Convertible Car Seat

I had NEVER considered this before I was in your shoes last month, but please look at the Evenflo Triumph Advance Deluxe:

http://www.evenflo.com/Homepage/ProductList/tabid/203/nav...

We had to get a convertible seat for our 6-month-old son and I had heard all the wonderful things about Britax too, but in doing research (Consumer Reports and TONS of parent reviews on Babies R Us, Target, etc.) I found that many parents liked this one just as much as the Britax and for about half the price. Also, looking at them at the store side by side, they really feel about the same. I even think the Evenflo feels more comfortable. He's been in it for about 3 weeks now and is so much more comfortable than he was in his infant seat. You're right about missing the fact that you can't carry him in the other seat - I also miss the umbrella-type sun shade on the infant seat and using our stroller that we could drop the infant seat into, but the trade-off is definitely worth it. Highlights of this seat are the comfort, the very easy "adjustment dial," the better view it offers our son and most of all the excellent safety rating from Consumer Reports (better than Britax.)

Good luck shopping - I really hope you check out this seat!!! We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!

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Just have to Second the Evenflo Triumph. My 3.5 year is still using hers in my husbands car. I purchased it after hearing great reviews from EMT's and paramedics in my family. They told me that it was the one seat that they saw over and over again in accidents, be fine. Plus great reviews on numerous websites!
Stace

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Britax is really expensive, but a great seat. We went for a middle of the road priced seat... Evenflo Triumph DXL. It got great reviews on car seat safety sites, and it's more affordable. Ours goes from 5-25 lbs rear-facing and up to 50 lbs forward facing. It has extra infant support pillows that are removable, a cup holder, the padding is removable for washing, the harness is fully adjustable with a tightening knob, and it has 2 strap positions so you can adjust as your child grows.

Some sites I used to decide on a seat:
http://www.car-safety.org/
http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm
http://www.carseat.org/

One more tip.... Don't forget to account for the size of your vehicle! Some of the convertibles are HUGE. If you have a van or SUV you won't have a problem... but if you have a 4-door car, check to make sure it fits first!

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Something I read in comsumer reports was very helpful to me in choosing a carseat that was safe but still in our budget. It reported that while some carseats may rate slightly higher, any of them on the market are very safe because in order to be sold in this country they must meet rigorous safety standards. That made me feel better about buying an evenflo brand carseat which we have been very happy with and didn't break the bank for us (diapers and formula are expensive enough!). If you have the money for the expensive one by all means go for it, but if you don't-don't feel bad because they are all very safe. Hope this is helpful and good luck! p.s. One other note-I bought a used carseat as an extra one for my parents and then learned afterwards that they can not be used if ever in a car wreck so if you use any used carseats make sure they have not been in an accident and that you can check for recalls.

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Our son is very tall for his age. I had to purchase a convertible before 6 months as well. After searching all reviews we chose: Evenflo Triumph Advance Deluxe.

Positive features:
1. Adjustable straps
It is a little more difficult to do with the seat rear facing (not impossible) but the car seat has knobs on the sides to make the straps loose or tight. Comes in very handy when it is cold and they are wearing a coat or thicker clothing.
2. Very Cushy and comfy
3. Safe
We were in a car accident (rear-ended by another car going 50-60 mph) and my son did not budge in the car seat... he was fine! of course... insurance co. bought us anohter one!)
4. It is rounder and sits more like an infant seat than a toddler seat when rear facing. It does recline back.
5. It is a lot cheaper than the Britax and it has good reviews.

Negitive features:
1. The only real negative feature we can find it it's size. It is a little wider than some others I've seen. This didn't bother us because we drive a Yukon SUV. If you have a smaller car.. it may be a concern.
2. In the reviews... some people complained about the straps becoming tangled. We have NEVER had that problem... but, we use strap covers that wrap around the straps. They help protect the baby's face from rubbing the straps... but they also keep them from tangling.

Over all we love the car-seat and so does our son! :) I think we paid around $150 for it a year ago. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful