Does Anyone Know of a Good Car Seat Once My Son Hits 22+ Pounds?

I would not reccomend buying a carseat from consignment unless it was new with tags. You never know if the seat had been in a car wreck and the internal parts knocked out of whack!! The Britax seems the safest but if you look at consumer reports Graco provides the same amount of protection. Don't go broke because it's expensive and seems the best!
Good Luck!
Where do you live in relation to Pawleys Island?

I have the Britax and I love it. It's comfortable and received great safety ratings, which was why we decided to spend the extra money!

Hi!
i defenitely do not recommend buying any carseat used or from a consignment shop. THere is no way to guarantee it hasnt been in a wreck. I too, was looking at the britax roundabout but discovered they recently failed (about 3-4 months ago) the crash safety rating that was put out. One of the top ones that beat the britax out in safety AND price is the Evenflo Triumph--got at Target for less then $160. i did TONS of research; internet, books, expert moms, etc and i guarantee that Evenflo Triumph is one of the top ones out there. It goes up to 40 LBS forward facing.
Hope this helps and good luck!

Any of the Britax car seats are really good. They will last until your child is big enough to rides without a seat. They are worth the money. Other car seats frequently have recalls. Britax hasn't had a S. one in the 3 years I've owned it. The money is worth your peace of mind. DO NOT go to a consignment shop. You don't know if those seats have been involved in a wreck. Plus if you buy a cheaper seat now you will end up having to buy a booster seat later so the money adds up. With Britax you can keep you child in a 5 point harness until he is old enough to ride without a seat.

Britax makes the best car seats. There is a website ccalled traveling tykes or maybe tikes where they charge no shipping o tax. You can see them in person @ babys r us. I have had the Eddie Bauer, Costco, and others and hands down, the Britax has been wonderful. I even have the Britax booster for my 8 year old - she is pretty small and needs to be in one still. Good Luck - but be aware, they are expensive but worth every penny.

I wouldn't think there would be anything wrong with buying a car seat from a consignment shop, as long as it looks like it is in good condition. That is a good way to save some money, and most things in consignment shops are in good condition, the people that are selling them just need to clear out some of their stuff. Their child has just outgrown it and they want to make a little money on it instead of throwing it away.

I'd definitely avoid getting one from a consignment shop, because even if you get a top of the line seat, there's no way you can be 100 % sure it wasn't damaged in some way-- in a crash, or even just through regular use. I know all the bells and whistles on the higher-end seats are nice, but truly, all seats have to pass the exact same safety standards in order to be sold in the US, so they're all basically the same, except for looks, number of cup holders, etc. The recent reports about some seats being unsafe referred to those that separated from their bases (meaning snap-in infant seats) and since that's not what you're looking for, that's not an issue. We used a Cosco convertible seat (our son used it from birth to about 35 lbs and is now in a high-back booster) and were extremely happy with it, even though we got it at Wal Mart for less than $50. And it's still in great shape, so we're planning to use it for our next child (due in May) as well. Look for a seat that seems comfortable, but in my opinion, anything over $100 is a waste of money. Good luck!

I agree with Stacey, the Britax is best. I just bought the Britax marathon for my 11 month old. Hopefully this will be the only car seat we need. Good Luck.

I'm a huge car seat nut/advocate. It is best to keep your son RF-ing as long as possible. The AAP doesn't just recommend the 1 year/20 lb minimum anymore (and at 8 months, your child can not legally FF now anyway). The base model Britax (the marathon) is a great seat - easy to install. RF to 35 lbs and FF to 65 lbs. There's a Britax online sale starting on February 24th, and you should be able to get a Marathon for around 210. If that's still too much, the Evenflo Triumph Advance (make sure it has advance in its name) is also a great seat. It RF to 35 lbs and FF to 50 lbs. You can find it at Walmart, BRU, Target, etc. THe LX model is only 129. Try to stay away from the 3 in 1 seats that claim it's the last seat you'll ever need. They have really short top harness slots, and most kids out grow by height around 2.5 - 3 yo. You would then need to buy another seat to get your child to proper booster age.

On consignment shops - that's really not a good idea. You don't know any details of that car seat. All seats must be replaced in any kind of accident, with the exception of Britax. (Britax has specific stipulations as to what qulifies as a minor accident, and doesn't require the replacement of seats in a minor accident).

My Britax Roundabout was only $219.00 new. I did extensive research before buying it and i wouldn't put my child in anything other than a Britax. I wouldn't buy a car seat from consignment because there is no way to know if it's been in an accident, but maybe from ebay or craigslist--you can ask the seller if it's been in an accident. In my opinion, this is one item you want to splurge on.

Hi, Megan!!

I totally get what you mean about not wanting to spend $300+ for a car seat!

I'm totally opposed however to purchasing car seats from Consignment shops unless you are able to speak directly to the sellar. A car seat (from what I understand) is no longer good after an accident.

I am also in search of one. I am going to get one with a 5 point harness.

I have a booster seat, but just don't feel as safe.

Sam's Club does have Eddy Bauer seats, too!

ToysRUs is running a sale $10 off all car seats.

~C.
www.parentingincolumbus.com

I love my Alpha Elite (not to be confused with the Alpha Omega Elite which is only 5pt harness good up to 40lbs) but it's not for rear facing. If you're son is only 8mo old and already 22lbs, you'll probably have the same concerns I did. There are only 4 or so car seats that are rated for up to 65lbs with the 5 pt harness. Most forward facing car seats, the 5 pt harness is only good up to 40lbs. I would like to keep my son in a 5 pt harness as long as possible and I don't feel at 3, that I'm ready for him to be in a booster only.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2452313

It was recommended to me by a friend who inspected car seats for the state she lived in. She bought it for both of her boys for the same reason. She wanted to keep them in a 5pt harness as long as she could. Please note though. Even though the 5pt harness is good up to 65lbs, you have to switch from the latch system to the belt system of attachment once they hit 54lbs.

Hi Megan!

There are plenty of good car seats out there in the $100 price range. If you have a smaller vehicle, just make sure that you don't get one of the largest ones b/c it won't fit well in your car. If you have an SUV, you don't really have to worry about size. I looked for the cushion comfort that my little one would be sitting on and ease of getting him in & out of the harness.
Email me if you want to hang out. ____@____.com

My sister works for Babies R Us and says that Britax is the best because they have to meet higher safety regulations (since it is a European brand, I guess), but that the next step down from that is Graco. We've been devoted to Graco since my son was 5 months old. I was in a car accident and ROLLED the car completely - there was not a scratch on him. Granted, this was a Graco infant car seat, but I imagine all their seats are this safe.

Megan,

I have twin sons, so the Britax was way out of our price range. We bought the Evenflo Triumph Advance, and have been extremely pleased (it is about half the cost of the Britax). They are very user friendly and the seat has extra thick foam, which is more comfortable for the babies. We travel a lot so we wanted to get something that was durable. I hope this helps. I wouldn't buy a carseat at a consignment shop, because you don't know if the seat has been in a wreck.

Sincerely,

D. G.

we have the evenflo triumph (I'm pretty sure that's it) it was about $100. Sure the britax is supposed to be the best but we have never had a problem with the evenflo, and you can loosen or tighten the belts with a knob on the side of the seat which makes it easy to get out, and the cover is easily removed to clean if you need to. The belts are adjusted by just pinching on a place and moving them up or down (I know that probably makes no sense,) Anywho, good luck with whatever you need to get.

I've had good luck with Evenflo car seats, although there were a few models (luckily not ours!) that had recall issues. They sell them at Target and Walmart, so are reasonable ($70-150).

I would stay away from seats at a consignment shop since there's no way to know they haven't already been involved in a wreck.

Good Luck!

Evenflo makes a good convertible carseat and it is around 120 dollars. There is a website for ease of use for carseats: www.nhtsa.gov/portal/nhtsa_eou/info.jsp?type=infant

I am a huge fan of consignment shops however it is really bad to buy a car seat from a consignment shop. You can never tell if they have been in an accident or not. A car seat is one of those things you should definitely buy new. I had the Graco 3 in 1 car seats until my girls went into boosters and I'm sure that's what I'll get for my son since he's about to need one to. They were about $100 when I bought there's. They may have gone down now but I'm not sure. It says in your siggy that your son is 8 months old. Really they shouldn't be in a forward facing seat until they are a year old. So you really need to talk to your doctor about what you should do if he's outgrowing his infant carrier.

I have the Alpha Omega Elite for both my kids. It goes up to 80 pounds and can be used as a booster seat with a seat belt. I bought mine at Babies R Us. Much more affordable than the Britax but I've loved both of mine.

My daughter is 2 1/2, and weighs 35 pounds. The Britax was the one I bought when she outgrew her "stage 1 seat". I have been very happy with it. It was pricey, but you can keep using it for a long time. The weight and height limit are high, so you won't have to go back later and buy a "toddler" seat. The safety reports on it are very good. I couldn't really afford it, but I considered it a good long term investment. As for consignment, I have always heard carseats aren't the best item to buy used.
Good luck in your search!
R.

I have heard great things about Britax, but that said.... We went with an Eddie Bauer deluxe convertible seat (about $120) -- two of them, actually. It can rear face from 5 to 30 pounds and forward face from 20 to 80 pounds. We actually used it rear-facing until our daughter was 18 months old and she was still comfortable in it (she was a big baby too -- probably 25 pounds at 18 months). I like our seat because I'll never have to get another one, unless we go with a booster when she's older. But technically according to SC law, this one meets the limits (it goes up to 80 pounds).

http://www.target.com/Eddie-Bauer-Deluxe-Convertible-Seat...

Oh, and I would steer clear of getting a used seat -- you won't know for sure if it's ever been in an accident. Good luck on your decision!

we have the britax boulevard and love it. It is the only one with special side impact protection. A little expensive but definitely worth it. It is comfy and goes up to 65 lbs. If you look around online there are definitely places to get it for about $200! Good luck

I bought the Britax Marathon for my two boys, and I'm definitely a fan of it. (I actually found a great deal through babyuniverse.com where I got it on sale AND got an extra $50 off from a corresponding ad AND I got a twin discount). I think I paid $200 each. Anyhoo...

I've heard good things about Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe which is based off of the marathon seat (made by Britax but distributed by FP), the Cosco Scenera and Evenflo Triumph Advance. I believe they are all are in the $100-150 range.

A great place to check out seats is car-safety.org. I did a lot of research before plunking down my money and the folks on the sight can give you all sorts of help installing the seats in your car or just answering any questions you might have.

Good luck with your decision! S.

I would look into the evenflo triumph advance. There are two triumphs out so make sure you look for the one with the higher weight b/c the straps have higher slots on that one and should last your child until he is ready for a booster. The thing with britax is that even though they are more money up front, they end up saving you money in the long run. The marathon, decathalon and blvd all harness up to 65 lbs and have a 17 or 18 inch harness slot which is higher than most carseats on the market. If you go with a traditional car seat you will end up probably having to buy another before your child is truly ready for a booster. Even though the booster boxes say 3 and 30 lbs the law if 4 and 40lbs and that is the MINIMUM!! I will keep my son harnessed until atleast 4 1/2. Also if you plan on having any more children you can then pass your britax to the next child when this one goes into a booster, again making you get more for your money.

As for the consignment shops. I personally would not purchase one there. You have no idea then of recalls or if the seat was ever in an accident. Also, seats expire with in 6 years of manufactor date, so if you buy a used one, even though you saved some up front, you lost years you are able to use the seat for.

I hope that helps!
S.

We recently bought the Alpha Omega Elite (by Cosco) & are very happy with the purchase. My husband looked at all the Consumer Reports ratings & we actually considered the Britax because it was so highly recommended; however, I wasn't very impressed when we compared the Britax to the Cosco in the store. The Britax didn't seem like it would be as comfortable as the Alpha Omega & there wasn't very much padding when you looked under the covering.
As for consignment sales... You can often get brand new baby items at some of the nicer sales, which can save you a lot of money. There is an excellent one in the Marietta area this weekend, if you live around Atlanta... http://www.bornagainblessings.com/

Good Luck!

We LOVE the Britax! Our daughter sleeps so well in it, which is nice since we are on the road a lot. I had been worried about the price too, but my husband found a new one on E-Bay for about $40 less than in the store. So that worked out really well for us. Good luck!!!

I wouldn't go consignment. Just cause you never know how the carseat was treated. However, we got two carseats at babies r us. The cheaper one is our favorite. It is made by graco. I am pretty sure it was only $70. Our other carseat is evenflo. I think it was a little over $100. They are both great seats. The most expensive aren't always the best. THey seem to be the most complicated to put in the car. I was completely against britax because it was so expensive. It is a really nice carseat however the price was not in our range. HOpe this helps.

I got a great price on a Britax turnabout (?) online. It was a discontinued color.

I bought my daughter a Safety 1st Car seat when we changed over from her infant carrier. We also bought an Evenflo seat for our other vehicle. And I have been satisfied with both. I also looked at all the other higher priced car seats but when you really start thinking about the safety features that they all have in common with the higher priced seats all your paying for is the Name. The consignment shop is a good idea also but be sure to ask how old the seat it (i wouldn't want one more than say 5 years old) and if they know if the seat had been in an accident or not. Because they all say once a seat has gone through and accident it needs to be replaced. Hope this helps.

Consignment shops should not contain car seats because you never know if that car seat has been in an accident or how old it is to keep up with current safety standards. I would definitely not buy one from a consignment shop. I am not sure which one to recommend as my son is 4. When he got out of his first car seat, he went straight to a booster. But his original seat was one he could grow with. I don't think you have to spend $300 to get a good car seat, so I would shop around and compare.

Check out these Websites:

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm

About.com
http://babyproducts.about.com/od/carseats/bb/buying_car_s...

Consumer Reports.com
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/baby-toddl...

I hope that helps!

Hey Megan!

i know the Britax carseats are really expensive but they are WONDERFUL. we regretfully didn't buy one for my oldest daughter who now is 5 but last year we purchased one for my youngest daughter when she got to 20 pounds. we bought the Marathon style that she can use up to 65 pounds! it may be more expensive initially but you never have to buy another carseat if you use the Marathon. there is another style in the Britax that i can't remember the name of, but if you decide to go that way, just be sure you get the Marathon. It is fine to buy from a consignment shop - just be SURE to check the recalls and make sure that the carseat you buy isn't from the year of a recall. Ebay actually has them, too, but i used a coupon at BabiesRUS and got mine with a little bit of a discount. Good luck in whatever you decide.

I have a son who also hit over 20 lbs. before he was a year old. The car seat your son has been in since you brought him home from the hospital should be sufficient until he turns a year old. Check the weight limit on your car seat to be sure and I would get advice from your childs pediatrician on the okay to switch him to a bigger car seat. The norm that is suggested from most pediatricians on switching car seats for your child is when your child reaches 20+ lbs. and 1 yr. old.

April

I plan to buy an Alpha Omega Elite carseat ($159 at Toys R Us) soon, as my DD is 8 mos, 18 lbs. I like it because it is a 3-way convertible (rear-facing, then forward facing, then belt positioning). If your son is ready to face forward now, you might consider a forward 3-in-1 that goes from harness to belt positioner to perhaps a backless booster. I hope that helps, and good luck!

We moved our son into an Eddie Bauer Convertable. It actually goes from 5 to 100 lbs. Infant to toddler than booster. It is great and we love it. I accutually got it from Big lots. I only paid $80-100. It is the exact one that is still at Babies r us for $200 but I got it cheaper because it was a discontinued pattern. I personally loved the pattern and I got a great car seat for half the price. Please do not buy used. It is not worth it to not know the history and you do not want a car seat that is older than 5 -7 years. If you are limited on funds, you can purchase a car seat from you local Sernoma club. They usually have times that they install car seats for people and they also sell car seats at cost. I got a decent car seat that is for 20-40 pounds and converts to a high back booster for $40. It is a great 2nd car seat for whenever we need to put it in my sister's car or another vehicle for some reason. Good luck. Make sure whatever you buy, have it checked by a professional to make sure that it is installed correctly.

Hello Megan,
I have the Britax Regant and love it. it goes for $280.00
This is the last car seat I will buy my daughter. It is good up to 80lbs. Your child has to be at least 22lbs. this is an only forward facing car seat. I love the fact she will be in a 5 point harness until she is 8yrs old or so. I got this when my daughter was 3.5ys old and weighed 32lbs, her other britax car seat went to little sis. The straps are easy to adjust. You lift a lever by the crouch and pull on the harness and it is loose and then to tighten you pull on the harness strap by the crouch. My straps have never gotton twisted. Your child will sit lower in the car b/c there is no base on this car seat. I also added the Mighty tight to it to make it not budge in inch. When I went to a Car seat Safety check, they said not to use them bc over time it will ruin the seat belt. I had mine on a month and I could see it was ruining my seat belt. You only need that if you can not get your car seat in tight enough. My daughter loves it. You may want to check out Radian 80 $280.00 This car seat is also good to 80lbs in a 5point harness. Radion also goes rear-facing It is much slimmer then the britax Regant. I love the fact my child is in a 5point harness. Read the car seat reviews on babies R us, and get out there and try them for your self.

Well I really like the evenflo triumph. My first son loved it when he outgrew his infant carseat and I saved it and just put my 6 month old in it because he is huge and just under 22 pounds and 29 inches long. It is sturdy and comfortable. Or you can get the new evenflo elite (I think that is what it is called), it harnesses up to 50lbs I think instead of 40. I prefer to have my babies harnessed as long as possible. I got that one for my 3 year old. And I would not recommend getting a carseat from a consignment sale because you do not know if it has been in a car accident or not.

I would not buy from consignment as there are so many rules about carseats and you never know if one has been involved in an accident which warrants it unsafe. I have a Britax and love it. It is expensive but I think worth it. We got the one that goes up to 80 pounds so my 4 1/2 year old still fits in it comfortably. It is easy to move from car to car and locks in securly. This may not be what you wanted to hear but the carseat is the one item we both agreed was worth the extra expense.

We have a britax seat and love it. I know they are a bit more expensive, but they're worth it. Can't put a price on your child's safety right!

I don't know about buying a consignment store car seat, but I do know about Britax. My daughter's Britax saved her life when we were in a roll over car accident when she was almost 2 years old. I am sure there are other really good, less expensive models on the market, but I can attest to the Britax brand...it is one of the safest, albeit expensive, brands out there.

We have always used either the Century or Evenflo. If you can, I would go to the library and find the most recent Consumer Reports magazine report on car seats and see which models and brands they recommend.

Depending on the age and size of your son, they do make a car seat with a removable harness. Our son was so tall, but very thin, and this came in very handy. You use the harness until the child reaches 40# and then you remove it and use the seat as a belt-positioning booster seat with the car's shoulder/lap belt.

Another thought to consider is the recommendation that we received from the Sheriff's Department at a car seat safety class. They recommend that you keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, even after they reach the one year old AND 20# rule to turn them around. Until your child's feet are pushing into the seat, leaving the car seat rear-facing will give your child more support - they recommended leaving the seat rear-facing until closer to 18 months if they child is not too tall to do so.

Finally, never buy a car seat from a consignment shop or yard sale. Unless you know the seller, you do not know if the car seat might have been in an accident, which can stress the plastic so that it might not prevent injury if you are in an accident. Also, look at the car seat even from a friend and check the date when you should stop using it. Car seats actually have an "expiration date" (if you will), as the plastic deteriorates with age and exposure and will not protect as well.

Sent with a hug and a prayer,

E.

We had the Graco Platinum for our son when he went front facing and it was a piece of junk from the start. You had to pull the harness plate down in the back before you could pull the strap in the front to tighten him in. And then he could rock back and forth and loosen the harness straps too!! Not safe. Sent it back to Graco for a refund and went out and spent the $270 on a Britax at Target. Haven't regretted one penny of it. We travel a lot and he is very compfy in it and it feels rock solid compared to other car seats I looked at before getting it. But since you son is only 8 months old, he still needs to be rear facing so you might want to look at combo seats. I know Graco makes one and Britax does too.

Good luck!
S.

I have a Britax car seat for my daughter and love it. I had postponed buying it due to the cost, but it's very well made and she loves it. I got it on Target online for $280. Sometimes you can wait for a sale. It's easy for me to get her in and out and I feel like she's safer. My little girl will probably get a lot of use out of it since she's a shorty. The weight goes up to 65 lbs, which is what I considered. I won't need a booster seat for a long while. But for people who just can't afford it, I've heard Cosco is good. It goes up to 40 lbs. My parents bought a Graco that was about $100 for when they travel with my little girl. It was about the same size as the Britax, had the hooks to lock the seat in secure and it went fine. I wouldn't buy anything consignment when it comes to safety equipment. You just don't know its history.
Good luck shoppping.

Hi Megan,

I too have an 8 month old son, and just recently I moved him from a "stage 1" Gracco - Safe Seat to a "stage 2" Eddie Bower seat. He loves it and I feel that it is safe and comfortable for him. After looking at several options including the Britax, I still went back to the Eddie Bauer and although it was a gift from my Mom, the seat was not terribly expensive - $189-$200. The Britax was just too bulky. Anyway, please do not purchase a used seat, you won't know if it's been involved in an accident which can make it unreliable.

I hope this helps and good luck.

I used the Graco Safety 1st seat w/my daughter and loved it (so did she)and am currently using it for my 7 wk. old son. It's for up to 30 lbs. and 32" tall. I believe it was around $200. Some advice I've been given is to never buy anything from a consignment shop besides clothing. The safety guidelines are always being revised on car seats, high chairs, playpens ( or play yards), cribs, etc., and you don't know what year the product was made or really if it's up to standard or not. It's worth the $$ for peace of mind to always buy new baby gear.

Hi! I did tons of resaerch when I had to buy a convertible car seat for my son who is now two-and-a-half. I found that the Evenflo Comfort Touch (I think it ma be the Triumph now and comes also in a deluxe ersion which is $10 more) was the best bet. I am seeing it online for between $130 and $140. We bought ours at Babies R' Us The reasons I bought it are as follows: 1) It was one of the only car seats I found that was rating very highly by both Consumer Reports and National Safety Crash tests 2) It was rated highly by other consumers and found to be very comfortable by their kids (and I have found this to be true, even now that my son is amost 40 pounds), and 3) It has knobs on the outside of the carseat to adjust the straps, which is awesome! Not many other car seats have this capability. This carseat works well backwards until the child turns one and also as forward facing. I am very pleased with this carseat and will buy another when my second baby gets to this point.

Megan, I just bought a Graco seat from Babies R Us, it is the one with the "G" galore logo. It is pretty big but my son loves it and it reclines. Yes it is bad to buy one from a consignment shop only beacause you don't know the history of the seat. If it has been in a car accident, how old it is etc. My first seat was inspected by a firefighter and he said the life span of a seat is 3 years or less. The Britax one's are nice but expensive! I was told it was only because they're British. Not sure of that, but like I said my son love the Graco. Hope this helps.
Johna

Hi Megan,

I have a Britax Marathon and a Britax Regent.

When I bought the Marathon I was doing a lot of research and this is the seat that was rated best at Consumer Reports. The car seat is very safe and it's easy to install with the latch system, it has a five-point-harness and the straps are easy to adjust, the seat cleans up well too...we got this one for my son when he outgrew his infant carrier and have used it until our daughter was big enough to move up.

The Marathon goes up to 65lbs. So that gives you a bit time with this seat considering it cost about $250. But again all I cared for was the safety rating.

We then got the Regent for my son - same thing it goes up to 80lbs (longer usage) - it's like a booster but still a car system with the latch and the five-point harness. This one cost us $270 when we bought it.

Hope this helps a bit.
Cory

I don't know which car seat is the best but never buy one on consignment. If it has been in a wreck it is no good. I know this because when we had a wreck my children were both still in thew last stage car seat and the insurance company had to buy us a new one. Also if your ever in an accident make sure you tell them your child was in a car seat and that they need to replace it because they will not volunteer to do it without your having the knowledge that it needs to be done.

Britax carseats are a little more expensive, but have a better safety rating than other car seats. I have 4 Britax Marathon carseats. 2 for my van and 2 for my husbands. We love them as well as our daughters. My 4 year old daughter will soon need to move to a booster seat and I will be buying her a Britax booster seat. My daughters have used other car seats in their grandparents cars, but they aren't as comfortable as the Britax. It really hugs and supports them when they fall asleep. You can get a Marathon for about $249 at Babies R Us. It is well worth the money.

As far as getting one at a consignment shop, research studies show that you shouldn't shouldn't get a used car seat that is over 5 years old. Also, you don't know if that car seat has been in a car accident.

Good luck in finding a carseat for you little man.

The Britax seats are good. My friend was in a car accident (minivan totalled, flipped over) and her daughters were perfectly unharmed in them. But, I have also read that any seat appropriate for the child's size will protect just fine. I have the Britax and love it because it's easy to install, the straps don't get tangled and twisted and it's comfortable for my daughter. I've had other brands (Graco in particular) and they weren't as easy to use.

I am using a Graco carseat. It is working out fine for my husband and I. I did not have $300 to spend on a carseat so I did some reasearch on the web with different ratings. I agree the Britax is the best, but I just don't have that kind of money. Consignment shop - I have heard that all you need to do is call the toll free number on the carseat (there should be a sticker on the seat with the number) and then can tell you if the seat has been recalled or is sill okay to use. I wouldn't buy one from a consignment shop until I called the number. I know a few consignment shops that will not take a carseat until they have confirmed that it is still safe to use. Good Luck on your decision.

I have 2 Britax roundabouts and they are wonderful! My children are comfortable and sleep well in them on long car trips. They are easy to install and clean. They are the best! You can find them online for cheaper than in stores. I think I bought mine at Elite Car Seats for around $190 which at the time had no tax and free shipping. Also, the larger Britax models (Marathon) don't always fit well into your car so you might want to try one in your car before you buy one.
Good luck!

I bought an Alpha Omega for my first child who is now almost 5,at the time I payed close to 300 and it hasen't one tear,rip or stain in it.And it was passed down to my now 20 month old.I have yet to buy another car seat and probably never will.It's so good that even after both of mine are out of car seats I will still prob save this one in case I have another years down the road or for grandkids.Here is a link to what mine looks like exactly. It has 5 stars and stays with them until age 8.And there not even as exspensive as they were when I bought mine.http://www99.shopping.com/xPO-Alpha-Omega-22-180.I have also been in a small wreck with my baby in that car seat and it lived up to what it claims to do.I rec. this one highly.

I know that I personally have donated some VERY expensive high quality items to consignment shops. When you buy consignment just keep a few things in mind. Before you make the purchase, look the item up to make sure it has not been placed under a recall. Most shops will hold the item for you for twenty four hours. Next, you want to look the item over to ensure that there is no missing equipment or alterations. If everything checks out and you decide to purchase the item, disinfect the snot out of it. You just never know. Good luck!

This is the seat we have for my son, we bought it about 5 yrs ago when my daughter out grew her infant seat at about 8 months ( she was 25lbs at a year) and it has worked great for them both. now the seat I have is not his exact seat but this is the current yrs seat.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2739400

I did not have 300 + to spend on an over priced car seat either, especially if you get into a wreck you have to replace the seat even if its not damaged.

also , the rule is 20lb AND a year , its not suggested it's a law.

edited to add, this seat goes to 100lbs, it converts to a booster when the child out grows the 3pt harness which is a standard 40lbs.

I would also recommend getting one of these for any carseat you choose.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2267437