Progression of seats

chambom

New member
What is a good outline of what seats will be needed until they are big enough for just a seatbelt.

I have dd(3, 30#, 36in) in a CA and a TF. They both harness to 50, right? So what will come next? A highback booster or a higher harness seat? It seems like she will 9 or 10 before she hits 50 pounds. Does a radian fit taller kids than the CA or TF?
 
ADS

jourdysmom

CPST Instructor
Is she rear-facing or forward-facing?

The TF is RF to 35lbs, the CA to 40. Some CA's FF to 50, some to 65, so you would need to check your manual or the stickers on the seat to tell. The TF goes up to 65lbs FF.

The recommendations:
RF to the limits of your seat. Outgrown when child reaches the weight limit, OR has 1" of shell left above their head.

Then FF to the limits of the seat (not always feasible if you have a 40lb 8 year old etc). FF is outgrown when the weight limit is reached OR the tops of the ears are even with the top of the seat shell.

Booster seats: high back first, once the child outgrows the FF harnessed seat or is mature enough to sit properly in it at all times. (Usually age 6 or so, but could be a bit sooner, or even later). Once the child outgrows the HBB at age 8-9 (again approximate) you go to a no back booster until they are 4'9" AND can pass the 5 step test (approximately age 11-12 or so)

Hope that helps!
 

Evolily

New member
Then FF to the limits of the seat (not always feasible if you have a 40lb 8 year old etc). FF is outgrown when the weight limit is reached OR the tops of the ears are even with the top of the seat shell.

Also, it's outgrown FF when the shoulder goes over the top harness slot (this usually happens before ears approach the top of the shell).

Basically, best practice is rear facing to the limits of the convertible seat (birth-3 or 4 usually), forward facing until the child is emotionally and physically mature enough for a booster (5-7 years old, usually), boostering until the 5 step test in passed (10-12 years old, usually). High back boosters are preferred for younger booster riders because they give more support to kids when they sleep. Many people put a 40 lb minimum for riding in a booster- in some countries and some states this is the law, but most people here are comfortable with a 35 lb 6 year old in a booster.

At this point, for you, your seats may last until she is booster ready, probably around 5 or 6. In that case, you can expect to buy a highback booster at that point. You might buy one that converts to a backless booster, in this case it may be the last seat you ever buy.

If she outgrows your current seats before she's booster ready, you will buy a combination seat (harness to booster). Some combination seats make good boosters, some make poor boosters, so you may or may not have to buy a booster after she outgrows the harness. Also, if the booster does not have a backless mode, you may have to buy a backless booster when she outgrows highback mode.

Oh, and I wouldn't get a radian. There's no need, you have two convertibles, both of which she should fit both rear facing and forward facing.
 

chambom

New member
Ok, so I should figure that our seats are good until booster. I just didn't know if I wanted to harness as long as possible if there would be another seat before booster.

What are the seats with the highest top slots?

Yes, she is still rf- seems it will be a while before she hits 35# or gets too tall.
 

armywife12

New member
For convertibles, the complete air, true fit and radians have the highest top slots, with the complete air being the highest of all (18 inches).

For ff only seats the frontier 85 has the highest top slots (around 19.5-20 inches).
 

Evolily

New member
In two or three or four years, when she outgrows these seats, it's likely what's on the market will be very different. It doesn't make much sense to worry about what's available now :) .
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,656
Messages
2,196,896
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