New purchase--recommendation?

[Unregistered]

Hey gang! It's been a while, but thank you so much for your advice and assistance in my last carseat purchase!! We settled on 2 Marathons and the Decathalon (we have triplets)--all which fit comfortably in my Expedition! WHOO--pricey though! heehee

My mother wants to purchase ONE carseat for her car, but can't afford a Britax. What would you recommend? I was hoping to stay under $150, if not cheaper. From what I recall, many of you suggested the FPSV and Triumph. What about the Eddie Bauer convertible? Good reviews on the new Graco? Thanks ahead of time for you help--my life has been FAR TOOOOO chaotic lately, and I just do not have the time to research like I did before. I barely have time to breathe!!!!!!

Amber

[skaterbabscpst]

I wouldn't recommend a Graco convertible or one of the 3 in ones. The newest Graco seat is forward facing-only, so depending on the size/age of your children may not be appropriate.

[Patriot201]

How old are the kids who will use your mom's seat?

If they are age three or under, I would get an EFTA. I am not a fan of the EFTA, but others love it. It would also probably be the easiest for your mom to adjust for different kids. :)

[Unregistered]

Sorry--they are now 17 months! We just went to forward facing in our Britax carseats! Yippie! LOL

Anyway--I know my mother is buying just one seat, so she can take them one at a time (to fit in her Tahoe). Of course, I know that all carseats have to pass certain tests, etc--I did hours of research before my purchase a year ago, but have forgotten what all I found out! I remember that the Evenflo (is that what you are labeling as the EFTA?) had high ratings, but I made my purchase based on the fact that I was going to have 3 lined across the seat, and I wanted them to get as much use out of them as I could. You have so much more to choose from when you aren't 'as' picky! My only criteria for this one is safety! LOL

Thanks for the advice, I truly appreciate it!!

Amber

[skaterbabscpst]

How much do your babies weigh? Your Britax seats rear face to 33 lbs.

Turning forward facing is not a milestone to be celebrated - especially for children under two. They're significantly more likely to suffer severe injuries forward facing.

[myliljunebugs]

I'm assuming they just hit 20lbs? If so I would personally turn them back rearfacing. They are statistically much safer (thus why my dd just turned FF). An EFTA (Evenflo Triumph ADVANCED) would be a great seat for a budget, you can see a picture of my dd in it in my siggy. The one I have is about $150, but at Walmart they have the same seat different cover for $125. It is great because the harness is slid up and down which is good for 3 different kids sharing it. Even if they are the same age, they more than likely won't always have the same torso height. It RF to 35lbs also. :)

[PixieEMT]

Amber- Please watch this video.........Forward Facing is not a milestone in your triplets' lives. Every advancement in child passenger safety is actually a demotion in their safety.

1 and 20lbs is the MINIMUM requirements for rear facing. For MAXIMUM safety all children should ride rear facing until they reach the rear facing limits of their safety seat. Most seats can RF until 33lb or 35lbs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2DVfqFhseo

Hope this helps! Sara