I have read different threads on the topic of convertible car seats, and I'm not sure what to do. DS will grow out of his infant seat relatively shortly, and we need to get the convertible seats. Here's our scenario, what would you do?
We have a SUV (Forrester) and a a sedan (Accord). DH will drop off, I will pick up. Daycare is about 3 miles away. Our parents live about an hour away. Most driving on wknds (together) would be in the Forrester although we may run errands after work in the Accord. Do we get same car seat x2? DH says yes. I am seeing it as an opportunity to save $ - get a cheaper seat in one car.
We also need a grandma seat for irregular use (Seneca? )
What should we do?
Also welcome advice on what seat(s) to get? Looking at Britax various versions, but not sold on any specific model.
Post by curbsideprophet on Aug 9, 2015 9:14:33 GMT -5
I would look at something with high rear facing limits. I would look at the Radian or the Clek seats ( Foonf and ).
I don't think you need the same seat in both cars. I also would not worry about a third seat yet. I would look at the Evenflo light weight options for the second car. I am not remembering the convertible name off the top of my head.
I would get the same seat for both cars. There are lots of good carseats with high rear facing limits out there that can get you to 2. I have the Clek Foonf but I'm sure someone can recommend something that isn't so pricey since you need 2.
I would hold off on the grandma seat. Since it's for infrequent use, you might be able to make it to 2 and get them a forward-facing 2-in-1 seat. Also, the Cosco seat is a pita to install, IMO. We had one at my sister's house for emergency use but we only used it once. It is easier/faster to move the Clek to her car. With the Cosco seat, you will likely end up needing to buy another seat down the road so I'd either get something a little better that is easier to use or hold off until you actually need it.
We have three car seats. One for each of our cars, and one for family/sitters. We have three different kinds, but she's not picky. I do not like uninstalling and reinstalling.
I would get the same seat for both cars. We have Diono Radians in both of our vehicles, and really like them. DS turned 3 in June and is still RFing in the Radian, they're slender so don't take up much room width-wise, and with the angle adjusters, not a horrible amount of front-to-back space in the RFing install.
We have a Graco 4Ever in our Outback and a Graco Size4Me in H's small sedan. Both work well for us. My H does pick up/drop off 65% of the time but we use my car on the weekends and trips.
I would probably get a nicer seat for one car (I dream of clek seats but can't afford one) and a guide 65 for the second car. All seats are equally safe, but the higher end ones have a lot of cushy seating and bells and whistles. For long drives my kids will complain in a less cushy seat. I don't mind making them use them for around town, though.
For grandma's car I would also get a guide 65. But only get it if grandma is going to leave it in all the time. Otherwise moving one of your seats is fine.
I still haven't really figured out the benefit of more expensive seats, so we did the same seat in both our cars and my mom's car (Evenflo Sureride). It takes up a lot of room in smaller cars, but fits fine in my mom's Forester and our sedan. I like having all the same because I only have to figure out how to install one seat.
Post by statlerwaldorf on Aug 9, 2015 12:43:23 GMT -5
I have the Evenflo Sure ride and the Safety 1st My Guide 65. I love the my guide. It's really easy to use and adjust the straps. The Evenflo is a little more difficult to adjust and hard for grandma to get tight. The My Guide has a good amount of padding and seems like it would be more comfortable. Personally I would get two My Guides.
With DS1 we did one nice seat and a cheaper seat and we are doing the Sam with DS2. I just bought the clek fllo and love it. For right now we moved his infant seat to the other car but I am watching sales and as soon as a Graco or cheap Britax comes up I am going to replace the infant seat.
We have one in each car, and we'll get one for my parents if they end up buying a place near us, which they're currently considering. I don't like (un)installing seats, and it's not that I don't trust my parents, but I don't want them to have to do it. Also not sure about their strength at this point.
Anyway, we have a NextFit, which is ok, but tough to tighten. We had only that for a bit (which worked out bc I do all pick-ups and drop-offs), and doing it that way gave us a chance to consciously choose another seat for the 2nd car. For that, we chose a Britax Marathon Clicktight, which I love.