Convertible seats - Canada

Hi, I tried to register before posting, but after 4 or 5 unsuccessful tries of the site locking up during registration processing, I gave up and decided to post as a guest.

I have 8 month old twins, and am starting to look into convertible seats for them. We have a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan; both childseats will be on the middle row captain's chairs, so I don't think that size of seat will be an issue. Baby A is roughly 64 cm and 17.5 lbs, Baby B is roughly 66 cm and 16.5 lbs. My plan is to keep them rearfacing at least until they turn 2, and even longer if they remain small enough to fit rear-facing.

My priority is safety, and while I realize all seats sold in Canada meet certain guidelines, I don't want the bare minimum. Other considerations are comfort for the children and ease of use for me. We won't be switching them to different vehicles, so that won't be an issue. I'm also not concerned about cost, if it means that we'll have these seats for several years and have piece of mind for safety and quality.

The problem is there are so many options to choose from! Any suggestions or tips on seats to buy or avoid are greatly appreciated! Thanks

You can always try an account later--I know some things have been a bit quirky around here the last few days..

With regards to wanting the best/safest seat--while we may not know the specifics of actual crash testing, nor can we anticipate how the different variables applied by your specific vehicle will impact the performance of individual seats, there are some constants. For example--things like selecting appropriate restraints (including using restraints in the correct orientation--in your case, rear-facing) and using those restraints correctly each and every time (both installation and putting the child in the seat).

So in the absence of specific numbers telling you which seats perform best in your Grand Caravan, you can still select seats that will keep your kids rear-facing as long as possible, fit them well, and that you're going to use correctly each and every time. Right there, you're well above the "bare minimum".

Yes, it may seem that there are lots of seats to choose from, but looking at the stage your kids are in and your desire to rear-face as long as possible, you should be able to narrow things down to a handful of seats. Many stores will allow you to try the seats out in your vehicle, which may help narrow things down even more. Looking through the forums here should help guide you as far as which seats are most highly recommended, as well.

-Nicole.

Just popping in to say I have a 2010 Grand Caravan and I have installed our (old-style) Britax Blvd and Diono Radian RXT there rearfacing. Both seats fit easily with latch or seatbelt but I prefer the Radian for ease of loading the child in and out, and more room for the child in general. Also the Radian fits well RF third row should you need to rearrange to fit in more passengers sometime.

You are lucky - you should have plenty of seats to choose from that will work in your van for your kids - just wanted to let you know what was successful for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Car-Seat.Org

If you're looking for comfort and ease of use my two picks would be the myride or the britax marathon. If you're loading them standing on the ground outside the van, another one to consider is the radian. It's not the most cushy seat out there but has high rear facing limits and a low profile (so you don't have to lift them as high).

Looks like my registration eventually worked last night.

Thanks for the replies. Based on recommendations from friends and what I've read online, I'm leaning towards the Radian or Britax Advocate. Hopefully I can get out tomorrow and have a look at some in person.

Update:

My husband and I were out this morning and checked out a bunch of seats in person. Based on what we read online, recommendations from friends and what we observed earlier in stores, we opted for the Britax Advocate. The local store had to order them in (the only one they had was the floor model), so we'll have to wait a couple of weeks to try it in the van. Fingers crossed that they fit without too much trouble!

This is purely opinion here, but I wouldn't personally bother with the Advocate. The side airbags are a royal pain and if you ever do have to move anything beside an Advocate (think third row with outboard passengers), you will be hard pressed to fit anyone or anything else. The Boulevard is the same seat minus the exterior pillows.

That being said, my average sized 2yo is about to outgrow his Gen2 Boulevard rear facing. He *might* make it to 3 if we're extremely lucky. If you want to remain RF for as long as possible and are willing to spend the money on Advocates, I'd hold off and look at the Foonf (due out this month if I'm not mistaken and if its in the budget) or look at the Radian. Both of those seats will keep you RF for much longer than an Advocate and will offer more leg room for squirmy toddlers.