OT: Please help with booster seat selection

[slduck]

We ran into the same problem. I purchased a Britax Husky online. Although it is a very large seat, we love it. I like the fact that you can use the 5 point harness up to 80lbs! It is a sturdy seat.

 

[long4disney]

We have the awesome one and only folding booster seat by Compass. It has gotten so many positive reviews from many web sites and awards. It is very comfortable for my daughter who is 3 years old about 40" tall, and she loves to ride in it. The best thing about this seat is the padding, and the shoulder belt always fits perfectly since it has a guide, and she has arm rests that fold and two cup holders that also can be pushed in or out and fit sippy cups, bottled water and juice boxes!!!

The neatest feature about this seat is that it folds in half and is so light weight. It is a dream of a seat for traveling with. We purchased the nylon carry bag that they make for it and the seat fits perfectly in it and my dh carried it through the airport with no hassle. We just gate checked it with my dd's stroller and we had it for our rental car. They retail for around $89.00 and come in 3 different styles. They also ship the booster seat in its own box that can be reused for storage or for checking it with your luggage at the airport. The box has a carry handle and two locks on to keep the box closed, but they can be turned to open for security at the airport. Any other questions please let me know!!!

http://www.compassbaby.com/product_B500.html

 

[tlbwriter]

Then again she could slow down on her growth in height or gain weight quicker later on. Never know with kids.

That's true... my DD was nearing 40 lb before the Marathon hit the market, and she was growing so quickly that I was sure she'd outgrow the Roundabout before I could get a Marathon. She ended up hovering around 37 lb for more than six months!

 

[JMSMommy]

Just wanted to let you know that on page 4 of the users guide for the manual (go to Users Guides on the Britax site and find the Marathon one...it's a pdf file), it lists max height of 49 inches. Why do I know this? LOL I'm a neurotic person who reads the owners manuals BEFORE buying the seat so I know teh fine print going in. Then I review the manual every few months to make sure I'm still using the seat properly.

BTW, my oldest son at the age of 2.5 weighed 42 pounds and was 40 inches tall. I hated having him in a lap/shoulder belt at that age, and I still do not feel it was very safe but I had no choice at the time (or at least I didn't think I did as I couldn't find another seat with a high enough 5 point harness). So, I was extremely excited to find out about the Marathon when I was pg with my 2nd child. He's now 2 years and almost 10 months old...and weighs an impressive 28 pounds! He's also just now reaching 36 inches. Guess I didn't need that Marathon after all....and you better believe he's going to be in it FOREVER!

Hope you have found a booster seat you like!

 

[Berrygood]

Someone incorrectly posted that you don't have to use the lockoffs on the Britax Bodyguard, but you do, the seat is too heavy. Some people found these lockoff's difficult to use and Britax has recently come out with the Parkway, it has side impact protection like the Bodyguard but isn't as heavy and therefore doesn't have the lockoffs.

If you're not comfortable putting your child in a booster yet, try the Britax Husky. It's a 5 point harness seat rated to 80 lbs (not sure about the height limit) It's a huge seat, kind of like a lazy boy recliner for the car.

HTH

 

[laughinplace199]

Berrygood, I just saw the Parkway online. Thanks for mentioning it. I think that would work well for DS, but I'm going to check it out in person first.

 

[Berrygood]

laughinplace199, I just noticed you are located in Massachusetts...where? I live in MA too.

My SIL works at BRU in Nashua, she's a certified child passenger safety technician and works in Baby Gear, if it's not too far a drive for you to get to Nashua, she'd love to help you out!

 

[laughinplace199]

Hi Berrygood! We live in West Roxbury. Where in MA do you live? Thanks for your help too. I think DS can stay in his carseat a bit longer since his ears are not at the top of the seat yet and the shoulder straps are still just at his shoulders (he has long legs, but a short torso). By the time he outgrows the carseat I think I will be very comfortable with him in a booster seat like the Britax Parkway. If we find that we could use your SIL's help, I'll be sure to contact you. Thanks again!