Kerlynne said:
another thought and question:
Also help me to understand the differences with the Britax. I was sure sure i wanted the Decathlon, but now hearing you talk about other kinds, I'm getting confused.What's the difference with the Boulevard? I think I'm seeing padding for infants as well as higher pads for the toddlers, right? That's why it's the most expensive?
Marathon- The most basic model of the three. It harnesses to 65 lbs, rf 5 to 33 lbs. It has a rf tether, ff and rf lockoffs. Has the lever style harness adjuster, 4 harness heights, and the crotch strap does not adjust. It is very padded and comfy just like all the britax seats, and has about a million cover choices. Will last till the child is ready for a booster most likely. Good for children that need to rf still (under 33 lbs).
Decathlon- Harnesses to 65 lbs rf 5 to 33 lbs. Has rf tether, ff and rf lockoffs. The ff lockoffs may damage seatbelts. It has a push button style harness adjuster, 4 harness heights (rumor is they may be a little taller than the ma/bv), and a three position crotch strap that gives 1 more inch of room as compared to the marathon and boulevard. It has infant inserts so is great for a small baby. It also has a removeable toddler head pillow. It has more limited cover choices than a marathon. Will last till child is most likely ready for a booster. Good for very small babies because of the infant insert but a ma/bv may be a better choice for an older child that won't need the infant insert.
Boulevard- Harness to 65 lbs, rf 5 to 33 lbs. Has rf tether, ff and rf lockoffs. It has true side impact protection (the "wings"). Has a lever style harness adjuster, and instead of having to remove the seat from the car to adjust the harness height you just turn a knob on the side of the seat, and it does not have an adjustable crotch strap. It has a removeable infant pillow so is also a good choice for a very small baby. Will last till the child is most likely ready for a booster. Good seat for any child. Especially one that will have to be on the side of a vehicle without side curtain airbags.
THe Roundabout, only goes to 33 lbs? And not all the padding.
The Roundabout only goes to 40lbs, it rear-faces to 33lbs. The Cosco Scenera 5-pt I mentioned earlier r/f's to 35lbs and doesn't have all that much padding - but honestly, babies don't seem to mind! For a lot less money you get two extra r/fing lbs, which can mean a lot for a bigger baby, and then once that seat is outgrown you can move your child into a larger seat like the MA/BV or a Britax Regent (f/fing only to 80lbs).
THe Marathon is the the next step up after roudabout, because more weight, but again no "extra" padding.
I'm aware that it may be better to get the less expensive one and buying padding seperate, that's why/what i'm trying to figure out.
Whew my head is spinning!
Honestly if you're going to go to the expense of buying a Britax seat, then spend a little extra on the MA/DC/BV seats instead -- you'll get 25 extra pounds and MUCH taller top harness slots which will make the seat last a whole lot longer. The RA does have a shorter back but keep in mind that
only newborns need a 45 degree angle. Once infants get stronger and have decent head and neck control their seat can safely be installed at a more upright angle which will give the front passenger and/or driver more space as well.
hth.
