The Car Seat Thread

[emschwar]

The old car seat thread disappeared, so here's a new one! I don't profess to be a car seat expert, but hopefully we can all help each other out in our car seat dilemmas!

Thanks to Chandy for having saved the old thread!

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Links:

Car seat inspections
Car Seat Inspection Stations (http://www.seatcheck.org/)
Get your seat inspected!!!! A majority of car seats are incorrectly installed! An incorrectly installed seat is not safe! Even if you think you did it right, GET IT INSPECTED!!!

The Basics
Of Rear Facing Seats (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFbasics.aspx)
Of Forward Facing Seats (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/FFbasics.aspx)
Of Booster Seats (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/boosterbasics.aspx)

Extended Rear Facing Links
Rear Facing - Unmatched Safety (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/stayrearfacing.aspx) (lots of links at the bottom of this page)
Why Rear Facing is Safest (http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html)
Why Babies MUST Ride Rear Facing (http://www.carseat.org/Resources/633.pdf)
Rear Facing Photo Album (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum.aspx)

What to Buy
Infant Seats (http://www.carseatdata.org/infant.html)
Convertible Seats (http://www.carseatdata.org/convertible.html)
Combo Seats (http://www.carseatdata.org/combo.html)

[emschwar]

Child Restraint Laws by State (http://www.iihs.org/laws/state_laws/restrain2.html)

Safe Kids Campaign (http://www.safekids.org/)

NHSTA Links
Child Passenger Safety (http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/)
More Inspection Stations (http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/whatis/regions/index.cfm?fitting=yes)
Ease of Use Ratings (http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm)


AAP Car Safety Seat Guide (http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm)

[emschwar]

Car Seat Manufacturers

Britax (http://www.britaxusa.com/)
Graco (http://www.gracobaby.com /products/category.asp?N=41)
Cosco (http://www.coscojuvenile .com/thumbs.asp?searchType=category&searchValue=2)
Combi (http://www.combi-intl.co m/combi/car_seats.htm)
Evenflo Infant Seats (http://www.evenflo.com/pr/in/prin.phtml)
Evenflo Convertible Seats (http://www.evenflo.com/pr/co/prco.phtml)
Evenflo Booster Seats (http://www.evenflo.com/pr/bo/prbo.phtml)
BabyTrend (http://www.babytrend.com/carseats/childseat.htm)


For other information on any of these seats, try the Baby Bargains Message Board (http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=13). There are real car seat experts there (including CPS techs!) that may be able to give you the information you need about a specific seat if no one here can help.

[emschwar]

Booster Seat Information

Boosters, Belts and Big Kids (http://www.tetonwyo.org/phn/nav/200511.shtm)
Boosters are for Big Kids (http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/630.htm)
5 Step Test (http://www.paaap.org/pdf/teleconf/020503/kim.pdf)
Booster Seats (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/booster_seat/brochure/outside.html)

[emschwar]

Car Seat Compatibilty Database (http://www.carseatdata.org/selectseat.asp)


Car Seat Info for Canada (http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/canadianchildrestraintsa fety/)


Options for a 5 Point Harness past 40 lbs
Nania Airway Harnessed to 50 lbs (http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1024) (I've read this will be replaced by the Nania Legend this year)

Britax Marathon (http://www.britaxusa.com/products.cfm?action=ShowProduct&pro_id=7C71C785-4FBA-42 2D-83DC419B3D5B8213)
Britax Wizard (http://www.britaxusa.com/products.cfm?action=ShowProduct&pro_id=E1B65DDE-13AE-4A B6-BEE87A144FAFBCB5) (Discontinued, but may be available at some online sites)
Britax Husky (http://www.britaxusa.com/products.cfm?action=ShowProduct&pro_id=B42FE61E-C8E5-45 89-95635E99E566A234) Replaced by the Britax Regent (http://www.britaxusa.net/products/detail_regent.aspx)
Britax Decathlon (http://www.britaxusa.net/products/detail_decathlon.aspx)
Britax Boulevard (http://www.britaxusa.net/products/detail_boulevard.aspx)

Cosco Apex 65 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009N1KB6/qid=1144120834/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-4850966-7064860?v=glance&s=baby)

SafeGuard Child Seat (http://www.safeguardseat.com/child/index.htm)

Sunshine Kids Radian (http://www.skjp.com/Pages/radian.html)

Fisher Price Safe Voyage (to 55 lbs) (http://www.babyage.com/products/ef20b2a_fisher-price_fisher-price_safe_voyage_ex_convertible_car_seat.htm) (made by Britax for FP)

Children in Harnessed Seats Past 40 lbs Photo Album (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/FFalbum.aspx)

[emschwar]

The links above have this information, but I thought I'd post some snippets about extended rear facing. Your baby MUST rear face until they are 20 lbs AND 1 year old. However, most convertible seats let you RF until 30 lbs or more. Rear Facing is the SAFEST position for your child.

Rear-facing is the safest position the child can ride in. It is recommended that all children stay rear-facing beyond the minimal requirements of 1 year and 20 lbs, and not be turned forward-facing before they reach the maximum rear-facing limits of a convertible seat - either the maximum rear-facing weight limit or when the top of their head is within one inch of the top of the seat shell. While most parents are aware that they must keep their children rear-facing "until they are AT LEAST 1 year old AND 20 lbs", very few are told that there are significant safety benefits when a child remains rear-facing as long as the seat allows. For most children, rear-facing can and should continue well into the second year of life.
In a forward-facing seat, there is tremendous stress put on the child's neck, which must hold the large head back. The mass of the head of a small child is about 25% of the body mass whereas the mass of the adult head is only 6%! A small child's neck sustains massive amounts of force in a crash. The body is held back by the straps while the head is thrown forward - stressing, stretching or even breaking the spinal cord. The child's head is at greater risk in a forward-facing seat as well. In a crash, the head is thrown outside the confines of the seat and can make dangerous contact with other occupants, vehicle structures, and even intruding objects, like trees or other vehicles.

Rear-facing seats do a phenomenal job of protecting children because there is little or no force applied to the vulnerable areas. In a rear-facing seat, the head, neck and spine are all kept fully aligned and the child is allowed to "ride down" the crash while the back of the child restraint absorbs the bulk of the crash force. The head is contained within the restraint, and the child is much less likely to come into contact with anything that might cause head injury.

Many parents have the misconception that children are uncomfortable or at risk for leg injury by having their legs up on the vehicle seat or bent when kept rear-facing. These concepts are completely incorrect. First, children are more flexible than adults so what we perceive as uncomfortable is not so much so for the children. Second, there is not a single documented case of children's legs, hips, etc. breaking in a crash due to longer rear-facing. Even if a leg were broken, it can easily be fixed. A damaged spinal cord (from forward-facing too soon) cannot be repaired and subjects the child to lifelong disability or death.

Any expert will tell you that rear-facing is DEFINITELY safer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that rear-facing seats are 71% safer than nothing and FF seats are 54% safer than nothing. Other experts say that "Crash studies have shown that, in a front-end collision, injury rate is reduced by 30 to 60% if a passenger is rear facing rather than front facing."

Many parents think turning the car seat to forward facing is a rite of passage for children when they turn one. Please, don't be in any rush to turn your child! Unless you have a significant reason to turn your child, keep them rear facing as long as you can. It's so much safer! (ok, done with my PSA!)

[emschwar]

Some photo examples of really extended rear facing. Note how bent their legs are. Bent legs are not a safety concern
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/RyanElite.aspx
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/Kendra.aspx
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/Jenna.aspx
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/JanaeRA.aspx
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/chloeMA.aspx

[lml41981]

I like the Britax Companion because if we get the Britax Preview stroller, it can be used as a travel system and we won't have to take the baby out of the carseat. DH likes the Britax Roundabout because it is convertible and will last longer (read: is less expensive in the long run).

Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas as to what we ought to do? Do strollers accommodate infants without a carseat or do you need the carseat? I'm thinking we'll sling some, too, but I want the option of a stroller, as well.

[emschwar]

lml - if you get the companion, you'll still need the roundabout, or another convertible seat, once the baby outgrows the companion.

We got a snugride for when Noah was tiny, and moved to the marathon when he outgrew the snugride at 4 months old.

Some strollers accomodate newborns - it really depends on the stroller.

[jesvet]

How come the manufacturers say the baby needs to be 20 pounds AND one year old before putting them forward facing? What is it about the one year mark that is so magical? Is it related to relative height, and if that's the case, why not make that the requirement?

And before anyone gets worried, I WILL follow the recommendations. I was just curious why they are what they are.

[nancy drew]

i would assume that it is because some babies hit 20 pounds at like, 4 months and they wouldnt have the proper neck and back muscles to withstand what would happen to them in an accident if forward facing. by 1 year their muscles would be much stronger and even though an accident would still give them severe injuries (which is why most car seats are approved to about 35 pounds rear facing, its far safer for kids even past the magical 1 yr and 20 pound limit) they wouldnt be *as* severe as they would in a 4 month old.

but thats just my guess, im sure someone has a more scientific explanation of it. :) fwiw, my daughter (17mo, 23 pounds) is still rear facing and will be until she hits the limit of her seat (35 lbs, i think).

[emschwar]

There's links in the car seat thread about this. I'll bump it for you.

[emschwar]

bumping up for jesvet

[Kristeen]

Incidentally, when I had my car seat inspected, the inspector mentioned that it's recommended to keep a child rear-facing for as long as possible. Iirc, she said rear-facing is always safer, and that even adults would be safer facing backwards, but since that's not practical or even possible that the recommendation is to leave them rear-facing until the car seat's limit is reached. (mine says up to 30lbs rear-facing)

[jesvet]

Thank you everyone- and thank you for the bump Emily- that was a lot of good information. That makes a lot of sense. Rear facing we shall remain as long as possible!

[Kristeen]

emschwar , thanks for setting this up here. I have a question for you. DH's cousin has her 9 month old forward-facing in his carseat. I tried to politely suggest that it's safer rear-facing and she said her pediatrician told her it was okay to switch him since he already weighs 20lbs. I have always heard 20lbs AND 1 year, but when I looked up the law in Texas from the link above, it doesn't mention anything about a baby having to ever be rear-facing... So I checked my user manual and it is suggested, but vague about whether it is an absolute requirement. Is it a federal thing maybe? Is it a law some places and a mere suggestion others? I feel kinda like I would be responsible if I don't get all the info on this (crazy, I know but I'm kind of anal about carseat installation)

[annielynn]

Oh dont' I wish that I could get this through my sisters head. As soon as my neice was 1 yr she turned her seat around. My neice is now 14 months and she still doesn't weight 17lbs. I tried to explain to my sister that just because a child is a year doesn't mean that they HAVE TO FF. OH well. We are going to keep Jack RF as long as possible. I guess that is just a personal thing.

[QPDoll]

We have a truck with a rear bench, and need to install two infant car seats. They both do not fit in the back, one fits in the center of the back seat because the front seat does not have a high back in the middle. (the front bench seat folds down in the center into a big arm rest)

Can the other one be installed in the front passenger seat if the truck does not have a front passenger air bag?
Will they let us leave the hospital with this arrangement?

[tin roof rusted]

Oh dont' I wish that I could get this through my sisters head. As soon as my neice was 1 yr she turned her seat around. My neice is now 14 months and she still doesn't weight 17lbs. I tried to explain to my sister that just because a child is a year doesn't mean that they HAVE TO FF. OH well. We are going to keep Jack RF as long as possible. I guess that is just a personal thing. have you explained to her that in addition to jeopardizing her baby's well-being, she is breaking the law?

[NicoleWisconsin]

We're also going to RF as long as possible. My husband is totally with me on it, which is awesome! Everyone we know turns their babies around as soon as they can. I just don't see a benefit.

[littlebear]

I'd advise you to contact your local police or fire department to see if they do car seat inspections or help with car seat installations. They may be able to get the second seat to fit in the back and could probably give you the best advice on the safety of the front seat installation.

ETA: I found this site for finding a NHTSA car seat inspection/installation station in your area.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/CPSFitting/Index.cfm

[annielynn]

tin roof rusted I have tried to reason with her but she is stubborn. I know that when E rides in my car she is RF. No ifs, ands or buts.

[QPDoll]

Thanks for the link!

We have a friend who is a state trooper, Im going to have my DH stop by and ask him too. :) I never thought of that...*doh*

Were trying to buy a new vehicle before these two arrive, but were waiting on a paperwork delay.

[emschwar]

Our next door neighbor turned their baby just before 1 year, and at 19 lbs. :rolleyes: Someone in my playgroup said they turned their baby at 9 months or something. :eek:

I really think there should be a PSA campaign on car seat usage - when to turn, and when your baby is too big for the infant seat!

[Candy]

We need to get DD a new car seat soon. By next months she will be too long for her infant seat.

We have been looking at the Britax Marathon & Roundabout.

What car seat do you have? Do you recommend it?

TIA!

-Candy

[emschwar]

Candy - we have the Marathon and Roundabout. Love them both. Had the Evenflo Triumph and hated it. Returned it.

You might want to check out the car seat thread. I'll bump it up for you.

[Candy]

Thanks Em. :)

[emschwar]

bump for Candy

Kristeen - sorry, I didn't see your post before, because I wasn't getting notifications. Let me do a little research and I'll get back to you.

[emschwar]

Most state car seat laws have a clause about using the car seat following the manufacturers directions. And most say 20 lbs AND 1 year in the directions.

For kicks, I looked at the graco manual for one of their convertible seats. Interestingly, it says kids will be too tall to remain RFing if their legs are bent (NOT true) and that they can go FF if they're over 20 lbs and can sit upright unassisted. It says the AAP recommends rear facing to 20 lbs AND 1 year, but doesn't say anything about requiring it. That kind of irritates me.

I tried to look up the britax manuals on their site, but the site is down right now.

If it were me, I'd send her some of the links about RFing being safer (especially the one that likens the spinal injury in a FF crash to yanking a cord out of an outlet) and let that be it. Lots of people turn kids too early, and there's not much we can really do about it, besides hope nothing bad happens.

[jki]

I called my local CHP to get my car seats checked and they are so backlogged that they aren't even taking appointments!!

Does anyone have any insight on carseats when you have to install two? DS is in a Britax Marathon and DD will be in a Graco Snugride. I see people with 2 carseats installed in all different configurations! I am under the impression that DS should go behind the passenger seat and DD should go in the middle.

Is this correct?

[emschwar]

jki - There's a link on p1 that will find the inspection stations in your area. Maybe one of those will help you. Try your fire dept too.

I think the configuration of the 2 car seats would depend on what kind of car you have. Personally, I'd probably put 1 behind the passenger seat and 1 behind the driver's seat (especially if you don't want DS poking DD), but my car is tiny, and no way I could put 1 in the center and 1 on the side.

[Candy]

Thanks for bumping up the thread. Out of the 2 seats you have Em, which do you prefer?

[emschwar]

At this point, I like the RA better. I haven't used it as much as the MA though. (We've only had the RA installed in DH's car for a couple weeks, and we've had the MA for 10 months.) The MA has this weird ratcheting thing on the harness tightening that makes it hard to get really tight. That, and the plastic doohickies on the straps make it a little harder. The RA doesn't have those and it's easier to tighten.

However, if you DD is heavy, it might be worth it to get the MA, since it's good to 65 lbs, and the RA is only good to 40.

Are you familiar with the baby bargains board? There's lots of car seat experts there.

[allyray231]

Question-when my DS is in his carset in the back his head seems to fall foward a lot and it looks like he is sitting up to far. It is level and looks installed right but that should not happen right? any suggestions?

[genndan100502]

we had something that was a cross between the snuzzler and a normal head support. we got it as a present at my baby shower. it wasn't a full body and held the neck perfectly. we never used the fleece side though, so we just flipped it over and used the cotton side so DD wouldn't sweat so much.

snuzzler
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005BT37.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg

shows length
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00018XCOC.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg

edited to add that you can just roll up some blankets and use it for head support, here's a pic of DD with the headrest (we were using it with our stroller as well.)



Found out the product, Infantino Head and Neck Support
http://www.infantino.com/Images/Supports/151-320ATh.jpg

[BTB]

We want to have the convertible seat ready to go when the time comes, so we're trying to decide and after reading BB have it narrowed down to the Evenflo Triumph or the Britax Roundabout. The price difference doesn't matter, I know they're equally safe and for a one-time purchase, especially when there's great sales online, it's no problem.

We want to decide based on features - BB is vague about it (something about fine-tuning, which may not mean what I think it means) but it sounds as if the Triumph never needs to be rethreaded? We have that feature now and LOVE it, though I'm sure we could learn to rethread and it wouldn't be a big deal.

For now, we have little cars (biggest is a Mazda Protege) and that's probably our biggest concern. We'll be getting something much bigger in 6-8 months but we need a car seat that will fit comfortably into a sedan for now. That's what's kept us from considering the Marathon - anybody have it and a sedan?

I know this topic has been done to death, and will check out BB's bulletin boards too - just thought I'd fish here to see if anyone's got insight to share.

[emschwar]

BTB - We had a Triumph and returned it for a Roundabout. I despised the Triumph. Many people love it however. I found that loosening the straps on the triumph was really difficult, though tightening them was super easy. I could have lived with that though. For my son, the car seat wasn't safe. Everytime we put him in it, within minutes one of the shoulder straps had fallen off his shoulder. I emailed Evenflo about it, and they never responded. The folks on the BB boards said that it's not an uncommon problem, and the only way to resolve it is to move the straps to the next height, which Noah wasn't tall enough for yet. Didn't seem like a safe solution to me.

Also, when considering rethreading, you'll only have to do it 3-4 times in the life of the seat. Not a big deal.

I'd recommend doing to BRU and futzing around with the RA and the Triumph and seeing which you like.

Also, you probably could fit a marathon in your car. We've got one in our honda civic. BRU will let you take the seat out to your car and test. Although, as long as your kid isn't too big (big enough that they'd still be in need of a 5 pt harness at more than 40 lbs), I like the RA better. I find it's a little easier to get the straps good and tight. Also, it's a bit smaller, which makes it easier to fly with, if you're going to be doing that at all.

[Dally]

When I go back to work, there'll be at least four people (including DH and I)helping with daycare pickup and watching the baby. Do I really have to buy four convertible car seats? Or can I buy bases like you can with the graco Snugride?

[BooeyJ2]

Unfortunately they don't make any convertible seats with bases.

People at my daycare just leave the car seat there so that whoever picks up the baby can just take it with them.

Doesn't sound easy with the huge carseats out there, but maybe you can get one that is pretty easy to get in and out.

[Koala_Gurl]

THe convertibles are big, but I think relatively easy to install (I did ours in a few minutes.) Booey's suggestion sounds like a good alternative to buying many seats??

[mommy2maren]

I had this same dilemma.....

I bought one convertible to see how hard it was to install....well, DH determined that he was not going to take it in and out every time, and I'd much rather have the seats installed correctly leave them there and not endanger DD by a sloppy rushed install job...

SO, I ended up getting 1 new Marathon, 1 new roundabout and 1 used Marathon. Yes, it was expensive, but the peace of mind is worth it to me.

Unfortunately, all of the online britax retailers have had to increase their prices this week to MSRP :confused: But I ordered mine before the price increase!

[Koala_Gurl]

Roundabout is $149.99 right now at Babystyle, and there is a 25%vfriends & family discount until the 12th, I think. The code is SHARE234

http://www.estyle.com/common/promo/jump_080305_bigGear.asp

[Dally]

Thanks, everyone. It's too bad I can't get away with buying just one and bases, but oh well. I'm going to see how hard they are to install & uninstall. I appreciate the suggestions. Koala_Gurl, thanks for the coupon!

[Pookie]

I just went to the Babystyle website. I'm slight computer illiterate, but can someone please tell me how to use the discount code? Also do you have to pay shipping? TIA :)

[Brady]

I just went to the Babystyle website. I'm slight computer illiterate, but can someone please tell me how to use the discount code? Also do you have to pay shipping? TIA :)

Pookie- you would enter discount code "BestGear1" when you check out, that covers the $16.95 shipping charge.

[Koala_Gurl]

I don't think you can use more than one code. The 25% off coupon will get you a bit more off than the free shipping.

[BooeyJ2]

Roundabout is $149.99 right now at Babystyle, and there is a 25%vfriends & family discount until the 12th, I think. The code is SHARE234

http://www.estyle.com/common/promo/jump_080305_bigGear.asp



Thanks for the info :)
I just ordered one today (although the only cover/color left was denim....oh well, i'm just going to get new covers for it).

Thanks again :)

Here was my total breakdown:

Subtotal: $149.99
Coupon: $37.50
(25% OFF - Friends and Family)
Subtotal Less Coupon: $112.49
Sales Tax: $8.16
Surcharge: $10.00
Shipping Total: $6.95
(UPS/USPS Ground)
Order Total: $137.60

[Pookie]

Thanks for the info and coupon code. :) Finally convinced DH we needed the Britax. ;) Just ordered ours today.

[mommy2maren]

aw man! Wish I had known about that discount before I ordered mine!!! Oh well! I guess if I did use it and then bought new covers, it wouldn't really be saving much, huh? I ended up with the patches color (green)

[BooeyJ2]

aw man! Wish I had known about that discount before I ordered mine!!! Oh well! I guess if I did use it and then bought new covers, it wouldn't really be saving much, huh? I ended up with the patches color (green)


Yeah, not a HUGE discount, but still cheaper than the original price ($199).
We got ours for $137.50 and I got a custom cover (camo print) on Ebay for $37, so it was still cheaper :)

[Brady]

I finally bit the bullet and moved my son to his convertible seat. His head was practically at the top of his bucket seat and he was miserable riding in it. Well, I installed the convertible last night and was just envisioning putting him in there today and him just laughing and talking away because he would be SO happy to be out of the bucket. Ha!

So, the problem today was the sun. The bucket seat I could pull the top down over his face to block the sun, the convertible- what do you do? I could see him squinting and just looking uncomfortable with the sun hitting his eyes. I'll bring a hat with me next time, but is there another obvious solution I am not seeing?

TIA!

[Chylynn]

We are thinking about this as well and so far I have found this item. I called the company and they said it attaches to all car seats, so we will see!!

http://www.onestepahead.com/images//product/family/8086-v.jpg

From One step ahead- $14.95

[BTB]

There are also a bunch of devices you can put onto the windows - roller shades if you want to go fancy, cling film if you don't - that will screen out the sun. BRU has a bunch of choices, you can put them on side windows and the back window too because they're easy to see through.

[cgmom313]

Brady - Since our kids our so close in age, I swear we always have the same question. :)

I just put DD in the convertibile car seat last Saturday and that same thing happen to me the sun was in her eyes and she looked just miserable. I did see that thing that Chylnn mention on the website for one step ahead. I amy run to Babies R Us this weekend to look at some of the window things.

[Brady]

Thanks.. I completely forgot about the cling shades, as we would def. need something for the back window as that's where the sun in coming in that really bothers him.
Guess we'll be off to BRU yet again this weekend!

Chylynn- I actually got something similar to that for our stroller, and quite honestly it was junk. It wouldn't clip on, and after like two tries, the clip ended up breaking! It looks like that may be a different material though than the one I got for the stroller, but I am hesitant to try it. If you do get it, let me know how it works out...!

[Franni]

I use window shade on the back window and the sides. She doesn't mind sitting back there anymore.

[Katie]

Lisa- We just got a roller shade for our rear window (I actually found it at Target). It works great. We originally bought the cling film but I found it really hard to see out of the window.

[Brady]

Thanks everyone! Target is a lot easier to get to than BRU, so I'll check there tomorrow..

L.

[BTB]

Lisa- We just got a roller shade for our rear window (I actually found it at Target). It works great. We originally bought the cling film but I found it really hard to see out of the window.

Ok, call me stupid. :o But we'll be facing this transition soon too and I want to know all the options - do you mean that the roller shades are easier to see through than the film? They look so much more opaque.

[SiValleySteph]

Call me a freak, but I never put up any shade even when DS was a newborn. He turns his head or closes his eyes when the sun is in his face. He really doesn't mind at all and I'm glad he learned to do this at an early age.

[AttyGrl74]

We use the cling shades - I have heard that the roller-shades have the capacity to turn into a projectile which could potentially injure your baby if you have a car accident.

Not sure if it is really true - but it freaked me out enough to not want rollers.

[genndan100502]

we have this

http://www.onestepahead.com/images//product/family/8086-v.jpg

it works better when the child is forward facing, the seat helps secure it onto the carseat. It has two clothes line pins that you use to attach the shade onto your carseat. although, we hardly have to pull it down since she likes looking out of the window.

[BooeyJ2]

Call me a freak, but I never put up any shade even when DS was a newborn. He turns his head or closes his eyes when the sun is in his face. He really doesn't mind at all and I'm glad he learned to do this at an early age.


Don't you worry that he'll get sunburned?

We were driving one day and even though the shade on her carseat was down, the sun was still hitting her legs....I was afraid she would get sunburned and I put her blanket over her legs.

[lorbo]

when i had DD's convertible installed by the police and their people-they took off the roller shade and said that it would be a projectile if there was an accident. they also told me anything i put on the carseat after market would be considered unsafe and have the ability to cause damage in an accident. the cling shade was the only safe alternative to the roller shade.

[BTB]

Call me a freak, but I never put up any shade even when DS was a newborn

FREAK!!! Just kidding. :p

I know window glass for homes screens out UVA and UVB - not sure about auto glass?

[SiValleySteph]

Don't you worry that he'll get sunburned?

I never thought about it. We don't drive in the car that much, so no, I guess I don't worry about it. He's not fair skinned, though, so maybe I would worry more if he was paler? :)

Now that I've thought about it, I'll probably put sunscreen on him if we are going on a longer car drive (more than 15 minutes or so) in daytime hours. I should probably do the same for myself.

I don't know if auto glass screens out UVA/UVB either.

[Lobeth]

I had the cling shade below and it only worked for about two or three weeks. It was supposed to darken in the sun and be clear when it was dark outside. Now it stays clear all of the time. I wish I had read the Amazon/Babiesrus reviews before I got it.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00068O2DW.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[mamahammer]

FREAK!!! Just kidding. :p

I know window glass for homes screens out UVA and UVB - not sure about auto glass?

Found out recently w/ my purchase of Transitions lenses in my eyeglasses that, yes, in most vehicles today the windows block UVA and UVB rays. Thus, my lenses don't change color in the car :p

[catmom]

Maybe there should be a carseat thread? Anyway, even though DD still has a little time left in the bucket, I am thinking about what kind of convertible seat to buy. A few months ago, I actually went out and bought a britax roundabout because I thought DD would like it better than her infant seat. But when I took it to the fire station to have it installed, the inspectors told me there was no way to install the seat safely rear-facing in my car, because there wasn't enough room between the seat and the front seats of the car. I drive a mercury sable (like a ford taurus) and it isn't that small a car, so I was pretty surprised. I returned the seat and put DD back in the infant seat, but I'm not sure what I'll do when she outgrows it. The other highly-rated seat I thought about was the evenflo triumph, but I understand that's even bigger than the roundabout. I don't know if there's another seat I should try... I asked the firemen, and they refused to recommend a specific seat. I should also mention that when I tried to install the roundabout myself I couldn't get it tight at all and it was sliding all over the place, which also worried me.

Can you only use the roundabout in a minivan or suv? If you have a regular-sized sedan, what kind of convertible seat do you use?

[lml41981]

I went to www.carseatdata.org and entered your car type to get the seats that users have said are compatible. Some people have had luck with the Roundabout in rear facing mode...but maybe it depends on the year and body style of the car? :confused:

Here's a link to the page with the results. (http://www.carseatdata.org/selectseat.asp#results)

eta: Ok, it won't post just the Mercury Sable results, but you can put in your car info there.

[lorbo]

i drove a saturn sc1 and had the roundabout installed by the police-it was a bit of a tight fit, but they got it to work rear facing. i drive a honda accord now and hopefully the rear facing(when we move DD to another car seat, and DS moves in to the roundabout) will be easier, since we have a car with LATCH.

[SiValleySteph]

Interesting. We have two smaller cars (Nissan Sentra and Huyandai Elantra) and both the Roundabout and the Marathon fit no problem (one in each car). We have also travelled with the Roundabout and it has installed fine in the two rental cars we've had. I don't know why it wouldn't fit it your car??

We have it installed in the middle and tethered under the front seat (rear-facing).

[catmom]

Hmmm... interesting. I looked at the car seat compatability database, and no one listed any problems with the roundabout in my car. The guys doing the checking said their needed to be 4" between the back of the carseat and the back of the front seat while the baby was rear-facing, but I can't imagine ANY convertible seat leaving 4" clearance!


SiValleySteph: can I ask how the tethering worked? When I tried to install the roundabout myself, I couldn't get it in securely. I have to use the lap belt to install the seat, since my car isn't latch-equipped, but I really couldn't figure out how to tether the seat (which is part of the reason I took it to the fire dept to have it checked in the first place). I was also kind of surprised because my snugride isn't tethered and is perfectly secure.

[BTB]

Maybe there should be a carseat thread?
Voila, the car seat thread: :)

Car Seat Thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=243)

We installed a Britax Boulevard (bigger than the Roundabout, same size as the Marathon) into our Mazda Protege in the BRU parking lot. Is that 4" figure listed in the seat's instruction manual? I'd consider maybe trying a different inspection station and see what they say.

[emschwar]

Voila, the car seat thread: :)

Car Seat Thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=243)

I was just coming in to say the same thing!

FTR, there's a sticky in this forum with links to all the common threads, like the car seat thread, the bfing thread, etc.

[emschwar]

bumping this up...

[catmom]

Thanks for bumping the carseat thread! Didn't even occur to me to check the sticky.

[dana b]

are you trying to put it on the sides? if it's in the middle then it should fit between the 2 front seats. fwiw, if i install the seat myself, i can only get a tight fit using latch, it's totally loose with the seat belt. since my car only has latch on the sides, i have a car seat pro install it for me using the seat belt in the middle, she also installed something under the front seat for the tether. i have a rental right now (yukon) it has latch in the middle and a hook under the seat for the tether, it was the first time i could actually install the seat myself and get a tight fit.

[Koala_Gurl]

4 inches??!?!

I have the Marathon in the Yukon XL, and there still isn't even 4 inches of space. I have never heard that before...

[ButterflyJen]

Car seat after an accident

We were rear-ended this weekend going about 35mph (at the very fastest). My car's trunk, bumper, and rear quarterpanels will need replacing. DD was in her carseat at the time. I know carseats are supposed to be replaced after an accident, no matter how minor, but I have a couple of questions.

1)What do you do with the old carseat? Do you just chuck it? Seems like such a waste, when it doesn't even seem to be damaged at all. I know damage sometimes can't be seen, but do you think we can donate it somewhere for carseat demo purposes or something?

2)What's the protocol from insurance companies re: replacing a seat after a crash?

Any insight is greatly appreciated! :)

[emschwar]

Jen - I think you have to chuck it. You could ask your fire dept, or whoever does car seat installation if they could use it for training, but I think that's about it. Also, I think your insurance company should replace the seat. Not sure. You might have to have the coverage that replaces anything in your car that's damaged during an accident (not sure what that's called. I'm bad at insurance stuff). What kind of car seat is it? I think graco has a policy that they'll replace it at reduced cost if it's in an accident.

Hopefully someone else has better info on this :) You might try the baby bargains board too. There's some real car seat experts there.

[ButterflyJen]

Thanks em. We've got an Evenflo Triumph. It looks to be fine, but you just never know. I did see some guidelines on the BB boards from the NTHSA regarding minor crashes, but I think we'll just take it to our local inspection station and see what they have to say. I know I'd never forgive myself if there was something wrong with it and we kept using it, you know?

[sem426]

We registered for the Britax Marathon, but now I'm having second thoughts and thinking we should have picked the Roundabout. We went with the Marahton bc of it's apparent longevity due to the extra weight capacity. My SIL just told me that the roundabout will fit on a plane, but the marathon won't. Not that this is a huge issue for us, but it made me think.

Which one do you have? Why did you pick that one? (aside from the fact that the marathon is a little more $)

TIA!

[IrisHope]

We bought the convertible one. Are they both convertibles?

[sem426]

yes, they are both convertible.

[mamax2]

I went w/the Roundabout b/c it's a little smaller and I had heard/read reports of the Marathon not fitting as comfortably on planes or in smaller cars. For instance, my SIL can't fit her Marathon in her Volvo Sedan! We have one sedan and one SUV in our family and I wanted to be sure the same carseat would work in either vehicle.

FWIW, I anticipate my DD being in her Roundabout until she's about 4 years old, so still a pretty good useful life, IMO.

[abbytfox]

We ended up registering for the Roundabout. I asked a friend who uses it why she chose the Roundabout instead of the marathon. She mentioned a couple reasons...it was a little less expensive (maybe not in the long run if you need to purchase a booster seat, but in a time when you spend so much money on EVERYTHING for the baby, it helps) and she felt that by the time her DD is ready to move out of the Roundabout she would be old enough that her DD would want to move into a "big girl" seat (like a booster seat.) It made sense to me to do it that way so we ended up with the Roundabout. Hard decision though!

[BooeyJ2]

We ended up registering for the Roundabout. I asked a friend who uses it why she chose the Roundabout instead of the marathon. She mentioned a couple reasons...it was a little less expensive (maybe not in the long run if you need to purchase a booster seat, but in a time when you spend so much money on EVERYTHING for the baby, it helps) and she felt that by the time her DD is ready to move out of the Roundabout she would be old enough that her DD would want to move into a "big girl" seat (like a booster seat.) It made sense to me to do it that way so we ended up with the Roundabout. Hard decision though!



We also have a Roundabout for the same reasons.

[sem426]

thanks for all of your responses!

[catmom]

BTB-

I was just reading through this thread... I thought DD had a bunch more time in her infant seat, but she had a growth spurt this week and is now getting pretty tall for it (can't believe how fast that happened!). I see that you were choosing between the roundabout and the triumph... can I ask what you ultimately picked? Those are the 2 I'm looking at as well. I looked at both at Target, and I'm worried that the triumph is so wide that no one will be able to sit next to it.

I just bought two evenflo titans (CR's best buy) from target.com, and they are going back to the store tomorrow. I can't believe how uncomfortable they are! There can't be more than 1/4" of padding in the seat, and the straps cut across DD's legs in a really uncomfortable way.

[ButterflyJen]

catmom - we've got the Triumph and a relatively small car (Malibu) and, while it's not roomy in the back, it's not terribly tight either. HTH.

[lady1297]

Question: Our DS is 1 year, 24 lbs and 31 inches. He's still rear facing and that's fine by me, but in his one car seat makes him have to cross his legs. Is this okay? The seat says he can stay RF, but all his length is in his legs.

[emschwar]

That's totally fine. Check out the rear facing photo album on page 1, you'll see plenty of kids with their legs crossed.

From one of the sites linked on that page:
Many parents have the misconception that children are uncomfortable or at risk for leg injury by having their legs up on the vehicle seat or bent when kept rear-facing. These concepts are completely incorrect. First, children are more flexible than adults so what we perceive as uncomfortable is not for children. Think about how your child sits in everyday play. Do they sit with their legs straight out in front of them? When they sit on the couch, do they purposely sit so their legs dangle out over the edge? No. In real, everyday life, toddlers and preschoolers CHOSE to sit with their legs folded up - that IS comfort to them.

Second, there is not a single documented case of children's legs, hips, etc. breaking or being injured in a crash due to longer rear-facing. There are plenty of cases of head and neck injury in forward-facing children that could have been prevented if the child had remained rear-facing. However, even if a leg or hip were broken or injured, it can be fixed. A damaged spinal cord (from forward-facing too soon) cannot be repaired and subjects the child to lifelong disability or death.

[dal]

I am so glad I saw this thread. Just the day before yesterday, my husband and I were discussing whether we should turn our daughter around. She turned 2 in July and is still rear facing. She is only 23.5 pounds and 32.5 inches. Her legs are getting longer and her feet touch the backseat. But now that I've read this thread, I've decided to keep her rear facing. It seems to still be the safest position for her and she enjoys it so why mess with it?!

[emschwar]

I am so glad I saw this thread. Just the day before yesterday, my husband and I were discussing whether we should turn our daughter around. She turned 2 in July and is still rear facing. She is only 23.5 pounds and 32.5 inches. Her legs are getting longer and her feet touch the backseat. But now that I've read this thread, I've decided to keep her rear facing. It seems to still be the safest position for her and she enjoys it so why mess with it?!
Good decision! Noah's staying RFing until he hits the weight or height limit, so I'm sure that'll be a long way off!

Just checking, dal, you know the height limits, right? I think it's posted in one of those links, but wanted to make sure (ears can't be past the top of the seat for most seats).

If you're comfortable with it, you should submit a picture of her to the rear facing photo album!

[dal]

emschwar - I couldn't find the height limit for rear facing. She is in the marathon and I know the weight limit for rear facing is 33 pounds. Do you know where I can find the height limit? I checked the marathon user guide online.

I am going to look into submitting her picture to the photo album!

[emschwar]

There's no specific height limit for rear facing (no # of inches, anyway), but if the tops of her ears are above the top edge of the seat, you need to flip her.

[JRPAGV]

Bumping :)

I know there's a master car seat thread, but I didn't see many posts from CC ladies in there stating which convertible car seat(s) they have and if they like it.

[lee60657]

We have the Britax Wizard for DD. She has been using it since she was about 4.5 mths. The Wizard is very similar to the Marathon, but it has a head protector built in it. We have been very happy with it and DD seems to like it, she can still fall asleep in it, so I am guessing she is comfortable in it.

[BTB]

We chose the Boulevard (updated version of the Wizard, which is no longer being manufactured but can still be purchased if stores have stock). We navigated the Roundabout vs. Marathon decision easily: we put DD in BRU's floor model of the Roundabout, and she already would've needed the straps at the second setting. Since there's only three, it looked like she was half out of the seat already, even though we know growth slows down with age. We were trying these out before she was even four months old, so we wanted something that we'd get more use out of (most kids outgrow seats by height before they reach the max weight the seat can hold).

So we were into the Marathon family, and it's crazy how many variations there are: the Marathon, the Wizard, the Boulevard, there's one or two more I can't remember too. We chose the Boulevard for the side-impact protection, and the never-thread harness - besides being convenient, the track adjust instead of slots lets you adjust the shoulder straps to exactly the right height. The track's highest setting is 1.5" higher than the Marathon's highest slot setting according to the folks at babybargains.com, and since DD is tall that was important to us too.

Our "bigger" car is a Mazda Protege, and we were able to install BRU's floor model successfully, the boulevard (and wizard, etc.) are the same size as the marathon so if that will fit in your car, you can choose from the others if you want.

[Brady]

We have the Evenflo Triumph . He's been in it for about a month now and I am really happy with it!

L.

[twinnyme]

We have the Evenflo Triumph. He's been in it for about a month now and I am really happy with it!

Us, too, and me, too - it has worked really well for us. Once she's strapped in she's comfortable (though for some reason she always gets antsy getting strapped in, which she didn't do with the Graco Snugride infant seat).

[sem426]

We just got the Britax marathon....but I'm wondering does anyone have the new Britax Decathlon?

It's only $20 more and I'm thinking about returning the marathon and getting the decathlon.
TIA!

[LeslieR]

Gotta bump this one up with a question...

We have the Combi Tyro infant car seat. The height limit is 29in and the weight limit is 22lbs. Luke weighed 16lbs and 25in at his 2 month appt and I am willing to bet that he weighs at least 20lbs now-not sure how long, though. I seem to remember that with some other car seats, if the child meets one of those limits, then it is time to move on to a convertible car seat. Is that true for all seats or just certain models? I would look it up in the manual for our car seat, but sadly it somehow disappeared the day the base was installed in my husband's car.:rolleyes:

[emschwar]

Yes, once you hit one of those limits, you have to get a convertible seat. Once you reach either limit, the seat is no longer safe for your child.

You can run your child by your ped and just tell them you want a weight check. They'll be happy to let you use the scale.

[magdesilver]

Actually, the weight limit is non-negotiable. If you reach that, then yes you need to change the seat. BUT the height limit isn't as strict because children are built differently- you only have to move out of the infant seat when your child's head is an inch or less from the top of the seat back (which could happen before or after your child reaches 29 inches, if he has a long torso or long legs). I'd get a weight check at the drs office to be sure about the weight.

[LeslieR]

Thanks girls. I'm going to cry if he weighs 22lbs now.:(

[allyray231]

I am thinking we need to get a new one for DS. I really like the Marathon but I have a 02 Chevy Malibu and am afarind it will be too big for the back seat

[magdesilver]

If you go to BRU then they will let you try the seats in your car to see if they fit (although you don't need to buy from there).

[emschwar]

We fit a marathon in the back of a honda civic.

[hub1176]

Is it more safe to have the car seat in the middle, even though the LATCH belts are only on the window seats? Our CR-V doesn't have the LATCH in the middle, so we had DD's carseat LATCHED on a window seat. I just moved it to the middle and the leveler(is that a word?:) ) on the car seat is in the correct position (it's a GRACO) I plan on calling the manufacter later but have to wait until naptime:) Any thoughts? I hate to put DD in any danger.

[Daniel's Kitty]

We don't have a LATCH vehicle and it has worked fine.

[Marisa]

We have a CR-V and just had his seat turned around by the county car seat inspection station. The tech said that it was kind of a toss-up between the side and center installation b/c of the reasons you mentioned, but for her, she'd recommend the center because of the possibility of side-impact crashes. That's what we wound up doing. :)

[hub1176]

Thanks Marisa, I know the CR-V only has a "good" rating for side impact crashes so I'd rather have DD in the middle. I also realized today that DD is probably right at the length limit for her carseat so we'll have to purchase another one soon!

[magdesilver]

LATCH was mandated on newer cars because it is easier to get a tight install (and most parents do not get their seat inspected to be sure of it so the govt. was trying to ensure that the majority of people would have the easiest time installing their seats). It is not better or worse than using the belt (although some specific car seats do install better with one or the other). Also, statistically there is no specific rear seat position that is safer than another (outboard vs. center), although logic says that the center position would be safest in a side-impact crash. Most cars do not allow for a LATCH install in the center position but some do (depending on how far apart the tethers are- check your manual). Your seat will be perfectly safe installed using the belt in the center position, not using LATCH doesn't make it any less of a good install!

p.s. as long as your child has an inch or more of shell above their head in the infant seat, it is still safe for them to ride in it.

[hub1176]

magdesilverthanks for the information. I thought if you didn't use the LATCH it wasn't as safe. I plan on having the carseat reinstalled by an expert - just found out I am not one!:D

Marisa Hod do you install it? I tried to do it and the seat actually tipped over. Probably not the best thing to happen! Luckily it was only in the driveway and DD didn't even notice, although I did have a minor heart attack!:eek:

[Marisa]

I'm sorry, I don't really know since the tech has done it for us every time. We have the Britax Roundabout, and rear-facing without the LATCH the belt runs through the bottom of the base. She also used one of those "pool noodle" things to get the right fit/angle on our seat.

Does your sheriff's dept. or fire dept. run a car seat safety check? The one time I tried to install myself was a disaster, Joey was practically laying horizontal.

You can look here, maybe there's someone local: http://www.seatcheck.org/

[magdesilver]

Are you using a snugride with the base? I'd put a pool noodle/rolled up towel if your seats slant down (put it at the crack there) and then use the lapbelt to install. I actually kneel (with both knees, so all my weight) on the base, pushing it down as hard as I can and compressing the seat as much as possible, then latch the belt and pull as hard as possible to tighten. Then release the belt, tighten it a tiny bit more, and relatch (you'll have to kneel on it again to get it to latch) and you should have a nice, tight, install (you want less than 1" of movement at the belt path). Then put the carrier in the base to check if it's level. If not (if you need more of a recline), you might have to put the reclining foot on the base out all the way plus the towel/pool noodle and do it again-that's what we have to do on our Explorer (I think my seats slant pretty bad, though).

[hub1176]

and then use the lapbelt to install

We only have the belts with shoulder harness (thus the tippage..) I am positive the angle is correct, it's just I can't get it tight enough with the belt -oh crap I just figured out what I did wrong! I secured the seat not the base!!! going to check out my theory.

[magdesilver]

You may need to use a locking clip to keep the belt from retracting (the locking clip comes with the seat it looks like a metal square with a divider down the middle type of thing)- or, more likely, after you have secured the base, pull the shoulder part alllll the way out from the seat, and let it "click" back in, which should lock it in place so it doesn't keep retracting. The snugride seat comes out so you first install the base, then you can put the seat in and out, it's 2 seperate pieces. You can just install the seat as well without the base (look in the manual for the carseat).

[aprilshowers]

I have a couple questions regarding infant car seats:

1) Did you "try out" the car seat in your specific car before making your decision? If so, did you get help from a salesperson or did you just do it on your own? We have a 1995 Honda Civic. Small car, obviously no LATCH. So I'm concerned with whether today's car seats will fit in it. But I've also read that the manual for our first choice is confusing so I don't know if we'll get any benefit from trying before we buy or if we're better off just buying it, spending lots of time and taking it to an inspection point to make sure we did it right.

2) DH and I are looking at the Combi Connection car seat (in conjunction with the City Savvy stroller). I found lots of good stuff about the stroller on these boards but little about the car seat. Does anyone have this seat?

Thanks for any advice ya'll can share!

[LeslieR]

We have the Combi Savona travel system. The car seat is the Tyro. I've been very happy with it. The weight limit is 22lbs and the height limit is 29in. BB gave it good ratings, so between that and the height and weight limits, we were pretty much sold. I really wanted a travel system and since BB turned their nose up at travel systems, but gave good ratings to this car seat and stroller individually, I thought it was the way to go for us. The seat has been super easy to use. Although, it is pretty heavy to lug around with DS (who is a big boy) in it. I don't know if this seat is similar to the one you are looking at or not, but I thought I'd share my experience with our Combi seat.:)

[aprilshowers]

Thanks, Leslie. I think the Connection is the next generation of the Tyro. One of the reasons I'm nervous is that BB said people with small cars complained that the Tyro didn't fit. So I'm not sure if this is one of the improvements of the Connection or if it might still be an issue for us. What kind of car do you have your Tyro in? The store we talked to (two of their salespeople spent an hour with us on Sunday!) said they hadn't had any complaints like that so we didn't even bother to ask if we could test it out but now I am getting nervous bcs if the Connection doesn't work we will have to start all over on both the stroller and car seat. We love the stroller but it doesn't take other carriers. And, like you, I like that the car seat had the higher height/weight limits since, based on our families, this baby might come out short and squat, very tall and bulky or almost anything in between!

[LeslieR]

I have a 2000 Nissan Altima and DH has a 2002(?) Ford Explorer. We have a base installed in each car. Truthfully even though he has an SUV, his backseat isn't any bigger than mine, I don't think. Whenever we are in his car, I ride in the back with DS and it's fine. I've never ridden in the backseat of my car, but I climb in all the time when I'm popping the carrier into the base and I think I could sit back there, too. We have the base in the middle of the backseat in both cars. Does BRU carry the Connection? If so, they will let you take it out to your car and try it out. I guess worst case scenario, you buy it, have it installed and if it doesn't work, return it. PITA, I know. I can't imagine you would have any problems, though. I'm pretty sure my Altima is the same size as a Civic and we're fine. The only problem I could possibly see is if you're tall and you have the driver's seat pushed really far back-you would likely have to move it up. The car seat pretty much just touches the driver's seat and passenger seat in my car now. I'm not tall, though. Does that make sense? HTH!

[Brady]

The only problem I could possibly see is if you're tall and you have the driver's seat pushed really far back-you would likely have to move it up. The car seat pretty much just touches the driver's seat and passenger seat in my car now. I'm not tall, though. Does that make sense? HTH!

Yep, that was our issue. I don't have a Combi, but we had a Graco snugride in a 1996 Saturn (no latch), so it was pretty comprable to a Civic. My husband and I are 5'9 and 6'2, so needless to say with the car seat installed behind the passenger side, neither of us could ride comfortably (if at all) in the passenger seat. We were practically pushed up to the dashboard. So, if you are on the shorter side, it probably won't be an issue.. or if you can install the base in the center. That said, my husband also has a 2000 ALtima, like Leslie.. and although it was uncomfortable riding in the passenger seat, it was more doable than the Saturn.

Anyways, I guess my point is- def. try it out and have both you and your DH sit in the front passenger seat. Unfortunetly though, if you are tall- regardless of what carseat it is, if it's a small car it's going to be a little close for comfort! (unless you can install in the center!) Good Luck.

[aprilshowers]

I never thought about where the carseat would have to be installed - I assume that's in the owner's manual which I'll have to check later on. Is there a reason that it's better to install behind the driver's side than the passenger's side? DH definitely needs the seat all the way back to drive but we could probably bring the other seat up a bit.

Oh, great idea to ask BRU about trying it out. I'm pretty sure they carry the Connection.

Thanks!

ETA: I just reread both your posts - I'm not sure why I got the impression the first time that you were saying they had to be installed behind the driver's seat so ignore what I wrote up above!

[Jane&Andy]

bump :)

[emschwar]

Thanks for the bump, Jane. That reminds me, before you get your car seat inspected (I don't know if there's any places closer to you than the ones around me) PM me and I'll give you inspection station info.

[Jane&Andy]

thanks Em. Now I just have to convince DH that it really is a good idea to have it inspected. He doesn't believe that the policemen/firemen/whoever will know any better than he does how to install it. :rolleyes:

[emschwar]

Oh, it's definitely worth it to get it inspected. All the inspectors are certified. Just as an example, when I was pg, I installed the car seat, following the manual and everything (and I have a BS in physics, so you know, how hard can it be?) and I thought I had done it right. Went to have it inspected and it was totally wrong.

[Jane&Andy]

I've told him that but he doesn't seem to believe me. We haven't discussed it recently though.

[emschwar]

Well, *most* inspection stations do it for free, I believe. Even if there's a small charge, in my mind it's worth it to make sure you did it right. An inproperly installed car seat is a disaster waiting to happen.

[Jane&Andy]

its not the cost that is the problem, its getting DH to believe that the inspector is right if they do find something improperly installed. DH wants it properly installed just as much as I do - its just not going to be easy convincing him to trust someone else to tell us if its done right or not.

[emschwar]

Just get it inspected and don't tell him :)

Would info on the training process help? I'm sure I can find some info on that.

[Jane&Andy]

it might help. Its been awhile since we've talked about it so maybe he listen better the next time I bring it up. I know I told him that the people who inspect the car seats are trained to do it but I don't think I used the word "certified." Worse comes to worse, maybe when I'm in the hospital my Mom can sneak off with our car and get it inspected. :p

[emschwar]

Here's some links:
http://www.usa.safekids.org/tier2_rl.cfm?folder_id=3600
http://www.safekids.org/certification/certification.html

[Jane&Andy]

thanks! :D

[tgal]

Bumping this up. We received a roundabout, but are contemplating returning it for a Marathon. Has anyone fit a Marathon into a Corolla???

[SiValleySteph]

We have one of each, which is perfect for us. We take the Roundabout with us when we travel - we put it in the travel bag and then DS rides to the airport in the Marathon so we don't have to take the carseat out of the car when we get there or install it when we get back. For everyday, the Roundabout is in my car and the Marathon is in DH's car.

We fit the Marathon in a Huyandai Elantra, so I think it should fit in a Corolla. They are similar sized cars.

[ann2002]

We have one of each and we use the Roundabout for when we travel -- I honestly like the Marathon alot more, I like that it is taller and IMO the straps are a heck of alot easier to use. I also find that the chest clip on the Roundabout is harder to keep in place...

[Marisa]

We have a Roundabout and I really love it, but when we turned it forward-facing last month the car seat tech pointed out that there's more than one way to outgrow a car seat.

The Roundabout goes up to 40 pounds, and DS is nowhere near that at just over 30... but he's rather close being too tall for the tallest set of straps (they should be at or just over the top of baby's shoulders). He's not even really that tall -- maybe in the 60-70th percentile at this point -- but he has a rather long torso.

She mentioned that the Marathon will accomodate a taller child as well as a heavier one, so if I come upon this decision again, I will spend the extra money and get the Marathon.

[heidi0622]

Can someone help me understand specifically what the differences are between the two? From what I have seen, the Roundabout is about $50 cheaper and has a lower weight limit and is a little smaller. Other differences? Thanks!

[LexyLou]

hmmm, so the Marathon doesn't fit on planes? We just got a Marathon and we travel a lot....poo.

[phart]

We took our Marathon on planes last Spring and it even fit in the smaller plane (2x2 seats). I'll absolutely get a Marathon for this baby too. We have a '96 Maxima (big backseat) and the Marathon fits fine. It's also been in my parent's 200 Accord.

[emschwar]

Thought this might need a bump :)

[hiphopgirl]

I hope this is the right thread for this question:

My DH drives a 2-seater convertible (yes, I know it is completely impractical. We've tried selling it, but no one will buy it). The car manufacturer makes a car seat for the passenger seat, but I insist that no children should ride in the front seat. He says that rule is just because of the air bags, and that he can turn the air bags off for the passenger seat. I'm still skeptical, but if it is risky for kids to ride in the front seat, why would the manufacturer make a car seat specifically for that car?

I guess my question, in short, is: Should we buy the car seat? What would you do?

DH is really fighting me on this one. He really wants to buy the car seat, and I really don't want him to. I told him I would do research and find out if it really is safe, but so far I haven't found anything conclusive. Any help in this department is greatly appreciated.

In my ideal world we would sell this car and get a practical second car, but no one is biting. If you know anyone who wants a 2002 Porsche Boxter in mint condition - PM me :rolleyes:

[magdesilver]

hiphopgirl...my DH would die for that car :)

Anyhow, we have a 2 door sport coupe for DH's car right now and we don't have a car seat in it at all. My DD just doesn't ride in that car, and when we go somewhere as a family, we take my SUV with the carseat. Is there a reason why you need to have your DH have a car seat?

[Jenyfer9]

I also have a dh who has a car with no backseat (a miata). We just don't have a carseat in that car, it isn't an option.

[hiphopgirl]

He would like to be able to share in day care drop-off/pick-up duties. As it is right now we have to trade cars. I have a station wagon, and that is the car that has the car seat. It is also the car we use as a family. I personally don't want him to get the car seat. I'm just looking for some articles on why it isn't safe. In my gut I know it isn't safe, but he isn't willing to take my gut instinct. He wants hard data - men :rolleyes:

p.s. If your DH wants it, we can sell it to him for a good price :) (can you tell I want to get rid of this car?)

[nancy drew]

hiphopgirl He would like to be able to share in day care drop-off/pick-up duties. tell him if he wants to share then he needs a new car. :p

[magdesilver]

hiphopgirl, My DH says to ask you where you live! :)
He's been bugging me for a boxster for oh.....5 years now.

[SiValleySteph]

My coworker has that same car and the carseat that goes with it (it's a Britax). It automatically turns off the air bag when you use the carseat.

If it was my husband with the car, I would get the carseat. I would be fine with it. But that's just me. Do what you feel is right for your family.

"Safe" is relative. There is nothing that is 100% safe, just safer.

[hiphopgirl]

Magdesilver - We live in Dallas. We will seriously sell you the car if you seriously want to buy it. It has been on the market since March. For whatever reason no one wants to buy a 2002. The 2003's and the 2001's sell fairly easily, but no one wants a 2002. I can't for the life of me figure out why not. It is in mint condition because DH is a car nut and is OCD about taking care of it. PM me if you are serious. This car has been the bane of my existence since he bought it.

SiValleySteph - Hm, good to know. It's not that I don't trust my husband. He is a good driver (a bit fast for my taste, but he is safe). I just worried that it wasn't safe to have the car seat even with the air bag turned off.
"Safe" is relative. There is nothing that is 100% safe, just safer.
Good point. I'm probably just being a worry-wart. :)

[emschwar]

Aside from the airbag, it's safer for kids to be in the back seat, because there's more protection during an accident. The front seat is a dangerous place to be.

[BooeyJ2]

Does anyone have the Graco ComfortSport? If so, which model and how do you like it.

There are 2 different versions of it I guess (one is $79.99 and one is $99.00).

I'm looking for a car seat that is easy to get in and out of a car (it will have to be taken out/put in at least 3-5 times a week.

Thanks :)

[annielynn]

I have the Graco Comfort Sport (the $79 one) and just love it. It is really easy to get in and out of my car (4-door Sebring.) It is lights enough to lug around and very safe. The best thing is that we didn't pay a lot of money for it and I am confident that Jack is very safe in it.

[Jenyfer9]

We also have the Comfort Sport (the $79 one). I really liked it because of the removable cover... something we learned that we needed the hard way. :rolleyes:

We don't move it from car to car, but it was really easy to install, so I can't imagine it would be a tough one to transfer.

[JillyB]

DS is growing like a weed, and we'll need to purchase convertible carseats soon. I haven't really done any "thorough" research yet, and I love hearing "real life" experiences. So, could ya'll let me know what you love/hate about your convertible carseats? Also, we currently have our infant seat in the middle of the backseat. Did ya'll put your convertible carseat in the middle? Is it hard to get your kiddies in/out with the seat in the middle? And if it helps, I have a mid-sized SUV. TIA!

[BooeyJ2]

JillyB - We have the Britax Roundabout and love it! It's in the middle of the second row backseat (we have a Ford Freestyle which has 3 rows). I think it's actually easier to get her in and out because I can sit down next to her rather than bend over the whole time and kill my back ;)

[Txfish]

I had the Evenflo Triumph, loved every second of it. Used it both behind the driver's side in a Corolla (no space problems) and in the middle and behind driver's in an SUV. I did like having it in the middle, for that same reason -- could sit down and do the straps, and could close the door behind me if it was cold or raining.

I want input from everyone on the Combi Connection infant seat -- I really can't see considering a different one, due to the extra length limit & the size/weight of it, but please please let me know if you know something negative about it safety-wise or ease-of-use-wise. Thanks!

[EJH]

Jilly --

Another Britax family over here. We have the Marathon -- I can't adequately express my love for this seat! DD despised her infant seat, to the point of screaming until she was released from its confines. With an otherwise easy going child, this completely stunk. We moved her into the Britax at about 2 months and she has been happy ever since. She can see out the windows much better, and I think she likes the "freedom" of it. We got the Marathon because Arden is such a big girl, and we wanted this seat to last us. We put her in the Decathalon in the store, but she immediately hated it, too much padding for her pleasure. :rolleyes: Oh, we have a Pacifica with captains chairs, and the seat fits fine. We need to get another seat for our second car, but we'll probably go with an Evenflo since she'll only be in it on the way home from daycare. I'm sure she won't like it as much because it's more padded, but it's highly rated and much cheaper that the Britax!

[carolc]

Help! We are having an issue with our Roundabout. It seems like it loosens up as we drive around and every few days we have to re-install it. ??? This never used to happen. It is in the middle of a Nissan Sentra using a lap belt (no LATCH). I don't even know what I need to check for.

[BooeyJ2]

Help! We are having an issue with our Roundabout. It seems like it loosens up as we drive around and every few days we have to re-install it. ??? This never used to happen. It is in the middle of a Nissan Sentra using a lap belt (no LATCH). I don't even know what I need to check for.


Hmmm, are you pulling all of the seat belt "slack" out afterwards and letting it re-tract and "click" until it's tight? :confused:

[nancy drew]

does anyone know of any sales on the marathon? we will need a convertible seat very soon and id like to save money on it if possible. :)

[lady1297]

I have a Graco Comfort Sport. Ours was over 99 though. LOVE it! DS LOVES it too! It installs in any car so easily. We've had it in about 5 different cars. It comes out and goes in quickly. Would definitly recommend it!!

[EJM]

Nancy -- I don't know about sales, but when I was looking around one baby supply website it said the price was going up $20 at January 1. Britax really controls the price of seats, so I believe that price increase is everywhere.

[EJH]

Nancy --

the dreamtime baby website has marathons listed for sale -- some are listed as low as $229, but most are $249. (plus free shipping)

britax does control their pricing so those are some good deals. we bought ours at BRU and just happened to get a 15% coupon off of one item, so saved a bit of money.

Erin

[ButterflyJen]

JillyB - I also heart my Evenflo Triumph. LOVE that carseat. It's well padded and very easy to use. I've had it installed RF in my Chevy Malibu in the center, as well as FF behind the driver's seat (would have had it FF in the center, too, but no LATCH in the center spot).

Really a great carseat for a less expensive price - I never looked at the Britax because I knew we couldn't afford it. ;)

[JillyB]

Thanks ladies for your feedback! :) I have a question about the Marathon...I know that it says it can be used up to 65 lbs., which sounds awesome. But do you think it will really last this long? I mean, do ya'll know anyone that has used their carseat for an extended period of time like that? I know how I am (or I should say how my hubby is) when new/"safer" products come out, I will be tempted to buy the latest and greatest thing. Does that make any sense?

Also, we need 2 carseats, since DH does daycare drop-off and I pick-up. Should we get 2 of the same one? Or one "main" carseat (I'm by far the primary transporter, because my hubby often has to work out of town) and a second, less expensive carseat? What's everyone's experiences with buying for 2 vehicles? TIA!

[EJH]

Jilly --

We'll most likely leave her in this seat up to 65lbs rather than buy anything else. I consider this seat a long term investment. :)

We're just coming up on this need for a second carseat now. The Pacifica is the family car and up until now, the only car she's needed a seat in. Now that DP is back to work, we have to outfit the other car with something. Theoretically I'll drop off and DP will pick up. We won't buy another Britax because she will only need it going one direction and the nearly $300 was tough to spend the first time around. We'll do the Evenflo and if she hates it, I'll listen to her scream about the padding for 10 minutes :o . I may just do drop off and pick up the first couple of weeks, until we have an opportunity to get the second seat.

Erin

[jki]

I know that it says it can be used up to 65 lbs., which sounds awesome. But do you think it will really last this long?

I do not think the Marathon will last as long as Britax would like you to think. DS is only 18 months old and the straps on his Marathon are at the highest level. He weighs about 32 lbs. and is 33-35 inches tall. (He was 33" at 15 mos. but I have no idea how tall he is now.) He will definitely outgrow the Marathon lengthwise before he outgrows it weight-wise. Granted, he is a big boy but I was under the impression that I could use this carseat until DS was 3 or 4 years old!

I love the Marathon but I do feel a little cheated by the 65 lb. claim!

[nancy drew]

I do not think the Marathon will last as long as Britax would like you to think. DS is only 18 months old and the straps on his Marathon are at the highest level. He weighs about 32 lbs. and is 33-35 inches tall. (He was 33" at 15 mos. but I have no idea how tall he is now.) He will definitely outgrow the Marathon lengthwise before he outgrows it weight-wise. Granted, he is a big boy but I was under the impression that I could use this carseat until DS was 3 or 4 years old!

I love the Marathon but I do feel a little cheated by the 65 lb. claim!
i guess this depends on the child. dd is 23 months old and her straps are on the lowest setting (need to be moved up a level but we are lazy).

ETA: to truly outgrow a seat in length the tops of the childs ears will be above the top of the car seat. for most kids that doesnt happen for a long time. i know my dd's ears are nowhere near the top of the marathon, so im guessing we will be using ours for a long long time still.

[jki]

ETA: to truly outgrow a seat in length the tops of the childs ears will be above the top of the car seat. for most kids that doesnt happen for a long time. i know my dd's ears are nowhere near the top of the marathon, so im guessing we will be using ours for a long long time still.

I did not know that. I was always told that the straps of the carseat should be parallel to the child's shoulders so I assumed that once there is no where for the straps to go, we would be done with the carseat. If the child's ears were above the top of the carseat, wouldn't the straps most likely be coming out of the carseat in the middle of the child's back? :confused: It just doesn't seem like the car seat would effectively restrain the child if the straps were not near the shoulders.

[nancy drew]

from www.cpsafety.com:

rear-facing:
A child is too large for the seat if:
The child weighs more than the seat's upper weight limit.
The top of the child's head is less than one inch from the top of the hard plastic shell of the seat.
Some manufacturers used to state that the child must use a forward-facing seat when the child's feet are touching the vehicle seat back. All manufacturers have now removed these instructions, as there is no real-life data to suggest that the feet touching the seat back would cause injury, but there are cases of children who have been turned forward-facing too soon and suffered life-threatening or fatal head, neck and spinal cord injuries.


forward facing:
A child is too large for the seat if:
The child weighs more than the seat's upper weight limit.
The top of the child's ears are above the top of the seat.
The top of the shoulders are above the top harness slots.
Some believe that when a child is too tall for a convertible, they should move to a booster seat. If the child is not yet 40 lbs, a combination seat should be used.


i dont know, seems like a mixed message to me. so i wonder which "rule" outweighs the other? the harness height or the ear thing? or are they equally important? im looking at the rear-facing photo album (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum.aspx) and its hard to tell where the strap slots sit on most of the older kids. but it does seem like they are below the shoulder level.

anyone else have input?

[SiValleySteph]

i dont know, seems like a mixed message to me. so i wonder which "rule" outweighs the other? the harness height or the ear thing? or are they equally important? im looking at the rear-facing photo album (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum.aspx) and its hard to tell where the strap slots sit on most of the older kids. but it does seem like they are below the shoulder level.


For rear-facing, the strap slots should be below shoulder level, so that seems perfectly correct for the rear-facing photo album.

For forward-facing, the strap slots should be at or above shoulder level. We are in a similar situation to jki - my son is almost at the point where he'll need to move to the top harness slots and he's only 15 months old. He's right around the middle slot now (on the Roundabout - I'll have to check on our Marathon), so I don't think we'll be getting long term use out of these seats.

Usually with those rules, if any one applies, the child is too large for the seat.

It's all pretty confusing, though.

[nancy drew]

so since we plan on keeping our kids rf for a long time, since its safer, the strap height doesnt matter as much, as long as its below the shoulder level? im just trying to be clear on this :)

[Sarah]

I think so, but I don't think you can keep them RF longer than about 3 years old, right?

[amom]

My son is 40 inches and still on the 2nd slots from the top of his Marathon. He's got plenty of room to grow.

For forward facing the straps should be at or above shoulder level, in the slots closest to the shoulder.

For rear facing they should be at or below, also as close to the shoulder as possible.

[amom]

There are kids on the photo album link above rear facing until 4, and even one 5 year old!

My son was too heavy right before he turned 2.

[Sarah]

I meant that in a Britax, wouldn't they be too heavy for RF by the time they were 3ish?
ETA- In the marathon, you can only RF until 30 lbs, and most 3 year olds are 30 lbs. Not hard and fast, but most.

[jki]

Does anyone have the Britax Boulevard? The salesperson at BRU was trying to sell that to me today.

I should add that my 18 month old has a very long torso. He can wear 12-18 mo. pants but 2T/3T tops.

[LeslieR]

In the marathon, you can only RF until 30 lbs

Holy crap. DS is 21lbs right now at 4 1/2mos. He better slow his growth down soon or else we're not going to make it to RF for one year in the Marathon!

We don't even have the Marathon installed yet. I thought it was going to be a long term investment for us, too. We have one for each car. I'm starting to feel cheated and we're not even using it yet. I mean, not only is DS big for his age weight-wise, but he's also big height-wise. ugh. Here I thought we would be able to use it forever because of the 65lb weight limit. I feel really duped right now!

[phart]

"In the marathon, you can only RF until 30 lbs"

It's 33 pounds:)

LeslieR~~He'll likely slow down in the weight gain department once he starts crawling and then really slow down once he starts walking.

[Jenyfer9]

Shannon's right... ds#1 was a HUGE kid and I thought for sure that he'd bump up against the RF weight limit, but as soon as he got to be more active he slimmed right out. He was off the charts for height and weight until about a year... now he only weighs 7 pounds more than ds#2 (who is about 18 months younger!).

[LeslieR]

Thanks girls! I hoped he'd slow down once he became mobile. Paranoid mom moment.;)

[dragonfly_71]

Has anyone used the Marathon in a Saturn Ion? I was going to order one but now I'm not sure if it will fit.

[BTB]

Does anyone have the Britax Boulevard? The salesperson at BRU was trying to sell that to me today.

We do - just got it, but are very happy with it. We bought it online because it comes in five fabrics and we didn't like the only one that BRU carried, plus since shipping is free anyway we saved on sales tax (which here is like 9%).

[LeslieR]

So we (or rather DH and BIL) installed one of the Marathons in DH's Explorer yesterday. When they put it in the middle of the back seat, it touched the ceiling and blocked the rearview mirror.:confused: They then moved the carseat behind the passenger seat and the seat belt locked up and would not unlock. BIL actually had to cut the belt to get the carseat loose! (good thing he and FIL work for Ford and we can get this fixed no problem) Long story short, the carseat ended up behind the driver's seat. DH had to move the back of his chair up so that it would fit properly back there. He's 6'5" so this is not exactly ideal. Is one spot more safe than the other? Meaning, if we get the seatbelt fixed, would it be better for the carseat to be behind the passenger seat or behind the driver's seat? My car is a 2000 Nissan Altima. We have not installed the other Marathon in it yet. We will put the carseat in the middle if we can and I guess he'll have to drive my car if that's more comfy for him.

[magdesilver]

Leslie,
I have the marathon in the center of my 2002 Explorer, and had no problems getting it installed properly. It doesn't hit the ceiling and I can only see the very top of it in my rear view mirror (it doesn't block the view at all). I had it installed by a car seat tech. It is top tethered to under the passenger seat. Here's a pic of DD in it:
http://images.snapfish.com/3459454%3C8%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3256%3E4%3A%3B%3E645%3E WSNRCG%3D3233433368677nu0mrj
Maybe you didn't have it reclined properly and need to use the tethers to pull the top down so the recline angle is the correct 45 degrees? I have a noodle in the seat crease, it wasn't terribly necessary but we had it there for the infant seat and the tech said he would just leave it unless it made the recline too much- which it doesn't.
From the research I've done, the center is safest and then either outboard is statistically the same in terms of safety. But logically I think the passenger outboard would be safer because usually you are hit on the driver's side when making a left turn (I think).

[dana b]

leslie same thing magdesilver said. we installed the marathon in our suv and it was up to the ceiling and i couldn't see over it. we had a car seat tech install it and she reclined it and tethered it under the passenger seat, it fits perfectly now (in the middle), i can see through the back window just fine.

[LeslieR]

Thanks for the replies, ladies.

I guess I better make an appt to have it checked out at the fire department. I was hesitant to do this because they only make appts once a month and I think it's the first Tuesday of the month or something like that. Not exactly ideal, but I guess worth it in the end.

[magdesilver]

Leslie,
Try seatcheck.org to find an alternate place to have your seat checked. Often there are other CPS techs in the community who can do it for you (some car dealerships have a certified tech, or insurance people, etc.).

[LeslieR]

Mag, thanks for that link! I tried my town and got the same info for the fire department, but then I tried the next town over and got several options. Thank you so much!

[LeslieR]

Anyone know if you can/is it safe to put a carseat in a limo? We're going out of town in a couple weeks and taking a limo to the airport...

[emschwar]

I don't see why it wouldn't be, as long as the seat you put it on is a forward facing limo seat. I wouldn't put it in the rear-facing one. You might call your local inspection station and ask, just to be sure.

[phart]

Just wanted to share that I recently washed my Marathon cover and decided to dry it on low and it came out just lovely:) No need to drip-dry like it says.

[LeslieR]

Thanks Emily! I don't know why I thought it would be an issue-maybe because there's no seat in the limo in front of the forward facing seat? I'm such a paranoid freak.:o lol

[Surftraitor]

This is a great thread! I have a question...

Since DH and I are sharing daycare pickup/dropoff duties, is it worth it to get 2 carseats? We are going to buy a Britax marathon, but I really don't want to buy 2, especially when the daycare is only 2 miles away. Also, my 2001 audi doesn't have the latch feature. Anyone with experience with this?

[magdesilver]

Surftraitor,
I use my marathon with the lap belt in the center of my car, and it installs great. LATCH is not safer than a belt installation, it's just another form of installation so you will be fine. I'm not really sure what you are asking about the daycare situation- as long as it's not a huge PITA to switch off cars with your DH to pick up/drop off your baby, then I'd get one. You can always get a marathon and then get a second seat for the less-used car (like a scenara from Target or Walmart for under $50 is a good second seat) if it ends up being a big hassle to plan who has the car with the seat. You're not asking about not using a carseat since it's so close, are you? I hope not!:mad:

[KiKi'sMommy]

My DH used to work at a car dealership and was trained in installing car seats correctly, We bought car seats for both of our cars and for the grandparents. He does not like to install and remove and reinstall the seats too much, because he feels it compromises the safety and it is difficult to get it installed correctly every time.

[Surftraitor]

magdesilver--OMG, no! I'd never move DS w/o a carseat. Was wondering what is the bigger PITA: spending $ on a second seat or moving seat back and forth every day between cars. I think I need to go the route of the second seat. Rats

[phart]

Surftraitor~~How old is DC? I ask because I think it's so much easier to install the Marathon FF than RF. At least in my car it is because my middle seat is a lap belt and that's where it goes RF but is too loose FF so it goes outboard with a shoulder belt. Did that make any sense at all?

[magdesilver]

Just wanted to make sure I understood your post.... good!
As I said in my first post, I have my MA installed center, rearfacing with the lap belt and it is tight as can be. I had it installed/inspected by a safety tech which I would really recommend-he installed my seat properly and showed me how to do it as well. My seat is also top-tethered to underneath the passenger front seat (ONLY britax seats can be top-tethered in rearfacing position). I would get the scenara for your least-used car and you can also use it for travel as it's very lightweight. I think that using the lapbelt for installation (as I do, I don't have latch in my car) it would be difficult to move the seat back and forth often. You can still use the infant seat past the height limit for your baby as long as there is 1" or more of shell above his head- in case your baby has long legs and a short torso. But you can't use it past the weight limits.

[SiValleySteph]

magdesilverWas wondering what is the bigger PITA: spending $ on a second seat or moving seat back and forth every day between cars. I think I need to go the route of the second seat. Rats

I cannot even imagine moving a car seat back and forth every day. DH & I split drop-off/pick-up duties and our daycare is also just 2 miles from our house. If I had to install a carseat when I picked up my son, I would go nuts. Where would I put him while I was installing the carseat? I think it would be tough to get the carseat in well while watching a baby or toddler. Plus, our seats are tethered, so that's one more step to get right.

I think splurging for the 2nd carseat is definitely worth it! We have a Marathon in one car and a Roundabout in the other. Yes, that's like $400-$450 worth of carseats, but we've already got one year use out of them and most likely will get several more. So worth it!! I would have gone crazy without the 2nd carseat.

We use the Roundabout for travel and it has worked out very well. We've taken 4 trips, I think, since he moved out of the infant seat.

[Jane&Andy]

I had originally registered for the Britax Marathon - DH and I just started car shopping and we're looking at smaller cars than we had planned on (Honda CRV or Subaru Forester instead of a minivan). So I switched to the Britax Roundabout but I've been told that the Roundabout can be a tight fit in the Forester. I know the Marathon was a pretty mammoth car seat but is the Roundabout still bigger than other convertible car seats? Is there a smaller car seat anyone would recommend?

[SiValleySteph]

So I switched to the Britax Roundabout but I've been told that the Roundabout can be a tight fit in the Forester.

FWIW, We were in Hawaii in November and our rental car was a Forrester. Our Roundabout fit in no problem. We did have it FF, though, now that I think about it.

But then again, we have very small cars - a Nissan Sentra and a Huyandai Elantra and we had no problem fitting a Roundabout in the Sentra and a Marathon in the Elantra rear facing and now foward facing. We did have it tethered both rear facing and forward facing.

[EJH]

Surftraitor --

Get the second carseat. We're dealing with the one carseat thing and I drop off and DP picks up. The good thing is that our daycare is right next door (shares a wall) with my IL's chocolate factory, so DP goes and gets A from school, and they hang out and wait for me to get there. Usually there is only 15 minutes between her getting there and me getting there. We've only had a situation where we've had to take it out and leave it for the other once, but it's just a PITA. :)

We've got a Marathon and love it, but will likely get an Evenflo Triumph for the second car. Great reviews but less $$$ and for a seat she'll use only one way to school each day it just makes sense.

[LeslieR]

We're kind of having the same debate. We have two Marathons-one we bought and one the IL's bought for DS "for Christmas". We installed the one they bought in DH's truck and have not installed the other one in my car yet. I'm wondering if we should just take it back and get a cheaper one to save the money or if we should just keep it? As it i