Would you do it?

finn · Jan 4, 2009

I need to get 3 across in my car 1 rear facing seat (Brio Zento) & 2 boosters (1 Recaro Young Sport & a typical terrible NZ booster) as I look after 2 kids for daycare. The trouble I'm finding is that the rear facing seat is too big in any position to allow another seat next to it.

I have a sister in law in Canada and I am seriously considering getting her to send me a Sunshine Kids Radian which my son will be bale to rear face in for a while yet as he is only 12kg (26lbs).

It is not legal to use here so I'm asking if you would do it?

tiggercat · Jan 4, 2009

Current Canadian Radians only RF to 30lbs (though they say the limit is going to 35lbs any time now). I'd make sure it was a 35lb seat, because 4lbs might be gained quicker than you though.

Any chance of narrower boosters?

finn · Jan 4, 2009

Thanks I hadn't realised there was a difference in the Canadian & US rear facing weights. I have friends in the US who can send me one

I haven't had any luck finding smaller boosters, they all tend to be made of polystyrene. One of my daycare kids is only 14kg (30lbs) so I would like to keep her harnessed in the Recaro, even though she is in a booster in her parents car.

I will go on a hunt for smaller booster.

Adventuredad · Jan 5, 2009

I would not hesitate to use a technically illegal seat if it offered a safety difference. I've had a Britax Hi-Way and two Britax Monarch boosters in both a Volvo S60 and V70 in rear seat but it was pretty tight. What car are you driving?

I also agree with going for higher rf weight. I think even 35 lbs is very little but I'm spoiled with the Swedish seats.

finn · Jan 5, 2009

I think I will get one, I'll get a friend in the states to send one over so that I get the 35lbs rear facing limit.

AdventureDad I have a Brio (55lbs rf limit) which I'd love to keep in my car, I'm not ready to forward face my son yet. He is only 12.5kg 27lbs and has been for most of the year so I cant see him reaching 35lbs any time soon.

35lbs is good over her we mainly have Australian seats that only rear face to 12kg (26lbs).

I drive a 98 318 BMW, I think I'll try the Brio installed in the centre (lap belt only) the daycare girl in the radian & the day care boy in the Recaro in booster mode, then i'd be happy.

If that doesn't work then i'll put the radian rf in the centre the Recaro with the daycare girl in it & a booster for the daycare boy

ctbcleveland · Jan 5, 2009

If you are willing to import a foreign seat, a foreign, narrow booster might be cheaper than a Radian. It is a heavy seat!

Just a suggestion since you won't be gaining any RF lbs with the US seat compared to your Britax.

finn · Jan 5, 2009

I hadn't thought of importing a booster, does anyone have any suggestions for a narrow one?

Alison's Mom · Jan 5, 2009

Sorry, no suggestions, but I just wanted to throw something out there. Wouldn't there be an insurance issue if you used a seat that wasn't legal in your country? As in, heaven forbid there was a car accident, and wouldn't your insurance company then find out that your car seat hadn't been approved for usage?

I agree that the laws are dumb and safety should come first, but that's what I would be worried about if I were in your position. . . .

finn · Jan 5, 2009

I imagine that the insurance wouldn't pay for the replacement of the seat damaged in a crash but it wouldn't affect them paying out for the rest of the claim.

Over here you cant be sued and it would be my child in the radian but someone else's child in the booster.

Alison's Mom · Jan 5, 2009

finn said:
I imagine that the insurance wouldn't pay for the replacement of the seat damaged in a crash but it wouldn't affect them paying out for the rest of the claim.

Over here you cant be sued and it would be my child in the radian but someone else's child in the booster.

Ahhh, if that's the case, I guess the legality part of it isn't an issue. :thumbsup:

ctbcleveland · Jan 6, 2009

The most narrow boosters were the Fisher Price Safe Voyage and the Britax Parkway. I believe the Parkway was sold in the US and Canada but the Fisher Price was sold only in the US.

Unfortunately, both have been discontinued. If you subscribe to the SWAP (by donating at a certian level to CS-org., you might find those seats.

It is possible that someone in Canada might find the Parkway in their stores, not sure.

I will try to ask around for the next most narrow booster that is still readily available.

Would you do it?

finn

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ctbcleveland

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