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When it comes to child car safety, I want the best for my kids. After we graduated from a Graco baby carrier, (I don't think Britax even made those when my oldest was born), we went with the Britax line of carseats. Well, my oldest is 5 years old and my husband thought he might feel childish starting Kindergarten while using a Marathon. So I showed my husband some car seat reviews and told him to choose what he thought was best. Well, he chose a Graco Turbo Booster backless version. I was a bit uncomfortable with the fact that the seat is backless, but I know other good parents who use these and the seat was highly rated with Consumer Reports. The problem is that Consumer Reports does not test car seats for side impact protection, and of course, a backless booster has no side impact protection at all. I became very concerned when my child laid down in the seat of the car, while still strapped in, and took a nap! The booster and car seat belts have no way of holding him in place. So then I debate if he needs the nap or it I had better wake him up.
Now I don't want to insult my husband, but I think that I would feel better if he had a high back booster after all. I am finding that unless a booster is European, it probably has not been tested for side impact. And not all seats are mentioned in all rating lists. So how do I know what to choose? Further more, I don't want my husband to feel like I am second-guessing his choice. But I do want my child to be safe!
The Graco Turbo Booster with high back has deep side wings that look like they would be good for side impact and for napping. There is also EPS foam used in the seat, and I am assuming in the head supports. But as far as I know, this seat has never been tested for side impact. Consumer Reports rates it very good, but CR rates the backless version even better. And the high back versions I have seen in the Graco do not feel very well padded, thus my child might not be comfortable on a long drive.
The Evenflo Big Kid has been side impact tested, by Evenflo. From what I have read and understand, I think that they do some kind of actual crash test on the seats. And I think that the Evenflo Big Kid did well in the Evenflo test. But what kind of standards does this company have with its own products? Does the fact that the company itself ordered the test and was satisfied with the results really mean much? I am not sure. This product has no EPS foam and the side wings on the headrest are not as deep, but maybe that would keep my child from leaning forward to see past the wings. And the seat is much more padded and comfy feeling.
My preferences would something by Britax or the Sunshine Kids Monterrey, which uses latch and EPS foam. However, my husband is not wanting to spend a lot of money on things right now. Yes, to me a carseat should be a top priority, but I have got to sell the idea of buying a second booster since I might not be happy with the one he chose.
So, do I keep the no back Graco or try and convince my hubby into buying something else. And if it is the latter, which one should I go for?
Thanks
Now I don't want to insult my husband, but I think that I would feel better if he had a high back booster after all. I am finding that unless a booster is European, it probably has not been tested for side impact. And not all seats are mentioned in all rating lists. So how do I know what to choose? Further more, I don't want my husband to feel like I am second-guessing his choice. But I do want my child to be safe!
The Graco Turbo Booster with high back has deep side wings that look like they would be good for side impact and for napping. There is also EPS foam used in the seat, and I am assuming in the head supports. But as far as I know, this seat has never been tested for side impact. Consumer Reports rates it very good, but CR rates the backless version even better. And the high back versions I have seen in the Graco do not feel very well padded, thus my child might not be comfortable on a long drive.
The Evenflo Big Kid has been side impact tested, by Evenflo. From what I have read and understand, I think that they do some kind of actual crash test on the seats. And I think that the Evenflo Big Kid did well in the Evenflo test. But what kind of standards does this company have with its own products? Does the fact that the company itself ordered the test and was satisfied with the results really mean much? I am not sure. This product has no EPS foam and the side wings on the headrest are not as deep, but maybe that would keep my child from leaning forward to see past the wings. And the seat is much more padded and comfy feeling.
My preferences would something by Britax or the Sunshine Kids Monterrey, which uses latch and EPS foam. However, my husband is not wanting to spend a lot of money on things right now. Yes, to me a carseat should be a top priority, but I have got to sell the idea of buying a second booster since I might not be happy with the one he chose.
So, do I keep the no back Graco or try and convince my hubby into buying something else. And if it is the latter, which one should I go for?
Thanks