DS (6 months, 20 pounds, 29") is at the limit of his infant seat (Chicco Keyfit 22, but he is tall and long-waisted and his head is near the top of the seat). I just ordered 2 new Radian XT SL's (RF to 45 pounds).
We also have a Radian 65 purchased in 2008 (RF to 33 pounds) and a Radian XL purchased in 2009 (RF to 40 pounds). DD (3 years old, 33 pounds) is currently using these rear-facing (one is in my car, one is in DH's).
I was planning to give DD the 2 new seats and move DS into the old Radians. Then I realized the Radian 65 does not have the side protection "wings" and he is a fragile little infant compared to DD . We use both cars equally, so someone will be in the 65 at least half the time. So which would be safer? 6-month old DS in the Radian 65 (RF, of course, but no head-wings) and DD RF'ing in an XT? Or DS in an XT and DD FF'ing in the Radian 65 (as she is at the limit and needs to be turned FF if she stays in that seat). And does it matter who goes on the passenger side and who goes on the driver's side? (i.e. if the passenger side more likely to get hit in an accident?)
If it matters, we have a 1999 Toyota 4-Runner where the car seats are allowed to touch the front seats and there are no airbags in the back. We also have a 2006 Corolla where the car seats are *not* allowed to touch the front seat. I think the Corolla has airbags in the back.
I'm also wondering if this is a moot point because I don't know if we can fit a Radian RF'ing behind the Corolla's driver's seat. I am 5'11"; DH is 6'1". We may have to turn DH FF'ing anyway If DD *has* to be FF'ing, should I for sure give her one of the XTs to FF in? Thoughts?
We also have a Radian 65 purchased in 2008 (RF to 33 pounds) and a Radian XL purchased in 2009 (RF to 40 pounds). DD (3 years old, 33 pounds) is currently using these rear-facing (one is in my car, one is in DH's).
I was planning to give DD the 2 new seats and move DS into the old Radians. Then I realized the Radian 65 does not have the side protection "wings" and he is a fragile little infant compared to DD . We use both cars equally, so someone will be in the 65 at least half the time. So which would be safer? 6-month old DS in the Radian 65 (RF, of course, but no head-wings) and DD RF'ing in an XT? Or DS in an XT and DD FF'ing in the Radian 65 (as she is at the limit and needs to be turned FF if she stays in that seat). And does it matter who goes on the passenger side and who goes on the driver's side? (i.e. if the passenger side more likely to get hit in an accident?)
If it matters, we have a 1999 Toyota 4-Runner where the car seats are allowed to touch the front seats and there are no airbags in the back. We also have a 2006 Corolla where the car seats are *not* allowed to touch the front seat. I think the Corolla has airbags in the back.
I'm also wondering if this is a moot point because I don't know if we can fit a Radian RF'ing behind the Corolla's driver's seat. I am 5'11"; DH is 6'1". We may have to turn DH FF'ing anyway If DD *has* to be FF'ing, should I for sure give her one of the XTs to FF in? Thoughts?