Son almost outgrown his Britax Roundabout...what next?

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

So, my son, who's 2 and 27 pounds, barely fits into his Britax Roundabout car seat, so I am looking for any suggestions on a new car seat.

We brought up my daughter's old Eddie Bauer Leather Car seat, but the back strap is missing for the anchors.

Last night, we looked at a Graco Nautilus, which seemed nice. BUT, we're also leaning towards the Britax Regent, which is what my 6 year old is in now. The Regent looks huge for a 2 year old, but I love the fact that it will be the last car seat for us to buy him.

Any suggestions?

 

[gibsontrio]

I have my 5 yr old in a britax marathon. Although he could sit in a booster seat with just a seatbelt I hear 5 pt harness is safest. He is just about grown out of it but it should be fine for your 2 yr old

 

[scrapquitler]

How tall is he? I just looked at the specs for the Britax Roundabout and it says it goes forward facing to 40lbs....27 lbs, he should have a long way to go still fitting in the seat. I believe the rule of thumb is that their ears cannot be above the back of the seat.

As to the seat with the missing tether anchor, call the manufacturer, they should send you a new one for free or very little $$$. Why buy a whole new seat if you can use that one with just a new anchor strap?

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

I have no clue how tall my son is, but his ears don't go over the seat. He basically ran out of seatbelt. When I strap him in, the seat belt actually looks like it hurts, it's so tight...and it's released all the way.

I spoke with the manufacturer about the leather car seat and the seat was recalled so they refused to send me the anchor straps.

I'm leaning towards the Regent simply because I love the fact that he can grow into it until he's much older, but he just looks so tiny in it at 2 years old.

 

[tadamom]

I am actually dealing with this right now too. My DD3 has been having screaming fits b/c she says her seat hurts her bottom. She is in my DS6's old Britax Roundabout but she is about 34 lbs. I think that the seat is just not as cushy/comfortable as it once was b/c it is 5 years old.

I am looking into the Graco Nautilus as well. An online friend of mine (Jennifer the Peach -- she is on the Dis too) told me about this seat and when I researched it on a carseat website it is getting great reviews from carseat technicians. Another one that I looked at was the Alpha Elite Apex (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2452313). The carseat technicians seemed to really like this seat too but I can't use it. My Jeep Cherokee doesn't have headrests on the backseats and you must have them to use this seat.

From what I see about the Graco Nautilus, it will be the last seat you will need as well since it goes to 100 lbs. and after the 5 point harness (to 65 lbs.) it goes to a high back booster as well as a backless booster.

I believe that Wal-Mart is having a hard time keeping these instock b/c it has become very popular.

 

[all4fun]

I am actually dealing with this right now too. My DD3 has been having screaming fits b/c she says her seat hurts her bottom. She is in my DS6's old Britax Roundabout but she is about 34 lbs. I think that the seat is just not as cushy/comfortable as it once was b/c it is 5 years old.

I am looking into the Graco Nautilus as well. An online friend of mine (Jennifer the Peach -- she is on the Dis too) told me about this seat and when I researched it on a carseat website it is getting great reviews from carseat technicians. Another one that I looked at was the Alpha Elite Apex (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2452313). The carseat technicians seemed to really like this seat too but I can't use it. My Jeep Cherokee doesn't have headrests on the backseats and you must have them to use this seat.

From what I see about the Graco Nautilus, it will be the last seat you will need as well since it goes to 100 lbs. and after the 5 point harness (to 65 lbs.) it goes to a high back booster as well as a backless booster.

I believe that Wal-Mart is having a hard time keeping these instock b/c it has become very popular.

The Graco Nautilus is steel reinforced and does NOT need a tall vehicle seat behind it. The Cosco Apex otoh, does need a tall vehicle seat. The Graco Nautilus is a better seat overall though since it not only can be used with a lower seatback, but it also is a little narrower than the Apex and makes a nicer booster seat as well.

I have no clue how tall my son is, but his ears don't go over the seat. He basically ran out of seatbelt. When I strap him in, the seat belt actually looks like it hurts, it's so tight...and it's released all the way.

The RA is outgrown forward facing when the tops of the shoulders go past the top harness slots, or the tips of the ears go past the top of the shell, OR the weight limit is reached. If his shoulders are not past the top slots yet, then he should still fit in this seat. Have you taken it out of the car and made sure the harness isn't hung up on anything? Just want to make sure because unless he's too tall for the seat, he should still have room in the harness (which is possible, my ds outgrew his similar size seat when he was only 27lbs by height). The EB seat you had for your DD likely will have the same size issue as the top slots are about the same height. If it's a 3-in-1 type seat, or has a adjustable headrest with no-rethread harness, then the very top position is for booster use only.

as for recommendations, I'd look at the Graco Nautilus or the SK Radian (www.skjp.com). I hesitate to recommend the Regent since it's a very large seat and might swallow a child under 30lbs whole.

 

[bumbershoot]

The RA is outgrown forward facing when the tops of the shoulders go past the top harness slots, or the tips of the ears go past the top of the shell, OR the weight limit is reached. If his shoulders are not past the top slots yet, then he should still fit in this seat. Have you taken it out of the car and made sure the harness isn't hung up on anything? Just want to make sure because unless he's too tall for the seat, he should still have room in the harness (which is possible, my ds outgrew his similar size seat when he was only 27lbs by height).

Definitely check that out. My guy is 40"+ and 37 lbs and there is noproblem with his Roundabout.

Your guy is rear-facing still, since he's under the rf weight limit of the RA? I wouldn't move him to either of those forward-facing seats yet....I bet the harness is caught on something, so you will probably have time rf in the Roundabout still!

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

We took his Roundabout out of our car and sat him in it and the straps barely close over him. We even tried it without his puffy winter coat on and it's kinda tight.

Right now, he IS facing forward. We faced him forward when he was 1.

When we went to Wal-Mart, they were sold out of the Nautilus, I was surprised! We sat him in the display they had and he fit comfortably.

I think it's between the Nautilus and the Regent. The seat will be in a Cadillac Escalade, so I don't think it will be a problem "fitting" in the vehicle. Our daughter's Regent fits in there just fine, although it was a pain to actually get IN the vehicle.

Thanks for the input!

 

[MNdisneymom]

...I just bought one for my DS who is 5. I like the fact that it is a harness seat until 65 lbs (which will be a long time for him, he's tiny!), because that is sooo much safer--but you still have the option of using at as a high backed and a backless booster later on.

It is very hard to find right now...most walmarts are sold out. I got mine at a Baby Depot (in Burlington Coat Factory) and I know that Babies r Us is supposed to start stocking it soon as well. (The pattern differs slightly at each place, you can check that on the graco website).

It was really easy to install...I've always had Britax seats in the past and had trouble getting them in tight enough. This took me about 5 minutes--hooked the latch hooks, hooked the back tether, pulled the latch strap tight, and done.

As for features, it's got a cup holder built in, and little nooks in the arm rests to hold a few toys or whatever. Also, the straps seem really good and non-twisty (unlike the evenflo in my mother's car, grrrr...), and my son can do them up himself, which he likes.

Good luck on your carseat choice--I know it's a tough one, there are so many options out there.

 

[SplashMountainMama]

My DS3 outgrew his carseat that had a 40lb limit, but I prefer to keep him harnessed since he's not quite ready for a booster. I got him a Radian and am very pleased with it. It has a 65lb weight kimit with the harness and I believe the newest models go up to 80lbs, but I can't imagine at 80 lbs I'd still be putting him in a harness. It also has a narrow base which is good if you are using multiple carseats in your car.

 

[zoemurr]

We took his Roundabout out of our car and sat him in it and the straps barely close over him. We even tried it without his puffy winter coat on and it's kinda tight.

Just an aside.. you should never have a child in a harness with a "puffy" coat on. We live in upstate NY and I know it's a pain.. but my kids put their coats on after they buckle up. It can make the straps way too loose, and not hold them in an accident.

I'm also surprised that your son has outgrown the seat. My DD was 2.5 when she outgrew the RA and she was very tall and kinda chubby. (OK, she was HUGE but she's slimmed down now. She still fit in it at 40lbs comfortably, but since she had reached the weight limit we took her out.

We have 2 Huskies (older version of the Regent) and I love them. My DD has been in it since she was 2 (but she was 40lbs.. I believe it starts at 30lbs?) and we bought one for DS also. They are 6/9 now and still have plenty of growing room.

 

[tanyaandallie]

I would not put your child in a Regent. A Regent is a seat for big kids and your 2 year old is not big. He is about the size of my almost 3 year old and that is pretty tiny. My son who is the same size is still rf in his Marathon.

If your son is not over the top harness slots, not over the weight limit and his ears are not over the tips of the ears AND without a puffy coat the harness is too tight then there must be something wrong with the seat. I would definitely make sure you do not put him in the seat with a puffy coat. In a crash the coat will compress leaving the straps loose. Loose straps leave room for your child to be ejected from his seat.

If your little in is ff and you want a new seat, I'd get the Nautilus over the Regent. IMO he just would not be as comfy in a Regent. It's a huge seat and will totally swallow a small child. It would last him a long time, but at his size, the Nautilus will keep him harnessed for a very long time as well.

 

[juliana_sd]

There were a few "batches" of Roundabouts that had straps that were too short. Call Britax and they should send you new straps. Even if you have to pay for a new set that's a lot cheaper than a new seat (assuming that your seat isn't expired yet).

 

[all4fun]

There were a few "batches" of Roundabouts that had straps that were too short. Call Britax and they should send you new straps. Even if you have to pay for a new set that's a lot cheaper than a new seat (assuming that your seat isn't expired yet).

That is good to know. It does sound like the RA's straps are just too short. If that is the case, Britax should replace them. This will give the OP some time to decide what to do for the next seat and not feel so rushed about it. With the proper length straps, the RA is a much better fit at his current weight. Also, ditto to he pp's comments about winter coats in car seats. This site here has a simple test you can use to determine if outerwear is too fluffy for the car seat.

hth

 

[LisaNJ25]

We took his Roundabout out of our car and sat him in it and the straps barely close over him. We even tried it without his puffy winter coat on and it's kinda tight.

Right now, he IS facing forward. We faced him forward when he was 1.

When we went to Wal-Mart, they were sold out of the Nautilus, I was surprised! We sat him in the display they had and he fit comfortably.

I think it's between the Nautilus and the Regent. The seat will be in a Cadillac Escalade, so I don't think it will be a problem "fitting" in the vehicle. Our daughter's Regent fits in there just fine, although it was a pain to actually get IN the vehicle.

Thanks for the input!

They dont stay in stock for long at all. You can check online and see if any are in stock and have it shipped to the store for free. I am buying 2 very soon since my toddler at right about 40 pounds. The Nautilus should last them both until they are 8 and out of car seats.

 

[brightvalleyjrts]

I just picked up my nautilus tonight and so far I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!! Both my kids 2 & 5 fit comfortably in it. It was easy to assemble and seems very sturdy. I bought it for my 2 year old b/c his seat expired, But now I want it for my 5 year old as well. He is currently in a Evenflo Generations booster, but it seems flimsy compared to the Nautilus.

Walmart.com has the nautilus in stock and has free site to store shipping.

I highly recommend the Nautilus!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

There were a few "batches" of Roundabouts that had straps that were too short. Call Britax and they should send you new straps. Even if you have to pay for a new set that's a lot cheaper than a new seat (assuming that your seat isn't expired yet).

That is so interesting!

I agree that it makes no sense that your son who is smaller than mine in every way wasn't fitting in his harness, but knowing that there were messed up straps would make it make sense! If you find out that yours was one of them, have fun for another year in the RA!

My guy rearfaced until just before the limit...DH talked me into turning him forward at 1 pound away, b/c he figured that clothes brought him up and that he was going to sprout any moment. DS went almost a year without gaining that pound, the little stinker. Then he stayed at that weight until the other week! Anyway, we've had quite a bit of use out of that RA...he was in it before 4 months when he outgrew his infant seat by height, and now he's approaching 3...zoiks!

Call Britax, get those straps!

 

[jessica52877]

Hi Linda,
I just got Dallas the nautilus about 3 weeks ago and we love it. Dallas is 5, 46 inches tall and weighs right at 40 lbs. We also have the regent and I decided against another for a few reasons. For one when flying he still goes in his carseat and the regent is not FAA approved. Dallas looks so tiny in the regent, so I can only imagine your DS looking lost. I am not against buying a another regent in the future, but for now I felt the nautilus was a better fit and a decent price. The regent is also a big car seat as you know and if we have 3 across in a backseat it is much easier for us to fit next to the Nautilus.

 

[Bethany]

I went to Walmart last night and while I was there the Nautilus caught my eye. I remember reading that it was very hard to find so I ran over to it (even thought I'm not in the market for a seat)... and it looks SO SMALL compared to the Regent (which is what my 5 yo is in). I was considering *maybe* getting the Nautilus for him and putting my 7 yr old in the regent (she is currently in a Britax parkway booster seat, but I'm not comfortable with her in it.. I'd rather she be harnessed).

Anyways.. I think the Nautilus would be a great alternative to the Regent, for a smaller child. I have a 2 yr old who is 27 lbs as well and she's still rear facing in her Marathon. I can't see her in a Regent.. it's so big.

I second (or third?) calling Britax to see about replacement straps first though.

 

[nonzerosum]

We have 2 Britax Marathons and have been very happy. Super safe and worth the extra money IMHO. My 4 1/2 year old is still very comfy in it.