this might be a stupid question and i know i'll get a lot of "of course not's!" but i have to ask - has anyone had this situation. my son is a strapping 18 months, already 32 lbs. (95th percentile in both height and weight) we are about to purchase a second vehicle so my hubby can take on some of the child-carting-around, so we're looking for a second car seat also. most of the boosters i've found have said "30 lbs or 4 years". are you kidding me? i have to wait another TWO AND A HALF YEARS to put him in a booster? he already feels like a little tank (bless his heart lol) trying to strap him into that 5-point harness everyday. i'm sooo ready to just let him climb into a booster seat, put the belt on, and go! am i getting too eager? i figured by 2 or so i'd be able to get him a booster seat, at least.
I have a niece that is in the same dilema you are but her mom but one those five point car seats. It is one that goes from rear facing all the way up to the time that they don't need one. Also she is not rear facing any more. I also think thet Graco makes a car seat like that you may wqant to check their website.
Graco just came out with an extended weight harness seat that is reasonably priced. I bought one for my son at Walmart for about $125. Britax and Recaro (sp?) also make them, but they are about double the price...
http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber...
You have to be careful when buying a seat because most only have harness protection to 40 lbs.
Before you put him in a booster, look at these links.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ
http://www.kyledavidmiller.org/pages/4086/Hamilton_Duncan...
Yes.. you are too eager. Do what is safest for your son, not what's easiest. 5 point harness is always the safest!!!
You should call the Highway Patrol and ask them about the law on booster seats. The wording is always tricky. You need to find out if it is 30lbs or 4 years or if it is 4 years and over 30lbs. I hope this makes sense, but they would be able to tell you if you will get a ticket for a child under 2 in a booster seat. hope this helps!
Hi Carrie,
Now they make the carseats to where they are like a car seat but they are also a booster.
Here is one at walmart that is made for bigger kids:
Here is one that would work for you and your son.
Graco - Nautilus 3-in-1 MultiUse Car Seat, Bravo
Product Features:
3-in-1 muli-mode Car Seat for longer use
Extended 5 point harness use from 20-65 lbs
Converts into High-back belt positioning booster for use from 30 to 100 lbs
Converts into Backless booster for use from 40 to 100 lbs
3 position recline for proper installation and comfort
Overmolded armrests with easy access side storage
One hand height adjustable head support grows with the child
Open loop belt guides
Premium softgoods package with full body pillow for added comfort
Includes EPS, energy absorbing foam
Machine washable fabric seat pads
Can only be used as forward facing car seat
Recommended Use:
**20 to 65 lbs 5-point harness (this would be for now, you wouldn't move him up to the next stage until he is over the 65 pounds)
30 to 100 lbs High-back booster
$149.98
** You are going to pay a little more for this seat but in the long run it will be worth as he will be in a seat for quite awhile.
40 to 100 lbs Backless booster
He is way too young to be in a booster. At 18 months he still needs the extra protection of a car seat. In fact, if you can, he should still be rear-facing. Booster seats are meant for preschool age children, not toddlers.
I would look into one of the carseats mentioned by the poster below. Britax are great seats. You'll have to spend some extra money, but his safety is definitely worth it.
Here's info about rear-facing:
http://www.carsafety4kids.com/rearfacing.html and http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html
Some sites I used to decide on a seat:
http://www.car-safety.org/
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
http://www.carseat.org/
