Dilemma, Dilemma

[canuckhead]

Hello all. Well, after reading all the posts this past summer, I purchased a Sunshine Radian for my dd (6 years old). I really like it. My dilemma now is:

My ds is now 3 and almost out of his 40 lb carseat. Do I purchase another Radian for him, or move dd out of her carseat and into a booster. She weighs 48 lbs, 46" tall. What is the height limit for Radian. Is she close? Would a booster be okay for her?

He is about 38 pounds.

Thanks so much
Cheryl

[snowbird25ca]

Hello all. Well, after reading all the posts this past summer, I purchased a Sunshine Radian for my dd (6 years old). I really like it. My dilemma now is:

My ds is now 3 and almost out of his 40 lb carseat. Do I purchase another Radian for him, or move dd out of her carseat and into a booster. She weighs 48 lbs, 46" tall. What is the height limit for Radian. Is she close? Would a booster be okay for her?

He is about 38 pounds.

Thanks so much
Cheryl

Where are your dd's shoulders in relation to the top slots of the Radian, and are her ears contained within the seat shell? The height limit is 51" on the Radian, and provided the ears are still within the seat shell, the Radian does allow continued use of the seat above the top slots, but there is some disagreement amongst techs if it increases the risks of spinal compression at all.

How is your dd maturity wise? Do you think that she would sit properly in a booster the whole trip every trip?

How quickly is your ds gaining weight and where are his shoulders in relation to the top slots? Also, what seat is he in right now? The 3in1 seats are deceiving when it comes to the top usable harness height. See this post for more info if he's in an alpha omega or eddie bauer or similar seat: http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=39120

If your dd is mature, I'd likely trial her in a booster once your ds gains another lb or so. But it really depends on the answers to the above questions... your ds may get another 6 mos in his current seat, and that extra 6mos may make the decision as to if you should move your dd to a booster a bit easier.

The other thing I'd ask, is what is your instinct? You know your dd best, and also likely have your own thoughts on the topic. ;) If you don't feel she's ready for a booster, then it really doesn't matter if she's big enough, old enough, and mature enough... if you don't feel it's time, then it's probably not. If you can eek another 6mos though, there's likely to be another option out for a combination seat that will have tall top harness slots as well as harness to 65lbs, then convert to a booster with a good tall back so as to get kids to the point they pass the 5 step test.

What kind of vehicle do you drive? The other option if you need a new seat right away, would be to buy an apex - it's a combo seat with relatively high top slots.. a bit lower than the radian, but not much... has a 65lb weight limit then converts to a booster... so you could put your ds in it for now, then when your dd is ready for the booster you could switch seats. The only caveat to this suggestion is that when using the apex, there always has to be support from the vehicle seat or vehicle headrest behind the child's head. Once the mid-point of a child's ears go over top of the vehicle support, then the seat can't be used in that vehicle anymore. If your vehicle has headrests, then you shouldn't have a problem.. the apex runs around $180 at TRU, although goes on sale for $150. So this option would save you about $100 if it would work with your vehicle...