- The 2nd sentance in your opening paragraph provides a dangerous example for other parents -- it is NOT SAFE for kids to wear any bulky clothing in their carseats During cold weather, children must be buckled BEFORE adding the warm layers on OVER the harness.
- There have been numerous threads on this issue within these searchable forums; pictures providing proof of easy options for keeping kids in carseats warm in the winter: Please see #57 and #54 in the FAQ and this section on ride-down also on this site.
I like the Apex, but it's not what I'd call a favorite of mine. I will & do recommend it for anyone with a child who no longer fits rear facing limits yet who cannot afford the Britax Regent or SafeGuard seats. As stated in the manual, though, vehicle headrests are a MUST!
I'm satisfied with the Apex being my daughter's spare seat, but in contrast to the Britax Husky/Regent it feel flimsy & not nearly as comfortable (at least once the toddler padding is outgrown). Because it also lacks any energey absorbing foam whatsoever, I prefer that it only be used in center seat positions, so it's best IMO if the vehicle is new enough to have center headrest & shoulder belt or at least side curtain airbag.
As a booster, it pales in comparison to the Britax Parkway or even Graco Turbo, not to mention Recaros with their EPS/EPP foam in the hips & torso as well as in the head. However, being that the shoulder belt "guides" are merely the shape of the headrest (no specific slot to use), I imagine this is easier for some caregivers to use correctly. I do worry that some caregivers who are used to routing the lap belt under armrests might still use this seat incorrectly, though, because as per the manual the lap portion must go behind the armrests.
So far the Apex installs easily with seatbelt & LATCH in seats that recline, but I am having a difficult time so far getting *good* install with either seatbelt or LATCH in vehicle seats that do not recline; install in the flat bench 3rd row seat of my minivan is merely *OK* & I'm hoping to play around more with the seat in other vehicle types soon....