booster seat questions

My DD is 4.5 years old and too tall for her Britax marathon (her head is at the edge of the seat, almost over at the top). I got a full back booster made by Graco, but I was a little surprised that the seat itself is not secured to the car's seat, no tether or anything. You strap in the child and the seat. She is about 35 pounds and 41 inches tall. Can anyone recommend a booster that attaches to the vehicle's seat via a teather or latch buckle?

I tried Consumer reports web site to the best one (meaning safest) but could not access the info I needed because I don't subscribe. I just feel that in a roll over this Graco seat would fall right out of the lap belt with my DD. It's also very uncomfortable, when she falls asleep she is almost out of the shoulder portion of the lap belt. I appreciate the advice, price is no problem for maximum safety.

Thanks!

Re: booster seat questions

I recommend the Graco Nautaulis. If she is falling asleep(leaning in any way) then she still needs a 5 point harness. If the seatbelt isn't used correctly(which its not when she is leaning wrong while sleeping) it could cause more harm then good.

My 5 year old and 6.5 year old still use this seat as a 5 point harness. They get in themselves and strap themselves in correctly(I have to remind them sometimes to fix their chest clip). It takes no extra time on my part. It's by far safer then a booster that uses a regular seatbelt.

Message edited 1/6/2013 1:35:28 PM.

booster seat questions

Imo, at 35 pounds she is still too small for a booster. The minimum recommendation is 4 years old AND 40 pounds. And as Amanda said if she's falling asleep the 5 point harness is going to be safer in the event of an accident.

Re: booster seat questions

But the Britax Marathon owners manual says it's for 65 pounds and 41 inches. I can tell you this after being in a rear end collision myself, if we were in one, her head would not be well protected, actually her neck would be poorly protected. It's time for a booster with FULL BACK. I would just prefer something that attaches to the car and would appear safer when she is napping. I agree, 5 point would be best as long as its going to last. I don't want to buy something new every year if possible (unless that's just what people do). I also like 5 point because she cant undo it herself, unlike a lap belt.

Also, this Graco booster I have is not backless, it has a full back and owners manual says 30 pounds and up.

Also if anyone knows which seats get the best ratings that would be helpful. It's for a minivan so it can be big, doesn't matter, whatever is the best that could last the longest.

ETA: she has not outgrown the weight of the Marathon, she has outgrown the height only.

Message edited 1/6/2013 2:47:08 PM.

Re: booster seat questions

The Graco Nautilus has a height limit of 52 inches for the harness, so she would be in it for quite a bit, I would imagine. Then it converts to a high back booster, and then a backless, so it could be the only seat you have to buy.

Re: booster seat questions

Yes, that's the idea, thank you.

I think I found what I am looking for, but you all helped by helping me be more specific in my search...

Britax Frontier 85 Combination Harness-2-Booster Car Seat

I think it's what I want to get. I didn't know they have seats that can be 5 point and convert later to a booster. I thought when I got the Marathon that it was going to last till she was 65 pounds, and we definitely cannot continue to use it. I felt a little "taken" because I thought it was going to last much longer and it's a pricey seat.


Thank you, thank you!!!

Re: booster seat questions

I have 2 Britax Marathons like you but.my oldest has outgrown his too. I'm going with the Britax Frontier SICT, which is the 5 point harness booster. I was originally going to go with just the frontier but after watching crash tests of both, I'm leaning towards the extra side protection in the SICT. they say it reduces any side impact by 50%.

booster seat questions

I waited until my DD was 40 pounds (shes almost 5). We just switched into a booster a few weeks ago. With the lab belt on correctly the seat is completely secure. I feel like her weight probably makes the difference.

booster seat questions

I don't know why you feel taken. the marathon can be used until the tips of the ears are level with the shell of the seat, so it isn't outgrown if only the top of her head is becoming level.

She does not sound mature enough for a belt positioning booster and she is under the minimum recommendations per nhtsa/aap

Re: booster seat questions

I felt a bit taken because quite honestly 65 pounds sounds like it will last a while, and for my other DD I'm sure it will as she is more petite. Not sure why she isn't mature enough for the next seat up, she is tall for her age. Not something she or I can prevent. I was off she, is over 41 inches tall. I found exactly what I need, just needed a more specific search. The other booster I got at the store in person so I could only choose from what was there.

Anyway, I ordered the Britax, I hadn't heard of that other model with the extra crash protection. Good to know if I decide to order a second one.

Thanks again to all for the help.

booster seat questions

Imo, just because she is tall for her age and outgrowing the specific seat that you have does not mean that she IS mature enough for a belt positioning booster (high back or not) Weight wise she does not meet the minimum recommendations from the national traffic safety administration or the American acadamy of pediatrics. Muscle development wise her body may also not be mature enough to withstand the impact of an accident (which is the same reason they now recommend toddlers remain rear facing until at least the age of 2)

I have an evenflo symphony 65. It has a VERY adjustable head rest and can be used for a child up to 57" weighing 100 pounds or less. It is a rear facing seat 5-40 pounds, a forward facing seat with harnesses 20-65 pounds and a belt positioning high back booster 40-100 pounds. It has an 8 year expiration period and should be the only seat DS will need (besides when I used the infant carrier)

booster seat questions

I recommend either the Graco Nautilus or Britax Frontier. FYI, it's not uncommon for kids to outgrow car seats in height before weight.

booster seat questions

Britax frontier!!! Love it. Make sure though you remember to flip the bottom fwd so that she doesn't slump fwd when asleep. Its in the directions but some many people i know didn't read that part:)

Re: booster seat questions