I just found out at my son's 4 month well baby visit, that he is too long for the infant car seat. I'm amazed how quickly he's growing, but don't know where to go next. I don't have the money to afford the Britax car seats (even though proven the best), but when it comes to my safety I want something that is just as safe, comfortable, easy as the one I have now. My budget is tight, I'm in the processes of leaving one job and going to another, so I don't know when my next paycheck is going to come. Thanks!
Wow... I have a lot of information here. Thank you very much! One person suggested I try Craig's List and even showed me a car seat that was pretty good, and reasonably priced. We've contacted her and we'll be purchasing it. Once we have more money, we'll probably purchase the Fisher Price one that was recommended a few times for my car, and leave this 'second hand" one for his car.
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have the Eddie Bauer seat and it was inexpensive and has worked great for years..It has the five point harness and then the straps can come off and the seat can be used with a seat belt when the child is older..Like a booster seat...
You can go to online sites and read lots of reviews from consumer reports and parents reviews that is what I did when I had to get my daughter out of the carrier and into a big girl seat. Actually, just because Britax is the most expensive and has good reviews doesn't mean that they are the only brand that is the best. I went to babies r us and talked with one of the employees about car seats and there really wasn't enough difference to sell me on the Britax and I was willing to spend the money. The most important thing is the adjustable 5 point harness and the comfort of your son. Good luck I hope you find one that works for you.
my suggestions is to put the new car seat on lay a way. This way when you get your next check you can purchase it. Once you get the new one you could sell the other one on ebay, this will help to recupe some of your cost.
M. if you leave in clinton county there is a place called recse center they provide free car seat brand new
Check out the fisher price car seat. It is fisher price/britx seat. i think it is 170 - not the cheapest seat available but a good safe seat
It is on the fisher price website and sold at babies r us.
M.,
I just have gone through this and consulted a Car Seat Tech. Until recently her job was to go to various police and fire stations and TRAIN them in how to install seats. So she's seen more than most.
She recommends (no suprise) Britax. If you can't afford one she recommends the Fisher Price Safe Embrace. It's actually made by Britax without the bells and whistles (cup holder, toy holder etc.) It meets all the same safety standards. Also, Maxi-Cosi is a harder to find brand that has seats cheaper than Britax, but is tested at the same european standards.
No matter what anyone says, NO American brand is tested at the same ratings as the European seats. They test theirs at 120mph we test at 35mph. What can happen is that some American will test w/ same results as WE test European tests at 35mph... but we don't test higher.
Happy car seat shopping.
I do agree with the Britax. I have 2 and they are the best hands down. However considering your budget, this one is a killer. The problem I found with all the others is, the belts all twist making it difficult to tighten. For some reason, the the Britax strapping material prevents this from happening. I think that most of the seats out there are safe just make sure it is installed correctly. This is most important to your child's safety. There are a number of places that do car seat inspections (ck @ Babies R Us) & I would take advantage of this free service and buy a seat that you can afford. They all have to pass certain safety testing. Britax is the best but not everyone can afford to pay $200 for a seat. Good Luck and congrats on that growing boy!
L.
Brand doesn't really matter much, in my honest opinion. I suggest just hitting the Walmart or whatever, and look for a convertable carseat with a 5-point harness. We only paid something like 30-40 bucks for ours. And it did just fine, even in the accident where our vehicle was hit near the back door of our car. I feel that installation matters more than anything else. As long as it's locked down good and steady, all should be well.
Hi M.,
The Evenflo Titan 5, rated just as well in crash tests as the Britax. They 're supposedly not as easy to use. I have one I've used for my 2 yr. old since she was 6 months and have no complaints with it myself. But it can be a personal choice, so I hope you find one perfect for you and your son.
