Need backup seat- must be easy to unbuckle

M

Mangosink

New member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #1

In my car, DD 4.75 yrs 33lbs rides in the Chicco Next Fit. She can't unbuckle herself. I am obsessed with kids being accidentally left in the car. My totally trustworthy parents will be caring for her while I'm out of town for a few days. I have tried and tried to teach her how to unbuckle herself and she can't figure out the crotch strap. Because my parents also pick her up from school sometimes, and could benefit from having their own carseat rather than having to move my NextFit, and to calm my paranoid fear of her being forgotten/trapped in a car while I'm out of town (my parents think I'm crazy they are super responsible and conscientious).

So....recommendations for a seat that is easy to unbuckle, is on the less expensive side (but this isn't a must -- I'll pay if there's a seat that is so great I have to have it. ) and will eventually convert to a booster seat if DD ever weighs over 40lbs. LOL. Which may never happen, she's such a peanut! I will keep her in the 5 point harness as long as possible.

 

rin2809

Active member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #2

I may have missed it, but is she RF or FF?

 

M

Mangosink

New member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #3

rin2809 said:

I may have missed it, but is she RF or FF?

Click to expand...

Sorry, she is FF.

 

jwilliams

New member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #4

Is she verbal? Because I really don't think you need to worry about a FF, verbal 4.75yo being left in the car.

I do agree about getting a second seat instead of moving yours. You basically have your pick since she's a peanut, aiming she isn't particularly tall. You could take a look at the combination seats on this list : http://carseatblog.com/carseatblogcoms-recommended-car-seats/

Good job waiting on the booster until she weighs more!

 

M

Mangosink

New member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #5

jwilliams said:

Is she verbal? Because I really don't think you need to worry about a FF, verbal 4.75yo being left in the car.

Click to expand...

She is verbal, but very quiet. I have 4 kids, so sometimes the chaos of the others drowns out any noise from her. I have even left her out in the car in our driveway before on accident. I remembered a few minutes later, and it terrifies me to think what would have happened had I not remembered, or if it had of been a hotter day.

 

A

AllieK

New member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #6

What about a Buckle Bopper? Have you tried that? If she's having trouble with the crotch buckle I don't think you are going to find one that is much different. We have Britax, Graco, Evenflo and Safety 1st seats all with the same crotch buckle.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

M

Mangosink

New member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #7

AllieK said:

What about a Buckle Bopper? Have you tried that? If she's having trouble with the crotch buckle I don't think you are going to find one that is much different. We have Britax, Graco, Evenflo and Safety 1st seats all with the same crotch buckle.
Posted via Mobile Device

Click to expand...

How would you make sure the buckle bopper was always with the seat? If the child was left in the car, they couldn't get to the bopper.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

rin2809

Active member

• Aug 1, 2015

• #8

I agree that getting a seperate seat for the grandparents is probably a good idea. If she isn't really tall, I would say maybe a Maestro wouldbe a good choice. The downside of something newI for a trip coming up soon is that the buckle may be more stiff than she would be used to.

The buckle bopper may be a good tool for the time being. Maybe in the cup holder? Makes me glad my 2.5 year old is so loud (never thought I'd say that). Every time we stop he yells "can I come too?" Pretty sure I could never forget him... Ever!
Posted via Mobile Device

 

happiness-and-balance

New member

• Aug 2, 2015

• #9

Take her to Babies R Us and see if she can escape from an Evenflo Maestro. Make sure it has the new, not recalled buckle. I find Evenflo buckles easier to undo than IMMI buckles (what is on Chicco, Britax, Graco, Clek, etc)

 

1mommy

New member

• Aug 2, 2015

• #10

Maybe a whistle that she can blow if she ever thinks she might be forgotten?

 

A

AllieK

New member

• Aug 2, 2015

• #11

Mangosink said:

How would you make sure the buckle bopper was always with the seat? If the child was left in the car, they couldn't get to the bopper.

Click to expand...

Most seats have cup holders or little cubbies in the size (like the Nautilus).
Posted via Mobile Device

 

G

gigi

New member

• Aug 2, 2015

• #12

Can she reach down to loosen the harness and get out that way? Might be an easier emergency evacuation.

 

G

gigi

New member

• Aug 2, 2015

• #13

Or buy her a turbobooster and let her use that with your parents.