CT Radian

[featherhead]

I posted a while back (actually a few times:)) about my nephew. Basically he lives with his grandparents (my ILs). He is 3 and 4 months, 31 lbs, 38 inches tall. Grandpa takes him in his truck with a lbb and with the shoulder belt behind his back. They will not get him a seat, they don't think it's their responsibility. They know it's illegal. My SIL (his mom) won't get him a different seat, she rarely has a job, is on welfare, and she thinks he's good in the lbb. Grandpa (FIL) is paying us $150 to take care of our nephew for a week while they are on holidays. We want to use the money for a seat. So... I think I found the right seat. I went to our Canadian Tire today, and the Radian is $129 on clearance. It is, of course, the 48 lb model, and it is not short-strapped. The DOM is 12/06, so only 1 1/2 years gone. It would last my nephew until he is big enough for the booster (even though I'd prefer him harnessed longer, and in a hbb) and then I'm pretty sure they would give the seat back to us, so we could use it for future kids. What do you guys think of this? Is it a good plan?

[QuassEE]

I'd love to say YES, it's a great idea...and although it is, the problem is this: chances are, they're not going to use it properly. I find that with most parents, it's not just a matter of spending the money on a seat but rather a matter of the LBB being quick and EASY... If that's the case, then buying them a Radian probably won't do a darn bit of good.

Obviously I can't suggest that a good, supportive, easy to use HBB would be a better option, since it's not a legal option even *if* the child can sit properly in one...but I'd seriously question whether or not you believe they'll use the harnessed seat properly before you spend money on it.. It's a great deal, for a great seat--but even the best seat cannot protect a child when it's used improperly...

I really hate to be a downer, but I don't want you to spend the money and then end up disappointed when things don't work out. I would buy the seat in an instant, but knowing that there may be disappointment to come. Just be prepared for it.

-Nicole.

[featherhead]

I think they would be ok with using it properly. I've watched my FIL install my nephew's old Scenera, and he does a pretty good job. He's not very careful about not twisting straps, but the Radian has nice thick, non-twisty straps. He does get a nice tight install. Also, if I put the seat in his truck once, he will not likely take it out. And if I tighten up the straps, he usually leaves them. He is lazy, and cheap, but he does want his grandson safe.

[QuassEE]

Well, go get the darn thing before someone else snaps it up then :)

-N.

[hipmaman]

Well, go get the darn thing before someone else snaps it up then :)

-N.

:yeahthat: :)

[Caseylaine]

I agree, if you think your FIL will use it right then I would just get it. Better safe than sorry. Especially with him being under 40lbs. He's still pretty small (weight wise). $129 is a small price to pay for safety.

[April]

Yep, I'd go grab it, even though I hate to give CT my money after the whole fiasco. But in this case, its worth it.

[PEIMommyof2]

I agree, go grab it before it's gone:D
The seat is easy to use once installed and as you said the straps are a nice quality so no twisting:thumbsup:

[featherhead]

I bought the Radian this morning! Thanks for your help, I just needed someone else to tell me it was a good deal, and that I was doing the right thing.