I'm having a difficult time deciding between the Maxi Cosi Mico AP and the Chicco Keyfit 30 carseats. Size is an issue for the seat as we need something on the smaller side due to this being the 3rd carseat in the back seat of our Mazda Tribute. I also understand the Maxi Cosi seat only goes to 22 lbs but we typically switch our littles out of infant seats as soon as they sit up or shortly thereafter. Thoughts?
We currently have a Britax Frontier 85 and a Graco high back booster in our back seat. We will have to get a slimmer carseat for our 3 year old that is currently in the Britax because it is too wide. Will most likely have to get a Radian because she is too short for a Graco high back booster.
I was very happy with the Keyfit 30. I gave it to my sister and she has used it through 2 more children (started on #2 this month). I used the bucket seat til DD outgrew it. If you don't use buckets very long, why not a convertible RF from the start? The Marathon can hold a 5lb baby. The Keyfit 30 can also be used without a base, if you need to.
I didn't get the Maxi Cosi infant seat, but I love my Maxi Cosi Pria. It does have an insert for infants, but you take away the ability to leave your baby in the car seat while out and about. All my kids were out of their infant seats by 22 lbs. I couldn't carry them when they got too heavy and they didn't want to stay in the infant seats once they could sit up anyway, so I wouldn't worry about the weight. I would go Maxi Cosi as I'm very happy with the Pria. Also, the Maxi Cosi cleans so easily.
I think a Radian for the 3-year-old would be a good choice with your 3 in a row. Either infant seat actually. Both have good points. Try it out at the store if you can?
Never used an infant seat past 22 lbs...and we used them until after 1 year old (as long as they still fit by height). They must assume babies are all fat or something!
I am not a fan of the 30 lb infant seats. I can't fathom who is strong enough to want to carry that thing around plus the 30 lb infant. I had the maxi cosi and liked it. I picked it because it was the lightest seat available at the time.
