I need help...

ShyDaisi

New member
I am looking at getting a car seat to allow my son (2 yrs and 10 months, just shy of 29 lbs.) to RF longer. Right now he is in an AOE in my car, a Saturn Ion Quad Coupe, and a Scenera in my parent's car, a Volkswagon Bettle. He rides in my car the majority of the time, but is in my parent's car for one 5ish minute ride 5 days per week (right now, that will be reducing soon).

He is getting close to outgrowing by height the AOE (though I don't have a measurement at the moment). I have been vascilating between the MyRide 65, the TrueFit, the Complete Air, and the Radian.

I have recently been leaning toward the Complete Air, but it seems like lots of people hate it. However, now that the Radian XL prices have plummeted, I have been thinking about it. I worry about the Radian fitting in my car, but my passenger seat does fold forward -- worst case scenario, I could put him in it on that side... The True Fit seems kind of bulky to me, though I haven't seen one in person. The MyRide seems a little wide in the cupholder area, so I am not sure if it will fit my car either (there are only 2 seats in the back with a plastic cup holder thing between -- see stock photo below).

Also, in my parent's car, it seems like every time I check his seat in there, it isn't properly installed. I install it, and I am not sure exactly what they do to it, but it seems loose when I check it later. I know they feel constricted with how small the bug is. I am thinking that when he isn't there, they move the seat back so there is more leg room in the front and then move it forward when he is in there...So, I have been considering letting him go FFing in their car. I am NOT sold on this, but my thought is that a properly installed FFing seat is better than an improperly installed RFing seat. I have tried to stress the importance of car safety to them, but they seem to not see it as important as I do. My mom even made the comment, "well, I used to lay in the back window when I was a kid, and I made it just fine..." :rolleyes: Both of them seem to think that if he is strapped in, that is safer than they were when they were kids...I have considered getting a Nautilus for their car as that is what I am thinking he will graduate to in my car after he outgrows whatever seat I buy to keep him RFing in my car...

I keep moving around in circles, and I need to make some decisions! Help!

On a side note, does anyone have thoughts on the Radian covers? I like the colors of the breathable mesh fabrics, but it seems like the others would feel better.

The inside of my car --
05_ion_coupe_red_sidedoors.jpg
 
ADS

Simplysomething

New member
I'd have no problems having him forward facing in the grandparents car--if that means that the car-seat will stay properly installed. But I'm not a tech, and that's just my personal comfort level.
 

Maedze

New member
I think a Radian would fit beautifully in those nice, deep, slanted rear seats. I think I'm drooling a little.

Have you tried installing the Scenera more upright in the Beetle, so the grandparents aren't likely to muss with it? Also, have you spoken with them about the grave importance of the seat not being touched?

I would not turn a 2 year old forward facing, even for occasional rides.
 

armywife12

New member
I agree about the Radian install in your vehicle. By the looks of the seat, it would probably be a dream install. Since your 2 yr old is only 29lbs, Id say either a True Fit or Radian (just because I love our XTSL and so does my 2 yr old).

If you are having problems with the car seat installed in your parents vehicle, I agree that I'd rather have him properly FF than improperly RF
 

Jonah Baby

New member
Just showing some sympathy with the grandparent situation - my parents are the same way and they're only in their 40's!
I go agree that I would prefer my child properly FF than always improperly RF, but I would exhaust every option of keeping him RF first.

Definitely try what Maedze said of a more upright install.

How is it that he is getting too tall to RF in the AOE? I haven't owned the AOE for a while, refresh me?

Looks to me like you have oodles of room for any RF seat in that car. I'm jealous. And also like Maedze said, the deep recline on your seats will help to get a nice upright Radian install. Just a tip, I noticed that the possible recline on my Radian will change depending on weather it is a belt or LATCH install, so try both to see if you get what you like.

I would vote TrueFit (or TFPremier) or Radian. Sounds like you won't need the really high weight limit that the newest Radians offer, just a tall shell for this kiddo. In such a case, I would personally look at places like albeebaby for a Radian as you won't necessarily need the new SL's.
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,656
Messages
2,196,897
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top