Graco Nautilus or Britax Frontier 85

I know this question has been asked over and over. But, I, of course, feel I'm adding a spin to the questions.

I am the main person to do and check the car seat installs. I feel my hubby can handle a classic MA very well. And even a belt install on some of our FF seats without lock offs. I'm worried about going with Frontiers do to tricky installs - although I can teach him I'm not sure he would remember how under pressure. Not sure if this should be a deciding point or not.

The price difference for me between the Frontier and Nautilus is approx $60... a bit of a deal breaker when purchasing multiple seats. My children, in no way need seats as large as the Nautilus or Frontier. I'm not even certain I will save them for Booster Mode. (for comparison, my 5y4m old is still at/even with the second from BOTTOM slots on the Nautilus... her sisters also have the short torsos that CPSTs dream about).

My Nautilus Review:

• it is smooth and easy to adjust harness
• my daughter can buckle and unbuckle her self
• cupholder/cubbies are great
• easy to teach others how to install
• But, with the head rests are up... it does block my vision when looking through the rear view window (I've moved L to the 3rd slot and the headrest is fairly high for my 5'2" view)
• Graco Customer Service has been fantastic to us

My Frontier Review:

• E wants and desires a "moo" seat. She doesn't ask for much and I kind of want to do this for her (she currently rides in the BLVD 70)
• I like that I can loosen the top tether, reach down and adjust the harness height
• It's a little big - overall
• because my girls are shorties, the head rest does not block the rear view window view a their current settings (including 5 yo).
• I have preference for Britax, it was seeded in me with my 1st purchase 5 years ago

I'm thinking of getting the twins a set of either Frontiers or Nautilus seats (and considering big sister too).

Pros/Cons in our particular situation

The children:

• E is 36" and 30lb dressed - 3 years old
• G is 35" and 29lb dressed - 3 years old
• L is 41" and 38lb dressed - 5 years old

The seats we have:

I need to keep one convertible in my possession (so I will sell two of these):

• BLVD70 in coomoo (the pattern is a BIG deal and thus brings me to the FN85)
• TFP
• CA50

Floater seats

• GN (in my van)
• FN85 (meant for DH car... currently trying out in my van)
• Maestro (spare for grandparent's)
• Oobr (not ready to let this be L's main seat)
• RN65SL (possibly selling to a friend)

selling for certain:

• Strada
• Comfy Carry Elite

Vehicle:
2007 Toyota Sienna 8 passenger. I have confirmed that three Frontiers would work in the middle row.

Other vehicle:
2000 Avalon. My husband wants a Frontier in it. If I have to do a three across I know that the BLVD 70 works and I'm fairly certain the Maestro would too. The CA fits as well. (it is on rare occasion that we need a three across in DH's vehicle).

SO, what would you do in my situation with my preferences. If you have made the same choice between a Nauti and FR... why did you choose the one you did.

I'll have to buy two. My DH only wants a FR in his car (and I'm not going to argue with his good tastes). However, he did see the Recaro ProSport and I've told him we have to draw the line somewhere.

I like them both... My preference is for the frontiers, even tho the install can be more annoying.

I have a ProSport coming, probably this week, if you want to try it out. Oh, and, TEXT ME BACK!!

I like the Frontier better. It is lighter and easier for me to transfer, a no rethread harness is important to me, the crotch buckle has more than one position, DD can unbuckle herself (can't in nauti). I have more visibility (dd is tall for her age, average torso I think, while her friend that carpools is shorter torso'd but the nautilus she rides in obstructs my view more. The install doesn't bother me with the seatbelt, and I like Britax LATCH better. That's why we picked it.

Judi said:

I have a ProSport coming, probably this week, if you want to try it out. Oh, and, TEXT ME BACK!!

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Where's my phone ?

autumnlily said:

Where's my phone ?

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In the freezer, duh.

I don't like the head slump in the Nauti so I would get a FR85. The install can be a bear, but the more you do it, the easier it is.

Will you take pics of your dd in the Strada for me? I'm still trying to decide which seat for dd1 and have nowhere close to go look. Thanks

I have both and prefer the Frontier hands down. The pros for me:
No headslump
Seat sits lower
DD says its more comfortable

MoreLatte said:

I have both and prefer the Frontier hands down. The pros for me:
No headslump
Seat sits lower
DD says its more comfortable

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:yeahthat: Also, both my girls have been in the Nautilus now and neither liked it.