Question 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon

angi_marie26 · 04-14-2011, 01:55 PM

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My son will be 4 in July. He is 37 lbs, a smidge over 40" tall, torso (measured bottom of bum to top of shoulder, while sitting) was just over 12". He is the biggest any of my kids have been, at this age. His current seat (I can't remember what it is, but I don't love it) is expiring at the end of this year, so I have some time to research and find a good deal. Oh, I drive a Chrysler Town and Country, and he is in the cabin chair behind the passenger seat.

He is forward facing and I'm looking for a good seat, that should last us a while (I'm okay with buying a high back booster for him, in 3 years, if I really have to). My kids generally run small...his older sister is 6.5 and is around 40 lbs, my oldest is 12 and barely out of a booster (4'10", 75 lbs). We have a tight budget and would really like to try for under $100. What would you recommend??

Thanks so much!!

Angi
ds-12, ds-9, dd-6, ds-3.5

armywife12 · 04-14-2011, 02:11 PM

You are in luck. He has a tiny torso for his age, which is great in the car seat world. The evenflo maestro is about $80, harnesses to 50 lbs and converts to a decent fitting high back booster but the booster portion is outgrown shortly after the harness height is. Top slots are 18 inches so he would have tons of growing room left. We really liked our maestro

Keeanh · 04-14-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armywife12

You are in luck. He has a tiny torso for his age, which is great in the car seat world. The evenflo maestro is about $80, harnesses to 50 lbs and converts to a decent fitting high back booster but the booster portion is outgrown shortly after the harness height is. Top slots are 18 inches so he would have tons of growing room left. We really liked our maestro

With a short torso, the Maestro would likely last until he's ready for a backless booster.

angi_marie26 · 04-14-2011, 02:18 PM

I really appreciate you responding to my question!!

I was looking at the Maestro. One of the complaints I read was about the straps being close together, riding on he neck. That is my biggest complaint with his current seat. I was discussing the Maestro with my friend, a tech, and I can't find it now...but know she said something not so great about it as a booster.

I was looking at the Maestro and actually called her specifically to ask about it

wendytthomas · 04-14-2011, 02:24 PM

It's a great booster. The fit is fantastic. It's just outgrown at the same time as a booster as it is as a harnessed seat.

Wendy

angi_marie26 · 04-14-2011, 02:38 PM

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=109121

This is where I found info on the Maestro.

I was really hoping there was another option out there...

4BabyUnit · 04-14-2011, 02:42 PM

We're in the same boat as you, but need a new one b/c DD is outgrowing her convertible. Was advised on here about the Maestro being a good seat too but haven't had to buy it yet, because I've learned that the convertible we have is actually good until the tops of her EARS are level with the seat back as opposed to the top of her HEAD...buys us a little more time. Will keep an eye on this post to see what others have to say.

carseatcoach · 04-14-2011, 02:48 PM

A 12" torso is really small for a 40" child. It would be helpful to know what seat he's currently in and where his shoulders are in relation to the top strap settings.

I also recommend the Maestro.

bombedier · 04-14-2011, 04:14 PM

Another option would be the Graco Nautilus - harnesses to 65lbs, top harness slot height is 18.5 inches and then booster to 100lbs. It's around $150.

J-max · 04-14-2011, 04:24 PM

Said tech friend here

He is currently in a comfort sport (I believe, need to get out my paperwork and check for sure). I think he is int he top harness slot with an inch or 1.5 to go, but I could be wrong on that.

I said the Maestro was probably a good option, just that the booster was outgrown about the same time as the harness, so he would most likely need a "regular" booster after that.

Keeanh · 04-14-2011, 04:25 PM

If his torso is really that short, there are convertibles that might work. The Evenflo Titan with 14" slots goes to 50lbs ($80). The Alpha Omega with 16" slots is also 50lbs ($100). Neither of these can / should be used as a booster though (the Alpha Omega has a horrible booster fit, even though it can technically be used as one).

The Nautilus is probably best bang for your buck at $135 at Walmart.

ETA: Just read the PP (we cross-posted). His torso IS short! I think the Titan harness has almost an inch on the Comfort Sport.

carseatcoach · 04-14-2011, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-max

He is currently in a comfort sport (I believe, need to get out my paperwork and check for sure). I think he is int he top harness slot with an inch or 1.5 to go, but I could be wrong on that.

Wow, that really would be a 12" torso! So he could fit in pretty much any carseat on the market.

cookie123 · 04-14-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4BabyUnit

We're in the same boat as you, but need a new one b/c DD is outgrowing her convertible. Was advised on here about the Maestro being a good seat too but haven't had to buy it yet, because I've learned that the convertible we have is actually good until the tops of her EARS are level with the seat back as opposed to the top of her HEAD...buys us a little more time. Will keep an eye on this post to see what others have to say.

A forward facing seat is outgrown if the shoulders go above the top harness slots (harness must be at or above the shoulders), OR if the tips of the ears go above the shell, OR the weight limit is reached.

Just wanted to be clear on that.

angi_marie26 · 04-14-2011, 04:45 PM

I wasn't kidding, lol, when I said I grow them LITTLE! Now I'm considering getting him dressed and loaded in, just to take a picture! I measured him TWICE! Just to be sure, because it seemed oddly small to me! Then I measured DD and she isn't that much more than him...but her LEGS are a lot longer, back to back, his bum is completely below hers...his stops where hers starts

If I can figure out how to post a picture, I'll do it!

Angi

J-max · 04-14-2011, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angi_marie26

I wasn't kidding, lol, when I said I grow them LITTLE! Now I'm considering getting him dressed and loaded in, just to take a picture! I measured him TWICE! Just to be sure, because it seemed oddly small to me! Then I measured DD and she isn't that much more than him...but her LEGS are a lot longer, back to back, his bum is completely below hers...his stops where hers starts

If I can figure out how to post a picture, I'll do it!

Angi

If you can't get a pic up, email it to me and I can put it up

angi_marie26 · 04-14-2011, 05:12 PM

See the neck

Grumpy to be in his car seat, for now

Torso:

The way he is sitting, and taking this pic I now see that I probably could have his straps down a slot...but it was getting so close, and if he's wearing his fleece, it was just a better fit to move it up.

Angi

J-max · 04-14-2011, 05:16 PM

Ok, so its not a comfort sport, LOL Sorry

Angi, remember we looked at putting the straps down and it was right at his shoulders, it must be the way he is sitting.

angi_marie26 · 04-14-2011, 05:34 PM

No problem, Jess! It's an Evenflo, something

I'm not attached to it, in any way...it just fills the bill for NOW.

Silly note, Aislynn is ecstatic about her new seat, which is coming TOMORROW! Plus, it is PINK!!

Angi

Kat_Momof3 · 04-14-2011, 07:41 PM

that's the evenflo chase... what I'd do is measure the distance between the slots... then take the tape measure with you to the store... and see if the maestro's are the same or better... or, once you measure your seat, perhaps someone here could measure their maestro.

04-14-2011, 02:11 PM	#2
armywife12 CPS Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Savannah, Ga Posts: 1,247	You are in luck. He has a tiny torso for his age, which is great in the car seat world. The evenflo maestro is about $80, harnesses to 50 lbs and converts to a decent fitting high back booster but the booster portion is outgrown shortly after the harness height is. Top slots are 18 inches so he would have tons of growing room left. We really liked our maestro __________________ Caleb Joshua: 8/17/2007; 45.5 inches, 46-47lbs, 17 inch torso; FF in a FN85 and Complete Air Sarah Rose: 05/15/2011; 22lbs, 31 inches; RF in a Britax Roundabout 50 and Combi Coccoro

04-14-2011, 02:18 PM	#4
angi_marie26 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 6	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon I really appreciate you responding to my question!! I was looking at the Maestro. One of the complaints I read was about the straps being close together, riding on he neck. That is my biggest complaint with his current seat. I was discussing the Maestro with my friend, a tech, and I can't find it now...but know she said something not so great about it as a booster. I was looking at the Maestro and actually called her specifically to ask about it

04-14-2011, 02:24 PM	#5
wendytthomas Moderator - CPS Technician Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dresden, Germany Posts: 25,080	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon It's a great booster. The fit is fantastic. It's just outgrown at the same time as a booster as it is as a harnessed seat. Wendy __________________ wendy, mom to piper, 7/26/02, 54", 67#, Ozzi, Monterey (thank you, Diono!) laine 9/16/09, 36.5", 28#, True Fit, True Fit Premier 2004 Audi A4, 2012 Mazda5 Currently using TFP and Ozzi in a 2013 Ford Mondeo

04-14-2011, 02:38 PM	#6
angi_marie26 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 6	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=109121 This is where I found info on the Maestro. I was really hoping there was another option out there...

04-14-2011, 02:42 PM	#7
4BabyUnit Carseat Crazy Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 167	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon We're in the same boat as you, but need a new one b/c DD is outgrowing her convertible. Was advised on here about the Maestro being a good seat too but haven't had to buy it yet, because I've learned that the convertible we have is actually good until the tops of her EARS are level with the seat back as opposed to the top of her HEAD...buys us a little more time. Will keep an eye on this post to see what others have to say.

04-14-2011, 02:48 PM	#8
carseatcoach Carseat Crankypants Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7,231	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon A 12" torso is really small for a 40" child. It would be helpful to know what seat he's currently in and where his shoulders are in relation to the top strap settings. I also recommend the Maestro. __________________ CPST and Mama to a 11yo girl, 5-stepping around 5' Posted from my toaster using a PopTart

04-14-2011, 04:14 PM	#9
bombedier CPS Technician Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Southern NH Posts: 648	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon Another option would be the Graco Nautilus - harnesses to 65lbs, top harness slot height is 18.5 inches and then booster to 100lbs. It's around $150. __________________ CPST - Kyle David Miller Foundation - http://www.kyledavidmiller.org

04-14-2011, 04:24 PM	#10
J-max CPS Technician Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 553	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon Said tech friend here He is currently in a comfort sport (I believe, need to get out my paperwork and check for sure). I think he is int he top harness slot with an inch or 1.5 to go, but I could be wrong on that. I said the Maestro was probably a good option, just that the booster was outgrown about the same time as the harness, so he would most likely need a "regular" booster after that. __________________ Jess, CPST and mom to 5 girls Baby S (9/11/11) rides in a CCO or BLVD, Miss O (4) has a Radian, GN, and Regent, the big girls (7, 9) have Monterey Boosters, and the oldest is 14 and wears a seat belt!

04-14-2011, 04:25 PM	#11
Keeanh CPS Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Salmon Arm, BC Posts: 2,051	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon If his torso is really that short, there are convertibles that might work. The Evenflo Titan with 14" slots goes to 50lbs ($80). The Alpha Omega with 16" slots is also 50lbs ($100). Neither of these can / should be used as a booster though (the Alpha Omega has a horrible booster fit, even though it can technically be used as one). The Nautilus is probably best bang for your buck at $135 at Walmart. ETA: Just read the PP (we cross-posted). His torso IS short! I think the Titan harness has almost an inch on the Comfort Sport. __________________ 14yrs, 12yrs, 10yrs (55", 75lbs, Apramo), 8yrs (53", 60lbs, Apramo), 6yrs (48", 56lbs, FRXT), 4yrs (40", 39lbs, RN80), 2yrs (32", 25lbs, CCO), Sept 2012 (15 lbs, KF) Spares: Scenera, Monterey x2, MR, RN80 '97 Mazda Protege, '00 GMC Safari, '06 Chevy Express, '08 Toyota Tundra

04-14-2011, 04:45 PM	#14
angi_marie26 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 6	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon I wasn't kidding, lol, when I said I grow them LITTLE! Now I'm considering getting him dressed and loaded in, just to take a picture! I measured him TWICE! Just to be sure, because it seemed oddly small to me! Then I measured DD and she isn't that much more than him...but her LEGS are a lot longer, back to back, his bum is completely below hers...his stops where hers starts If I can figure out how to post a picture, I'll do it! Angi

04-14-2011, 05:12 PM	#16
angi_marie26 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 6	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon See the neck Grumpy to be in his car seat, for now Torso: The way he is sitting, and taking this pic I now see that I probably could have his straps down a slot...but it was getting so close, and if he's wearing his fleece, it was just a better fit to move it up. Angi

04-14-2011, 05:16 PM	#17
J-max CPS Technician Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 553	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon Ok, so its not a comfort sport, LOL Sorry Angi, remember we looked at putting the straps down and it was right at his shoulders, it must be the way he is sitting. __________________ Jess, CPST and mom to 5 girls Baby S (9/11/11) rides in a CCO or BLVD, Miss O (4) has a Radian, GN, and Regent, the big girls (7, 9) have Monterey Boosters, and the oldest is 14 and wears a seat belt!

04-14-2011, 05:34 PM	#18
angi_marie26 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 6	Re: 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon No problem, Jess! It's an Evenflo, something I'm not attached to it, in any way...it just fills the bill for NOW. Silly note, Aislynn is ecstatic about her new seat, which is coming TOMORROW! Plus, it is PINK!! Angi

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Question 3.5 yo, on a budget, current seat expiring soon

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