radian, Regent, Safeguard or something else??

[JamminsMom]

I have a 3.5 yr old DS, who is fast outgrowing his carseat. I'm stumped on what to purchase next.

We have two vehicles, a 1999 Honda Accord (not LATCH equipped), and a 2006 Honda CRV (LATCH max is 48#s including child and seat weight).

I want him to remain in a 5 pt harness as long as possible, therefore we're looking at the Sunshine Radian 80, the Britax Regent, and the Safeguard Go... but would be willing to take other seats better suited to our needs under consideration.

DS is just 40" tall, and is 38 pounds, so there isn't much time! His shoulders are still below the shoulder belt in his current seat, so I believe he is still safe in that respect. I have not measured his "sitting height," but will as soon as he gets home from daycare!

I've researched and researched, and now my head is literally spinning!

Safety is foremost, comfort is next. DS still naps in the car and the head slump is bothersome in his current seat and something I'd really like to avoid in his next seat. Looking at the Regent, I often wonder about napping comfort but haven't seen anyone complain about it.

Thanks for any input!

	Britax - Click for more info 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.

	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.

	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.

	LATCH LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It is a system mandated by the Federal government in an effort to standardize and simplify the installation of child restraints without using the vehicle's seat belt system. New vehicles and child safety seats manufactured on and after September 1, 2002 will be equipped with the LATCH system. Cars, minivans, and light trucks will be required to have anchor points between the vehicle's seat cushion and the seat back in at least two rear seating positions, and a top tether anchor (with the exception of convertibles). Child safety seats will have a lower set of attachments that fasten to the vehicle anchors. Most forward-facing child safety seats will also have a top strap (tether) that attaches to the top anchor in the vehicle.

	SafeGuard - Click for more info Indiana Mills and Manufacturing (IMMI) is SafeGuard’s parent company, and has been in the business of developing and manufacturing quality safety systems for every facet of the transportation industry for over 40 years, covering everything from the heavy truck and agricultural industries to child seating. IMMI has a world-renowned reputation for creating and promoting the highest rated safety harnesses and restraint systems available today, from integrated child seats in production vehicles to campaigning for increased use of safety harnesses on public transportation systems. Based in Westfield, Indiana, SafeGuard has been creating and testing essential components used across the child safety seat industry through their state of the art crash testing facilities since 1961. The SafeGuard and SafeGuard Go are IMMI’s first direct foray into the child safety seat market, and the results are simply outstanding. No other car seats or boosters are designed with as much attention to structural integrity, ease of installation, and total child safety. This seat has been subjected to the most thorough and extensive testing “ever conducted in the industry”: virtual prototyping with computer models; rigorous front, side, and rear impact crash testing; and environmental testing in a range of climates and road types.

[MnMadhouse]

As for you saying this (latch max is 48#s including child and seat weight)...that is incorrect. It is up to a child weighing 40lbs...period. Doesn't include the seat weight (the regent is like 30lbs, but can be used to the weight limits of your latch according to your vehicle guidelines)

First, the safeguard go has to have a tether anchor, so that is out for your 99 accord unless you get it retro fitted (part number is 82410-SE3-C01). Plus, there is NO side impact protection AND when he falls asleep, he has nothing to rest against. It will only harness to 65lbs

The Regent is the tallest, highest harnessing weight seat on the market, but you must have a tether anchor for it. I have 2 Regents and absolutely love everything about them, BUT they are HUGE seats. Babies r us has them in stock, so try it out in your vehicle.

The Radian 80 is a convertible seat that will now RF to 35lbs and FF to 65 or 80lbs. They have been known to be incompatiable with a lot of vehicles, so if you have a store near you, try it out.

There is also the Graco Nautilus that will FF to 65lbs, then booster to 100lbs. At walmart for $150--NICE tall harness slots as well..

Rumored that Britax is coming out with the Frontier which will harness to a weight, then booster. Nothing coming from Britax...yet, just rumors.

	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.

	Britax - Click for more info 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.

	Rear Facing Car Seats A rear-facing seat is one in which the infant faces the back of the car. Always install a rear-facing seat in the back seat of your car. This is the safest position for an infant. NEVER place a rear-facing seat in the front seat of a vehicle with passenger airbags.

	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.

	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.

	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.

	Graco - Click for more info 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.

	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.

	LATCH LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. It is a system mandated by the Federal government in an effort to standardize and simplify the installation of child restraints without using the vehicle's seat belt system. New vehicles and child safety seats manufactured on and after September 1, 2002 will be equipped with the LATCH system. Cars, minivans, and light trucks will be required to have anchor points between the vehicle's seat cushion and the seat back in at least two rear seating positions, and a top tether anchor (with the exception of convertibles). Child safety seats will have a lower set of attachments that fasten to the vehicle anchors. Most forward-facing child safety seats will also have a top strap (tether) that attaches to the top anchor in the vehicle.

	SafeGuard - Click for more info Indiana Mills and Manufacturing (IMMI) is SafeGuard’s parent company, and has been in the business of developing and manufacturing quality safety systems for every facet of the transportation industry for over 40 years, covering everything from the heavy truck and agricultural industries to child seating. IMMI has a world-renowned reputation for creating and promoting the highest rated safety harnesses and restraint systems available today, from integrated child seats in production vehicles to campaigning for increased use of safety harnesses on public transportation systems. Based in Westfield, Indiana, SafeGuard has been creating and testing essential components used across the child safety seat industry through their state of the art crash testing facilities since 1961. The SafeGuard and SafeGuard Go are IMMI’s first direct foray into the child safety seat market, and the results are simply outstanding. No other car seats or boosters are designed with as much attention to structural integrity, ease of installation, and total child safety. This seat has been subjected to the most thorough and extensive testing “ever conducted in the industry”: virtual prototyping with computer models; rigorous front, side, and rear impact crash testing; and environmental testing in a range of climates and road types.

	Graco Bravo Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat - Click for more info Graco, an industry leader in juvenile products, knows that your child's safety is of the utmost importance to you. Graco designs its products with your child's safety in mind, while at the same time ensuring that you get optimum value for your money. In both regards, the new Nautilus 3-in-1 MultiUse Car Seat fits the bill perfectly. The Graco Bravo Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat is designed for both versatility and safety, offering right-size comfort and protection as your child grows. Nautilus is a harness seat, a high-back booster and a backless booster. Because it adapts as your child grows, from age 1 to age 10, you can buy one Nautilus instead of a toddler seat, booster seat and backless booster. That's one seat instead of three--a fantastic investment that doesn't compromise on safety. Nautilus is the last car seat you'll ever need to buy! You get three products for the price of one!

[JamminsMom]

Originally Posted by MnMadhouse

As for you saying this (latch max is 48#s including child and seat weight)...that is incorrect. It is up to a child weighing 40lbs...period. Doesn't include the seat weight (the regent is like 30lbs, but can be used to the weight limits of your latch according to your vehicle guidelines)

Yikes! That was a direct quote (48#s max for seat and child) from Honda USA, when I called them... my local dealer had no idea there were limits and even ventured to suggest that there were none. Fortunately I had read here that Honda had some limits, or I'd have had no idea. I checked in my owner's manual, and there was nothing that I could find. Having read some of your posts to other Honda owners, I thought I'd give them a call.

Thanks for setting me straight!

Thanks even more for you recommendations of the Regent. I'm leaning heavily towards it. DH and I have an older daughter who is thinking about starting a family... hence our consideration for the Sunshine Kids Radian... extended use for the grandchildren!

I can't thank you enough for your help!

	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.

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

	Sunshine Kids - Click for more info 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.

	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.

[JamminsMom]

Originally Posted by MnMadhouse

First, the safeguard go has to have a tether anchor, so that is out for your 99 accord unless you get it retro fitted (part number is 82410-SE3-C01). Plus, there is NO side impact protection AND when he falls asleep, he has nothing to rest against. It will only harness to 65lbs

Thanks for the part number too! Appreciate it... above and beyond!

[BookMama CPST]

Just wanted to chime in and say that we've had a Regent since my DS was 5, and he's never had any trouble sleeping in it. He's obviously not big enough to rest his head on the side "wings" of the seat, but he just turns his head to the side a bit and zonks out! He loves the Regent and tells me it's extremely comfortable.

	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.

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

[JamminsMom]

o'kay... got a Regent for the CRV, and we would like one for the Accord; however we'd need to retro fit it for the tether. We called our Honda dealer and they stated they don't know of any such part, they doubt that Honda would stand behind it if there was an accident and the tether failed. Is there something we can show them that would support the fact that they DO have a part for the retro fit?

I'm sure they do have the part. I'm sure that Honda will stand behind it, if it is installed by the right person following the correct procedures, I just don't know how to get them to admit that they do.

	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.

[MnMadhouse]

Here's the deal with that. The entire LATCH system has weight limits. For example, I have a Tahoe. The lower anchors have a weight limit of 48lbs, but the top tether has a weight limit of 40lbs. AS A MOTHER, I choose to ignore the weight limits of the top tether (NEVER EVER EVER IGNORE THE WEIGHT LIMITS OF THE LOWER ANCHORS--in the bight of the seat). My reasoning, is that from studies I have read, NHTSA tests anchors up to 65lbs, with MINIMAL failure stats. I feel that IF the tether anchor does fail, then the largest crash force is likely over and the tether did its job...make sense?

Now, as a tech, I have to go by what your manufacturer says. If they say 40lbs, I have to say, this says 40lbs.

Some manufacturers DO have heavy duty tether anchors that can hold much higher weights. There are usually 2 anchors to support one seat (usually the special needs seats that go past 100lbs).

Just tell them that you want the part and if they say no, contact the main headquarters and tell them what is going on and that you HAVE to have this installed