Recaro Vivo vs. Monterey

ilr01 · Aug 6, 2008

I've narrowed it down to these 2, if I need a booster...no harness. I go back and forth between which one I like better. I mostly sway towards the Monterey because it can be LATCHed. But, it's about $30 more than the Vivo.

So, is it worth the extra $30 when I can just buckle in the seat when it's not in use? Or does LATCHing the booster have any added safety for the child?

Does anyone know the difference in height between the 2? (aka which one will last longer and by how much.)

Gayle
loving wife and soon to be Mom to 2

Stretchy Glue · Aug 6, 2008

There is some speculation that LATCHing a booster might help in a side impact crash by keeping the seat positioned some, but that's just speculation at this point. The main purpose of the LATCH it to protect other occupants when the seat is not being used.

I have never used a Vivo, but I do have the Monterey and really like it. My dd finally has enough time in the hbb to make me comfortable. It's so adjustable that it can fit wider kids as well as narrower kids. I honestly don't know the height of the Vivo, the the Monterey is very tall, and that's always a plus. If you're really good at remembering to buckle up the booster EVERY time you don't have a child in it, the LATCH isn't going to be that big of a plus for you. I was not good at remembering to buckle the boosters.

laccaycol · Aug 6, 2008

I have both and i prefer the Monterey over the Vivo. Well i like the vivo is but the Monterey just seems more comfy. My son is alittle chunky and the Monterey fits him better. Also my niece chooses the Monterey over the Vivo when she rides with me. Over all i like how the Vivo positions the seatbelt more than the Monterey but i like the Monterey for the comfort and roomy and also because it latches in.

ilr01 · Aug 6, 2008

Thanks for sharing pics, too. He definitely looks more comfortable in the Monterey.

laccaycol said:
I have both and i prefer the Monterey over the Vivo. Well i like the vivo is but the Monterey just seems more comfy. My son is alittle chunky and the Monterey fits him better. Also my niece chooses the Monterey over the Vivo when she rides with me. Over all i like how the Vivo positions the seatbelt more than the Monterey but i like the Monterey for the comfort and roomy and also because it latches in.

ilr01 · Aug 6, 2008

Thank you for the info. So much to consider...

Stretchy Glue said:
There is some speculation that LATCHing a booster might help in a side impact crash by keeping the seat positioned some, but that's just speculation at this point. The main purpose of the LATCH it to protect other occupants when the seat is not being used.

I have never used a Vivo, but I do have the Monterey and really like it. My dd finally has enough time in the hbb to make me comfortable. It's so adjustable that it can fit wider kids as well as narrower kids. I honestly don't know the height of the Vivo, the the Monterey is very tall, and that's always a plus. If you're really good at remembering to buckle up the booster EVERY time you don't have a child in it, the LATCH isn't going to be that big of a plus for you. I was not good at remembering to buckle the boosters.

Morganthe · Aug 7, 2008

ilr01 said:
So, is it worth the extra $30 when I can just buckle in the seat when it's not in use? Or does LATCHing the booster have any added safety for the child?

Think about that $30 difference for the next however many years you'll need the seat, then consider always having reaching over the seat to fiddle with the buckle or nagging the child to buckle it before they leave the car.
I have a back that spasms, so for me, it would be a no brainer if I had LATCH anchors.

I like the idea that the Monterey is overall a sturdier seat for comfort, plus it's hooked into position, so it's not shifting around as the kid gets in and out of it, but that mho. :shrug-shoulders:

It's all up to you to decide.

Good luck

ilr01 · Aug 7, 2008

Sold! lol I have a bad back, too. Plus, I never thought of how LATCH would help hold the seat sturdy while the child climbed in.

Morganthe said:
Think about that $30 difference for the next however many years you'll need the seat, then consider always having reaching over the seat to fiddle with the buckle or nagging the child to buckle it before they leave the car.
I have a back that spasms, so for me, it would be a no brainer if I had LATCH anchors.

I like the idea that the Monterey is overall a sturdier seat for comfort, plus it's hooked into position, so it's not shifting around as the kid gets in and out of it, but that mho. :shrug-shoulders:

It's all up to you to decide. Good luck

Recaro Vivo vs. Monterey

ilr01

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