Question Backup Carseat for tiny backseat

Unregistered · Apr 4, 2011

We usually use a Advocate, but we can't fit it rearfacing in our second 'backup' car--a 1998 Sentra. My husband thinks we should just put it forward facing (our kid is 19lbs!! and 15 months--I am absolutely not letting that happen--no forward facing until he's at least 35lbs or too tall for a seat). I need to get a seat for the Sentra to ensure this never happens while I'm gone, but it has to be cheap and actually fit. We could barely even fit a graco snugride in the backseat of the Sentra. The baby will only be in this seat 1-2x/month, so it is very limited use and we don't want to spend a fortune, but he still needs to be safe.

I was looking at the Cosco Scenera, but also wondering about the Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible and the Triumph Advacne LX (assuming I can still get it on sale by the time I decide). In the $80 range and under would be nice, but I could convince DH to go for about $100 if it'll fit better.

Anyone have any experience of know where I can look for seat suggestions for a small car? Thanks!

wendytthomas · Apr 4, 2011

It's odd it doesn't fit. Are you putting it so the line on the side is level? If so, you don't need to. That's for a newborn. Same with a Scenera, onSide, or EFTA. You can put them as upright as 30 degrees, they should all fit well, and any are a good choice.

Wendy

Unregistered · Apr 4, 2011

Maybe I will try the Advocate again, knowing that. I can't remember if I tried that when I originally tested to see if it would fit 6+ months ago. The thing is *huge* though. Thanks!

jjordan · Apr 4, 2011

If there isn't a passenger, it will help to move the passenger seat all the way forward and put the car seat on that side. But regardless, it shouldn't take up more room (front-back) than the snugride if you're installing at a 30* angle. Good luck!

Unregistered · Apr 11, 2011

I'm confused about angling the Advocate--it says the seat must be in the 'reclined' position when RF, so how could I adjust the recline to be less?

I ended up going with the Onside Air for the Sentra, but I can't get it to install well. It fits, but we need to get a locking clip for the crappy old seatbelts. Also, I can't get it tight enough to prevent excessive side to side movement without one side of it being lifted up by the shoulder belt. Any idea how to prevent that?

wendytthomas · Apr 11, 2011

It must be mechanically reclined, but if you pull it away from the backseat an inch or so you can sit it more upright. Then add weight at the baby's feet rather than bum, and you can get it even more upright.

You shouldn't need a locking clip for locking 1998 seatbelts. However, the locking clip will help with the tipping. You use it and then don't lock the seatbelt.

Wendy

Question Backup Carseat for tiny backseat

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