Need Advice on Buying a New Car Seat

Britax Boulevard! You can save a lot by buying one online - no sales tax from most sites and they typically offer deals with free shipping too! I just got one from www.elitecarseats.com

Britax Marathon, hands down. We also have a decathlon, which is the next level up, and I actually like the Marathon better.

Kiki:

The Britax Roundabout is hands-down the best car seat on the market. It's definitely the easiest to get the kids in and out of, easiest to adjust as they grow, and the safest in all the safety tests. Holds up to maybe 50 pounds (?)and fits on airline seats.

Good luck!

Kiki,
I used the Chicco infant seat, too, and loved it! My daughter is 10 months old, and could still be using it, but I decided to go ahead and put her in a convertible car seat now while we had the money to buy it! We went with the Britax Boulevard. I see that almost everyone on here has recommended on model or another of Britax! We really do love it; very easy to install, very easy to use (adjust the head rest/side impact wings, adjust the shoulder straps, etc). It will last until she's 65 pounds, and she's just 18 now, so I'm thinking we won't be buying another seat :-) Ok, this is going to become really long because I'm going to list out the differences between the models of Britax, and then give you links to things regarding extended rear facing (I saw another poster say that rear facing past 1 year old is safer, and that is SO true, so here's some links for you to read and/or watch videos to see why - I don't know why anyone would turn their child forward facing after reading/watching the research.) If you need info. on other brands of car seats, let me know! Oh, and another poster recommended a 3 in 1 type of seat - I wouldn't go with that. They have VERY low top slots or seatback heights all with 40lb limits. Just not worth the cost. This includes all the Eddie Bauer, Cosco, Dorel, and 3 in 1's. While safe & decent seats, the harness mode doesn’t offer much grow room. Dorel (Cosco/Eddie Bauer/Safety 1st) combo seats have a belt geometry for the lap belt that causes the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt to ride high on the belly. This could lead to serious injury in a crash when the seat is used as a booster seat.

Here's the differences between the models of Britax seats:
rf = rear facing, ff = forward facing

“Marathon- The most basic model of the three. It harnesses to 65 lbs, rf 5 to 33 lbs. It has a rf tether, ff and rf lockoffs. Has the lever style harness adjuster, 4 harness heights, and the crotch strap does not adjust. It is very padded and comfy just like all the britax seats, and has about a million cover choices. Will last till the child is ready for a booster most likely. Good for children that need to rf still (under 33 lbs).

Decathlon- Harnesses to 65 lbs, rf 5 to 33 lbs. Has rf tether, ff and rf lockoffs. The ff lockoffs may damage seatbelts. It has a push button style harness adjuster, 4 harness heights (rumor is they may be a little taller than the ma/bv), and a three position crotch strap that gives 1 more inch of room as compared to the marathon and boulevard. It has infant inserts so is great for a small baby. It also has a removeable toddler head pillow. It has more limited cover choices than a marathon. Will last till child is most likely ready for a booster. Good for very small babies because of the infant insert but a ma/bv may be a better choice for an older child that won't need the infant insert.

Boulevard- Harness to 65 lbs, rf 5 to 33 lbs. Has rf tether, ff and rf lockoffs. It has true side impact protection (the "wings"). Has a lever style harness adjuster, and instead of having to remove the seat from the car to adjust the harness height you just turn a knob on the side of the seat, and it does not have an adjustable crotch strap. It has a removeable infant pillow so is also a good choice for a very small baby. Will last till the child is most likely ready for a booster. Good seat for any child. Especially one that will have to be on the side of a vehicle without side curtain airbags.”

And now for extended rear facing!
“Rear-facing – Unmatched Safety” A fairly comprehensive article from CPSafety.com

http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/stayrearfacing.aspx

MSN Article “Child Car Seat Advice Questioned”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9916868/

You Tube Video “Benefits of Keeping Baby Rear-facing”

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kRP7ynNI8mI

“Why Rear-Facing is Safest” A fairly comprehensive article from Car-Safety.org

http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html

Rear Facing Seats – Yet another fairly comprehensive article for thecarseatlady.com

http://www.thecarseatlady.com/car_seats/rear-facing_seats...

Pictures of How a Child’s Spine Develops http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&a...

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) Policy

http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/ped...

Highlight of the policy - for optimal protection, the child should remain rear facing until reaching the maximum weight for the car safety seat, as long as the top of the head is below the top of the seat back

Why RF is Safest Even in Rear End Collisions

One Family’s Story of Being Rear-Ended While at a Stop by a Car Traveling at 60-65mph

http://myangelsaliandpeanut.tripod.com/id5.html

A childs' vertabrae do not fully fuse until 3-6 years old. Before then, he/she is at great risk for spinal injury. When rear-facing in a crash, the forces are spread out among the strong carseat shell and baby's strong back. The harness holds baby down in the seat and he/she is cradled and protected. When forward-facing, the harness holds babys' body back, and his/her head flies forward violenty, putting tremendous stress on the neck.

Here's the catch...the spinal column can stretch up to 2 inches, BUT the spinal cord can only stretch up to 1/4 of an inch before it snaps and baby is gone. This is referred to as internal decapitation. Babys' head will be slumped over like he/she is sleeping.

It's very important to keep babies rear-facing to 1 year AND 20 lbs. (both, not either/or) at the very least. It's actually much safer to rear-face to the limits of a convertible carseat, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. A forward-facing child is 4-5 times MORE likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a rear-facing child of the same age...not a risk I'll be taking with my babies.

Check out this video for some great information and crash test footage...you'll see the HUGE difference: http://youtube.com/watch?v=kRP7ynNI8mI

And this one has lots of pictures of older rear-facing kiddos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmUWg7QrC8

And here’s another great link:

http://www.childrestraintsafety.com/rear-facing.html

European study showing that rear-facing is better through age 4: http://www.anec.eu/attachments/ANEC-R&T-2008-TRAF-003...

www.celebrity-babies.com/2008/04/rearfacing-car.html

Celebrity Baby Blog rear-facing article written by BC regular Andrea (BookMama).

www.CarSeatSite.com/rf.htm

CarSeatSite.com’s explanation of why rear-facing is safest.

Hi, My suggestion is the Britax Marathon or the Britax Regent (goes from 20 to 85 pounds with the 5 point harness) you will never need another car seat if you buy the regent as it goes up to 85 pounds. I bought mine brand new online for 200 and that included shipping. it is an awesome car seat I love it because it is not a raised car seat it sits the same level as the car's seat bottom so the child is not blocking your view.

we use the Regent for my 49 inch 60 pound 5 year old and we have marathons for my 3.5 year and 2 year old.

HTH
A. J

I love our Britax! I got my online at Albeebaby, no tax, no shipping and better price than my local store.
2nd large item I got from albee.

Britax Marathon is what we have for our 3YO, since he turned one. My younger son is turning 1 in a month, we're for sure getting another Britax. Maybe not the Marathon; maybe so. We're going to look at all the models they have, but for sure a Britax!

We just bought our "big girl" car seat and love it. We searched high and low and actually found the best one for only $90. It is very plush and cutsie pink. Specs are below. There were so many to choose from and most looked uncomfortable. We spend lots of time in the car and wanted something that will last. This one will go until like 40 pounds or 4 yrs old I think.

Graco - ComfortSport Convertible Car Seat, Eva
Model# 8C04EVA2
This safe and versatile ComfortSport Convertible car seat will have your baby riding in style.

Five-point harness with two buckle and three shoulder height positions helps keep baby secure
EPS energy absorbing foam
Cushioned with GracoPedic luxury foam for extra padding and added comfort
Removable head support and body pillow for more comfortable car rides
Cup/snack holder keeps drinks and snacks handy
Easy-to-read level indicator helps ensure correct installation in the rear facing position
LATCH equipped for easy installation
Approved for airplane use
For rear facing for infants up to 30 lbs, then faces forward for use as a toddler seat up to 40 lbs

.

check out http://www.elitecarseats.com/. They are great! you can call and ask questions - no shipping. you can buy return insurance so you can order a few and for $5 return the ones you don't want. I highly recommend them!!

We had a chicco too and so wished they made a toddler seat! We have a Recaro now and LOVE it. We just added a second seat and got a Britax and also really like it. Good luck!

I didn't read the other responses, but I'm sure you've been told about Britax. I also love it! We are always on a tight budget, so we asked the grandparents to chip in to buy our son's new carseat for his birthday. They loved helping get him something that he needed, as opposed to just another toy (which he definitely doesn't need!).

They are about to change the laws and have then rear facing until 2. My 2 yr old faces the back, weighs 28 lbs and just crosses his legs. If you check out the child restraints in cars in other countries you will see US is the most relaxed. My son also doesn't have the muscle strength for a head on collision and I would rather a broken pelvis which is the of the most serious injuries that can happen while facing backward than a broken neck. That is with the statics as they are now that 72% of accidents happen while driving into something, 14% are side impacts and that leaves another 14% that could happen from the rear. Good luck with your decision. Ask your pediatrician too, might help.

Britax Marathon very comfy and safty rating worth the price.

I would have to agree with the others on this one and say that BRITAX is the best brand to buy. Yes they cost more then the other car seats but if you have been in a head on collison like me & my son who was 6 months old at the time have been then you would pay the higher price for your child's safety. My doctor told me that if it wasn't for my seat belt & my son's car seat we would have went through the windsheild because at the speed of the impact the airbags wouldn't have saved us so I will always buy BRITAX from this point on.

Another vote for Britax!! They are more pricey, but well worth it for the ease of use and safety ratings. I have a Marathon in my SUV and a Roundabout in my husband's smaller car. I found mine online on sale from a random store in New Jersey or New Your and got free shipping too. Spent about $200 for each one.

Love our Britax Marathon. We have them for both kids and never have had any problems. My husband loved how easy they are to install in the vehicles that he bought one for his truck. Everything washes wonderfully and the are rated one of the safest car seats by consumer reports. Money well spent.

Hi Kiki!

We LOVE the Cosco 3-in-1 Alpha Omega Elite. Ours is a cute pink & brown plaid... We got it at Babies R Us and paid about $150 for it. It is very highly rated in safety (I researched it when we were looking), and it can be rear facing, forward facing, AND a booster... I think up to 100 lbs. It's very cushy and comfortable for Emma, and she's really long (always has been in the 100%!) and we have never had issues with the straps being too tight. The arms swivel up and down for easy "entry" and "exit," there's a cup-holder perfect for her sippy-cup now that she's almost 2... anyway, we love it.

Good luck!
S.

Love my Britax Marathon!

I just bought the Britax Boulevard convertible. It is for children up to 65lbs and has side impact protection. I got the Sutton fabric, and it is really soft. This seat is on the top of every reviewer's list. Many moms like the Marathon by Britax, but it doesn't have the side impact protection.
The first time my 6 month old saw his new car seat he was really excited, and he really loves going on car rides now.

http://www.britaxusa.com/products/product_detail.aspx?ID=1

Check out these recent recalls

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/evenflo.html

Because of the latch system and the safety, Britax! I bought an evenflo and took it back. The Evenflo was horrible to get in and out of a car. The Britax works like the latch on a seatbelt to open the hook release. I would suggest going to Babies R Us (BRU) and trying the seats out on the demo carseat they have in the middle of their store. Also, just buy something at BRU and get their coupons. Most of the time they have a 20% off coupon you can use the next week which you could apply to your carseat purchase.

GL!

Ditto on the Britax...worth every penny. Just get one that holds as much weight as possible so you can use it for a long time. I got ours online at Albee Baby (www.albeebaby.com). They had free shipping and a ton off b/c it was last year's cover pattern (who cares?). It is also great b/c you can easily take out the straps and cover and launder them.

Wow - I'm amazed you've gotten a year out of an infant seat! I can't recommend the Britax brand enough for your next seat. I'd get the Britax Marathon, which will last you from now until she's a good 4-5 years old. They're very easy to install, very comfortable, extremely safe.

britax makes a FP safety somthing carseat for 129$
same quality better price...
ugly cover though but for about 150$ less i can take a ugly cover..IMO
i d love britax too...

Hello,
I suggest the Britax brand. We have four of them and love them. They are highly rated, can go up to something like 80 pounds, and they are so cute!! We got one of ours at Target and the others at Babies R Us. We will be buying another one soon for our infant who is getting to big for her infant seat.

Oh, the only downside is that they are pretty big - you can't put three of them across a seat of a standard sedan.
Good Luck.

I would check Craigslist. I just bought one last night for my parents to have when they are with my 14 month old son.

We have really loved our Britax Marathons. DS sat in his from 4months until now (he's 5). So, unless your child gets to the weight and height limit ( I think it is 65lbs and 49in-or tops of ears in line with top of seat shell.) earlier, you won't have to buy another seat for 6 years or so (you shouldn't uses seats for longer than that, especially with the Texas heat).

Also, you should keep your dd rear facing up to the limit on the car seat. It is much, much safer. There is quite a bit of info. on this out there on the internet. Also, that is what a professional car seat installer would recommend. Your daughter's spine will be protected much better rear facing. My 19month old dd is still rear facing and she doesn't think anything of it.

Britax....we have three of them! My twins are 3 1/2 and my 23 month old. They go up to 65 pounds which is AWESOME! They are the best and worth every penny!

We have the Nautilus by Graco...it has an approved harness to 65 lbs (most others go to 40lbs) and it coverts to a booster when that time comes. We bought it at Walmart of all places. Love it.

Britax has rated really well with safety. Here is a clip from youtube about the importance of a 5 point harness if you do not know already. Be aware...you might need some tissues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ

IMHO, Britax makes the best car seats and booster seats on the market.

M.
"My son eats all his fruits and veggies now. Even the green ones."
Check out my Mamsource profile to find out how we did it

I also wanted to suggest looking at the Graco Nautilus! It will last for years as well, longer use with a harness, and converts to a booster. It is not a Britax for sure, and if you dont mind spending $300, then the Britax is for you! But for me, the Graco is half the price and seems to do the job! Again, it is ALL about instalation!! No matter which car seat you go with, be sure you get it inspected upon installation, you would be surprised how many people dont do it right! Good luck ~A.~

Hands down -- Britax is the best for your money. Yes, it is more expensive but so so worth it. My advice is not to skimp on important things like car seats where your child's safety and welfare are at risk. Skimp on clothes and hair cuts instead. ;)

Britax car seats will last you much longer too -- some models are good up to 80 pounds (Regent I think). Boosters are just not as safe. Better to keep your child in a 5-point harness as long as possible. Britax car seats allow you to do just that. Plus, they're extra comfey -- just check out the padding. They're durable too so they'll stay together. Also, some really cute patterns for girls are available.

Yeah, go for a Britax. In the long run, I think, you'll save money and feel better about your decision.

Britax Boulevard all the way!!! Love ours...we bought two! Worth every penny....