Lightweight 2nd seat for 3-year-old?

susannahclair

New member
When preschool starts in a week and a half, my husband will be taking both our kids some days. DD is 3 years old and about 33 pounds and 37 inches, and DS is 16 months and 24 pounds. In my car, they ride in a Frontier and a Marathon (RF), respectively. However, we are looking for lightweight second car seats that will also go with us when we travel by air next month. We already have an Evenflo Tribute V that we used for my daughter last year. Not crazy about it, but it's been fine for the very occasional use it gets.

Previously, folks suggested a Cosco Scenera as a good lightweight 2nd seat, but I'm concerned about it for DD because it only goes up to 40 pounds (only 7 pounds away for my DD). Would we be better off buying something with a higher weight limit so DD can get a little more use out of it? Not sure how soon she will hit the 40 pound limit.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Susannah
 
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wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
I'd probably buy a Scenera and see how long it gets you, since it has a 35 pound rear facing limit, not 30 like the Tribute, and so it can be passed down. If it lasts for a couple of years for your older, great. If not, the younger can use it for longer than the Tribute.

Wendy
 

carseatcoach

Carseat Crankypants
Really, it depends on your priorities, so none of us can answer that for you.

A Scenera is inexpensive and light but only gives your daughter 7# harnessed.

An Apex is inexpensive (for a HWH) but it isn't light, doesn't work in all cars, and may be very tight in an airplane seat.

A Nautilus is pricier and heavier, but it will last a LONG time and is easy to install.

A travel vest (when she gains 2#) is super-light and has a reasonable lifespan, but can't be used on planes and doesn't offer the protection a shell does.

There's no single right answer.
 

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