New 5 y/o at top slots of Radian, WWYD?

(Poll to follow) Owen is 5 years and 1 month old. I noticed yesterday that the harness was curving down slightly behind his shoulders(My 5lb, 34 weeker just won't stop growing!:crying. He was excited so he was sitting very upright the whole trip, but normally he will slouch and gain .5 to 1 inch.

His stats are approximately 44" and 45 lbs.

He does well in a booster 90% of the time. Mostly he wants to lean to the center of the car. He is not much of a car sleeper, but does fall asleep occasionally when we are on long drives. He has fallen asleep once in his PWSG. The fit was only ok. I think it has more to do with the seat than the sleeping. We have a Turbo but that has gone to mil's car, I could get it back I suppose. I think he would do well with something with bigger headwings but narrower shoulder belt guides, maybe the dreamtime deluxe?

I don't have founds for a combination seat right now, so if I opted for that I would need to take advantage of using the Radian above the top slots until I saved up for one. I don't really like this idea though. He's ridden in a Nauti and I really like it, but I'm not sure it would buy enough harness height to be worth it. So that leaves the Frontier, but that would take longer to save up for. Or maybe one of the new combos coming out soon?

If I left it up Owen he would want to stay harnessed. DH would prefer if I didn't buy any seats. When I bought the Radian (back when the kid was still small for his age ) I told him it would be the last seat we need before a booster.

Any advice?

My answer is a combination one.

I would leave him in the Radian AND would booster-train him at the same time so that 90% can go up to 100%. I feel comfortable with a five-year-old, 45-pounder being in a booster if you can get his proper use up to 100%.

However, I see that you also have a younger child. Will his seats last him to booster age? If not, then I would get a Frontier for Owen and would pass it to Teddy when he outgrows all his seats.

Have you tried him in the TF ffing to see if he has any harness height left in that seat? I think the harness height is a smidge taller, plus since it installs slightly differently, he might gain a little bit of harness height in it? Since you're not comfortable with the Radian over the top slots, maybe that would be a good solution to get you a few more months (if he indeed has any harness height left in it) to either save for a combo seat or booster train him more so that he can be 100% ready when he outgrows the seat.

I wouldn't panic, Sunshine kids says it is okay to go over the top slots and I think that is is a better option than a booster at 5.

I don't recall the harness height on the new evenflo combo, if it is taller it might be a good option since it would be cheaper than the frontier.

I talked to Owen and he says he wants a CooMoo Frontier for Chirstmas. My silly, weird kid! I guess that's what were doing! Dh is ok with because Owen asked for it and it will count as most of his Christmas.

That works!!

I voted for the "leave in Radian and save up for a random combo seat" type option. Mostly because I don't think it matters much whether you're saving up for a Frontier or a nice booster. I would leave him in the Radian a little longer... and if he ends up in a Frontier next, that's great, but if he ends up in a booster next, that's ok too.

Did you try him in the TF, Teddy RF in the Radian?

Oh and I vote for wait to see what comes out! DD3 has been AT the top slots in the radian for nearly a year... she is getting VERY leggy... I am fine with her staying in it for quite a bit longer You are better off, you don't have an XT with head wings right? that will be where DD will have the issue, those will hit her shoulders and cause discomfort IMO.

The true fit installs reclined a bit. The harness is not taller than the radian's. My son outgrew the true fit harness over a year ago, but rides in a radian now.

jourdysmom said:

Did you try him in the TF, Teddy RF in the Radian?

Oh and I vote for wait to see what comes out! DD3 has been AT the top slots in the radian for nearly a year... she is getting VERY leggy... I am fine with her staying in it for quite a bit longer You are better off, you don't have an XT with head wings right? that will be where DD will have the issue, those will hit her shoulders and cause discomfort IMO.

Click to expand...

I had them that way for a little while. They actually both prefer that arrangement. But Owen was hitting the top slots of the True Fit, so I switched them back.

I actually forgot that I want to get Teddy back in the Radian anyway. When he is in the True fit for extended periods he complains that his back and legs hurt.. Plus he is sneaking up on 35 lbs. He is a bit off, but he continues to grow like Owen, once he hits 3 his growth is going to sky rocket.

Owen would prefer to be harnessed for ever, I'm pretty sure.

I could have written this, lol.

That's my kid, 5 years old. But about 46 inches and 47 lbs.

Anyway, we're leaving him in the Radian until he turns 6 in July (and he does have a teeny bit of time before shoulders are even with slots, and if he goes over a tad, I know it's OK with this seat). T

hen we're getting a Frontier. (happy birthday!) He's not ready for a booster. Sitting next to his RF brother actually excites him and he's all over the place (but in his harness so all is good).

My 3yo is close to the same stats at your 5yo! lol. I'd save up for a Frontier, that's what we have and I love it!! Like someone posted... SKJP allows you to use the seat with the harness below the shoulders in the top most position.