Car Seat help for an older child

[amylynne01]

Just because I don't have my kids in a Britax doesn't mean I'm any less of a good mother or that I have put a pricetag on my kids lives. I've seen many, many car seat discussions on this board and other parenting boards, and it always makes me uncomfortable to read that, and for some reason it comes up in almost.every.discussion.

Britax is a very good seat. There are other equally as good seats out there that don't cost as much. Because I have chosen one of those options doesn't make me any less of a parent. I bought good seats and had them installed (and reinstalled when older son was ready to forward-face) by state police technicians. My kids are safe.

I 100% agree. I fully stand by what I said about the best car seat - it's installed AND used properly every single time. For other people reading this, price DOES NOT equal safety. Knowledge and education equals safety.

[taylordvd]

You will most definitely still need a booster. Not many 80lb kiddos still fit in it - they've typically outgrown it by height before weight. You've eliminated the need for a combination seat (FFing and booster) by using a convertible to last you until booster age. Boosters should be used until age 10-12 when a child can pass the 5 step test in every vehicle he/she rides in. The law in many states is that a child must be in a restraint until age 8, but that is the MINIMUM and not safest.

I personally feel very torn about this because I am 4'11" and almost every seat belt does not fit me correctly...but should a child really carry their booster seat with them to sleep over and play dates in the 6th grade??

[amylynne01]

I personally feel very torn about this because I am 4'11" and almost every seat belt does not fit me correctly...but should a child really carry their booster seat with them to sleep over and play dates in the 6th grade??

If a seat belt does not fit you properly, it can do more harm than good. You can purchase something you sit on to boost you up and allow for proper seat belt fit. Think of a foam wedge that a little old lady sits on to drive lol. And yes, if your 6th grader rides in a booster in your and does not pass the 5 step test in the friend's parent's car, the booster goes along too even if the friend doesn't use one. That parent should respect your wishes for your child riding safelyin a vehicle even if they don't agree.

[434Teresa]

they have some right now for older kids at walmart for $49 it looks like a reuglar car seat not hte booster kind(I dont like them) the one I saw that was $49 is for up to 100 pounds.

[MrsPinecone]

Just because I don't have my kids in a Britax doesn't mean I'm any less of a good mother or that I have put a pricetag on my kids lives. I've seen many, many car seat discussions on this board and other parenting boards, and it always makes me uncomfortable to read that, and for some reason it comes up in almost.every.discussion.

Britax is a very good seat. There are other equally as good seats out there that don't cost as much. Because I have chosen one of those options doesn't make me any less of a parent. I bought good seats and had them installed (and reinstalled when older son was ready to forward-face) by state police technicians. My kids are safe.

Amen to that. There is no need to insult other parents because they do not equate money spent with safety. My kids are in Evenflo Triumph Advance seats, and are just as safe (and comfy) as those in the much more expensive Britax seats.

[mandybeyl]

Thought I would come by and update this thread in case anyone else comes across it looking for the same information I was looking for when I started it. We ordered both the Britax Frontier 85 and the Safety 1st Apex 65 to try out. The harness heights were very close. The harness on the Britax was definitely easy to adjust, very user friendly, but the seat sat very rigidly upright to the point that it looked like it would be uncomfortable for long rides. The Apex 65 was a slightly wider seat so could be a concern if you were trying to fit multiple seats in a back seat. The harness height was as high as the Britax and if I remember right was even slightly higher. Both installed beautifully. We ended up deciding to keep the Apex 65 and we have LOVED it. My son is very comfortable in it and we couldn't be happier. I am actually about to order another one for my soon to be 4 yr old.

[amylynne01]

Just a quick word about this. The Frontier 85 has a top harness height of 19.5", while the Apex 65 has a top harness height of 17.5". The Frontier 85 currently has the tallest harness on the market. Also make sure you have a head rest wherever you install the Apex 65 - it is required by Safety First.

Glad you found a seat you like! I bought a Frontier 85 last month for my DD who is 3, and she loves it because it's pink and has cupholders. I'm really excited about long the seat will last us between harnessing and boostering.

[MrsPinecone]

DS outgrew his Triumph and is now in an Evenflo Maestro. After a lot of research, I found that the Graco Nautilus that I had planned to buy has a lot of problems as a booster. The belt tends to hit too high and is dangerous.

The Maestro harnesses to 50 lb, has an 18" seated harness height, and allows LATCH to 48 lbs. It's also about half the price of the Nautilus and there is a $5 coupon on the Evenflo site.

DS seems very comfortable and likes his seat.