NEW AOE w/pictures!!

[firemomof3]

I went to BRU today and played with the new aol & I have to say, I like it! It came in 3 different patterns & I love the girly pattern! It does have 17.5" top harness slots & the harness adjustor was simple & quick. My 5y/o who is 47" tall & 45lbs. fit nicely with room to spare. It has great leg support & the seat isn't too heavy (like the EFTA) It does have high bottom slots (10.5") so i don't think it would work well for a newborn :(
Of course I completly forgot to check how it would be as a booster :doh:
My 2.5y/o who is 35" tall & 25lbs. fit perfectly rf and she had 6" of shell left above her head!! It was in the recline mode but I think you can install it rf without the recline mode (techs??)
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg303/firemomof3_photo/AOL/AOE001.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg303/firemomof3_photo/AOL/AOE002.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg303/firemomof3_photo/AOL/AOE003.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg303/firemomof3_photo/AOL/AOE004.jpg
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg303/firemomof3_photo/AOL/AOE005.jpg

[HEVY]

I like those harness straps.

[cpsaddict]

How much was it? I am thinking it might be better than previous models as a booster. The headrest looks to be shaped differently. Also, they didn't use the super nice straps they have on the Luxe versions of the AOE. Bummer. I do like the pattern though.

[firemomof3]

I think it was $169

[crunchierthanthou]

did they change the name with the redesign? I thought the BRU website (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3091043) still called it AOE.

[sunnymw]

I like the strap covers too :) That seat thing is too cool, our stores don't have anything like that!!

[firemomof3]

did they change the name with the redesign? I thought the BRU website (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3091043) still called it AOE.

OOpps, I put AOL instead of AOE, lack of sleep & too much coffee!

[BookMama]

Still not my favorite seat, but I think they're going to sell a LOT of 'em. At least now we don't have to worry about the unusable top slot, or parents who keep their kids in them until 50 lbs. (There will still be those who keep them in after 50 lbs, I'm sure, :rolleyes: but still.)

[hipmaman]

OOpps, I put AOL instead of AOE, lack of sleep & too much coffee!

I made the correction for you :)

[firemomof3]

I made the correction for you :)

Thank you :)

[TerisBoys]

Looks nice!

I'm trying to decide if I like the strap covers or not - were they grippy at all on the back?

[Brycen'sMommy]

That looks really nice. I love the girly pattern too. I don't know if I would pay $169 for it but I know a lot of parents who would.

Hopefully we'll be seeing the lower priced versions soon too. It seems that Dorel frequently changes the cover options and when they do that they ship the old ones off to Big Lots, Albee Baby, etc. and sell them for around $80-$100. So when that starts happening it will be a pretty decent HWH seat at an awesome price.

[Mama!]

So the top USEABLE with harness slot is 17.5? How does that compare to MA and others?

[joolsplus3]

So the top USEABLE with harness slot is 17.5? How does that compare to MA and others?

About half an inch taller (or shorter than the few people who are lucky enough to get 18 on their Radians, lol) than the RN/MA/EFTA/TF, I think.

[serabi]

So the top USEABLE with harness slot is 17.5? How does that compare to MA and others?

Marathon is 16.75" on the top harness slot.

[firemomof3]

Ya, the new AOE has higher harness slots & has a much deeper seat. The AOE has those arm rest, but they seemed pretty useless.

[BookMama]

About half an inch taller (or shorter than the few people who are lucky enough to get 18 on their Radians, lol) than the RN/MA/EFTA/TF, I think.

My DS is 7Y3M and 47 lbs. - I seriously think he would still fit in this seat. In April, he had about 1/2" until he hit the top slots in his sister's MA (not that I ever made him ride in her Mariposa MA :whistle: Oh wait, yes I did) and he hasn't grown a ton since then.

If I can bribe - er - get him to go to BRU with me and try out seats, I'll take some pictures and post them for everyone's enjoyment.

[Mama!]

Wow, Dorel must have really been feeling the heat of competition :whistle:

[fyrfightermomma]

Now we just have to get it in all our heads to consider recommending this seat to parents. We've been anti 3 in 1 so long, it should be interesting how many of us will eventually "convert" and agree that its a *sigh* decent seat.

I played with it today to, and I have to say I was impressed. No more 3 in 1 speeches for me!

[SusanMae]

It looks like the seat labels are better now too!

Susan

[firemomof3]

The labels were very bright & easy to understand on the AOE, somewhat similar to the true fit.

[veggiegirl228]

Wow that is quite the improvement (harness height) over the old one. They must have felt out of the loop :whistle: So did the pkg say 50lbs on it for harness, I know there was question whether BRU had mislabeled it.

[SusanMae]

So now Graco is the only "major" brand that doesn't have a HWH convertible, right?

Susan

[joolsplus3]

So now Graco is the only "major" brand that doesn't have a HWH convertible, right?

Susan

Yep. I sorta wonder if... they'll have something to show us at the ABC kids expo in September? We can hope, right?

[Mommy2Five]

Wow, I like it!
I'm going to have to go play with it soon!

[Kat_Momof3]

Of course I completly forgot to check how it would be as a booster :doh:

[/IMG]


look at the pic of your older daughter... draw an imaginary seatbelt line on her... if she were using it as a booster, she'd already be using the top guide.

I don't see it working well as a booster, since it also has the same SILLY guides as the old version.

[Kat_Momof3]

I don't care if they have a hwh convertible.. just give us a good convertible seat PERIOD... the Nautilus has such high top slots and makes such a great booster that if they would just make the comfortsport into the kind of seat the Uptown (even the scenera) is, they'd have a great setup... you could go snugride, and/or comfortsport (right now I'd be thinking uptown, Nautilus, DONE.

what Cosco is still missing in their lineup is what Graco has given us for many years... a reliable and great highback booster with a reinforced headrest!

They've come out with some cute boosters, but none have reinforced headrests!

[Shaunam]

look at the pic of your older daughter... draw an imaginary seatbelt line on her... if she were using it as a booster, she'd already be using the top guide.

I don't see it working well as a booster, since it also has the same SILLY guides as the old version.


Do you *have* to use the belt guides? I know the evenflo seats it says if the seat belt falls in the right place you don't have to use the belt guide. So if this were the case on this seat, a taller child could certainly use it until the tops of their ears hit the top of the seat. Of course, that means nothing if it's too roomy in the seat and the belt is held away from the child's body. :rolleyes:

[Kat_Momof3]

don't forget to give her rep, everyone!

[Shaunam]

Does anyone know if these seats can be used reclined ff'ing and up to the max weight?

[bobandjess99]

Does anyone know if these seats can be used reclined ff'ing and up to the max weight?

well, i obviously dont have a new one yet, but the "old" AOE (mine)allows you to use the upright or semi-reclined position for FFing, with no mention of a weight limit. However, it does very specifically say that the semi-reclined option is ONLY in order to get the seat to be FLUSH against the seatback..so basically for seats which have that particular slant......

[jen_nah]

Someone PLEASE tell me they did away with the non useable top slot? If so I just might recommend this seat after the EFTA.

[An Aurora]

Someone PLEASE tell me they did away with the non useable top slot? If so I just might recommend this seat after the EFTA.

I have heard they were doing away with that, so I certainly hope so. I love the pretty brown and pink!

I am in need of a seat for DH's car :whistle: I think the Mint Mocha EFTA and the new AOE are going to have to arm wrestle.

[capeKO71]

Yep. I sorta wonder if... they'll have something to show us at the ABC kids expo in September? We can hope, right?

I'm SURE! I mean - they tried with the Safeseat 2... but it failed over 40lbs... and obviously they switched gears and moved on to the nautilus with the feedback they got on the safeseat 2... I'm sure they are the next ones to redesign.

I've already said it a few times, but I'm so excited to see this re-design. It means the average person buying a seat off the shelves will most likely have a seat that's appropriate to harness a child to at a min. age 4... and hopefully longer for most. :) If you look around, all the "old" dorel/cosco seats are on sale right now... hopefully they will use this new design for all of them...

[wendytthomas]

Now we just have to get it in all our heads to consider recommending this seat to parents. We've been anti 3 in 1 so long, it should be interesting how many of us will eventually "convert" and agree that its a *sigh* decent seat.

I played with it today to, and I have to say I was impressed. No more 3 in 1 speeches for me!

How was it to install? That'd be a big thing for me to say against it. I hate installing those seats, generally. I've had a couple of times where it was pretty easy, but most times were a little tougher than doing a do it yourself root canal. And about as painful.

Plus it doesn't look to be a decent booster. Small, non movable belt guides.

For the same money you can get a big bubble of an easy to install EFTA with no worry about misusing the harness past the limit because the box said it goes to 100 pounds. Two forward facing recline modes, nice harness system.

I don't know. I'll have to see one. I'd probably recommend it after an EFTA (and probably after the TF) until I've laid hands on one. The kneejerk reaction to these will have to stop once these have filtered into the market.

Do they still have the eight year lifespan? That would actually be pretty cool since they may very well fit kids to seven years old in the harness.

Wendy

[firemomof3]

I didn't see anything about the life span:confused:
As for installing, latch seems pretty straight forward but it seems like a PIA to install using the seat belt with the base still on. I was able to do it but the belt path is narrow & "painful". I had to take the cover partly off to do it (which wasn't a big deal). But for those parents who are simply unaware of the tricks, it might be overly difficult.
Overall though I liked it.

[PixieEMT]

Wow, Dorel must have really been feeling the heat of competition :whistle:

:fencing: Ya that! They have to keep up with the Joneses!

[Shaunam]

OT- I just noticed the baby legs on your older DD's arms. How cute! And trendy. :D

[lovinwaves]

Is the base still removable? If so, this would be great for toddlers that are ff'ing to be able to climb up into .

[firemomof3]

OT- I just noticed the baby legs on your older DD's arms. How cute! And trendy. :D

Oh, thank you :D I love the baby legs!! All my kids love to wear them :thumbsup:

[all together ooky]

I think I may like this one better than the EFTA. Center pull adjuster-no knobs squashed into the back of the seat. And no red plastic shoulder tabs that irritate kids necks/shoulders. I have to get to BRU and check it out.

[joolsplus3]

Is the base still removable? If so, this would be great for toddlers that are ff'ing to be able to climb up into .
Are you getting an idea there, lovin? :D:rolleyes:

[lovinwaves]

LOL, maybe :whistle: I still want a Recaro though :crying:

[bobandjess99]

can i grumble now that i just bought my aoe like 4 fricken months ago?
if I'd known this was coming down the line...*sigh*
But, I only paid $80for mine, so for what I got, i'm still happy....

I have to say, i REALLY like this seat. DD LOVES it. she is always trying to get in her lil bro's seat....

Did we confirm this new seat does have the epp foam in it?

[laccaycol]

I just got back from BRU and i did notice that the New AOE is taller than the old ones. I should have taken a better pic but i hate when the BRU staff stares at me:eek: New one on the right old one on the left

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh255/cleria7th/BRUtrip001.jpg

[laccaycol]

:eek: That pic is big sorry:p

[cpsaddict]

It looks super nice, but I still HATE the advertising on it. That little sign makes me want to barf. Seriously, "it's a booster, too!". Like that's a good thing...

[Twiceblessedmommy]

Hi ladies,

I have been lurking around here.. I just bought two new AOE carseats at BRU today.
When I measured the height of top slot it was 16.5" but remember reading here somewhere somebody saying that it was 17.5"... did any one of you took measurements yet? Did I not measure it right??

Also, do you know the life span of these seats? The boxes are still in my car. As soon as I go home, once the babies are down for night, I will open the boxes but was curious to see if anybody had alraedy some info on that...

Thanks.

PS: Do you know if after market seat covers are available for these seats? Something more colorful and nice.. I have boy/girl twins.

[bobandjess99]

did they contact Graco for help, or just steal the nauti color schemes? Or do you think they came up with all that grey on their own?
*sigh*

[Stretchy Glue]

did they contact Graco for help, or just steal the nauti color schemes? Or do you think they came up with all that grey on their own?
*sigh*

That's really close to the grey specked cover they had on the early ones. I bought that cover because it was almost an exact duplicate of the car I had at that time, and it was the ONLY 5 point harness available in my area at the time. They didn't steal it, it was "in retirement".

[littleangelfire]

Hi ladies,

I have been lurking around here.. I just bought two new AOE carseats at BRU today.
When I measured the height of top slot it was 16.5" but remember reading here somewhere somebody saying that it was 17.5"... did any one of you took measurements yet? Did I not measure it right??

Also, do you know the life span of these seats? The boxes are still in my car. As soon as I go home, once the babies are down for night, I will open the boxes but was curious to see if anybody had alraedy some info on that...

Thanks.

PS: Do you know if after market seat covers are available for these seats? Something more colorful and nice.. I have boy/girl twins.

I hadn't seen anyone else address this so thought I'd respond and help bump it up again so someone does - aftermarket car seat covers are a no-no. No matter how pretty, its not safe. And actually, the brand new AOE, like the one pictured at top, looked pretty girly in that flowery pattern.

[marchofemily]

Wow, Emily has been on a 2yr hiatus from this seat and would still fit the new one! She is a little under 50lbs and still uses her MA. This seat may be outgrown by weight more than height now! What a concept! Here is her last pic in the AOE. She was 4yrs old, 33lbs and about 36in.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/marchofemily/Car%20Seat%20Pics/RandomPics-February2006010.jpg

[Mommy2Marcus]

Hi ladies,

I have been lurking around here.. I just bought two new AOE carseats at BRU today.
When I measured the height of top slot it was 16.5" but remember reading here somewhere somebody saying that it was 17.5"... did any one of you took measurements yet? Did I not measure it right??

Also, do you know the life span of these seats? The boxes are still in my car. As soon as I go home, once the babies are down for night, I will open the boxes but was curious to see if anybody had alraedy some info on that...

Thanks.

PS: Do you know if after market seat covers are available for these seats? Something more colorful and nice.. I have boy/girl twins.

Hiya! I seen someone else had addressed you already, but I wanted to add WHY they are unsafe. The reason they are unsafe is b/c the covers that came with the seats are fire retardent, so they do not melt like a cover that is untreated. In th event of you being in the car with your children & the car catching fire then the aftermarket covers would melt to your child's skin, however the covers that came with the seat are fire retardent treated & they will not melt. Here is a post showing car seats in a car fire. Look how well the seats & their covers held up. An aftermarket cover would NOT hold up like these did!
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=51253&highlight=van+fire+walmart

[Mommy2Marcus]

I posted to the other person about car seat covers, but I also wanted to say I might even be impressed with this new AOE! I think it might even be worth what you pay for it if it truely DOES have the 17.5" top slots & goes to 50lbs. I also noticed in someones pics that the NEW AOE deffinatly has a taller shell. I will still wait to reccomend it though untill all the old ones are gone from most stores though!

I also wanted to add that I really liked my 3 in 1 that I owned. The main problem I had with it was that my son outgrew it so early on. I never had a problem installing it with the base, it was easy to adjust the harness height, it had comfort straps, and it seemed quite comfy for my son. Now only if this new AOE was out then I would have been ok...Maybe I will even think about buying it over another EFTA for my MIL's car! Hmmmm...Will have to go to Wal-Mart & try it out & see if they have the new one!

[Twiceblessedmommy]

Littleangelfire and Mommy2Marcus, thank you very much for responding to my post. I appreciated the explanation about the seat covers. It makes sense... I hadn't thought about it I guess. I am a first time mom and evidently had no idea about many things and am learning new stuff every day. I am just glad I have stumbled across with this forum.

I do like the girly design now more than when I first seen it, but I wish they had more kid prints you know.. Especially for him. She has a flowery something but his is a plain boring gray... Not that they really care eitherway, but I guess it is more for my satisfaction.LOL

I do love the seats but have been having two major problems that's been bothering me a lot.

1. I can't get the straps tight enough. I am pulling on the straps from the back of the seat and then pulling up the pull strap on the front, but at one point it seems like it gets stuck. No matter how hard I try to pull on it I can't get it to move... I am really frustrated and upset. It shouldn't be this difficult.

2. I still couldn't get the angle of the seat right. I realize at 6 months of an age, they don't really need the 45 degree angle, but they are sitting too upright where her head is falling to her chest when she falls asleep and I hate that! The CST said that it is already installed as reclined as it can get, but I have hard time believing in him as I still have room between the back of my carseat and the AOE. I just need to find some bigger pool noodles or find another way to safely create a better recline... I don't know... I have been to many stores but can't find any pool noodles period. They are all sold out due to end of season...

Andbody has any suggestions... I had posted the strap question separetely and got an answer but that didn't quite work. I will try again tonight but I know I already did what she said and couldn't get it work. Argghhh...

[joolsplus3]

Buy one of the safe fit levelers from the baby department of most stores...it's like a *solid* foam pyramid that'll work REALLY well for getting a good recline, and best of all it's available all year round :). Not sure about that strap issue, though...:(

[Kat_Momof3]

first, make sure that the recline angle is not yet 45*... www.carseatsite.com has instructions on how to check the angle with a piece of paper... because the most a carseat can be reclined is 45*