My 6yo is still in is Marathon, my favorite car seat!! However, my 10 mo needs to get out of his carrier, too big. My dilemma is having to buy 2 new seats. Do I keep the 6 yo in the Marathon a little longer since he is a sleeper (although it's not his main vehicle for transportation so he doesn't sleep in it a ton)? OR can I put him in a high back booster and let the 10 mo ride in the Marathon until it's done? If high back what's your favorite? He has a Nautilus in the other vehicle. Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks!!
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Marathon or Booster
- Thread starter marmar10
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jacqui276
New member
How much does your 6 year old weigh? Also, where is his head/ears in comparison to the back of the car seat shell and are his shoulders still below the top harness slots?
Assuming that the 6 year old is close to outgrowing the marathon, I would likely pass it on to the 10 month old and buy a new seat for the 6 year old (either a high back booster or forward facing harnessed seat depending upon his size and maturity level).
Assuming that the 6 year old is close to outgrowing the marathon, I would likely pass it on to the 10 month old and buy a new seat for the 6 year old (either a high back booster or forward facing harnessed seat depending upon his size and maturity level).
abigaylebelle
Active member
What is the date of manufacture on your marathon? If you bought it new when your 6 year old was a baby or young toddler it is likely to expire soon.
If the marathon still has a few years left I would pass it down to the baby. If not you'll have to get a new one.
I would booster a 6 year old unless there was a compelling reason not to. What is your budget for a booster?
If the marathon still has a few years left I would pass it down to the baby. If not you'll have to get a new one.
I would booster a 6 year old unless there was a compelling reason not to. What is your budget for a booster?
6 yo is 43 lbs and 42-44 inches tall. His ears and shoulders are under the requirements. My expiration sticker disappeared with the many washes, I think I have just under a year. I know it's not a long time but if it helps to spread out the purchasing of 3 seats I'm all for using it until the time is up, 6 years I think. I would like to keep it under $150. I was hoping Babies R Us would have their Buy Back deal so I could get a coupon but I haven't seen anything.
The reason why the 6yo is still harnessed is because the seat isn't expired and he sleeps in the car a lot. However, we use our other car for the long trips.
The reason why the 6yo is still harnessed is because the seat isn't expired and he sleeps in the car a lot. However, we use our other car for the long trips.
carseatcoach
Carseat Crankypants
How have you been washing this seat so that the label disappeared? Have you been wetting down the actual seat and straps?
Expiration is 6 years from date of manufacture, not date of purchase. Most seats are a few months old when purchased.
Expiration is 6 years from date of manufacture, not date of purchase. Most seats are a few months old when purchased.
I would pass down the marathon and purchase a hbb. If you like Britax, the parkway is nice. Recaro boosters are my personal favorite. Once the marathon has expired, you can get something new for the baby. Just be sure to check on the expiration. I suppose you could purchase the baby a new seat first and buy a booster once the marathon is expired, but if it still has a while, I would go ahead and pass it down.
Thanks for all of your help so far. Here is my plan if you see a not so great idea please let me know.
6yo is getting a new booster, Parkway or Recaro whichever fits in the car better. My only hang up is his seats don't have latch so I'll have to figure something out with that. 10 mo will get his Marathon until December at the very latest.
While I'm picking your brains I figured I might as well ask about my DS. She'll be 4 in Oct., 37 inches, and 28 pounds. She's currently in an Alpha
It's time to be replaced. If you are counting this is the 3rd seat that needs to be replaced. Yes, I do get excited about buying new car seats, but the reality of the dollars is starting to chase the excitement away. Anyway, I was thinking about passing DS Nautilus down because it should be her last seat in that case. Then I could buy him another booster. Since those are cheaper than another convertible. I don't want to sound like I'm just thinking about money, but if she is just as safe in a Nautilus than another seat why not??
Then my 3rd seat goes to the 10mo in the second vehicle. I was going to go with another Marathon, but the Radian seems like it would be another seat that he could use forever???
6yo is getting a new booster, Parkway or Recaro whichever fits in the car better. My only hang up is his seats don't have latch so I'll have to figure something out with that. 10 mo will get his Marathon until December at the very latest.
While I'm picking your brains I figured I might as well ask about my DS. She'll be 4 in Oct., 37 inches, and 28 pounds. She's currently in an Alpha
It's time to be replaced. If you are counting this is the 3rd seat that needs to be replaced. Yes, I do get excited about buying new car seats, but the reality of the dollars is starting to chase the excitement away. Anyway, I was thinking about passing DS Nautilus down because it should be her last seat in that case. Then I could buy him another booster. Since those are cheaper than another convertible. I don't want to sound like I'm just thinking about money, but if she is just as safe in a Nautilus than another seat why not??Then my 3rd seat goes to the 10mo in the second vehicle. I was going to go with another Marathon, but the Radian seems like it would be another seat that he could use forever???
If your 6 year old still fits in a marathon, and if your baby grows similarly, then there is little advantage to getting a Radian really since either another Marathon or a Radian will keep him harnessed to a safe booster age.
The current marathons are a little different than the one you have now, so check it out to be sure you still like it before you buy. There are lots of other great convertible seats on the market too. Since you're buying 2 seats within a short time period, if you want to buy something less expensive, there are some good options that cost less that might make sense for you.
Not having LATCH is not a problem with boosters; though it is sort of a pain to make sure that the booster gets buckled in when not in use.
The current marathons are a little different than the one you have now, so check it out to be sure you still like it before you buy.
There are lots of other great convertible seats on the market too. Since you're buying 2 seats within a short time period, if you want to buy something less expensive, there are some good options that cost less that might make sense for you.Not having LATCH is not a problem with boosters; though it is sort of a pain to make sure that the booster gets buckled in when not in use.
CarSafetyGuy
New member
Yup, with the G4, you can forward-face harness until 65 pounds, which is quite good. The newest Dionos get you up to 90, but with finances being a consideration, you'll probably want to skip those.
Just don't forget the height limits as well, most kids will outgrow both seats long before reaching the stated weight limits. Each seat has it's own overall height limit, and/or when the child's shoulders go above the top harness slots as well as if the tops of the child's ears go above the top of the shell. Although Diono allows the child's shoulders to go above the top slot, many of us here do not feel comfortable doing so, and some kids that have had stated it's uncomfortable.
DawgDad
New member
marmar - if you pass down the Nautilus, don't forget to get the recalled seatbelt ordered from Graco. I think that's a good plan you have so far...just check the measurements of your child to the those of the manufacturer as well as what can fit in your car. I completely understand the pickle you are in with purchasing these things...it's fun, but the dollars add up quickly and you want to get the best for all of them.
safeinthecar
Moderator - CPS Technician
I would wait to get the 4yo a seat until you see how the 6yo does in a booster. My kids were great in boosters for short trips starting at about 4.5, but anything longer and they fell asleep or got bored and forgot to stay in position. They weren't ready for full time boosters until close to 8-10 depending on the kid.
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