Booster Seat Advice [Archive] - Online-Sweepstakes.com

TWOPYRZ

June 20th, 2006, 2:05pm

Our pediatrician said that DD#2 will be out of her infant car seat before we know it. She's only 3 months but a big girl! That means I need to buy a booster seat for DD#1 who is almost 3 so her sister can have her convertible car seat. She is 33lbs and average height. Any advice on which booster to buy? What is the difference between back and no back. Any input would be great. I did look at the consumer reports website but would like to get some feedback from OLSers as well. TIA!

Maddgiggler

June 20th, 2006, 2:38pm

I would get the booster with the back. It has a seat belt holder and the shoulder belt will fit your child better. Some insurance companies offer car seats at a discount. I got my oldest son's seat through GEICO. We are just now shopping for a booster ourselves and if I find anything good I will let you know. The booster from GEICO was a Century but that was back in 1997 or 1998 and I have no idea what model it was.

Nikol

June 20th, 2006, 7:28pm

It is actually safest for your older daughter if you can keep her in a 5 point harness carseat for a few more years, or until, at least, 40 lbs. There are several models that have a 5 pt. harness and go up to 65lbs. My 5 year old (48lb) son is in one of those (a Britax). I've seen some go up to 80lbs.

Imagine how easy it would be to slip out of a booster during a roll-over. "Experts agree and studies confirm that this type of harness is safest. Newer designs are easier to use. The 5-point harness usually gives the best fit and reduces the chance of ejection."

So, if you can afford it, get a good 5 pt. combination seat for your older daughter and in a few years your younger daughter can upgrade into it. Another thing to consider is napping - a backless booster offers no support for a napping child and, at her age, your daughter may well sleep in the car at times.

Here's a site for more info: Car-safety.org (http://www.car-safety.org/basics.html) There are some good links here, including a Carseat Compatibility Database (compares vehicles and specific carseats).

Also, check out CPSafety (http://www.cpsafety.com/). Lot's of important info here, especially the section on Boosters.

HTH!

Fidget

June 20th, 2006, 7:30pm

I reccoemnd getting one with a back, and that has a curve sided top so that if you are (god forbid) ever in a crash the sides protect her head from whipping all over the place

ouroboro

June 20th, 2006, 7:52pm

I agree with the 5 point harness and booster seat with a back. That is what we have for both of our kids. They are to big for the 5 pt harness now (ages 5 & 7) but all we had to do was take the harness out and ta-da its a booster! :laugh:

TWOPYRZ

June 21st, 2006, 11:02am

thanks for the input!

TWOPYRZ

June 21st, 2006, 4:38pm

Okay, so we decided on the 5 point harness with back. Can anyone recommend any one particular brand? There are several out there and the reviews are mixed.

Nikol

June 21st, 2006, 5:26pm

I really like Britax. They are a little more pricey, but I think they're worth it. Our son is currently in a Britax Wizard, which is 5 pt and goes up to 65lbs. It's been discontinued, but there are several other convertible models that would fit your daughter. The "Boulevard" offers excellent side impact protection.

Britax (www.britaxusa.net)

TWOPYRZ

June 23rd, 2006, 1:06pm