Carseats

My mom called me today and asked about carseats for my nephews. Now I'm no expert, but I've spent way more time researching carseats than any normal person should. I was just going to e-mail my mom my recommendations, but I decided, "What the heck, I'll post them here in case anyone else is interested." I won't be offended if no one is though.

First off, all carseats have to pass the same standards, so technically they are all equally safe. However; some are easier to use, and have more features. Since my mom asked about seats for my nephews who are 17 and 20 lbs, I'll start with those seats. The "Cadilac" of seats in the convertable catagory is the Britax Marathon. I don't personally own one, but I've talked with probably 50 people who have them and love them. They are supposed to be super easy to install, very comfortable, and all around user friendly. Plus they can be used rear facing up to 33 lbs, and forward facing up to 65 lbs.

Now, if the $260 price tag on that one turns you off, Fisher Price sells a seat that is actually manufactured by Britax and is supposed to be almost the same. Again, I've never actually had one of these, but I've heard great things about them.

There is a new seat in this catagory, that is so amazing its virtually impossible to find. Its made by Graco and at this point is only available at select Walmarts. This carseat has been acclaimed to be better than Britax, and is only a fraction of the cost. As with all forward facing carseats, it should only be used by children who weigh at least 20 lbs and are at least a year old.

Now, if you are looking for a super cheap carseat, there are several in the $50 range. I've heard good things about this Cosco one.

If you are in the market for an infant seat, from what I've found they are all about the same. I would not waste your money on a Britax infant carrier as I've heard they aren't any better than a Graco or Evenflo. If you are asking for my personal opinion, I prefer the Graco Snugride, or the Chicco Key-fit.

If you are wondering about booster seats, you probably don't want my opinion. I don't like them. If you want to know why, do a search on youtube, and many videos will come up. That is why both my kids are in carseats that harness until 80 lbs. Hopefully, we will never need boosters. In case you are wondering, Savannah rides in a Britax Regent and Lincoln rides in a Recaro Como which are both ridiculously huge, but I love them! (If you have the room I recommend the Como over the Marathon because it has a heigher height limit) We also have a SafeGuard Go (which is at Nana's house)

Oh, and if you are in the market for a seat, I highly recommend elite carseats. They have free shipping on carseats, and every time I've ordered from them I've had my seat within 3 business days. They also have return insurance which you can purchase for $2.50 and if you don't like the carseat for any reason you can return in for free (they pay shipping). Also they have EXCELLENT customer service. Click on "live help" on their website, and a professional carseat tech can answer any questions you have.

So, that's my rambling about carseats. Hopefully at least someone was interested.