headrest necessary for a Cosco 65 lb seat?

[Chex]

I'm trying to help a friend decide on a HWH seat. She doesn't want to spend much $. I'm trying to convince her to get a Nautilus, but the Cosco Apex (that's the same as the Alpha Elite, right?) is cheaper. These require a headrest behind them at all times, right?

Thanks!

-Ann

ps What are all the names for that seat? It seems like there are 3 or 4 names for the same seat.

[Judi]

The Apex, and any other Cosco/Safety 1st booster has to have a vehicle head rest behind the car seat head rest.

[joolsplus3]

Yeah. And Yeah, they went really, really overboard with all the names :p

[Defrost]

I don't remember all the names, either, but also be sure to point out that her extra $50 for a GN will get her considerably more use. It has much higher top slots. I'm not sure if it lasts longer as a high-back booster, but the GN also converts to a backless booster; the Apex doesn't.

So, if she goes for the Apex now, she'll still wind up buying something else later on. Or she can spend a bit more now, not have to worry about vehicle head support, and not have to buy another booster later on. Be sure she understands that she's spending more because she's GETTING more! I know when people are trying to be thrifty they often overlook the long-term benefits, and just assume that something is more expensive simply because it has "bells and whistles," and not because it's actually a better value.

[crunchierthanthou]

I don't remember all the names, either, but also be sure to point out that her extra $50 for a GN will get her considerably more use. It has much higher top slots. I'm not sure if it lasts longer as a high-back booster, but the GN also converts to a backless booster; the Apex doesn't.

I agree, and it's only a $50 difference if you find a great deal on the Apex. If you pick it up at TRU it's only going to be about a $20 savings. Albeebaby doesn't even carry the Safety 1st one anymore. The GN is a much better deal in the long run. It's narrower, doesn't need a headrest, has taller top slots and can be a backless booster eventually. Does anyone know how the top booster postions compare? I'm guessing it's not even close.