These "tell me how posts" haven't been quite as frequent as I originally intended... but I could really use some opinions on this one. I know how to buy a car seat... but advice on which one to buy would be appreciated.
Spencer's current car seat is rated to 35 lbs. and 35 inches. Given that, and the most current recommendation that babies should stay rear-facing 'til they're 2... and he's still in a rear-facing car seat (and no, it's not a convertible car seat- strictly rear-facing). He's nowhere near 35 lbs (haha, thank you 5th weight percentile) but he's about 34 inches tall... meaning we need a new car seat. Soooo... what to buy?
When we got Spencer's, we just got a rear-facing one, figuring that by the time he out-grew it, it would be used for the next kid (and yeah, baby #2 will make his appearance in less than 4 months). But now I'm not sure what to get for Spencer. We don't technically need a convertible one... so it seems to me that it would be best to just get a booster seat. It's just that some of the booster seats seem so big (most are rated 30-100 lbs) and Spencer's not quite there yet. So do we get a convertible seat? All he needs is 5 more lbs and he'll be big enough for a booster seat. I dunno. So many choices...
So tell me... what have you done for your kids? Any recommendations? Ones you've bought that you loved? Hated? I'm all ears :)
7 comments:
Booster seats are great, but I'd really wait on that. If he has any mischief in him, he'll learn to unbuckle the seat belt pretty quick. So stick with the 5-point harness, I say.
Plus, the booster seats with a back (like you'd need) have an adjustable feature on the back, but I'm pretty confident in saying that he isn't tall enough yet for the seat on the lowest setting. So the seat belt wouldn't go over his shoulder properly.
Convertible seats cost more, weight more, and can be huge, but I still think it is the only way to go. There are some convertible seats that convert to a backless booster, so you can always plan ahead that way, but a stand alone booster is maybe $20-30, and I don't think that you'd be happy with performance of the hardware (buckle adjustment) on one of those cheaper seats.
Good luck!
we just bought Eva a 5 point harness booster. It was going to be for Jamison (he fit the weight) but we saw he was way too small for me to be comfortable with him in it. So we put him in Eva's convertible car seat which he fits perfectly and Eva in the 5 point harness booster and I love the buckle adjustments its right there on the front so easy peasy. I hate how huge the convertible car seats are but I feel better with Jamison in it.
Wow 2 rear-facing that's the first i've heard of that! I would think their legs would hit the seat.
As for us, a five point harness is much safer than a booster and they can't just wiggle out of it. Something else to consider is that our kids still fall asleep in the car; with our bigger car seats they sleep safe and sound and comfortably since they are more reclined and have side impact protection.
My only bit of advice is to be aware of how WIDE the seat is. Sometimes with all the extras like arm rests and cup holders, you're setting yourself up for real trouble when you've got multiple car seats in the back seat. The slimmer you go, the better.
Oh and our carseats that we love and get comments on all the time because of how comfortable they look and easy strap in and such. Graco My Ride 65.
Paige is still in her convertible car seat that we have been using since she was about 4 months. She's 4 1/2 We'll keep her there till she turns 5 or maybe longer and then get her a booster - but one with a 5 point harness. The bonus is she can now buckle/unbuckle herself without any help! She is really good about staying buckled when the car is moving - thank goodness!
I wish I had advice! Your kiddo is sure cute though! Can't wait to see you!
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