What seat do I want for ds3?

Ds3 is 3 years 4.5 months and just under 30 pounds. His torso height is 12-12.5 inches. He is a shrimp for his age. He turned FF a couple of months ago. He is currently in a MA70 in my van, a MR in dh's car and a TFP in our truck. I would love something new in dh's car but the MR is the only seat I can make work in a 3 across and be able to buckle a booster on either side. I love the MA70 FF in my van but it is too high for him to climb in himself. He is in the second row in the middle/passenger side on the 2 person bench. It kills my back to lift him into his seat so I would like something lower profile. Bonus if I can get it during the trade in event at BRU but not required.
I love the look of the new Evenflo SecureKid but it looks like it will cause major head slump. I had my heart set on it until I saw the pictures here. He has a Maestro in FIL's car but has complained about the straps rubbing his neck a couple of times. I cut a piece of thin fleece to make a really thin cover and that solved the problem. I know it wouldn't really be recommended but I am okay with it. Knowing the straps are just as narrow makes me not want to try the SecureKid anymore . Then I thought about a Symphony E3 but I searched and saw it caused head slump FF because of the headrest as well. So what do I want?
Features I would like are:
not likely to cause head slump
no rethread harness
easy install
low profile
nice padding

Additional features that would be nice but are not necessary:
could possibly fit 3 across
have a recline position for FF (his MA70 in in the 2nd position and he has no head slump)
could become a booster
easy off cover

I really want to try the new Kiddy seat but don't know if I can wait with how my back has been. The seatbelt buckle is also a pain because it likes to push down into the seat when trying to buckle and I am not sure exactly how the Kiddy seat works with a seatbelt install. I do have LATCH in that position though. It is also a little too expensive at the moment but could be managed if I start saving now. It would last ds3 a long time.

Also does anyone know if the CA LX has a recline FF? I had a CA (50 pound version) and liked it. I gave it to my sister but wish I still had it.

My CA LX was really good ff'ing! I actually liked it that way. it doesn't become a booster but it was comfy and was three across friendly in our Tahoe. I'd say the Nautilus but I just don't like them which is totally a personal opinion. My bff has one for her dd and she loves it. Our ods is 3.5 and he's in a frontier. It's my favorite seat. Not very 3 across friendly but it sits back like its reclined. He never has head slump while sleeping.

I had a FR85 for ds2 and hated the seatbelt install, but he was over 40 pounds so I couldn't use LATCH. It is a possibility for ds3 because he is not quite 30 pounds. I would imagine he won't be 40 pounds until he is 5. I am comfortable booster training him at that point. I never tried a LATCH install at all with the FR85 but may try it out at BRU before the trade in event is over. I just need to make it there without the kids I watch and without dh knowing. He will flip when I get another new seat .

As for the CA LX, is there a recline position for FF or is it 1 position only?

I don't remember exactly but I know there was enough of a recline when I had it ff'ing that I liked it. I think there were two positions you could have it in but I haven't done it in awhile. I sold it. ...and I do miss it too!

momtoo3 said:

I had a FR85 for ds2 and hated the seatbelt install, but he was over 40 pounds so I couldn't use LATCH. It is a possibility for ds3 because he is not quite 30 pounds. I would imagine he won't be 40 pounds until he is 5. I am comfortable booster training him at that point. I never tried a LATCH install at all with the FR85 but may try it out at BRU before the trade in event is over. I just need to make it there without the kids I watch and without dh knowing. He will flip when I get another new seat .

As for the CA LX, is there a recline position for FF or is it 1 position only?

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In my experience the FR85 is very easy with LATCH in any car I have tried it in (except subaru )

I sure do my Nautilus!