Which Seat for RF in 2009 Nissan Versa - Bigger Infant

[tk.]

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Hi everyone! First time posting

So, I've been wading through the many posts regarding Versas, but haven't quite come across the answer I'm looking for, so hopefully someone can chime in with some much needed wisdom!

DD is turning 8 months and is ready to switch to an RF convertible at just over 20 lbs and about 28 in. We've been using a SR 30 behind the passenger seat, which is fine when it's just me and her! However, when DH is along, he usually drives and I'm stuck in the back seat. At a long-legged 5'8", I'm not *technically* eating dashboard in the passenger seat, but I feel really unsafe (like I would bang my face if we were in a fender bender).

Soooo, I'm looking for a seat that will RF as long and as safely as possible with an 85th percentile weight/height 8 month old, that will hopefully allow me to have the passenger seat as far back as possible. Width isn't an issue unless it keeps the door from closing, as we rarely have rear seat passengers. It would be nice if it sits high enough for her to be able to see out, as I think that's a large part of her hating the infant seat (as well as just being huge in it). DD is super sensitive to warmer temps, so I'm hoping I can find something that's doesn't have the awful velour type fabric that our SR Mirabella has. If there is a seat that would install nicely in the center, that's fine as long as it's safe not to use LATCH (hey, we're new at this car seat business). In that case, DH is about 6'1" and will need to get his seat far enough back.

Gee, is that a lot to ask? I think I listed those requests in order of importance...

Thanks in advance!!!

[wendytthomas]

Have you tried your infant seat in the middle? That should give both front seat passengers room. Just use the seatbelt to install, like you said. You would then be more comfortable until you buy something new.

I'd look at the Graco My Ride, Evenflo Triumph 65, Maxi Cosi Pria, and the new Graco Size4Me. I think those should meet most of your requirements. If lower seats are ok, I'd also look at the Safety 1st Complete Air and Diono Radians with angle adjuster.

Wendy

[tk.]

Wendy, thanks for the suggestions. I seem to remember my husband saying both seats were being pushed forward when he tested in the middle, but that seems like a million years ago, so I could be making it up. The tech automatically had him doing it with the LATCH, though, and if I understand correctly LATCH doesn't work with the middle seat in the Versa? Is an install in the middle with the belt just as safe as using LATCH, if it's done correctly?

Are the lower seats (Radian, Complete Air) safer that the higher ones for any reason?

Also, any feelings about the Recaro seats? It looks like the ProSport sits lower, the ProRide higher?

Thanks!

[tk.]

Oh, and when you say with an angle adjuster - is that safe with an 8 month old? I keep seeing that it's safe for older babies and children, but I wasn't sure what the qualifications for "older babies" were.

[wendytthomas]

Originally Posted by tk.

Wendy, thanks for the suggestions. I seem to remember my husband saying both seats were being pushed forward when he tested in the middle, but that seems like a million years ago, so I could be making it up. The tech automatically had him doing it with the LATCH, though, and if I understand correctly LATCH doesn't work with the middle seat in the Versa? Is an install in the middle with the belt just as safe as using LATCH, if it's done correctly?

LATCH isn't allowed in the center, yes. The seatbelt is just as safe, and after the LATCH limit of whatever carseat you get, the seatbelt is the only option (Nissan defers to the carseat, so it'll be 40 or 48 pounds).

Are the lower seats (Radian, Complete Air) safer that the higher ones for any reason?

They all pass the same testing, but forward facing the pivot point is lower, so the head will travel less far (basic physics). In that viewpoint maybe they're safer. But they do all pass the same tests.

Also, any feelings about the Recaro seats? It looks like the ProSport sits lower, the ProRide higher?

The ProSport is a combination seat. Harness to booster. It doesn't rear face. It does sit lower. The ProRide sits very high, has very deep sides, very little leg room, a 35 pound rear facing weight limit. All in all, not my favorite seat.

Originally Posted by tk.

Oh, and when you say with an angle adjuster - is that safe with an 8 month old? I keep seeing that it's safe for older babies and children, but I wasn't sure what the qualifications for "older babies" were.

Older baby is a baby who can withstand the angle at which the angle adjuster would put them. As long as they can pull their head up in their sleep they're safe, and as long as they sleep comfortably, it's not even a comfort issue (even if they have their chin to their chest as an older child).

Wendy

[tk.]

Thank you thank you thank you!

Now I just need to figure out whether she'll tolerate a lower seat! I know I got carsick ALOT as a little, even in a FF booster, so maybe height won't matter much.

Just wanted to put my two cents in about one of the lower seats. We have the complete air and despite being somewhat low and the massive head wings, she is still quite comfortable and able to see out the windows.

[tk.]

Originally Posted by l1i2v3

Just wanted to put my two cents in about one of the lower seats. We have the complete air and despite being somewhat low and the massive head wings, she is still quite comfortable and able to see out the windows.

Thanks for the two cents! You pushed me over the edge and I ordered a Complete Air today!