I have a 9 month old son and he is almost 20 lbs. I am looking to put him into the next car seat (the convertable one) because he is getting way too big for the infant seat. I was wondering if anyone had any good sugesstions on brands or types of car seats. I heard that at the moment the Britax seat is the best, however it's not really something I can afford. So any sugesstions for a lesser priced, good car sear would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a lot!!
We went with the top of the line Evenflo... it got good safety reports, was more economical than Britax and even highly recommended for tall kids. My 21 month old has been very happy in it since she was 6 months old!
The Graco Comfort Sport & Evenflow Triumph 5 are highly rated as well. These go up to 40lbs. The Britax Boulevard is basically the best in it's class and goes up to 65lbs., but as you stated is not really in your price range, but will last longer. Even more down the road another review I read was one of the highest rated booster seats which is the Graco TurboBooster Safe Seat and can be used for children 30-100lbs. It estimates around $60.
If you're worried about price... My friend told me about the Evenflo Triumph 5. At first I was hesitant because it wasn't something that converts into a booster, but she raved about it and I looked into it. I was concerned about the leg pinching, harness adjustment, etc that we all worry about. It's only $100+- and it's great. I love it! Simple to adjust, simple to install, cushy and warm, rear and fwd facing, a lil heavy but whatever (more weight to hold it down, if god forbid, need be). It received very good reviews and ratings. It's great! I was looking into buying a Graco, and my other friend ended up buying it and she doesn't like it too much. I'm super Happy with my decision. Remember that the recommendation for carseats tho is that they have to be 20lbs and 1 yr old before facing forward. Good luck!
I had the same problem as you - my son is a big boy and outgrew his infant seat very quickly. I used the Eddie Bauer convertible seat and it's very good, easy to install and seems sturdy. He just turned 2 and is 36 pounds and is 38" tall - this seat fits him.
http://www.mamasource.com/request/6808294089516122113?dep...
the Britax is wonderful
my 4 yr old is still in his & will be for some time
it is important to keep these little peole in 5 point harnesses for as long as possible
it is also very important to keep them rear-facing for as long as the seat requirements allow you to. many people think that babies SHOULD be turned around to be forward facing when they are a year and 20lbs. this is not true. they do not HAVE to turn around if your seat can keep them rear-facing (britax allows rear facing up until 33lbs and my son was rear-facing until he was 2 & 1/2)
Why rear-facing is so important: http://www.carsafety.org/rearface.html
http://www.thecarseatlady.com/car_seats/rear-facing_seats...
"Another good study on rearfacing as long as possible" http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&a....
videos:
http://www.carseatsite.com/videos.htm#rear-facing%20with%...
car seat basics: http://www.car-safety.org/basics.html
http://www.car-seat.org/index.php
here's a youtube video (these things get me sad- I was tearing up over crash test dummies)
I bought the Graco Comfort Sport that was rated third best by consumer reports (after the two Britax's) - I ended up getting the Britax anyway, the Graco wasnt that bad, but the buckel system sucks. My MIL was constantly pinching his leg in the buckel and its not so easy to latch. The buckel system for the Britax is so much easier and better - but in General the Graco is not a bad seat, we have put it into my husbands truck. (http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/car-seats/index....) Hope this helps :) J.
I recommend the Britax Marathon. We recently purchased one from bestbuybaby.com. You can find them on sale from time to time and mine was only 229.99 with free shipping.
http://www.bestbuybaby.com/britmar20.html
If this is still too much money to spend, (Our parents chipped in to help us buy it...) Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe is an excellent alternative. It's actually made by Britax for Fisher Price and uses the Marathon shell. http://www.specialtybaby.com/fiprsavodeco1.html
$129.99 at the above website was the cheapest I found. Hope this helps!
Hi J.,
I have 3 kids (4,3 and almost 2) and I use the Cosco alpha omega convertible car seat. It works really well and has had good ratings in various car magazines, websites etc. It is widely available at stores like Target, Walmart, Babies/Toys R Us - usually b/w $120 - $140. It is suitable from 5lbs to 100lbs.
Congratulations J., I love to hear about young single moms. I agree Britax is the best but they are quite expensive; however, I found mine online at baby universe.com and cost $240---but the good thing is that it will pretty much be the last car seat you will ever need. Now if it is far from your reach Graco is a good brand and it is much more affordable. Where do you live by? I have a boy too he will be 9 months on 9/5.
Good luck, L.
