5 pt Graco vs. Britax Parkway

[Kylie in Carolina]

After my very skinny twins (girls) out grew their Britax round about, they were off the charts thin and the only seat that they met the requirements for was the Graco 5 pt. booster seat.

We've had that for a year and I am wondering if they would now be safer in the Britax Parkway even though it is not a 5 pt.

They are 5 years old, 42 inches tall and weight 32 lbs. and I am stumped. I drive a Chrysler town and country if it matters.

I want them to be as safe as possible - any input is welcome.

 

[Kellyr2]

As long as they still fit properly in the seats you have, I"d leave them in them, personally. I prefer a 5 point over a belt positioning booster - especially at just 32 pounds - as long as the top slot in the seat is still above their shoulders.

 

[Kylie]

Thanks. I'm researching what my next seat will be. It is hard with such skinny kids - they did NOT get that from me! I wish the Graco was better made though.

 

[scatterbunny]

A five point harness is ALWAYS safer than a three point lap/shoulderbelt.

What don't you like about the Gracos (are they Ultra or Platinum CarGos?)?

 

[Kylie]

The graco (not sure which it is - cup holders, grey/black) has zero padding - especially compared to the round abouts that they came out of.

My girls aren't complaining at all, but I need to get something for car pools anyway and now I'm between the Parkway and the Recaro young style. If they are skinny, will the young style be too wide??

I think you guys are right, I'll just leave them in the 5pt. for now and when they weigh more change out for whatever secondary seats we buy.

Any advice re: BPW or the R YS would be helpful.

Thanks Kylie

 

[joolsplus3]

Gracos just are not Roundabouts, are they ...ok, NOTHING is a Roundabout...that seat is truly awesome

Anyway, I'd read down in the old posts for reviews of the Recaro Young Sport, and even the Cosco Apex, and even the Evenflo Generations...those would be your best bets (of course, I always love the Husky and rarely hesitate to mention it...my 8 and 6 yo's really love theirs!)

 

[Victorious4]

The Husky/Regent is awesome - both my girls love it (3 & 7 years old)

It sounds like you might have the Cherished version of the CarGo - our Platinum CarGo has lots of comfy padding & the harness is easy to adjust ... both girls like it, but I only use it as a spare seat because it just isn't the greatest booster since it has no side impact protection (like the Britax Parkway or Recaro Young Sport)

If they were my girls I wouldn't want to use any booster, even the Parkway, as their primary seat - but as a spare seat for their age/size it's a great choice Although I haven't seen any Recaros in person, I imagine that since your girls are skinny the Young Sport would be a my 1st choice for their primary seat since they'd have time left in the harness & once they do reach 40 pounds (I'm sure that by then they'd certainly be mature enough, too) it is a MUCH better booster than a CarGo!

However, if the Recaro Young Sports are too expensive the Apex is certainly a great option & would let them stay in the harness even longer But, I think it lacks EPS foam for side impact protection? That wouldn't really matter, though, if you have side curtain airbags in the back.... Ultimately, cooperation is usually a key factor, too, so maybe you could give them the option of either the Young Sport or Apex??? GOOD LUCK

 

[Kylie]

Thank you so much for all of the guidance. I really appreciate your knowledge/obsesion.

Kylie