Quick - What would you do?

My mother-in-law is finally replacing her Evenflo Titan OHS! My husband told me to email her a suggestion.

This seat is primarily for my husband's 20-month-old nephew, who she babysits during the week. He's been FF since around 12 months. When my in-laws need to drive our 25-month-old, we make them take our car because he still rear-faces in MAs and I wouldn't let him FF in an OHS.

Anyway, she says the Titan's falling apart and it's time to get a new one. The most important part is that she has agreed to install it RF! But I'm worried about whether the 20-month-old will accept being turned back around when he's been FF since a year.

My husband showed her the Scenera, which I like (we have a RF Scenera in my mom's car), except for one thing. I'm concerned that when the boys outgrow it FF, she'll want to put them into a booster. She's probably not going to want to buy another harnessed seat. Maybe.

So I thought about recommending the Nautilus instead, even though she agreed to try extended RF. I know that if she doesn't have to buy anything else, she would be willing to harness them til an older age (5 or 6). But then there's no RF.

So, what would you do? Would you allow your 27 lb. 2-year-old to FF in a Nautilus a few times a month? What about a 20-month-old several times a week?

With a Scenera, what HWH would you recommend to get after they outgrow it FF?

I need some quick advice please. Thanks!

I'd recommend an Evenflo Triumph Advance. It'll fit various kids, both forward facing and rear facing. It's relatively easy to use, no rethreading. In case there are any future grandkids, she'll be able to transport them pretty much from birth, and it should fit most kids until a relatively safe booster age (especially for occasional use). Plus it's very affordable.

Or the true fit.

I'd recommend the ETA. It fits different sized kids well and can harness many kids to booster age. Plus it can be purchased at many b and m stores.

I agree, the True Fit or the EFTA. Both can be easily adjusted for different kids, and will last a good while FF.

Oh I like the Triumph Advance! That's a great suggestion. I think they have it at our Target; I'll let her know. Thanks guys!

I like the EFTA idea aso and I just wanted to add maybe the first trip you guys would be willing to take your ds ove and let the kids ride together so he can see its no big deal and take them somewhere fun... the power of positive association in kids is amazing. Then when he gets in everyone be cheerful and act as if you've been doing it all along, if he starts to cry simply take him out and go back inside and tell him "well we surely can't go for icecream/to the playground/to the bookstore/to play with X walking so unless you want to ride in the car and be nice we will just have to stay here and start to go about your business. when he is ready to go remind him no crying no fussing be nice and have a nice ride, it wont take more than a couple rides, he should be fine
... good luck on getting her to buy a great seat and getting them to erf!

I turned Jo RF at 2 years 3 months.
He couldn't care less.

He only gets sad when I try to tell him something I see.
He says, "I can't SEE it!"

I also agree with the EFTA! I own one & LOVE it.

I have also turned my DS back RF twice now. He has not cared either time. He went very happily back to RF at 16-17 months & then again back to RF at 2 1/2. So as long as no one makes a big deal of it I dout he will.

She is checking out the EFTA in person at Target tomorrow! I have a feeling she'll be turned off by the bulk but we'll see what she says. Anyway, I just found out about the new buckle digging into little bellies and now I'm worried about that.

Botzi said:

She is checking out the EFTA in person at Target tomorrow! I have a feeling she'll be turned off by the bulk but we'll see what she says. Anyway, I just found out about the new buckle digging into little bellies and now I'm worried about that.

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Another option would be the My Ride 65. It has about the same shell as the EFTA, maybe a little taller even, with a 40lb RF limit. Plus if you have a BRU or TRU close to you then she could take the old seat in & get 20% off of whatever new seat she decides to buy. This might help her even further with a new seat purchase. There she could look at the MR & EFTA. Is there anyway that you could go with her, so you can show her the good points on seats??

She bought the EFTA at Target today! We went over for dinner tonight and taught her how to install it and demonstrated all the features with our son as model. As of now it's RF and she is going to try to RF the 20-month-old. Her seatbelts lock at the retractor so install is super easy. I didn't notice any problems with the buckle.

I am so excited for her to have a new, safe seat. Only you fellow carseat nuts would understand how glad I am to see that OHS take its last breath! Ha ha!

And I looove the EFTA! I am seriously considering getting one to replace the Scenera in my mom's car.

Thank you so much for the awesome suggestion!