Almost time to move DS from his SafeSeat .... but into what?!?

[LisaMer]

Hi all!

I'm trying to decide what to do with the car seat situation at our house! Here are the pertinent details:

DD - 3 years old (May '06), 31lb, 37.75", riding FFing in a Marathon (65lber)
DS - nearly 8 months (Nov '08), nearly 20lb, at least 28", SafeSeat

So, do I put DS into the Marathon and get a new seat for my DD (either Nautilus or Frontier or ???) or do I keep DD in her Marathon (with the Laura Ashley print....) and get something new for DS?

I just can't decide!! :confused:

Lisa =)

[canmom]

Hi, welcome to c-s.org!

Firstly, what is her seated height like in the marathon? Due to the height of the highest harness position, she will likely outgrow it way before 65lbs as children can only use the seat as long as their shoulders are below the top harness slots. I guess it all depends on how economical you want to be. If it where me personally I would buy the TruFit or another seat with a 35lbs rear-facing limit for your son, then buy her something like the Frontier when she outgrows the Marathon.

[snowbird25ca]

Is there a reason why you're planning to move your ds out of the Safeseat already?

Based on his height and weight I'm guessing that he still has plenty of room above his head in the seat and that would buy you a good amount of time to figure out what to do. Most kids still fit in the SS very comfortably until well past their 1st birthday.

So far as a 2nd seat, I'd probably go either Nautilus or Frontier for your 3yr old if you're looking to buy the fewest seats possible. Both of those will harness her until she's big enough and mature enough for a booster, and then convert to a booster afterwards. With her petite build I'm guessing she'd be quite comfortable in the Nautilus.

Then I'd pass the MA down to your ds and use it for him until it expires, then you'd just have to buy 1 more seat - depending on how long your MA is good for and how your kiddos grow, that could mean just buying a dedicated booster and then handing down whatever seat you get your dd now when the time comes. :thumbsup:

[LisaMer]

No plans to move him anytime soon, just got the wheels turning in my head! ;)

DD stayed in this SS until she was about 16 months and then she went RFing into the Marathon (purchase date was Sept '07). DS is considerably bigger than his sister was at the same age, so unless he hits 32" before his first birthday (which he might!), he'll stay in the SS until he's too tall for it.

DD will definitely get too tall for the Marathon before she hits 65lb - she's a petite girl! Do you think the Nautilus is a better seat than the Frontier? I haven't heard tons of good things about the Frontier. Too bad we don't have the Regent here!!

Thanks!

Lisa =)

[canmom]

DS is considerably bigger than his sister was at the same age, so unless he hits 32" before his first birthday (which he might!), he'll stay in the SS until he's too tall for it.

The 32" limit is more a guideline, provided he is within the weight range, he can remain in the seat until he has 1" of shell left above his head. Due to the vast range in torso heights, some children will outgrow the seat before the 32" some will last a lot longer.