Carseat Advice - Searcy,AR

we use the graco comfort sport and LOVE them. They are so easy and (not that it's too important) they have really cute patterns. They have high ratings and are only about $70 at target.

I couldn't afford the Britax, but Consumer Reports rated the Evenflo Triumph as the best for value and safety. It is the one that I use. My DD is 17 months and she is very comfortable in it. It is big enough to use for a long time (up to 50 lbs). I think I paid about $100 for it. Hope this helps!!

We have always used the Britax seats. They do crash test really well...you can check consumer reports on any seat you are considering. Most importantly, they are REALLY comfortable to our son. We rented a car with a cheap car seat once during travel and it was a nightmare! For a week my son cried and couldn't rest in the rental seat. When we got home and I compared it to our britax, there was just no comparison as to the padding and safety. The one we used at that age is the britax boulevard. I can't say enough good things about it. If price is an issue, you might consider buying one really nice carseat for the car you use most of the time and one cheaper seat for the other car. We can't put a carseat in my husband's car, so we just trade cars when we need to. It works pretty well. Good luck.

Here is the website that I went to when I was looking for a new carseat. http://www.consumersearch.com/car-seats

I personally would not buy an Evenflo just b/c I was given a nice one from my sis-in-law and I hated it. If you have the money then the Britax roundabout is definitely the way to go. But, if you want to save the money, consumer reports ranks the Graco ComfortSport as the next best and it comes in many different price points just depending on what matters to you (cup holders, fabric prints, etc). I have a Britax Roundabout that was given to us from a close friend and I just recovered it and we love it. For our second vehicle I opted to purchase the Graco ComfortSport and I love it also. It was easy to install and it's easy to use. My daughter seems quite comfortable in it so I feel good with it. You can also pay a small fee on Consumer Reports website to get more detailed reporting on carseats. Good luck with your purchase.

Britax is definitely worth the money. We had a Britax Roundabout with my son and never realized how great it was until we purchased a Graco (don't recall the model name) when he outgrew the Roundabout (my advice, if you have a child on the tall or big size, go with the Britax Marathon!) Britax is easy to install, even on airplanes. I have flown with the Britax 4-5 times and it was a breeze each time. Britax has built in clips for using a shoulder seat belt if you are in a car that isn't latch equiped - much, much easier than those separate metal things that Graco uses.

As far as safety, when we purchased the Britax, it was on the top of the consumer reports...I think several others have caught up with them as far as safety goes...check Consumer Reports and see what they say. Britax just adds an extra level of ease and convenience (for instance, I've never had an issue with straps twisting - the Graco aggravated me so much because I was always trying to untwist the straps). When I bought my Britax Roundabout 3 1/2 years ago, several other Moms actually stopped me on my way out to my car to say that it is the best car seat ever!

We're expecting twins any day now and we plan on purchasing a Britax Roundabout or Marathon when it comes time for them to graduate from the infant seats.

Oh, and please get a carseat that will keep her in a 5 point harness as long as possible, don't be too eager to move to a booster seat! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ

Just my two cents...good luck!

If you can afford seats like the Britax and want your child to have a fancy seat, then go for it. But, I personally can't afford that!

We use the Cosco seat that is forward facing for 1 yr+ and then can be used as a belt positioning booster. I believe these cost about $40 or $50 at Wal Mart. They are just going to get them nasty with food & drinks anyways! (If you allow that in the car)

I think it just depends on what kind of features you want in the seat. Cupholders, maximum weight/height of the seat, how long you can use a 5-pt harness, etc.

Also, I highly recommend using some sort of seat cover underneath the carseat, especially if your child is going to be eating/drinking in the car. I'm always amazed and how much stuff is under the seat when I take it out to clean it! We use one made by Eddie Bauer, but at the very least a towel could be used.

I have a Britax marathon in my car and a Graco in my husband's. The Britax is just better all the way around - its easier to put in and out, the straps are sturdier and don't twist up as much, it holds more weight (my 4 1/2 year old is still in it and still has room to stay in it). In my opinion you get what you pay for.

just because everyone is buying a high dollar Britax doesn't mean you have too. I have a Safety first uptown carseat, its great. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5515915
Also I would highly recommend keeping your daughter rearfacing long as possible since it is the safest way. The Uptown carseat is rearfacing up to 35 pounds. This carseat is good for 8 years instead of 6 years. Carseats expire after 6 years and this is one of very few that have a longer expiration date. Also it has extra foam padding. My son is almost 3 and recently we faced him forward.

Compare these two viedeos then choose a carseat based on that. I bought a Graco convertible. Our two year old rides comfortably in it rear facing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMFPSStXfqE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K62Ea8Fs4ng

Cathyd

After a bit of research I bought a Sunshine Kids Radian65 convertible car seat. It has a steel frame, is approved for airline use, folds to take up less space for carrying (though it does not fold up when installed in the car), and is less bulky than many convertible car seats so you can fit three across in a car. We used it rear-facing for our son from 7 months to 16 months (when he reached about 22 lbs), and we turned him around because he was pushing his feet against the back of the seat and looking cramped. We have a 93 Buick Century and hence no LATCH system, but have been able to secure him very well with the locking clip (I marked the tightest point on the seat belt with a pen so I could easily replace the clip if I needed to take the car seat out). It can take some time to familiarize yourself with how to work the seat, but I find it very easy to work with and the harness is very secure. It also doesn't look goofy-child-like, so when your child is older they won't feel like a baby to ride in it.

Of course, make sure you can fit it into your car. You may be able to find a Radian65 at Babies R Us (where they may let you try it in your car first), or you can order directly from the company at http://www.skjp.com/products/Radian/65/ . They offer a larger seat (Radian80 that takes a kid to 80 lbs instead of just 65), too, and other products, so look around while you're there. They also have a crashed restraint exchange program. I'm glad we got the Radian65 because I don't think anything larger would have fit properly in our car, rear-facing. I plan to buy another one when our second child is old enough to need one. They're higher end ($220.00) but I think well worth the investment.

We went with the Britax Marathon (I found it about $40 less on e-bay) and love it! Being a 1st time mom, I did the exhaustive research and Britax was head and shoulders above the rest for safety, comfort and ease of use. The grandparents have cheaper seats as they use them only occasionally and the difference is vast. Don't skimp on safety if you can get away with it. I think it was worth the expense and will grow with her until it is time for a booster seat in a few years.

D.

Car seats are a big decision, but dont base it on high dollar vs low dollar. Check out the seats first.

Here are a few links that might help you with the research.

http://www.aap.org/family/Carseatguide.htm

This site gives details on specific ratings.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/...

Also, you can check what types of seats have had recalls to help make your decision what brand you trust.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/childs...

Hope this helps.

I have a Britex and a Graco carseat. I would recommend a Britex in the primary car and a cheaper car seat in the car that is not used as much! Britex is definetely better and worth the money.

I purchased Fisher Price Safe Voyage Convertible Car Seat online. It was made for Fisher Price by Britax. Fisher Price Cost but Britax quality, I heard it has been discontiued so quantities are limited, but you might be able to catch a good sale.

Carseats are one area in which I do not look for the inexpensive route. I get my kids' clothes from Goodwill and do the best I can with budgeting food, but for carseats I spend money. I bought them with our tax refund.

All seats must meet the same safety standards, but those standards are not very high. Britax does their own extensive safety testing that goes far beyond the federal limits. At one year old I would keep her rear-facing. She is much, much, much safer in a crash facing the back of the vehicle. See http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html Look for a convertible seat that, when you are ready to turn her face-forward, will hold her until 65 pounds. The link above lists some good seats. When she nears outgrowing her convertible seat, you can buy either one that converts from a 5pt harness to a booster or a stand-alone booster.

Visit http://www.car-seat.org/ for lots of great information. HTH. :)

I took the course to become a certified car seat technician, have checked many seats and participated in the checking events with the police. None of us are allowed to recommend particular seats. What I will say is that you must make sure the seat fits your car. Take your car with you and ask to try it in your car before you buy it. Not every seat works in every car. Also, about 95% of the seats that I have checked (including my friends) are not completely installed correctly. I have found that the seat that is most often installed correctly is the Britax - probably for two reasons. First, when you buy one, the store has employees that are trained (I think by Britax people) to install their carseats. The problem is that they don't teach the buyer to install it. Second, Britax seats are often just easier to install. Unless your child is large for their age, I don't recommend spending more money getting the more expensive seats. For example, I have 3 children ages 4, 6, 8. I have a Roundabout and a Marathon. My 4 year old is still well within the weight limits of the Roundabout (the less expensive one). Also, please keep your baby rear facing as long as possible. I kept my baby rear facing until she was 18 months. I know it is a pain for you, but it truly is safer for your child. They must be at LEAST 20 pounds AND 12 months for forward face, but it is recommended that you keep them rear facing to the rear facing weight capacity of the seat. I'm not sure where you live, but if you are in the Fort Smith/Van Buren area, there are a few Fort Smith police officers and even more Van Buren officers that are certified technicians. There are few, if any, Fire Fighters that are trained in this area.

The first thing I would suggest is that you google or search youtube for extended rear-facing. Think about how big your daughter's head is in comparison to the rest of her little body. If you are in an accident, your daughter's body will be held back by her car seat harness, but her head will be pulled forward by the impact. The force could stretch her spinal cord or even cause an internal decapition. My 31 mth old still happily rides rear-facing.

As far as which car seat to buy, remember that they all must pass the same crash tests. The safest seat is the one that fits your vehicle, fits your child and will be used correctly every time.

I have my daughter in a Sunshine Kids Radian 80 in my van and in Graco ComfortSports in my husband's truck and car. The Radian can be used rear-facing until 33 lbs (newer ones to 35lbs) and forward facing to 80 lbs. Her ComfortSports will rear-face to 30 lbs and forward face to 40lbs. The ComfortSports will be outgrown much earlier than the Radian, but I couldn't afford three expensive seats. When she outgrows the Gracos, I plan to replace them with harnessing high-back booster seats like the Graco Nautilus.

I like that the Radian is not up high on a base like other convertibles. The lower height makes it easier for do-it-myself-ers to climb in.

Check out car-seat.org for more information. If you post what kind of vehicles you drive, how big you child is, and what your budget is, we can help you find the perfect seats for your baby.

We have had a Graco infant seat, an eddie bauer seat and two Britax seats (roundabout and decathlon). I liked the Graco seat, I hate the eddie bauer seat (it is just a spare for my husbands truck) and I love the Britax seats. I can't say enough good about the Britax seats. Our girls have never complained about their seats. They are nice and cushy with soft padding and covers. They install perfectly and the company has been wonderful to deal with when there has been a recall (just a sticker issue on the seat that we had). If the money is a real issue the Roundabout is the cheaper choice, but it also won't last as long because of teh weight and height restrictions. If you want one that will last a long time then I would go with the Decathlon or the Marathon. They will last until your child is 65 pounds or 49 inches. These days they really recommend that you keep your child in a 5 point harness as long as possible. For us that means that our five year old daughter who only weighs 32 pounds will be in a carseat for a couple of more years, so those higher weight and height limits are important. Another bonus of the Britax seats is that after using our Roundabout for five years is still looks brand new--the cover has held up amazingly well.

As much as I love the Britax seats, I will mention that, as someone once told me, all carseats in the US are required to meet certain safety standards. They are all going to keep your child safe. Most of the differences really only have to do with comfort and how they fit in your car. So I would highly recommend that you take your child to the store and let her sit in the seats. You will be able to tell if she looks comfortable or not. And most stores with displays will let you try the seats in your car too.

Good luck with your search.

Hi W.! I definitely think it makes a difference. I have 3 kids 5 and under so I have dealt with carseats a lot in the last few years! We have Britax seats in my car and cheaper seats in my husband's truck. We did this because he has a small back seat and the Britax wouldn't fit. There is a HUGE difference! The children fit better in them and are more comfortable. The thing I like most about them is that they are extremely user-friendly. Installation with a seatbelt or the LATCH system is a breeze, and therefore it is easy to know it is installed correctly. They do not budge at all. Much easier than the locking clip needed for seatbelt on other brands. That thing is a nightmare! Also the straps never twist on the child harness. We have used one of the Britax seats every single day for 5 years and have never had one problem. My baby is 6 months and so we are about to need another one. I found a britax roundabout on clearance at babies r us for $179 down from $250. Good luck!

As a mom on a very tight budget and two children still in carseats, I understand how daunting the task may be trying to find the right carseat. When my oldest was born we were given a carseat by a family that had triplet boys. The mother told me it was what they used for all three boys and was a stage 1 through 3 carseat so it lasted until they were four years old. It meets all the safety requirements and adjusts easily. My daughter used it and now my son uses it. My daughter is in an Graco stage 3-4 carseat that we love. It has two cupholders and snack holders, plus a light on either side of the head rest that she can turn on or off. It uses the seat belt to strap her in and when she gets a little bigger the back will come off and make it just a booster seat.
My advice would be to google carseat user forums and see what brands other parents like and don't like. We used an Evenflo carseat at one point, but quickly got rid of it. We have liked all the Graco carseats we have used, which will be three now. We like the one my daughter uses now that we bought another one for her grandma to have in her car.

While they all meet required minimums, it does make a difference which one you get. I'd ask a carseat inspector what the safest one is (you can find one by calling your fire dept.) Then, after you've installed it, go back to have him/her check the installation. i don't remember the statistic, but an extraordinary percentage of carseats aren't installed right - major safety hazard esp. in event of an accident. (Ours wasn't installed right, either! Doh!)

We used a Britax. It was several years ago, and I don't remember the model, but it was great!

A. :)

not sure if my first response was sent but I lost it and wasn't finished. Hipmonkey.com and elettecarseats.com is great on giving you feedback about carseats. Hipmonkey has a specilist that installs them and knows slot about them. However if you don't do a lot of reading online as I do it is best to keep baby rf as long as possible. Some convertiable seats rf weight is 35lbs which is about a 3 year old. It's not enforced here in the us but is inforced in other countries that do more extensive testing @ highter speeds. Just something to think about. You can view this on YouTube. I just recently ordered the recaro signo car seat for my 13 month old daughter in blush. I choose this one not only because they build safty seats for nascar drivers but because in my suv I have captian chairs which means she's on the door side so maximum sip(side impact protection)was a must. And the Signo exceeded the height and weight of the Britax boulevoud. But they are both compareable. It was told to me by angela at hipmonkey that you what to buy from a company that will let you know of recalls asap. Some that I was told do not. I do have the company but at this point I can't remember the big plant name. I'll get back with you. I was also told it's not about the fact that one is ceaper or more expensive than the other...because no matter how expensive it
Can be if not installed correctly..it won't do it's job. Hope I helped and didn't scare you! I k ow it is a hard decision to make. I just went through this about for a month till I made my decission. Good luck.