Hi all!
I am new to this forum (though I have lurked a few times) and have a bunch of questions if any of you wouldn't mind sharing some of your wisdom and expertise. I am looking for a new carseat for DS because he is already approaching the RFing limit on our True Fit and I want to RF him as long as possible. Right now he is 23 months old, 34 1/4 inches, and about 32.5 lbs naked weight. We love our True Fit because of all the convenient features (especially the front-adjust shoulder height and easily removable fabric) but are disappointed he is outgrowing it so quickly. I have weighed it in my mind and I just don't think I could forgive myself if he was injured in an accident because of being FF when I know there are seats available that could RF him longer. I have done some research already but am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information, and frustrated by the inconsistency of some of it (like retailers listing different weight limits on some seats than the manufacturer lists on their website), and I am hoping you can help me narrow down the choices.
Here are my "wants" in a carseat, in order of importance, give or take a little:
Highest RF weight limit possible, that will actually be usable (minimum 40 lbs)
Will fit in a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder, preferably behind a seat rather than in the centre
Comfortable for DS to sit in, even for long road trips
Front adjuster for shoulder strap length, adjusts easily
Reasonably priced
Easy to install
High top slots for taller child
Adjustable crotch strap
Easily removable fabric for washing
Easy to adjust strap height
Some other features that sound appealing but I am not sure how important they are (and would love some reliable info on this):
True side impact protection
Steel reinforcements
From my research so far, I have found the following high weight limit rear-facing carseats available in Canada:
Evenflo Momentum
Graco My Ride 65
Safety 1st Complete Air
Britax Marathon, Boulevard and Advocate
Radian 65, Premier and XT
AFAIK, all of these are usable up 40 lbs RF and to 65 lbs FF besides the Radians (45 lbs RF) and Complete Air (only to 50 lbs FF). Is that correct? Are there any other seats available in Canada that RF to 40 lbs or more? Am I correct that the Radians are the only seats that RF above 40 lbs?
Which of these seats have the tallest height limits, or are they all about the same? Which are more comfortable width (bum/shoulder) and length-wise (legs when RFing) for an older/bigger child? Is it actually reasonable to expect a child to RF to 45 lbs in the Radians without being terribly uncomfortable?
Are the Britax and Radians the only seats that have steel reinforcements?
From what I have read I am leaning toward a Radian XT atm because it RF to 45 lbs, I like the side impact protection and steel frame, and I found one on sale online for $289. I would LOVE to find something cheaper than this because we don't actually have the money right now, but not if it means having to buy another one again later to RF longer.
Sorry this is SOOO long! I just don't want to spend $$$ on another seat that won't last DS. I would rather do the research and put out a bit more money now to know that we will have a seat that works well for us longterm. I would love to know if any of you knows of any sales on high weight limit carseats (RF to at least 40 lbs), especially Radian or Britax. Oh, and is it actually illegal to use an American carseat in Canada, or could I order one from the U.S. if I found a good deal?
Darn, I just realized the sale on that Radian XT is over tomorrow and I don't feel close to making a decision. Any help would be appreciated, please!
Thanks in advance!
Trina
I am new to this forum (though I have lurked a few times) and have a bunch of questions if any of you wouldn't mind sharing some of your wisdom and expertise. I am looking for a new carseat for DS because he is already approaching the RFing limit on our True Fit and I want to RF him as long as possible. Right now he is 23 months old, 34 1/4 inches, and about 32.5 lbs naked weight. We love our True Fit because of all the convenient features (especially the front-adjust shoulder height and easily removable fabric) but are disappointed he is outgrowing it so quickly. I have weighed it in my mind and I just don't think I could forgive myself if he was injured in an accident because of being FF when I know there are seats available that could RF him longer. I have done some research already but am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information, and frustrated by the inconsistency of some of it (like retailers listing different weight limits on some seats than the manufacturer lists on their website), and I am hoping you can help me narrow down the choices.
Here are my "wants" in a carseat, in order of importance, give or take a little:
Highest RF weight limit possible, that will actually be usable (minimum 40 lbs)
Will fit in a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder, preferably behind a seat rather than in the centre
Comfortable for DS to sit in, even for long road trips
Front adjuster for shoulder strap length, adjusts easily
Reasonably priced
Easy to install
High top slots for taller child
Adjustable crotch strap
Easily removable fabric for washing
Easy to adjust strap height
Some other features that sound appealing but I am not sure how important they are (and would love some reliable info on this):
True side impact protection
Steel reinforcements
From my research so far, I have found the following high weight limit rear-facing carseats available in Canada:
Evenflo Momentum
Graco My Ride 65
Safety 1st Complete Air
Britax Marathon, Boulevard and Advocate
Radian 65, Premier and XT
AFAIK, all of these are usable up 40 lbs RF and to 65 lbs FF besides the Radians (45 lbs RF) and Complete Air (only to 50 lbs FF). Is that correct? Are there any other seats available in Canada that RF to 40 lbs or more? Am I correct that the Radians are the only seats that RF above 40 lbs?
Which of these seats have the tallest height limits, or are they all about the same? Which are more comfortable width (bum/shoulder) and length-wise (legs when RFing) for an older/bigger child? Is it actually reasonable to expect a child to RF to 45 lbs in the Radians without being terribly uncomfortable?
Are the Britax and Radians the only seats that have steel reinforcements?
From what I have read I am leaning toward a Radian XT atm because it RF to 45 lbs, I like the side impact protection and steel frame, and I found one on sale online for $289. I would LOVE to find something cheaper than this because we don't actually have the money right now, but not if it means having to buy another one again later to RF longer.
Sorry this is SOOO long! I just don't want to spend $$$ on another seat that won't last DS. I would rather do the research and put out a bit more money now to know that we will have a seat that works well for us longterm. I would love to know if any of you knows of any sales on high weight limit carseats (RF to at least 40 lbs), especially Radian or Britax. Oh, and is it actually illegal to use an American carseat in Canada, or could I order one from the U.S. if I found a good deal?
Darn, I just realized the sale on that Radian XT is over tomorrow and I don't feel close to making a decision. Any help would be appreciated, please!
Thanks in advance!
Trina