Looking for a convertible seat in Canada

My twins are now 8 months and nearing the maximum weight for their Graco Snugrides. I have been researching convertible carseats and just can't seem to make a decision. I am limited by two things:

1) I'm in Canada, where there is MUCH less choice in what carseats are available.

2) We have $250 in Sears gift cards that are about to expire that we want to spend on the seats (we will top up the cards as we will not be able to get 2 seats for that amount)

I know that most on this site feel that the Britax seats are the best, but Sears in Canada does not carry this brand. Basically, my choices are: Graco ComfortSport, Evenflo Titan, Safety 1st Enspira, Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1, Safety 1st Intera, Cosco Alpha Omega, Evenflo Triumph

I had all but decided to buy the Triumph after hearing about its good safety ratings, but have since read some negative reviews of it on this site and others. Our children are not likely to be tall as my husband and I are both quite short, so I'm sure we'll get longer use out of it that some have experienced. However, I am concerned about the width of the seat as we have a Toyota Corolla and space is limited, especially when we go on car trips.

The Enspira appeals to me but I haven't been able to find much information on it. I'm not sure it is the same as the one available in the U.S. - in the picture it looks quite different:

http://www.sears.ca/gp/product/B000...648?ie=UTF8&searsBrand=core&mqnodeid=16342041

Any suggestions? My main concern is safety. I am not as concerned about them outgrowing the seats too early as I am willing to buy new seats when that time comes.

Thanks,
MJ

I'd favor the Safety 1st Intera over the Enspira because the top harness slots are a bit higher and you'll get more use out of it. It comes with a huge (removable) base but once you remove it the seat is among the narrowest on the market, at around 16". So it's a good choice if space is scarce.

I'm not too impressed with Sears' choice of seats either...
HTH!

There's no way to know what seats are "safer" than others because all are tested by the governent and given a pass/fail grade. The ones that pass make it to store shelves, the ones that don't, don't. Some have ease-of-use features that make them easier to use (the Triumph is not easy to use, in my opinion, but others seem to love it) and some are easier to install and some last much longer than others.

Even though your babes are short, are they particularly long in the torso? That's what matters most when it comes to outgrowing carseats.

My favorite convertible choice of the ones you listed is the Safety 1st Intera without the base. It's the narrowest choice so will allow the most backseat room. It also has the tallest top slots of all the convertibles, so it has the highest chance of making it to 40 pounds in the harness.