We are expecting our second baby in December, so my parents want to by a car seat to keep in CO so we don't have to lug two car seats around with us when we travel to visit them. My daughter's everyday car seat is a britax, but we purchased the cosco scenaro for a travel seat. Although it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Britax, we've been totally satisfied with is at a travel seat. I was going to recommend my mom purchase the scenaro (can't beat the price) but am nervous my 2 year old daughter might outgrow it sooner than later (she's big for her age, at 36" and 32lbs). Does anyone have suggestions for an inexpensive and safe car seat that can accommodate a taller child? Thanks!
I would advise the grandparents to look into the boosterseats with the 5 pt harness for up to 65 pounds. They are at Target and under $200. I can't remember the name of it though.
I don't know how much you're looking to spend but I think I'd go with the Graco Nautilus. It's around $150 and goes from a 5-point harness to a belt positioning booster so it should last our daughter a good long time.
Unfortunately, the Scenera will probably be outgrown by your daughter around age 3 at her weight/height.
Ask yourself what you want to spend, how often will you be using it, do you want to purchase another seat in a few years, or purchase a good one now htat can be used for 6+yrs.
IF your visit often,and you want to purchase a seat that can be used for a long time, then I would consider the Graco Nautilus. Its $150, but it will harness to 65lbs (most kids can fit the harness height wise until age 7+) and then becomesa high back booster to 100lbs. It also converts to a no back booster down the road if necessary, and it has a 9yr lifespan before it expires. Its for sure the best long time harnessing seat for the money.
The Cosco Scenera is a fine seat (we have one as a backup, my sister has one at her house for when we travel too. My boys ride in Britax seats too!) But it is outgrown fairly early with msot children. My youngest is almost 4yrs old, 40lbs and 42" tall and he was able to ride in the Scenera on our last trip out to my sisters this Spring, he was 37lbs and 41" tall. But I know he's outgrown it now.
Since its your parents, and yoiu will probably be visiting at least once if not twice a year, and the seat will last for 9yrs, and your younger child can use it eventually too, the Graco Nautilus is a great purchase for lifespan. For $150, you will never have to get another seat for her to use there again.
Totally check out the Graco Nautilus. I got mine at Amazon.com for like $140(no tax or shipping). It's forward facing up to 65 lbs with a 5pt harness and then it goes to about 100 lbs (I think you'll have to check and make sure). I also like it because it's got a nice head cradle that should protect from a side-impact crash. It's got a nice cup holder that fits 20 oz bottles and also reclines a bit. My 3.5 year old loves hers at 35lbs.
We just bought the Graco my Ride for 144 dollars, rear facing to 40 lbs and forward facing to 65 if you read the reviews people complain about the size and ease of use. i t took me literally 4 min and 27 seconds to install it rear facing. my son is only 17 months old he still as tons of head room to reach the top of the seat and he is 34 inches tall.
Here is a website that people look at
http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/...
I know that is long but it should work, here is another one.
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=422
I like a few different ones, I am looking for a less expensive one as well. The Costco Scenera, is one that we will look into getting. Let us know what you end up choosing, I rather be able to get one seat for now due to price and get one later, I also think ahead when we have more kids, well they will need their own seats too. Good luck and ask other moms you know what they think. You can message me as I asked this to another mommy site and got lots of replies I can give you more information on what they said!
Happy Shopping!
