Car Seat - Which??

[abemom2]

Bottom Line: Which Convertible car seat that is good, easy install, is permitted in Canada? My ds is 8 months, 15 lbs., and 26" I need a new car seat asap.

Thank you.

	Convertible Car Seats Convertible seats are for infants and toddlers. The seat can be used as a rear-facing seats for younger children, and switched to a forward-facing seat on the child's first birthday if the child weighs at least 20 pounds. However, experts recommend keeping the child in a rear-facing position until he or she outgrows the weight or height allowed by the safety seat. Ready to buy a Convertible car seat? Please support our sponsor!

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[scatterbunny]

Good convertibles that harness to 40 pounds (but will usually be outgrown sooner by height--shoulders over top slots) are the Cosco Scenera, Touriva and Regal Ride and the Safety 1st Enspira.

Those ones are all made by Dorel, the maker of the 3-in-1 seats. DO NOT get a 3-in-1. You are paying way too much for a seat that won't be the last harnessed seat you'll need, and won't be the last booster you'll need. The Scenera, Touriva, Regal Ride and Enspira give you all the same benefits of the 3-in-1 and none of the downfalls, for a cheaper price.

Of those, the Enspira is the most padded and has the tallest top slots.

Most kids will get too tall for those before 40 pounds, so when that happens you can go with a good combo seat like the Evenflo Bolero or Generations, it has tall top slots and harnesses to 47 pounds then converts to a good booster seat. But by the time you need a seat like this there will probably be something newer and better on the market.

If you can, I'd try to go with a Sunshine Kids Radian or Britax Marathon. Those will eliminate the need for another harnessed seat later because they have top slots as tall as the COMBO seats, and 48 pound weight limits.

	Britax car seats Britax International has been producing reliable child safety products for over 30 years. Not only does Britax have decades of experience creating car seats and other children's safety equipment, Britax has a long standing reputation as an industry leader and innovator. Britax International is headquartered in the United Kingdom, but Britax car seats are designed and manufactured at facilities in Germany, Austria, and the United States. In the summer of 2002, Britax strengthened their commitment to creating the safest car seats with the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art crash testing facility in North Carolina. Britax car seats have a reputation around the world for being some of the safest, most reliable, and best designed child safety seats ever made. Ready to buy a Britax seat? Please support our sponsor!

	Convertible Car Seats Convertible seats are for infants and toddlers. The seat can be used as a rear-facing seats for younger children, and switched to a forward-facing seat on the child's first birthday if the child weighs at least 20 pounds. However, experts recommend keeping the child in a rear-facing position until he or she outgrows the weight or height allowed by the safety seat. Ready to buy a Convertible car seat? Please support our sponsor!

	Booster Seat A booster seat raises your child up so that the car's lap and shoulder belts fit correctly. The lap belt should fall across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should go across the middle of the shoulder and chest. A booster seat is used for older children up to about 80 pounds. Some states have passed laws requiring booster seats for children up to age 8 or 80 pounds. Check your state's law. Ready to buy a Booster Seat? Please support our sponsor!

	Britax Marathon - Click for more info Increasing the time a child can safely stay in their convertible car seat is a big issue and Britax engineers have come through in a big way with the introduction of the Britax Marathon with LATCH. A LATCH Compatible Convertible Child Seat, the Britax Marathon can be used rear facing 5 to 33 pounds and forward facing from 20 to 65 pounds. Compare the numbers and you will see it is hard to find a seat with these weight limits that is safe and functional. Ready to buy a Britax Marathon? Please support our sponsor!

	Sunshine Kids car seats Makers of a number of accessories geared towards making parents lives easier, Sunshine Kids has recently embarked in a new direction. In 2005 they unveiled their first car seat, the Radian. Their years of experience working in children's products focusued on child comfort and parent convenience shine through in this unique convertible car seat. The Radian is packed with safety features and is the first ever folding convertible car seat appealing to parents who car pool or travel often. Ready to buy a Sunshine Kids car seat? Please support our sponsor!

	Sunshine Kids Radian 80 or 65 - Click for more info If "the Sunshine Kid's Radian 80 convertible car seat is (probably) the only car seat you will ever need," the "probably" part of this statement comes into play when you directly compare the Radian 80 with the Britax Regent. While the Radian 80 has a very high weight capacity, the seat width is only 10" vs. the Regent's 14" seat. The Britax Regent may be a bit wider, but it is very bulky, is only forward facing, and does not fold like the Radian 80. Because the Radian 80 is so narrow, you can potentially put three of them side by side in the back seat. Three Regents side by side? Impossible.

[Jewels]

If you can, I'd try to go with a Sunshine Kids Radian or Britax Marathon. Those will eliminate the need for another harnessed seat later because they have top slots as tall as the COMBO seats, and 48 pound weight limits.

I ditto this. I had a Graco comfortsport and my ds outgrew it by 2 because of the low top harness height. I ended up with a Marathon because it was the heighest harnessed seat at the time (since then the Radian has come out, can be found at Canadian Tire for $199). So I would get a seat with a higher harness slot that can be used both rearfacing and forward facing
I am hoping that ds will fit the seat pretty much until it expires (6 years; maybe not quite since he is already 2 when I got it but it will get passed down). So if I can get 6 years use out of one seat then I feel I will have gotten my monies worth!

Your infant seat is outgrown when your dd hits 20lbs or has less then 1" of hard shell above her head. You should check because she may have a little more room in her seat and it may buy you some time to look for a new seat.

	Forward Facing Car Seats A forward-facing car seat is one in which the child sits facing the front of the car. The seat should be installed in the back seat of your vehicle. Most forward-facing only seats are for children above 20 pounds.

	Infant Car Seats Infant-only rear-facing seats are for babies up to about 22 to 30 pounds, depending on the specific car seat. You will need a new seat when your child gets bigger. Infant-only seats have handles that allow you to move the seat from the car to the house or other locations. Some have a base that you can leave installed in the car, so you can just click the car seat into place each time you use it. Ready to buy an infant car seat? Please support our sponsor!

	Britax Marathon - Click for more info Increasing the time a child can safely stay in their convertible car seat is a big issue and Britax engineers have come through in a big way with the introduction of the Britax Marathon with LATCH. A LATCH Compatible Convertible Child Seat, the Britax Marathon can be used rear facing 5 to 33 pounds and forward facing from 20 to 65 pounds. Compare the numbers and you will see it is hard to find a seat with these weight limits that is safe and functional. Ready to buy a Britax Marathon? Please support our sponsor!

	Graco car seats Graco is one of the world's best known and most trusted juvenile products companies. They started the entire juvenile products industry with an invention called the Graco Swyngomatic. Since then they have invented products that have changed the way that parents travel with their children such as the travel system, which has made it so parents can lock an infant car seat into a stroller easily, without waking their sleeping baby. Their Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat is pretty much synonymous with the term “infant car seat” because of its safety and design features coupled with its affordability. Today Graco continues designing and developing top-quality products that inspire parents and keeps children safe. Check out the new Infant Safe Seat Step 1 and Toddler Safe Seat Step 2 for proof of Graco’s continued commitment to child safety. Ready to buy a Graco car seat? Please support our sponsor!

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	Graco ComfortSport - Click for more info The Graco ComfortSport is a well-priced convertible child car seat, with all the key features you'd expect, including a 5-point easy-to-adjust harness, a two-piece harness tie (chest and crotch), washable fabric, and a indicator that lets you know if you've installed the seat safely level. Various "soft goods" options are available in the different models, ranging from no extra soft goods (Prague) to the Metropolitan's detachable head support, harness covers, and toddler pillow. Ready to buy a Graco ComfortSport? Please support our sponsor!

	Sunshine Kids Radian 80 or 65 - Click for more info If "the Sunshine Kid's Radian 80 convertible car seat is (probably) the only car seat you will ever need," the "probably" part of this statement comes into play when you directly compare the Radian 80 with the Britax Regent. While the Radian 80 has a very high weight capacity, the seat width is only 10" vs. the Regent's 14" seat. The Britax Regent may be a bit wider, but it is very bulky, is only forward facing, and does not fold like the Radian 80. Because the Radian 80 is so narrow, you can potentially put three of them side by side in the back seat. Three Regents side by side? Impossible.

[abemom2]

Thank you. I was leaning towards the Radian, but I hear that the 80- with all the inserts will be available in Canada soon. Is this correct? Also would anyone know of a CST in Montreal?
Thank you

	Sunshine Kids Radian 80 or 65 - Click for more info If "the Sunshine Kid's Radian 80 convertible car seat is (probably) the only car seat you will ever need," the "probably" part of this statement comes into play when you directly compare the Radian 80 with the Britax Regent. While the Radian 80 has a very high weight capacity, the seat width is only 10" vs. the Regent's 14" seat. The Britax Regent may be a bit wider, but it is very bulky, is only forward facing, and does not fold like the Radian 80. Because the Radian 80 is so narrow, you can potentially put three of them side by side in the back seat. Three Regents side by side? Impossible.

[scatterbunny]

The Radian 80 is identical to the Radian 65 with more padding. It has the same height top slots, so kids will outgrow it by height at the same time, when shoulders go over top slots. The extra 15 pounds will not benefit the fast majority of kids. Most kids outgrow a Radian at 50-60 pounds because they get too tall. Some may make it to 65 pounds, but I highly doubt a child will make it anywhere close to 80 pounds.

Sunshine Kids just got such good testing results with the 65 pound weight limit that they decided to re-test it with the 80 pound dummy, and it passed testing. That means the seat can restrain 80 pounds of weight; it doesn't mean an 80 pound child will actually fit in the seat.

	Sunshine Kids car seats Makers of a number of accessories geared towards making parents lives easier, Sunshine Kids has recently embarked in a new direction. In 2005 they unveiled their first car seat, the Radian. Their years of experience working in children's products focusued on child comfort and parent convenience shine through in this unique convertible car seat. The Radian is packed with safety features and is the first ever folding convertible car seat appealing to parents who car pool or travel often. Ready to buy a Sunshine Kids car seat? Please support our sponsor!

	Sunshine Kids Radian 80 or 65 - Click for more info If "the Sunshine Kid's Radian 80 convertible car seat is (probably) the only car seat you will ever need," the "probably" part of this statement comes into play when you directly compare the Radian 80 with the Britax Regent. While the Radian 80 has a very high weight capacity, the seat width is only 10" vs. the Regent's 14" seat. The Britax Regent may be a bit wider, but it is very bulky, is only forward facing, and does not fold like the Radian 80. Because the Radian 80 is so narrow, you can potentially put three of them side by side in the back seat. Three Regents side by side? Impossible.

[Jewels]

Personally I would go with the Radian65, because I don't think that the weight limit will be any higher on the Radian80. If the weight limit on the seats go up to 65lbs (they are supposed too) then I think that will be the highest limit they will allow! So pretty much the Radian80 in Canada will just have extra padding for infants!

Also here is a link for car seat checks. I didn't see Montreal in the list, but you could contact them and ask them about it. Here is another link that might help.

[canadianmom2three]

Got some iinfo on the arrival of the Radian 80, or Radian Premier as it will be called in Canada. It is expected within a week in the GTA, later in smaller cities that choose to carry. From what I understand CT will not carry, but I could be off on that. The kicker is that it will retail for around $270 which is a very very lot to pay for cushy fabric and pillows if you are going to follow the letter of the Canadian law. I almost considered it when I heard that Radian has ammended the manual to allow the use of the seat past the top slot until the ears reach the top of the seatback, but for my DD aged 7, that really didn't offer enough extra room to make it financially feasable, especially since she is such a diligent booster rider. I am happy that it will let my DS get more use out of the Radian 65 though. See pics for an idea of the Radian harness heights at 4.5 yo (lots of room left - one more slot to go up to) and 7 yo (no room left - top slot)
http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t...dianmom2three/

	Booster Seat A booster seat raises your child up so that the car's lap and shoulder belts fit correctly. The lap belt should fall across the upper thighs. The shoulder belt should go across the middle of the shoulder and chest. A booster seat is used for older children up to about 80 pounds. Some states have passed laws requiring booster seats for children up to age 8 or 80 pounds. Check your state's law. Ready to buy a Booster Seat? Please support our sponsor!

	Forum Speak DD: Dear Daughter DS: Dear Son DH: Dear Husband DW: Dear Wife SO: Significant Other BF: Boyfriend GF: Girlfriend

	Sunshine Kids Radian 80 or 65 - Click for more info If "the Sunshine Kid's Radian 80 convertible car seat is (probably) the only car seat you will ever need," the "probably" part of this statement comes into play when you directly compare the Radian 80 with the Britax Regent. While the Radian 80 has a very high weight capacity, the seat width is only 10" vs. the Regent's 14" seat. The Britax Regent may be a bit wider, but it is very bulky, is only forward facing, and does not fold like the Radian 80. Because the Radian 80 is so narrow, you can potentially put three of them side by side in the back seat. Three Regents side by side? Impossible.

[abemom2]

Thanks for everyone's help. Neither the weight or height bother me. My ds at 26 months is 32", and 19 lbs. My kids are small, and short. My question on the 80 is the padding. For my ds 8 months, and 26" he needs a new car seat and the Radian 65 doesn't have any support for a young child. I would need to buy an insert anyway to support his head. This is why I'm considering the 80. Where can I find information on a Canadian site regarding the Premier? And how can I find out who is going to be selling it?

Thank you.

	Forum Speak DD: Dear Daughter DS: Dear Son DH: Dear Husband DW: Dear Wife SO: Significant Other BF: Boyfriend GF: Girlfriend

	Sunshine Kids Radian 80 or 65 - Click for more info If "the Sunshine Kid's Radian 80 convertible car seat is (probably) the only car seat you will ever need," the "probably" part of this statement comes into play when you directly compare the Radian 80 with the Britax Regent. While the Radian 80 has a very high weight capacity, the seat width is only 10" vs. the Regent's 14" seat. The Britax Regent may be a bit wider, but it is very bulky, is only forward facing, and does not fold like the Radian 80. Because the Radian 80 is so narrow, you can potentially put three of them side by side in the back seat. Three Regents side by side? Impossible.

[Kranberry]

Was looking at car seats and at first I was leaning towards the Britax Marathon, just because I want to keep him in a 5 point harness for as long as possible (48lbs). I wish I could just get the Britax Regent, but it isn't available here yet and with laws I know it isn't the same up here in Canada.

I did see the Regent Premier as someone mentioned and it was going for $269 as said above, and the Marathon for $299. Is it really worth the extra money for one of these? Not that I'm cheap, but I don't want to throw money away. If it is safer and better, I don't mind spending the money to get one of the others mentioned above.

	Britax car seats Britax International has been producing reliable child safety products for over 30 years. Not only does Britax have decades of experience creating car seats and other children's safety equipment, Britax has a long standing reputation as an industry leader and innovator. Britax International is headquartered in the United Kingdom, but Britax car seats are designed and manufactured at facilities in Germany, Austria, and the United States. In the summer of 2002, Britax strengthened their commitment to creating the safest car seats with the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art crash testing facility in North Carolina. Britax car seats have a reputation around the world for being some of the safest, most reliable, and best designed child safety seats ever made. Ready to buy a Britax seat? Please support our sponsor!

	Britax Marathon - Click for more info Increasing the time a child can safely stay in their convertible car seat is a big issue and Britax engineers have come through in a big way with the introduction of the Britax Marathon with LATCH. A LATCH Compatible Convertible Child Seat, the Britax Marathon can be used rear facing 5 to 33 pounds and forward facing from 20 to 65 pounds. Compare the numbers and you will see it is hard to find a seat with these weight limits that is safe and functional. Ready to buy a Britax Marathon? Please support our sponsor!

	Britax Regent - Click for more info The Britax Regent is the safe way to carry your older and larger passengers, all the way up to 80 lbs. Known as the "king of all car seats," the Britax Regent will accomodate your little king or queen for far longer than traditional car seats or booster seats. The Regent features a large roto-molded shell, comfy extra-thick comfort foam, washable covers, Patented Versa-Tether™, flexible buckle LATCH system, patented HUGS™ system, and tangle-free polyester 5-point harness. Ready to buy a Britax Regent? Please support our sponsor!

[skaterbabscpst]

The Regent Premier is not a great deal, form a money standpoint. The harness slots are exactly the same as the 60, which most kids will outgrow before actually reaching 60 lbs. The R60, however, is a very good deal, assuming it fits your vehicle.

	Britax Regent - Click for more info The Britax Regent is the safe way to carry your older and larger passengers, all the way up to 80 lbs. Known as the "king of all car seats," the Britax Regent will accomodate your little king or queen for far longer than traditional car seats or booster seats. The Regent features a large roto-molded shell, comfy extra-thick comfort foam, washable covers, Patented Versa-Tether™, flexible buckle LATCH system, patented HUGS™ system, and tangle-free polyester 5-point harness. Ready to buy a Britax Regent? Please support our sponsor!