Car Seats - Porter Ranch, CA

M.,

I just put my 3 yr old in a booster because he is big for his age and was about to outgrow his convertible seat. I was told that it is fine to put them in a booster as long as they are mature enough not to squirm around in it. The seat I chose was rated 4 out of 5 for safety. Unfortunately I didn't have the option of being able to afford a Britax seat that holds them until 65 lbs. The seat I chose is under $40 and actually is rated a lot higher than some of the more expensive boosters. I chose the Evenflo Big Kid seat. My son is much more comfy in it and no longer has to fight for leg room. I drive a 4 door sedan so he didn't have any room to put his legs down in a convertible seat.

Here is a link with some ratings. I like this site because it rates boosters in safety, ease of installation and other categories!

http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/nhtsa_eou/info.jsp?type=booster

yes the 5 point harness is best up to 50lbs but most car seats say you can use the booster from 30lbs and up. what i would suggest for them are these car seats the graco turbo boosters unless you go with the britax boosters. heres the link.

http://www.target.com/Graco-Turbo-Booster-Seat-Pink/dp/B0...

Yeah, watch that video if you want to cry! Thanks Kathie!

M., I can't believe your daughters are so light, the recommendation is to leave them in their forward-facing car seat until they are 40lbs. I have a friend who could switch (son is 5 & over 40lbs.), but her justification is that her son falls asleep & he doesn't have a head rest, better to be safe than sorry with this one.

http://www.emsa.ca.gov/emsdivision/childseat_def.asp

Please watch this video, I think it will change your mind...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ

Depending on the Model of Britax you have the max weight is 65 pounds and height is 49 inches or less. The safest way for them to ride is in the five point harness system however if they outgrow the car seat, than either purchase another five point harness system that they meet the height and weight requirement or a booster seat will suffice. Visit www.saferidinkidz.com and view the link for booster seats.
B. G.
Safe Ridin' Kidz
____@____.com

This is a link for car seat laws in your state of California:

http://www.inventiveparent.com/lawsreg9.htm#California
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/359710/

For our family, we use the Britax "Parkway" booster seat.
Here is a link for the Britax brand booster seats:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Da...

We like the "Parkway" model because it protects their head and neck in case of lateral movements as well. My daughter really loves her booster seat. It is much better than the platform type of booster seat, which is basically just a platform they sit on, not a "seat" per say.

Even though though the Britax model is more expensive, it lasts a long time, is good quality, and we feel it is well worth the price in safety.

The "Recaro" brand booster seats seems well rated as well. Here is a link:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Da...

Good luck,
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo