Best fit for a '98 Sienna

MommyTully · Oct 13, 2011

I'm looking for convertible carseat for my 14mnth old and a combination seat or convertible depending for my 3.5 yr old.
Most importantly(obviously) they need to be able to be installed properly in my Sienna. We bought a Cosco Scenera:thumbsdown: for my 3.5 yr old when she was almost 2 and were completely unable to install it safely RF we reluctantly changed her to FF because we were unable to purchase a different seat at the time.
We are in the position now to purchase new seats and I want to make sure I am getting one that will actually do what I need it to.
I guess what I'm looking for is a ff seat that will allow my 3yr old to be harnessed for the longest period of time and a convertible that will allow the 14mnth old to rearface for the longest period of time. We tried the Nautilus in the store for the 3yr old and she was already sitting on the crotch strap. Oh she also has a long torso.
Thanks!

ketchupqueen · Oct 15, 2011

Welcome to car-seat.org! I've not worked in a Sienna of that era, but hopefully someone has. If your daughter has a tall torso, you might consider the Britax Frontier 85, which has the tallest harnessing height available.

EmmaCPST · Oct 16, 2011

What is the problem you had with the Scenera? Usually most RF install problems with that seat can be solved with a rolled towel or a pool noodle to achieve the proper recline.

The Britax seats tend to install well RF in that gen Sienna, the downside is that they have somewhat shorter shells and less leg room than some other convertible seats.

How much does your 14 month old weigh? I would look at a True Fit also - they have a very tall shell and are great for ERF, the only downside is the 35 pound RF weight limit, where most other seats go to 40 pounds. If you have average size or smaller kids though, that'll get most kids to 2-3 years old RF, especially since the shell is so tall.

For the 3 year old, I'd get either a Britax Frontier or a Recaro ProSport. The Frontier has higher harness straps, but either one would easily get your daughter to booster maturity and should be very comfortable for her and install well in your van.

Hope that helps!