Car Seat

I have Britax for both my children. My 6 year old is still in a 5-point harness booster. My daughter (almost 10 months) is still in her infant carried because she has not reached the limits nor 1 year old. We have a Britax for her to change into when she reaches 1 or the limits on her carrier. I have been pleased with my son's seat and we have had it for almost 2 years. He out grew his other convertable seat but was not big enough for a general booster/should belt in my eyes.

The guideline is to change them to forward facing at 1 year AND 20 lbs, must be both not just one!

Visit www.hipmonkey.com to get information on wonderful researched safe carseats! You can order them right from the website and have it shipped to you. Best part is there is no shipping for orders over $100 and most orders are not taxed!!!

We have a Britax Marathon in one car and a Britax Regent in the other. We love them both. The Regent is larger, but it's going to last us a lot longer than the Marathon. Hope this helps!

I would go with the Marathon. We bought a Roundabout...and my 2 year old is still within the weight limit, but too tall for it and I had to "upsize" to a Marathon in husband's car and a Boulevard in my car. These seats will both go to 65 pounds. I have been very happy with Britax--and I think they are worth the money.

What kind of money do you have to spend?

I recomend a Britax converible. I have the Britax Blvd. But the Marathon is also good.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04935534000P?vNa...
Here is one. They have other covers. Really cute ones. Just search for it. They are very very much worth the money. I never used to think so until I owned one.

There are other options. The Evenflo Triumph Advance is good. It rear-faces to 35lbs then foward-faces to 50lbs.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5933974

Do NOT go with an all-in-one like the Eddie Bauers b/c your son will outgrow before he is ready for a booster then he will outgrow it as a booster. Those seats are a waste of money..

Also it has been proven that rear-facing to the limit on the convertible is safest. In other words the best practice is to keep your son rear-facing until he is between 33-35lbs depending on the seat. This is recomended by American Acadamy of Peds, Safe Kids and many other groups. My son is 22m and still rf.

To the one who said the child can go ff. You are soo wrong. Please watch this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmUWg7QrC8

Also dont ask you ped. Most dr dont know what they are talking about. They are not trained in car seat safety. They cannot tell you what is safest.

I understand your problem!! LOL My daughter is on the tall side and was having to cross her feet as well. She didn't know the difference!! The concern for comfort was mine, and when evaluated from a neutral point of view, she didn't much care. Though when I started to question it, and the the weight limit of the carrier seat, I started lots of research. There are plenty of websites that will offer you side by side comparison charts of seats you're interested in. You can look up "consumer reports" also to get their opinion. I then would look at the variety of seats as I was shopping at Babies R Us, Target, WalMart, etc... It came down to priority, and I was willing to spend the extra money for 1. extra safety - heavier weight capacity w/ a 5-point harness 2. Slightly better reviews (though not a huge difference, but fewer compliants or "suggestions") 3. Some minor features that made it a little more appealing to me in the end, but were really a bonus not a deciding factor.

We have the Britax Boulevard that will last her much longer than the other options available. Yes its just about the most expensive. Like others have said it goes up to 65 pounds in a 5-point harness, heavier than other options. Since she's ALWAYS been in a 5-point harness she won't know the difference. We kept her rear-facing until 16 months, when she hit the limits to the position and had to turn her around.

I drive a large vehicle so fit wasn't an issue, but in a lot of cars & smaller SUV's you have to measure and take that into consideration. Some owner's manuals list the size carseats that will fit, and with britax you can see the manual on the carseat in full on their website.

The Evenflo Triumph has the second highest safety ratings after Britax and is a whole lot cheaper. We bought it for that reason. It is sooooo much more comfortable than my older (age 3) son's seat and my youngest has ridden in it since 5 months old (he is now 15 months). It really is great and I highly recommend it. Oh, and we had a small car (Honda Civic) and it still fit in the vehicle wonderfully when rear-facing).

Whatever you do, do NOT turn his seat around forward facing no matter what his legs are doing. The law states at least through the first birthday rear facing and the newest pediatrician reccomendation is to stay rear-facing until at least the first year and until the 30 lb. mark after that. Your child was curled up in utero for months, he can handle not being able to stretch out his legs.

DO NOT turn him forward facing. His neck and head are not ready for that (in the unfortunate event that you should get in an accident.) Many seats go to 35 lbs rear facing.

I have used Graco (3 infant seats,) Peg Perego (1 infant seat,) Cosco (7 convertible seats) and Britax seats (6- one Boulevard, two Regents and 3 Frontieres.) My favorite are the Britax and they meet higher safety standards then the US requires (they are Swedish.) My 1 year old is in the Britax Boulevard. It goes 5 pounds to 65 pounds in a harness (most seats only go to 40 lbs in the harness) so the little extra money is worth it. They have higher safety ratings then many of the other seats. The Boulevard has 'True Side Impact Protection.'

You can probably see one at Babies R US and practice installing it on their bench car seat and put your baby in it. But it's cheaper (generally) to purchase it online. After a lot of price searching we bought ours on www.bestbuybaby.com They have free shipping and a good selection and often we get our seats $40 + cheaper then other sites or stores. Some covers cost more then others so make sure you look at the prices before deciding on the design.

I was in a front end collision and roll over and only my two Britaxs held true, the Coscos didn't fare as well. Besides, as I said they hold the child in a harness much longer then most. I know the law says they can use a seatbelt at 40 lbs/4 years but my 4 and 5 year olds aren't still enough to use the belts properly and probably would have died if they were in shoulder belts instead of safety harnesses.

I love my Britax!! www.britaxusa.com shows their seats, safety features, and testimonials. Mine was number 2 in the testimonials (you'll see a side view of my squished van, but the pic doesn't do it justice.)

I think you'll find he's going to be squished any which way you do it until he's big enough to turn facing front, I had the same issue with my kids.

But as for a carseat, I just bought my son a Nautulis 3-in-1 http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber... and he loves it as do I. It is easy to use, the straps for the harness don't get tangled or caught, the 5 pt harness is rated up to 65#! and then it becomes a booster w/ a back and then changes into a backless booster. As long as it's taken care of I can see it lasting until he no longer needs a booster (he's 4 now-and carseats are only good for about 5 years because the plastic becomes brittle in the heat). And of course it uses LATCH which is really important to me.

Good luck in your quest! This one runs $129-$149. Try ebay and Burlington Coat Factory.

First, he is not old enough to be turned around to face the front. He must be 1 year old, no matter the weight. I was told it was more due to development than just about weight. Also, the newest safety recommendations are to keep them rear facing a lot longer. Check with your doctor before you turn your little one around.

I had a Britax Roundabout with my first. I LOVED it. It was before the Latch system and it was still SUPER easy to install. My parents didn't like the clip to hook them into the carseat, but once I got used to it I loved it. We are now on our second baby and have had to buy a new one so we bought another Britax. Even though our little one is still in his carrier/carseat, we have the other to be ready for the transition.

They are a bit more expensive than some others but we feel they can't be beat.

Good luck!

My son was in Evenflo infant seat, car seat, and now booster seat. I loved them all.

My sister had her daughter in the Cosco brand (I believe that is what it was) because that is what her husband insisted on. Yes, it's a good seat but the latch between the legs was like a puzzle, very confusing. Plus the part that came between the legs did not stick up very high. I don't know how many times she pinched her legs trying to snap all the pieces together.

I'm not too sure on it being Cosco, but check the latching mechanism. The one she had was a pain. She got one like my son's when she moved up to the booster seat.

We have the Britax Marathon. I have a Nissan Maxima and it fits well. They are a bit more expensive, but worth every penny!!!! They have great safety ratings, are comfy for the kid, and can be used until they get 65 lbs! They have them at Babies'r'Us and they will let you check to see if they will fit in your car. I ended up finding the best deal by ordering online.

I am super happy with our Britax car seat. I had another car seat before I got that one, and my daughter never slept in the car. She sat in her Britax the first time and she was out. Now she tells me her chair is comfy and soft! Plus it is super easy to install and operate. They are rated super good for safety, and hers is good to 80lbs. So we are done buying for a long time. Many other car seats I looked at only went to 45lbs. They say to keep your little one in a 5 point harness and not to move them too a booster till they are 80lbs. There are lots of great car seats out there, and when we got this one I subscribed too the consumer reports and britax was number 1. That was more than a year ago so you could check into that also. Good luck!

We found a convertable carseat (the Cosco Alpha Omega) to be more comfortable for our son than the infant carrier.

Do your research before you buy. At the time we bought ours (over 4 years ago) they were cutting edge and very good...5 point harness until 40 pounds. Then it's a high back belt positioning booster until 80 pounds. It was above what was recommended at the time.

Now, I recently found out, they make convertables and boosters that are 5 point harness up to 80 pounds. I'd still have my kids in a 5 point harness if we could!

Get a Britax. They are great. I just bought the Britax Boulevard for my 9 mo. I did a lot of research and this one is the best for safetly and the only for side impact. Although it is the most expensive. If you can afford the extra price get a Britax, any of the styles are good. If you shop online you can get a better price than in the store. Go to there website and the website of other brands to do comparisons. This helps the most in deciding. My daughters legs were so cramped. We originally put it backward facing unitl we finally had to move it around. She is over the pound limit but just shy of 12 mo. She and I both hated it that way. Now that it is turned around we both love it. Many comfort features and many more safety ones. Good luck on researching. You will find the one that is best for your little one.

Though you are not suppose to, I turned the carseat around so that it faced foward. It worked long enough until I found a new one that I liked.

The Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 carseat received the highest safety rating with the highest ease of use rating. Cosco, who makes the Eddie Bauer seat, has a generic version available in many colors at Babies R Us.
Go to http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/... for more details

When my grandson graduated from his infant carseat he was 22 lbs and 28 inches long. My daughter got him an Evenflo Titan DLX Lexington Convertible Car Seat. They are around 100.00 at Target. We loved it so much that I got one for my car too.
This is the description:

• Features 5-Point Harness
• LATCH Anchor System
• High-Back Seat
• Buckle Closure
• Cupholders
• Front- or Rear-Facing Seat
• Removable Accessories
• Energy Absorbent Foam Fill
• Compatible with Shoulder Seat Belt
• Recommended Ages: Newborn to 5 yrs.
• For Children 5-35 lbs. Rear-Facing, 20-50 lbs. Forward-Facing; For Heights 19-47"
• 27.5" x 19.5" x 18.75 "
• Do Not Exceed Recommended Weight Limit

I hope you find the one that is right for you!!

Hello sweetie,
I live in Houston and there is a program called Pro-Salud that can assist you with this matter. I'm not sure what city you're from, however, you can with check with your local children's hospital and they can give you great advice on how to choose your child's next car seat. Please don't go by word of mouth. You would be amazed at the number of babies/children who are not being placed in the correct carseat let alone being placed in them correctly.
Good luck!

Hi N.
You can't go wront with the Britax Roundabout or Marathon. It is the safest and most comfortable seat out there.
Good luck!
Y.

My friends and I all got the Evenflo Triumph and it has been great. My son is still in it at 2 1/2. It has lasted through 2 children.

We have the britax marathon and we love it. My son fits comfortably in the seat and the seat has awesome safety ratings. Downside, it's a little pricey. Good luck!

http://www.britaxusa.com/products/product_detail.aspx?ID=

Britax has the safest convertible carseats out there. We've got one in each car and grandma has one in hers. We've got the Roundabout. Make sure you check to see if a Marathon or Roundabout fits better in your car. Marathon was too big for our seats, that's why we went with the Roundabout.

My son has been in a Britax Marathon for almost 4 years now. Not growing out of it anytime soon either! I just purchased one for my 9 month old daughter as well. They are really easy to install, very safe and comfortable for the child. Big but great! If you have a tiny car, it may not work for you. However, I drove an Acura TL (a rather small car) and had no problem with it (backwards or forward facing). Check Ebay too. I purchased a brand new one for $180. ...plus shipping too but still a great deal. Good luck.

We are dealing with the same thing with my 8 month old boy. My daughter turns 3 in less than a week, so we'll be able to switch her to her new seat, and then we'll put him in the Britax Marathon that both our girls were in. It barely looks used! We have loved it. I got it because of the safety ratings, even though it was more expensive. Do a google search and you're sure to find it cheaper than in stores. Many sites offer free shipping and it shouldn't take too long to get it to you. I'd say we've gotten some mileage out of it. It's so tempting to turn them around, especially when their legs are so long. The next four months will be over before you know it and he won't be any worse for the wear. It's just not worth it to take a chance!

email me at ____@____.com
I have a convertable carseat that goes from infant (rear facing) to forward facing and 100 lbs! I don't need it anymore and it's only 3 years old. You can have it for free just come and get it. I hate to see it go to waste and Good Will and Salvation Army wont take it. It goes all the way to a toddler seat and then booster.

We have two kids in convertables and both are Cosco brand purchased from Walmart. They have both been very durable and seem comfortable...my daughter is four and about 35 lbs and my son is two and about 26 lbs. I know that Britax is well-known, but it is also very expensive. Some people may say that you pay for safety, but I really wonder how much "safer" they can be.

Afternoon, I would suggest the Britax Marthon, we have two and are very happy with it. Also Consumer Reports it to be one of the top car seats. It is a little pricey, but I feel it is well worth it, the safety of your angel you can't put a dollar amount on it. God Bless!

I had a baby trend seat too. (did the same research!) Now we have a Britax seat in each car. They're very nice and if you shop around, sometimes they're as much as 20 percent off at amazon and babycenter. (we actually got one on sale at right start)

On the higher end of price range a Britax Marathon or Boulevard would be a good choice. They harness to over 30 lbs rear facing and 60 or 65 pounds forward facing.

The Evenflo Triumph Advance harnesses rear facing until 35 lbs and forward facing to 55 lbs. I think it is around $130.

At Wal-Mart, you can get a Cosco Scenera for around $40, and it harness rear facing to 35 lbs and forward facing to 40lbs.

What you are looking for is a high rear facing harness weight because it is much safer. Ideally, you would also like a car seat that has a higher forward facing harness weight, as well. It is also okay if feet hit the seat or legs have to be folded.

I just wanted to say...GO WITH BRITAX!!! We have 2 carseats, the Britax i think it's the maratithon, and a cheap second carseat, the costco one from wal-mart. the britax one is SOOOO much better! and i have a little car and i fits fine, and the britax we have is the big one!
Good Luck!!!

I would strongly suggest a car seat by Britax as they have seats that go up to 80 pounds and it will last a long time. It is pricey but well worth it. Recently my husband & I took a safety/first aid class and found out that children who are put in booster seats around 4 years old have only a survival rate of 50%! That was just not good enough for us so we purchased the Britax and it will last us several years since our daughter will not be 80 pounds for a while. Check their website for place that sell them near you.Good luck & God bless

The Britax Roundabout Carseat is wonderful. You can use it both in both back and forward facing positions. It is pricey, but the safety ratings are great (and who can put a price on safety). We also have the Marathon...which is as sturdy as they come, but front facing only.

We had the same problem with my daughter who outgrew hers at 7 months. We got the Britax Roundabout. LOVE IT. It's small, lightweight and easy to move. It has two positions, but you have to unbuckle to switch. That's it's only flaw. It's soft and cozy and lovely. It also doesn't get hot in the sun and has a crotch pad to protect against hot buckles. It rear-faces for a long time, which we needed for our tall girl until she was 1.
K.

Yes, you should get a more comfortable seat. I'm 23 myself, with a 3 month old. I registered for the baby trend at first...then went back and changed to the Chicco Cortina Travel System. I would go for the Chicco or Graco products, then may be a little more expensive.....but so worth it!!! Easy to use for parents, and safe.
Good Luck!

Get a Britax! It's the only carseat I have had for my 3 kids and we have the original one we bought 6 years ago the baby is now sitting in. Decide if you want the huge one that goes up to 80 pounds since your little one is bigger. But also remember that he is bigger and convert to a booster easily too. We got the smaller Britax and have moved up each child when the next one needs the Britax. They are the safest on the market. And you can put him backwards for now and switch him when he is one. You will not be sorry you bought this chair.

A convertible car seat will provide more room, but his feet will eventually curl up against the back of the seat. Don't let this keep you from having him rear facing. He needs to stay rear facing for at least a year and they now recommend keeping them rear facing longer. Their legs are pretty pliable and keeping them rear facing protects their neck. It is better to have a broken leg then a broken neck if involved in a car accident.

I would recommend having your car seat checked. They check them for free throughout Austin and the surrounding areas. I would get on the Safe Kids website and they can direct you to the closest car seat check.

Which ever seat you decide to use make sure it can be rear facing up to 30 lbs. The new guidlines are that children be rearfacting until they are 1 and 30 lbs, not 20 lbs anymore.

it sounds like its totally time to move Hayden to a big boy seat. Pick out something that will fit backwards in your vehicle since he still has to face taht way until hes a year. Some of them just dont work, you might have to measure depending on your car. My person advise is never buy a cosco seat, i had a bad experience with them many years ago and found that they have HORRIBLE customer service! good luck!

Forward facing..turn him around. He is big enough to forward face and this will allow his legs to stretch out. I have three children and my youngest is five. From what I remember, the children must be 12 months AND 20 lbs before switching car seats, but for sure he needs to be forward facing.

Happy Day!

I have invested in a Britax for both my girls -- they will last until your child is 80 pounds -- make sure to read the stats because some models are 65 pounds. My 1 year old rode home from the hospital in hers and is comfortable now. My four year old is still comfortable in hers and they are rated highly for safety. They are expensive, but to me worth the investment as they last longer than most others -- to 80 pounds. Also, the child sits up higher which has been best for my four year old who experiences car sickness if she can't see out the window.

I just bought a Graco 3 in 1 car seat. It goes from 20-100 lbs!!! 1-10 years old. Suppose to be the last car seat you buy!!! :) $150 Babies R Us. My son is 14 months and is still just shy under 20 lbs but to big for the infant car seat so we just went ahead and switched him!!! He was very uncomfortable and made care trips not too fun. Anyways it has the same 5 point safty harness (faces forwards) then converts to the high back booster then the short booster. The girl at BBRUS was very helpful. My son fits real good in it and loves it. There is a built in cup holder and 2 side cubby holes for toys. It is like the other Graco's you pull the stap at the bottom to tighten. I recommend it!! You can even get a $10 off coupon for it and a 15% off purchaes!!! Not bad huh!! Oh I forgot to mention it reclines in 3 different positions.

Hope this helps. :)

Hi N.,

This is the one we have- we just got it about a month ago, and we really liked it. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8207...

Our little guy is 8 months too. HTH

I know Pediatricians really urge babies to stay in the back facing seats till they are a certain age regardless due to the fact they are not developmentally ready for the switch to forward facing and in the case of an accident the impact of a rear facing seat at that stage would be less traumatic for them. On the note of carseats though and the fact that everything has escalated in price, I would like to share with you a name and number. There is an incredible way to save money and added perks, CAR SEATS! I got one through my insurance agent for a fraction of the cost and the savings of going with FBI, Farm Bureau Insurance- the savings=easily a tank of gas every month. ###-###-#### Rob White. Good Luck with the car seat dilema, I have been there with 3 children.