All-in-one car seats

[aggiecyd]

Any opinions about them? DS has almost outgrown the infant bucket he's in & I'd really like to buy one thing & be done. I've only seen/researched the Graco Milestone and from what I've seen it has good reviews.

[momin2013]

We have the Evenflo Symphony for DS and like it so far. He turned 2 last month and RFed until just yesterday, when we switched him because he outgrew it. He does have a bit of a long torso, through, so I was happy he could RF beyond 2 in that seat.

He's seemed comfortable in it, and it has cup holders on both sides, which are handy for him to store his trains in. 

It's extremely heavy, though, so not convenient if you need to switch it between vehicles.

[notreallyirish]

We also have an Evenflo Symphony. DS1 is almost 5 and has been in it since birth. I have really liked it but I am replacing it because it has been beaten up, mostly by me not knowing any better (baggage and gate checking it, washing it too harshly). Plus 5 years of kid gunk adds up. At this point I will probably do something else for him, but I'm thinking of getting another for DS2 soon (he's still in an infant seat). My parents have them and although they are heavy, the button push latch attachment make it easy to install and uninstall them. I have used it on a plane but it was pretty difficult to carry it down the aisle. The fact that you don't have to rethread the straps to adjust it is nice too.

[momin2013]

Oh, yes, I'll add that I agree: it's super easy to install with the Surelatch mechanism - just snaps right onto the UAS in your car. Takes seconds to install.

When we were planning our vacation late last year we debated taking it on the plane, but opted to buy an Evenflo Maestro instead (due to the heaviness factor of the Symphony) which we knew he'd eventually be able to use FF.

[lattelady5]

The only all in one seats that actually do all modes well are the graco milestone and forever. The symphony only has a 37"rf height limit and requires head 1"below the shell in one of the two bottom headrest positions. It also won't last long enough in booster mode for some kids. It's also really bulky and heavy so depending on your vehicle, it may not work. The install is nice though and I adore the infinite slide harness. I have a tribute with that feature and love it.

I rarely recommend all in one seats because a convertible is more budget friendly and boosters are cheap. Something like a graco mysize/fit4me/headwise or the contender (on sale for around $100) and then a booster down the road would be most economical. If you are set on an all in one though, the milestone or forever are the best choices.

[aggiecyd]

Thanks, ladies! That helps a lot.

[Deleted]

I loooove our Graco Milestone

Let me know if you have any specific questions