Trying to compare Scenera to BLVD

Mama Jo · 05-05-2009, 02:45 PM

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Ok, so they're not exactly in the same "class", I get that, but humor me. Here's my issue...

Right now, my BLVD is multi-functional, but it's just not the most convenient seat to be used for this purpose. DS uses it as his primary seat. But when I have either the step-kids or my nephews with me, DS uses the SS1 so I can use the BLVD for the bigger kids. DSD is FF'ing and DNe is RF'ing. This weekend, the BLVD was moved 4 times in 2 days!! And it goes from LATCH in one position to seatbelt in another. The seatbelt install is kind of a pain and it usually takes me a couple of times to get it solid.

Anyway... I don't have the budget right now for much and so I was considering using a Scenera just for DSD and DNe for the time being. So DS can stay in the BLVD and I don't have to move it. Is it easy to flip the Scenera back and forth from RF'ing to FF'ing? Install would usually be with a seatbelt. And how does the shell height and top harness slot compare the BLVD? DSD is only 2 but she's 36 lbs and really tall. DNe is quite a bit smaller and still RF'ing, so I'm not worried about it for him as much.

Maedze · 05-05-2009, 02:51 PM

The top harness height of the Scenera is about 2.5" shorter than the BV. It's conceivable a 'very tall' 2 year old may be too tall for it.

The Scenera is a breeze to install FF, and a PITA to install rearfacing in some vehicles, in my experience. You will likely need a pool noodle.

What about throwing DS in the SS1 when DNephew visits, and buying an Evenflo Chase for DSD when she visits?

carseatcoach · 05-05-2009, 02:54 PM

If niece is too tall for the Scenera, the 9mo could use it RF and niece could use the Boulevard.

Maedze · 05-05-2009, 02:56 PM

Oooorrr...(now getting a little pricier here) What about buying an EFTA? It would surely fit both Dnephew and DSD, and you wouldnt' have to rethread the straps or worry about a 40 lb weight limit.

joolsplus3 · 05-05-2009, 02:58 PM

I'm wondering what issues you're having installing the BV? For instance, did you know you can just use the slits in the cover to do a seatbelt RF install so you don't have to pull the cover up? And if the seatbelt locks, there's no need to muck with the lockoffs. And there's no need to top tether it RF, really. All those can save a bit of headache. I only say this because I can do a RF Britax in about 42 seconds, and a Scenera is blood, sweat, and tears every time (granted, I harbor a great dislike for it for tipping my kid sideways once http://picasaweb.google.com/joolstag/TippyScenera# --I just tossed it in fast and didn't want to put a locking clip on, but one of those would have prevented it, but that just doesn't happen with a BV and a seatbelt, lol).

Mama Jo · 05-05-2009, 03:00 PM

The other catch is it has to fit 3 across... EFTA won't work. It's ginormous.

I'm trying to ditch the SS1 because the "best" place for it with all the other seats is the 3rd row and DS isn't happy in the 3rd row. He's *usually* happy in the BLVD in the second row, especially when there's kids in the 3rd row he can see...

Mama Jo · 05-05-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joolsplus3

I'm wondering what issues you're having installing the BV? For instance, did you know you can just use the slits in the cover to do a seatbelt RF install so you don't have to pull the cover up? And if the seatbelt locks, there's no need to muck with the lockoffs. And there's no need to top tether it RF, really. All those can save a bit of headache. I only say this because I can do a RF Britax in about 42 seconds, and a Scenera is blood, sweat, and tears every time (granted, I harbor a great dislike for it for tipping my kid sideways once http://picasaweb.google.com/joolstag/TippyScenera# --I just tossed it in fast and didn't want to put a locking clip on, but one of those would have prevented it, but that just doesn't happen with a BV and a seatbelt, lol).

The RF install is with LATCH. That one's the easy one. The FF install is with the seatbelt. I don't use the lockoffs, but my seatbelts and 3rd row seat are a pain. To get it tight, I have to recline the seat, buckle it in, lock the seatbelt, and then push the back of the seat up. (The seatbelt never seems to lock tight enough, I have a hard time getting it up to the next "notch", hence the need to recline and then push up the seat back.) Then the seat sometimes tips. Or still moves front to back. So I have to take it out and do it again. I hate the HUGS for RF'ing because they cover DS' entire torso and make it hard to tighten, but I've left them on because that added another step when I had to turn it FF'ing.

joolsplus3 · 05-05-2009, 03:15 PM

Ooooh. I couldn't have even imagined a problem with an FF install. D'oh! Just get your knee in it, pull UP HARD on the shoulderbelt on the buckle side, and then clamp the lockoff.

Then again, I don't really blame you for wanting a second seat...the bulk of the beast is enough to make it annoying to move, lol.

Mama Jo · 05-05-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joolsplus3

Ooooh. I couldn't have even imagined a problem with an FF install. D'oh! Just get your knee in it, pull UP HARD on the shoulderbelt on the buckle side, and then clamp the lockoff.

Then again, I don't really blame you for wanting a second seat...the bulk of the beast is enough to make it annoying to move, lol.

The neighbors probably think I'm insane! I have the back of the van open so I can mess with the seat back, and I'm sitting on my knees in the BLVD, jumping up and down, while I'm pulling/pushing up on the seatbelt at the same time!! If I didn't love the cow cover and I thought a TF would fit 3 across (which I'm sure it wouldn't) I'd trade it!! lol I've sustained more injuries from that and the Frontier than I care to even discuss!! lol

firemomof3 · 05-05-2009, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mama Jo

The neighbors probably think I'm insane! I have the back of the van open so I can mess with the seat back, and I'm sitting on my knees in the BLVD, jumping up and down, while I'm pulling/pushing up on the seatbelt at the same time!! If I didn't love the cow cover and I thought a TF would fit 3 across (which I'm sure it wouldn't) I'd trade it!! lol I've sustained more injuries from that and the Frontier than I care to even discuss!! lol

This made me laugh so hard!

NannyMom · 05-05-2009, 04:36 PM

I have a BV and a Scenera. I have always found the Scenera very easy to install both RF and FF. I like to do RF with LATCH though. I don't need noodles. I just stand behind it (like it Defrost's pic) and push it into the vehicle seat at the angle I want it. The for FF, undo the lower acnhors, hook them together behind the seat, and install with seatbelt. Sofi has about outgrown it by height RF (last wek checked she had 2 inches above her head), but could still use it FF.

05-05-2009, 02:51 PM	#2
Maedze CPS Advocate Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Invisible, but right behind you Posts: 9,820	Re: Trying to compare Scenera to BLVD The top harness height of the Scenera is about 2.5" shorter than the BV. It's conceivable a 'very tall' 2 year old may be too tall for it. The Scenera is a breeze to install FF, and a PITA to install rearfacing in some vehicles, in my experience. You will likely need a pool noodle. What about throwing DS in the SS1 when DNephew visits, and buying an Evenflo Chase for DSD when she visits?

05-05-2009, 02:54 PM	#3
carseatcoach Carseat Crankypants Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7,238	Re: Trying to compare Scenera to BLVD If niece is too tall for the Scenera, the 9mo could use it RF and niece could use the Boulevard. __________________ CPST and Mama to a 11yo girl, 5-stepping around 5' Posted from my toaster using a PopTart

05-05-2009, 02:56 PM	#4
Maedze CPS Advocate Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Invisible, but right behind you Posts: 9,820	Re: Trying to compare Scenera to BLVD Oooorrr...(now getting a little pricier here) What about buying an EFTA? It would surely fit both Dnephew and DSD, and you wouldnt' have to rethread the straps or worry about a 40 lb weight limit.

05-05-2009, 02:58 PM	#5
joolsplus3 Admin - CPS Technician Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Chesterfield, VA Posts: 19,465	Re: Trying to compare Scenera to BLVD I'm wondering what issues you're having installing the BV? For instance, did you know you can just use the slits in the cover to do a seatbelt RF install so you don't have to pull the cover up? And if the seatbelt locks, there's no need to muck with the lockoffs. And there's no need to top tether it RF, really. All those can save a bit of headache. I only say this because I can do a RF Britax in about 42 seconds, and a Scenera is blood, sweat, and tears every time (granted, I harbor a great dislike for it for tipping my kid sideways once http://picasaweb.google.com/joolstag/TippyScenera# --I just tossed it in fast and didn't want to put a locking clip on, but one of those would have prevented it, but that just doesn't happen with a BV and a seatbelt, lol). __________________ Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

05-05-2009, 03:00 PM	#6
Mama Jo Senior Community Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,012	Re: Trying to compare Scenera to BLVD The other catch is it has to fit 3 across... EFTA won't work. It's ginormous. I'm trying to ditch the SS1 because the "best" place for it with all the other seats is the 3rd row and DS isn't happy in the 3rd row. He's usually happy in the BLVD in the second row, especially when there's kids in the 3rd row he can see... __________________ Mama to DD - 9 yrs. - FN booster, Vivo DS - 4 yrs. RNXT, RA50

05-05-2009, 03:15 PM	#8
joolsplus3 Admin - CPS Technician Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Chesterfield, VA Posts: 19,465	Re: Trying to compare Scenera to BLVD Ooooh. I couldn't have even imagined a problem with an FF install. D'oh! Just get your knee in it, pull UP HARD on the shoulderbelt on the buckle side, and then clamp the lockoff. Then again, I don't really blame you for wanting a second seat...the bulk of the beast is enough to make it annoying to move, lol. __________________ Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

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Trying to compare Scenera to BLVD

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