| Posted By |
Message |
clwp
Love my girls!
Member since 10/06 2114 total posts
Name:
mommy
|
Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
So I have to ask what car seat is recommended.
We were going to get the Britax Roundabout in the tan swirl.
DH and I decided that we would come out and ask our parents to buy them for us for x-mas. We need TWO unfortunately b/c often he drops DD off at daycare and then I pick her up... so we can't "swap" them out during the day. They aren't cheep... so far I have buy in with no hesitation (despite the price) from my parent's. DH's just asked his mother who said "you still WANT a carseat for x-mas?" - this in response to her asking him "what do you and DW want for x-mas". Not sure it's what we "want" - but we never get what we want anyway... may as well ask for what we NEED. My p's have no issue with this, but I digresss... it's not the point of the post - just a vent.
Anyway, key issues... safety, ease of use and also - will fit in an Acura TSX. My car's a little bigger (Impala), but I don't get to choose my car and DH may not if he gets a company car instead of his current allowance situation. My friends all swear by the Britax seats, but they all have SUV's. If DH continues to get a car allowance we may lease an SUV when the Acura lease is up, but my current company did away with SUV's and I get what I'm given and say "thank you" rather than complain in these days. Anyway, a seat that can fit a car but still work well in an SUV down the line would be great. DD is still in her infant seat, but she's 17.5 pounds and almost 27 inches. I know the seats will have to be rear facing for a bit still too, which makes the seat fit even more difficult. The straps in the infant carrier are already tight if she's bundled up the straps won't buckle.
Anyway, recommendations are welcome, but if you can tell me why you chose what you did (i.e. safety rating), that would be great.
Message edited 11/9/2008 4:35:01 PM.
|
Posted 11/9/08 3:28 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
EmmaNick
*
Member since 12/06 16001 total posts
Name:
*
|
Re: Car seat (for a - maybe or maybe not an SUV in the far future)... tell me why
I have a Comfortsport and a Britax Marathon. Honestly, the Comfortsport is fine, perfectly safe, and under $100. The straps give me a hard time and I didn't like that I have to re-thread them when she grows. The Marathon, you just twist a knob and the straps adjust up and down. That was why I got the Marathon, but I'm not sure that's worth the extra expense KWIM? The Marathon is HUGE, the Comfortsport is not. Both fit fine in my mid size sedan (08 Saturn Aura) and an Ion (Ion not so great rear facing though).
ETA: Many only go up to 40lbs though so then you have to buy another seat after that. The Britax have a much higher limit, so you sort of save money that way.
Oops, I have a BLVD. not a Marathon 
Message edited 11/9/2008 6:38:42 PM.
|
| Posted 11/9/08 3:35 PM |
| |
|
Elbee
Zanzibar
Member since 5/05 10767 total posts
Name:
Me
|
Re: Car seat (for a - maybe or maybe not an SUV in the far future)... tell me why
I have the Roundabout in my Subaru Outback. It fits fine. When it was backwards it was snug only if the seat was all the way back, but even my 6' husband was able to drive up front somewhat comfortably when it was backwards.
Now that it is forwad there is plenty of room.
|
| Posted 11/9/08 3:37 PM |
| |
|
clwp
Love my girls!
Member since 10/06 2114 total posts
Name:
mommy
|
Re: Car seat (for a - maybe or maybe not an SUV in the far future)... tell me why
I just read the Britax Roundabout maxes out at 40 pounds. However, I just also read on the BRU site under the Marathon - that one rater said that it was hard to use with an Impala. I can't know that in the future we won't have an SUV, but I know that now we do not and it is highly unlikely I will have one at any point.
What happens after this car seat? A booster? Are they expensive? I want to make sure we'll get some good use out of the seat we are currently shopping for.
Would the Marathon be out of the question for a car like a TSX? What about the impala?
|
| Posted 11/9/08 4:05 PM |
| |
|
HarleyGirlFLA
Come on in
Member since 5/05 9674 total posts
Name:
Mel
|
Re: Car seat (for a - maybe or maybe not an SUV in the far future)... tell me why
We have teh Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat in DH's SUV.
Product Description
The first and last car seat you will ever have to buy. The Alpha Omega Elite is a convertible car seat that grows with your child from infant 5-35 lbs rear facing to toddler 22-50lbs forward facing with harness as well as becoming a belt positioning booster 40-100lbs. The QuickFit Harness System easily adjusts the headrest position from the front, without re-threading the harness. The seat is equipped with Protech EPP energy absorbing foam. There is a 3 position recline, and a 5 point harness with up front adjustment. The seat comes with infant head support and toddler pillow, removable cup holder, and pivoting arm rests.
DS loves it and fits so comfortably in it. It wasnt hard to install either.
Message edited 11/9/2008 4:14:48 PM.
|
| Posted 11/9/08 4:13 PM |
| |
|
clwp
Love my girls!
Member since 10/06 2114 total posts
Name:
mommy
|
Re: Car seat (for a - maybe or maybe not an SUV in the far future)... tell me why
Posted by HarleyGirlFLA
We have teh Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat in DH's SUV.
Product Description
The first and last car seat you will ever have to buy. The Alpha Omega Elite is a convertible car seat that grows with your child from infant 5-35 lbs rear facing to toddler 22-50lbs forward facing with harness as well as becoming a belt positioning booster 40-100lbs. The QuickFit Harness System easily adjusts the headrest position from the front, without re-threading the harness. The seat is equipped with Protech EPP energy absorbing foam. There is a 3 position recline, and a 5 point harness with up front adjustment. The seat comes with infant head support and toddler pillow, removable cup holder, and pivoting arm rests.
DS loves it and fits so comfortably in it. It wasnt hard to install either.
IMAGE
But the problem is we DON'T have an SUV. I appreciate the info, but I was asking for seats that fit CARS. would this one fit in a car?
|
| Posted 11/9/08 4:20 PM |
| |
|
KateDevine
*
Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
Posted by Summerrluvv
I have a Comfortsport and a Britax Marathon. Honestly, the Comfortsport is fine, perfectly safe, and under $100. The straps give me a hard time and I didn't like that I have to re-thread them when she grows. The Marathon, you just twist a knob and the straps adjust up and down. That was why I got the Marathon, but I'm not sure that's worth the extra expense KWIM? The Marathon is HUGE, the Comfortsport is not. Both fit fine in my mid size sedan (08 Saturn Aura) and an Ion (Ion not so great rear facing though).
ETA: Many only go up to 40lbs though so then you have to buy another seat after that. The Britax have a much higher limit, so you sort of save money that way.
I agree with the ComfortSport as well. Currently it is installed in my DH's 1987 Mustang T-Top which has a TINY backseat.
I do not think you need two Britaxes if your DH does not drive her that much. The Comfortsport is very highly rated.
I have the other carseat, the Alpha Omega Elite, but the Eddie Bauer edition and it is MASSIVE. We had an issue putting it rear facing in my Liberty, I like it, but I would not recommend it for your use.
HTH
|
| Posted 11/9/08 4:42 PM |
| |
|
clwp
Love my girls!
Member since 10/06 2114 total posts
Name:
mommy
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
I think we may go with the Marathon... if anything I'll have to turn it around when my Manager rides with me (once a month) so that the front passenger seat can move back. I'd prefer the seat to be in back of the passenger seat as I hear this is safer... besides we'll need to have the seat in back of some seat when we have Baby #2. I'd best get used to driving with my nose on the steering wheel - LOL. We like that the weight limit is so high on the Marathon and DH said that the Acura lease is up in 11 months. I don't think the rear seat of the Impala is any smaller than the rear of a jeep or most other SUV's (other than the 3 row types).
I can't wait till we have 2 enormous car seats in our "little" cars. Although I really didn't think an Impala was "little".
|
| Posted 11/9/08 4:52 PM |
| |
|
clwp
Love my girls!
Member since 10/06 2114 total posts
Name:
mommy
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
What about the Britax Boulevard?
|
| Posted 11/9/08 4:54 PM |
| |
|
julz33
i run for bacon
Member since 5/05 20584 total posts
Name:
julz
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
I have the Evenflo Triumph Advance LX in my car (Mazda 6). The car seat is pretty big and difficult to use in the center seat. I am thinking about moving it to behind the pasenger seat to make it easier getting DS in and out. Also, his head falls forward or sideways when he falls asleep (but I don't believe this is a problem caused by the car seat). But this car seat has excellent reviews and will last until DS is 50 lbs! DS is 5 months old, at 4 months was 20 lbs and 27 inches. HTH. We have the barley color - LINK TO CAR SEAT ON AMAZON.COM
|
| Posted 11/9/08 5:46 PM |
| |
|
KristinasMama
How did she turn 2 so quickly?
Member since 10/07 8257 total posts
Name:
Blessed Mama of Kristina Elena
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
I have the marathon in my CAR, and it's no problem. right now she is still rear facing (in the middle, and people can fit on either side of her.
Once she goes forward facing, then, and only then will she go to the passenger side, but even then, there will still be the center seat and left seat in the back with her.
Plenty of room!
|
| Posted 11/9/08 6:33 PM |
| |
|
HarleyGirlFLA
Come on in
Member since 5/05 9674 total posts
Name:
Mel
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
Yes it will fit in your CAR
|
| Posted 11/9/08 6:34 PM |
| |
|
Kotka
Mom to two boys :)
Member since 5/05 3384 total posts
Name:
Jola
(pronounced Yola)
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
Posted by HarleyGirlFLA
We have teh Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat in DH's SUV.
Product Description
The first and last car seat you will ever have to buy. The Alpha Omega Elite is a convertible car seat that grows with your child from infant 5-35 lbs rear facing to toddler 22-50lbs forward facing with harness as well as becoming a belt positioning booster 40-100lbs. The QuickFit Harness System easily adjusts the headrest position from the front, without re-threading the harness. The seat is equipped with Protech EPP energy absorbing foam. There is a 3 position recline, and a 5 point harness with up front adjustment. The seat comes with infant head support and toddler pillow, removable cup holder, and pivoting arm rests.
DS loves it and fits so comfortably in it. It wasnt hard to install either.
IMAGE
Ooo I like your Alpha Omega car seat, I like that it has arms and a cup holder.. I have this one that goes up to 80 pounds. I have a sedan, I have this carseat in the middle and it fits well.
|
| Posted 11/9/08 6:41 PM |
| |
|
EmmaNick
*
Member since 12/06 16001 total posts
Name:
*
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
Posted by clwp
Posted by HarleyGirlFLA
We have teh Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Car Seat in DH's SUV.
Product Description
The first and last car seat you will ever have to buy. The Alpha Omega Elite is a convertible car seat that grows with your child from infant 5-35 lbs rear facing to toddler 22-50lbs forward facing with harness as well as becoming a belt positioning booster 40-100lbs. The QuickFit Harness System easily adjusts the headrest position from the front, without re-threading the harness. The seat is equipped with Protech EPP energy absorbing foam. There is a 3 position recline, and a 5 point harness with up front adjustment. The seat comes with infant head support and toddler pillow, removable cup holder, and pivoting arm rests.
DS loves it and fits so comfortably in it. It wasnt hard to install either.
IMAGE
But the problem is we DON'T have an SUV. I appreciate the info, but I was asking for seats that fit CARS. would this one fit in a car?
Your OP originally said
Car seat (for a - maybe or maybe not an SUV in the far future)... tell me why
So surely that's where the confusion was.
|
| Posted 11/9/08 9:10 PM |
| |
|
HaileysMom
LIF Infant
Member since 4/08 270 total posts
Name:
Natalie
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
Posted by HarleyGirlFLA
IMAGE
we have this one in a sedan (new chevy malibu) and it fits perfectly in the middle with more then enough room on each side. i like that it has a cup holder and arm rests. dd really loves it. im actually ordering one right now from babycenter.com because they have the all black one for 15% off.
|
| Posted 11/9/08 11:38 PM |
| |
|
GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
We have two Boulevards in a PT Cruiser. While not the smallest car out there, it's definitely much smaller than an SUV. There's very few seats that won't fit in a 4 door car. The seats are designed to fit a full-size adult, and a car seat is usually smaller than an adult profile.
We went with the Boulevard because it is one of the very few seats that have true Side Impact Protection, which was very important to me.
I would have gotten them for my extended cab pickup, but they just wouldn't fit. I tried putting the ones from the car into the quasi back seat, but had to get a smaller one.
I'm a firm believer in getting the best car seat available, no matter how often you use it. Accidents aren't planned, so even if you have DC in the "other" vehicle only once a year, that could be the day it gets into an accident....
|
| Posted 11/10/08 7:41 AM |
| |
|
CarSeatSafety
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/09 689 total posts
Name:
CarSeatChris
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
Best choice is the Britax Marathon for a primary car. For a secondary car, the Graco Comfortsport.
The Alpha-Omega IS NOT the first and last seat you will ever buy. It is difficult to install properly unless you remove the base. The base is too wide for most vehicles.
The seat also has a problem in that the Insurance Institute does not recommend its use as a booster.
The Evenflow triumph is a good consideration provided adjustment well is not blocked by the back seat of the car.
The advantage of the Marathon is that it goes to 65 pounds forward facing as opposed to the Roundabout which only goes to 40.
|
| Posted 3/10/09 9:55 PM |
| |
|
GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
|
Re: Car seat (for a CAR - NO SUV)... tell me why
Posted by CarSeatSafety
Best choice is the Britax Marathon for a primary car. For a secondary car, the Graco Comfortsport.
The Alpha-Omega IS NOT the first and last seat you will ever buy. It is difficult to install properly unless you remove the base. The base is too wide for most vehicles.
The seat also has a problem in that the Insurance Institute does not recommend its use as a booster.
The Evenflow triumph is a good consideration provided adjustment well is not blocked by the back seat of the car.
The advantage of the Marathon is that it goes to 65 pounds forward facing as opposed to the Roundabout which only goes to 40.
Why is a seat without Side Impact Protection the "best" when the same company makes the Boulevard WITH Side Impact Protection, more harness positions, and a multi-position head-rest? I would think that more safety features would make it better?
I'm not saying that the Marathon isn't a great seat, just the professional classification of "the best" is puzzling.
|
| Posted 3/11/09 7:48 AM |
| |
|
