THE CAR SEAT MAZE
What is something that every child must (by law) have and used?
What is different from model to model as one baby is from another?
What is made only by a handful of manufactures who have a corner on the market?
What should be purchased after trying to see how your baby fits in it and how it fits in your small car... BUT many stores don't carry many models or won't let you try it in your car before you buy?
Yes...car seats!
I've at least figured out that I need the following specs:
Convertible - No, not that it's missing a top, but that it converts between rear-facing and front-facing in the car as the little one ages.
Rear-facing to at least 30lbs - Safest for little guys to be backwards until 1 year at least.
EPP foam protection on sides - Safety for side-crash collisions
Small footprint - Dude, our car is small! This needs to FIT in the backseat even though our car is not a SUV.
Deep seat - for lower center of gravity, again, for better fit of baby in seat and better safety.
5-point harness - Safety, yet again...BUT I would like the crotch strap to have two separate snaps instead of the two fitting together like a puzzle before snapping. (Just easier to snap).
Removable & washable fabric - Car sickness = 'nuff said.
Wait...did I mention Safety?
Other stuff that may be on a car seat depending on how much you want to spend...
Arm rests - What? Is kiddo really going to "rest" his arm when his older?
Funky fabrics that cost more - Um, plain is fine and I'll just make sure he's in funky clothes.
Cup holder - Really? I may just tell him to suck it up if he's thirsty and wait until the next rest stop. As a kid, we didn't have ANY cup holders in the back seat.
So here's what I'm considering:
Pros - Rave reviews, High safety rating, Removable head rest for better fit in small cars (BIG plus), Not too pricey at $180ish and price may drop soon 'cause newer model coming out.
Cons - Newer model to come on market end of March 2009...And I too impatient to wait? Newer model also costs more than $200. May be pretty wide in our back seat.
But do I want to shell out this money for about the same as the Compass?
And then there is Sunshine Kids 65 or 80:
Good about this one is rave reviews, safe to 65 or 80lbs (depends on model), and it FOLDS UP? What? Yep, a transformer-like car seat. This means it has a smaller width in the backseat of the car too. Cost between the above two at about $216.
But how to decide? We'll cruise the shops this weekend to see if any these models are in the locals stores to have Tam "try" them :-)
3 comments:
Good grief -- who knew buying a car seat was more complicated than buying the car?
As I've mentioned, you and Brian have to keep good notes on all of this, so that Hanna and I can crib from you later on. :-)
yea nate, when you get a new car you think, miles, color, gas miledge, new car smell - so much easier of a decision for sure!
A recommendation - if you have a few weeks to spare before the decision. Find a car-seat safety clinic in your area. They are usually put on by the hospitals or police. Usually in a parking garage or big empty parking lot. The staff will evaluate your existing car seat, how it fits in your car, how the seat is installed (so many people never know how to install them correctly), and how the child is when buckled in. It is really helpful and informative. I would guess that if you went, they could give you recommendations for the best seat for the price, from a safety and size perspective, and relate it to your specific vehicle.
Trying to guess which manufacture is less likely to have recalls is like trying to guess the winning lotto numbers. I would recommend going with a model that has been around for a few years. They might not have as many bells and whistles, but you can be less likely to get it recalled.
We have an evenflo triumph that we have used with our last three kids - its convertable, not too wide (fits with two kids in boosters across the last seat in the 96 Winstar), and doesn't have the puzzle piece crotch strap. The three you have listed - 1st years - I haven't specifically seen, but as a whole, I like the 1st yrs product line and find it to be quality; Britax - every one I have seen is very bulky and wide and has a complicated buckle system (both into the car and the child into the seat), but consequently has a great reputation for being safe (although - did I hear something about recalls? i don't know); Sunshine Kids - I have NEVER heard of before. The listing on amazon is VERY interesting and it does appear to address the narrowness issue. But look at some of the less than positive owner reviews - one says it doesn't work well in smaller, older cars. It might be a good investment if it does in fact function through all the car seat years, which in some states, might be another 7-8.
it is a daunting journey, but take your time and see if you can find a parent of 5 or more kids (still in the car seat phase), they could provide you a wealth of insight I'm sure.
Oh MAJOR thanks for the input! I'll see if I can find a class locally here in GR.
And I'll peak at the Evenflo as well while we are out this weekend.
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