choice. After the stage one car seat I think the 3 in one is better because it goes from a car seat to a booster and if you have a fairly big baby there's more strap loops for the straps to be set up higher.