My kids are almost 7, almost 5 (DS), almost 3, and almost 1.
DD3 turns one in January. She'll be growing out of her Chicco Keyfit. B/c of a car accident, we only have one convertible seat that would work for her, and I don't like that seat. We replaced our other ones with Britax Frontiers (Or Pioneer?? can't remember). Right now, DD1 and DS are in the Frontiers and DD2 is in the convertible that I don't like. All are FF.
I'm thinking of doing this: getting a new seat for the baby so that she can rear-face until at least 2.5 or 3, longer if she puts up with it, and put DS and DD2 in the Frontiers, and move DD1 to a backless booster.
What do you think? Any issues you see with this plan?
I would get either a Britax Boulevard or similar for her (Rear-faced another in that until over 2 and I think they are great seats) or the Nextfit Zip, b/c I have liked my Chicco infant seats, and I LOVE the zip option in case of puke.
Also, as backless boosters go, there really isn't much difference, is there? Seems like you can pick up a fairly cheap one anywhere and they don't seem much different. Is this true?
If the 7 year old is responsible enough to sit correctly all the time, then yes. My 7 year old rides in a backless in my husband's car but high back in my car, which is the one we use for long trips. When she falls asleep the high back keeps her in place much better.
Post by expectantsteelerfan on Nov 16, 2015 12:14:08 GMT -5
I thought I read something recently saying to keep older kids in a high backed booster until they are totally done with carseats. DS is 6 and I'd be ok with him in a backless booster for traveling, but for everyday trips we plan to still use the high backed booster with seat belt for a long time still. The ones with backs are still pretty cheap (I think I got ones for dh's and grandparent's cars for around $30) and ours at least are the same width as the bottom part so don't really take up more room.
Post by penguingrrl on Nov 16, 2015 14:35:48 GMT -5
My 8 year old rides either in a backless booster or without a booster (in places she passes the 5 step test) for around town, but I still have her use her high back booster for long trips at night where she may fall asleep. The side wings help keep her upright. My 6 year old is backless for around town and high back for late driving as well.
My understanding is that there's no proven safety benefit to high back versus backless, but that the support of a high back can keep kids upright when they're more likely to slump. Since boosters are dependent on proper use, if it ensures proper use it's safer.
I would get her a dedicated high back booster. It's still way cheaper than a harnessed seat. My older one uses a britax parkway and the younger one is in a diono Monterey. I chose by how the seats for them individually.
Post by lattelady5 on Nov 16, 2015 20:53:49 GMT -5
I would do a high back booster as well. There isn't a lot of data showing that hbb is safer than backless, but IME, it's far easier for kids to transition to a hbb from a harnessed seat. Hbb also offer sleeping support and side impact protection.
If you need something inexpensive, graco turbo booster J's my favorite budget high back. It gives a stellar belt fit on almost every kid. It does come with annoying little screws that have ti go in the arm rest though so be aware.
Post by lattelady5 on Nov 16, 2015 20:56:24 GMT -5
I'd also suggest looking at the click tight convertibles vs the traditional britax. The Ct versions last a lot longer. I don't care for the deep sides in the nextfit but the install is a breeze and it's very compact.
DD has a 4ever and rides rf in it at 4, by choice. It's also super compact and easy to install.