J.G. asks from Minneapolis, MN on December 23, 2007
Seeking Booster Seat/car Seat (High Weight 5 Pt Harness) Advice
I know that I am not the only one out there with this question...My daughter is just growing out of her car seat (she is about 43 lbs). I would like to keep her in a 5 point harness for as long as possible for safety reasons. The problem I am running into...my car is small (toyota matrix) and can't comfortably house a britax seat that the 5 point harness goes up to 80 lbs. I have had her sit in and try an Alpha Elite Apex by Cosco, but found there was hardly enough room for her now, and it was supposed to last up to 65 lbs! What are other moms doing? Just a straight booster, or are there other brands out there that are not so bulky. Thanks for the help in advance!
More Answers
A.P. answers from Minneapolis on December 25, 2007
I haven't actually seen one yet, other than on-line but we are looking into a Sunshine Kids radian80
Just google that and you should be able to bring up info on it. It looks to me like the best 5-point harness booster on the market.
Good luck!
~A.
L.O. answers from Minneapolis on December 25, 2007
C. answers from Minneapolis on December 24, 2007
J.-
I also have a Toyota Matrix and my son, who is also big for his age, needed a bigger seat. We went with the Graco Air Turbo Booster. I was a little concerned, like you, not having the harness and the car seat style anchors in the car, but he couldn't fit in many of the 5 point harnesses, and the Britax was just too huge for the car. Anyway, I have been pleased with the Graco; it just uses the seat belt, fits well in the back seat of the Matrix, and is really easy for him to get in and out of. It takes a little getting used to after the traditional car seat, but it seems comfortable, and easy to use once you get the hang of it. It is also a breeze to move between cars. You can also use it for awhile...I think the weight cut off is fairly high. Good luck, and I hope this helps!
B.H. answers from Minneapolis on January 02, 2008
I have a ford focus hatchback 2door car. Pretty small...
I fit the Britax Regent in my backseat just fine actually fits better than the Marathon does. It does take up one whole seat and some of the middle seat so if you need other passengers back there it is wide. I have a only child though so not a problem for me.
The Sunshine Kids Radian 80 is also a great option and not as wide. I have seen a family with sextuplets use that seat in a van and everyone fits.
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